Planning

I’m currently in a tough situation with my job and my STEM OPT application. My regular OPT expired in August, and I applied for STEM OPT before it ran out, but it’s still pending with USCIS. Unfortunately, my employer has informed me that they won’t be able to continue my employment after October due to funding issues. This means I could be unemployed while waiting for my STEM OPT approval. I have about 15 out of 90 unemployment days left on my OPT, which adds to my anxiety. I’m considering applying for premium processing to speed things up, but I’ve heard that even that can take over a month. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm quitting my toxic job as a Client Coordinator on Wednesday, and I can't shake off the guilt about it. I work in a small office with just my boss and me, and while he often refers to me as his assistant, my responsibilities go far beyond that. I'm constantly caught in the middle of conflicts, like having to deny time-off requests from the service team, which shouldn't even be my job. My work hours stretch from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and even breaks are dictated by his whims. Sometimes he won't let me take a break at all if he's busy, and I find myself dreading his calls throughout the day. The micromanagement is overwhelming; he scrutinizes my work and is condescending when I make mistakes, while his own errors are brushed off. He once compared my value to that of a previous VA he had in the Philippines, which was incredibly demeaning, especially since I often work overtime and am flexible with my time. On top of that, I've overheard him making racist and homophobic comments, which makes me uncomfortable as a Black and gay woman. Despite all this, he can be personable and shares details about his life, which adds to my guilt about leaving. I recently accepted a new job that pays $25,000 more, offers benefits, and has a much healthier work environment. However, the timing is tricky because he just hired a new VA who starts tomorrow, and I'm supposed to train him. I'm planning to work through Wednesday and then inform my boss that it's my last day. Part of me feels I should give two weeks' notice to help him out, but I dread going back to work and feel anxious about the situation. I know he will be stressed, and I feel guilty for leaving him in a bind, but I also realize I've been prioritizing his needs over my own well-being for too long. How do I stop feeling guilty for choosing a better opportunity for myself?

I'm currently based in Spain and actively seeking new Software Engineering opportunities. I'm open to remote, hybrid, or on-site roles across both Europe and the US. If anyone has recommendations, referrals, or knows of any job openings, I would greatly appreciate your support. Please feel free to reach out if you're hiring or have leads!

I recently accepted a junior role at a startup and was excited when they invited me to attend a company-wide event at their overseas HQ during my first week. The trip is about a week long, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet my new colleagues. However, I ran into some issues with the travel arrangements. Two weeks before my start date, I reached out to the HR manager to discuss flight options, specifically a direct flight that was available for a reasonable fare. Unfortunately, after several follow-ups, I didn't hear back for eight days, and when she finally booked my flight, it was for a much longer journey with a long layover. I felt this was unreasonable, so I requested a change. The HR manager then went out of the office the next day, leaving me unable to get any clarification. I tried contacting another HR manager and the event coordinator, but they also didn't respond. Now, with my flight scheduled for tomorrow, I'm stuck with the long itinerary they booked. I had thought about asking if I could fly out a few days early to explore the city at my own expense, but I didn't want to seem like I was taking advantage of the situation. Now, I regret not asking because I’m facing this long flight anyway. I’m also considering whether it would be reasonable to ask about changing my return flight to a shorter option, but it would cost $300 and only offer a slight improvement. I’m worried about coming across as demanding, especially since this will be my fourth request. I’m feeling really frustrated with how this has been handled, and it’s added a lot of stress before I even start my new job.

I got the job!!! After a long 10 months of applying and facing numerous rejections, I’m thrilled to share that I accepted a new job offer. I’m transitioning from retail management to an administrative role in manufacturing. Throughout this journey, I applied for 53 positions, which led to one intake, one interview, and ultimately one job offer. I knew that if I could just get to the interview stage, I would have a strong chance. The role I accepted is exactly what I was looking for, with great pay and significant growth potential. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in my career!

I wanted to share a quick update on my job situation. A couple of months ago, I made the decision to leave my old employer without having a new job lined up. I was a bit nervous about it, but it turns out it was the right choice for me. Surprisingly, my old company is still doing okay and even found a good replacement for my role, for which I provided a solid handover. However, I've heard that they continue to make the same mistakes and employee satisfaction has actually declined since I left. On a positive note, despite the tough job market, I managed to secure two strong job offers within just over two months of a relaxed job search. I chose the one that offered better benefits and seemed to have a more manageable team dynamic. I still have a few weeks before I start my new role, so I'm taking some time off to recharge before diving back into work. For anyone considering a change, I encourage you to start looking for something new instead of just complaining about your current situation. You don't have to quit right away like I did, but exploring options can lead to better opportunities.

I had two interviews last week, and they couldn't be more different from each other. I've been job searching since April 2026 after a reduction in force at my job of 12 years in healthcare IT, where I worked as an implementation specialist and sometimes as a project manager. After a long period of silence in my job search, I finally received responses from two companies and interviewed with both. Both positions are remote, but they offer vastly different experiences. **Job 1** is a management role outside of healthcare, but it comes with a starting salary that is $10k-15k less than what I was making. A significant downside is that they require the camera to be on 90% of the time, even when I'm not on calls with clients. It feels like constant surveillance, which is quite off-putting. **Job 2**, on the other hand, is within my industry but is not a managerial position. The starting base pay is $30k less than my previous salary, but the camera policy is much more relaxed—only on for big all-hands meetings. I'm torn between these two options and would appreciate any thoughts or advice on what to consider if I receive offers from either.

I recently faced a tough situation at my fast food job where I've been employed for 15 months. My manager told me to remove the establishment from my resume and to take him off as a reference because I've called out sick six times. I typically work between 1 to 4 shifts a week, and I feel like that’s not an unreasonable number of sick days, especially considering my friends think I don’t call out enough. I'm really confused about whether six sick days is too much and if my manager has the right to dictate what I include on my resume while still expecting me to work there. I'm also wondering if I can ask a different coworker to be my reference without facing any backlash from him. On top of this, I've been job hunting for over six months and had eight interviews this month but haven't landed anything. The demand for entry-level customer service roles in my area is really high, and I'm not looking to switch to a different type of work.

Today, I officially became displaced from my role due to company restructuring. My department was asked to apply for new positions with increased responsibilities but no additional pay, and most required returning to the office. After evaluating the new roles, I decided they weren't for me, so I applied for just one position that I knew I likely wouldn't get, hoping it would trigger a layoff to secure my unemployment and severance benefits. Thankfully, my plan worked, and I wasn't offered the position. Recently, we received an email stating that backfill positions will be posted soon, and HR will be reaching out to discuss next steps for displaced employees. I'm anxious about this meeting—will they try to push me into one of those backfill roles? I want to know if I can refuse without risking my benefits. I hope I'm just overthinking it and that the meeting is actually about my layoff.

I recently received a conditional job offer, but I'm facing a significant hurdle with the background check. My previous employer, where I worked for a few years, has closed down, and now the background check can't verify my employment there. The company's website is no longer active, and I've tried reaching out to old email addresses, but none of them work anymore. I've already sent over my contract and payslips as proof of employment, but the background check still says they are unable to verify my job. I'm really anxious about this situation. Has anyone else dealt with a similar issue? I'm worried this might delay or even jeopardize my job offer. I’ve seen some suggestions online about reaching out to former managers on LinkedIn for verification, which I might try. I’m also considering asking the screening company if they would accept alternative documents like tax records or bank statements showing my payroll deposits. I plan to inform the HR department about the closure of my previous employer so they understand the context. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently laid off from my first job after completing my MBA. I graduated from a Tier 2 MBA college this year and landed a product role at a fintech company. Unfortunately, after the company acquired another fintech, they decided to lay off a significant number of employees, and I was among those let go. I never anticipated that my first job would end so abruptly, especially so early in my career. The timing is particularly tough as I have a substantial education loan to repay, and my family is not in a position to support me financially at the moment. The past couple of days have been incredibly stressful, and I’m feeling anxious about what the future holds. I’m looking to explore new opportunities where my MBA in Marketing and 7 months of product experience could be a good fit. If anyone has any referrals or advice, I would greatly appreciate it, as I feel like I’m hanging by a thread right now.

I am currently navigating a two-year employment gap that resulted from my resignation due to health reasons. After leaving my job, I went to rehab for substance abuse, which was a significant step in my recovery. I was able to receive unemployment insurance for a year, but then I transitioned to state disability due to chronic joint pain that affects my mobility. My knees are in particularly bad shape, making it difficult to resume work. I'm seeking advice on how to explain this gap in my employment history to potential employers without raising concerns about my health or my past. I want to present my situation honestly while also highlighting my readiness and capability to work.

I took 5 days to respond to a job opportunity that a recruiter reached out to me about. They followed up after 2 days, and I finally replied expressing my interest. I’ve been juggling a sub gig and didn’t plan on looking for something new until December, which is why I delayed my response. I do have relevant experience, but I’m worried that my late reply might make them think I’m not really interested. I’ve seen some comments suggesting that this could hurt my chances, and now I’m feeling anxious about the whole situation.

I recently made the difficult decision to quit my first job. From the very first day, I felt something was off, but I brushed it off as normal first-day jitters. After a week of onboarding, I expected some training to kick in, but it never happened. I tried to push through, showing up every day and bonding with my team. However, I started experiencing severe panic attacks, sometimes every hour, lasting around 20 minutes. I convinced myself it was just fear of the unknown. I poured my heart into the job, but every weekend was consumed by battling these panic attacks or trying to avoid them. My friends noticed something was wrong, and I often found myself crying during cab rides home. I was so exhausted from the panic that I could only sleep by passing out from sheer fatigue. I even went to the hospital twice due to high blood pressure, and they recommended I see a psychologist. I feared that quitting would mean I was failing and letting everyone down, but my loved ones reassured me that it was okay to prioritize my health. Although I'm still scared about being unemployed, I realized that living a fulfilling life is more important than a job that wasn't right for me.

I’m currently in the job application process and have been facing a lot of rejections after interviews. To improve my chances, I’ve come up with an idea for a mobile app and website where real recruiters can conduct mock interviews and provide feedback. The concept is similar to Omegle, where users can swipe to find an interviewer. Recruiters would register based on their technology field, like cybersecurity, and job seekers could connect with them for practice interviews. I’m considering creating a waitlist for this service. I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this is a good idea and if I should move forward with it.

I experienced a significant setback after losing my house in the 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA. The aftermath of the fire forced me to focus on my family's recovery, which ultimately led to my layoff. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, I believed I could contribute meaningfully to organizations assisting in our community's recovery. However, my efforts to secure a position were met with disappointment. Despite sharing my personal story to highlight my connection to the community, many organizations either ignored my applications or left me waiting for months without updates. In some cases, they even altered job descriptions mid-process, which felt particularly disheartening. It's frustrating to see these organizations, who claim to support our community, opting to hire outsiders who lack a genuine understanding of our needs. I hope to find a role with an organization that truly values local experience and commitment.

Today, I reflected on my recent layoff experience after dedicating over a decade to my company. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you realize that all the loyalty and hard work you put in can vanish in an instant, often with just a calendar invite. I felt a mix of betrayal and disbelief when I was called into that meeting. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to understand the system we work in, rather than just feeling hurt by it. I’ve taken the time to read through my employee handbook and have started to grasp the ins and outs of my severance package, benefits, and equity. I’m also making sure to keep my résumé updated and to maintain my professional network. One key takeaway for me is to never let my job define my identity. No matter how long I’ve been with a company or how much I love my team, it doesn’t guarantee job security. I’ve realized that the way companies operate is often impersonal, driven by policies and legal obligations rather than personal connections. I’ve seen others share their experiences, and it’s clear that many of us have felt the sting of being laid off, sometimes without even receiving severance. I’ve made a commitment to not become bitter but rather to become more capable and prepared for whatever comes next. I’m focusing on building a life where I can rely on myself and my skills, rather than depending on an employer. I’ve also recognized the power I have as an employee. If a company doesn’t treat its workers well, I have the choice to leave, to speak out, or to invest my talents elsewhere. I’m determined to learn the rules of the game, protect myself, and keep my options open. Ultimately, I want to ensure that I’m never completely at the mercy of any system.

I recently lost my job in aviation, which was a specialized role I held for several years. It's been about a month since the layoff, and I'm feeling the pressure as I try to figure out my next steps. I found a Flight Dispatch program starting on October 11th and reached out to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to see if they could cover the tuition. During a call with them on September 29th, they mentioned that they might not be able to fund the Dispatch training and would need to check further. They also hinted that my background, which includes several IT certifications and a bachelor's degree, could complicate their approval for training. The TWC informed me that if they do approve the funding, it could take up to 60 days, which is frustrating because that means I might not have any support until after the class has already started. I have a follow-up scheduled for October 15th, but that feels too late, and I'm worried about my living situation. If I can't stay in my apartment, I might have to move back in with my parents. I'm really hoping to find out if TWC can cover the cost of the Flight Dispatch training or if they would reimburse me if I paid for it myself.

I want to share my journey after being laid off unexpectedly at the end of April 2026. I was fortunate to receive three months of pay and benefits according to my contract, but I started job hunting immediately and faced a long stretch of silence. It became quite stressful, especially since I am the main breadwinner in my family. My husband and I made some tough decisions to cut back on expenses, like canceling our home phone and cable, and adjusting our energy usage to save money. I work in a niche industry where everyone is somewhat connected, and although I had planned to move away from my previous line of work, I decided to apply for roles in that area since they typically pay well. I was initially hesitant, but after some reflection and prayer, I accepted that I might need to go back to that field. To my surprise, I received a full-time job offer that included benefits and a pension, and it paid almost the same as my previous job! I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and I wanted to share this because I know how tough it can be. If I can find hope and a job after such a challenging time, I truly believe others can too. Don't lose hope and consider unconventional paths if you need to!

I’m feeling really frustrated with the job search process right now. It seems like everyone thinks that finding a new job is as simple as walking into a store and asking for an application. But the reality is so much more complicated. I recently saw a job posting that said "INQUIRE WITHIN," so I thought I’d go in and talk to someone directly. Instead, I was directed to their website, which started a long and tedious application process. First, I had to create an account with a password I know I’ll forget. Then, I uploaded my résumé, only to be asked to manually enter my entire employment history again—everything was already on the résumé! After that, I had to fill out a lengthy questionnaire that felt like it took forever. Once I submitted everything, I realized I still hadn’t spoken to a human being. Now, I have to wait for an AI resume-screening bot to decide if my application is even worth considering. This whole process is exhausting, and it feels like I’m just going in circles. When people tell me to "just get another job," they make it sound so easy. But it’s really about searching through listings, creating countless accounts, filling out repetitive forms, and often getting ghosted. It’s disheartening to think about how much effort goes into applying for jobs these days.