Planning

I recently accepted a job as an Administrative Assistant after being out of work since May 2025. The pay is quite disappointing, dropping from my previous salary of $73k plus bonuses to just $34k. My husband was also laid off in March, which adds to the stress. Although our cost of living is low, I can't help but feel sad about the pay cut after submitting over 300 applications and going through 50 interviews. I'm trying to stay positive, hoping that this position at a small college will allow me to finish my master's degree and that it will be easier to find a better job in a year. I'm also considering doing part-time virtual assistant work on the side while managing this new job.

I recently started a full-time position at a Fortune 500 company as an IT professional after working there for three years as an intern. Initially, I relocated for this new role, which is hybrid, but my manager has indicated that the team plans to work together in the same office. However, I’m considering requesting to move back to my previous office for several reasons. Firstly, the cost of living in my current location is extremely high. Owning a home here could take me 3-5 years, and expenses like auto insurance and property taxes are overwhelming. Secondly, my family is relying on me financially since my dad recently lost his job, and it’s been tough to manage high rent while supporting them. Lastly, I don’t have any family in this new area, and my partner and I are planning to have kids. It would be challenging to raise children without family support nearby. I want to discuss this with my manager, but I’m unsure how to approach the topic, especially since they seem to expect me to stay in the current location. I know it’s common for employees to work remotely across states in this company, which gives me some hope. I’d appreciate any advice on how to frame my request for relocation.

I recently applied for a position at a doughnut shop called Rodeo Doughnuts, which is trying to introduce coffee to their menu. I've gone through two interviews and they want me to come in for a trial shift. However, I'm feeling a bit hesitant about it because the company had a troubled past; they had to rebrand after controversy over taking ideas from a Black-owned business and treating their staff poorly. The new reviews are mixed—some say it's improved, but there are still many old negative ones from when they were known as Doughnut Time. On the plus side, the job offers 50% off doughnuts, one free coffee during shifts, decent pay, and the possibility of using my phone, although I'm not sure how strict they are about that. The downsides include working alone, uncertainty about toilet breaks, no designated lunch breaks (I’d have to eat while working), and closing at 1 AM. I'm particularly concerned about the management's attitude; I've heard they might not allow me to take breaks or use my phone while working alone, which could be really stressful. I'm torn about whether to go to the trial shift and accept the job if offered. I’d love to hear thoughts on whether I should take the plunge or hold off.

I applied for unemployment in Massachusetts on May 14, 2026, but I'm facing a frustrating situation. I've been checking in weekly, and all my past weeks are still pending. I've escalated my case over five times, but it hasn't been assigned to a judicial review yet. I'm unsure about what the next step in the escalation process should be. This situation is compounded by health insurance issues; my employer had been deducting payments for my health insurance bi-weekly, but I discovered in March-April that I actually didn't have coverage. My employer promised to resolve it by mid-May, but with no resolution and the stress of being the only employee, I felt forced to resign after nearly a decade when I raised concerns about the health insurance situation.

I recently found myself unemployed for three months after leaving my previous job as a marketing coordinator in late April due to a change in management. Unfortunately, I went through a severe depressive episode shortly after quitting, which made job searching quite challenging. Now that I'm ready to re-enter the workforce, I'm concerned about how to address this gap in interviews. I did some gig work with Doordash during that time just to make ends meet, but I'm hesitant to bring that up in interviews. I know I can't just say I was depressed, so I'm considering framing it as taking time to focus on finding the right opportunity. I've read that three months isn't a significant gap and that I shouldn't overthink it, but I still want to be prepared for any questions about my unemployment. I'm thinking of saying something like, "I took some time off to focus on finding the next opportunity that was right for me," which feels like a safe approach. I hope that will suffice and help me move forward in my job search.

I just received a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) notification from my manager at Microsoft IDC. I feel it's completely unfair, as I was put on a lite cycle this time, which my manager claims triggered the PIP option. He insists that he tried to prevent this and that neither he nor the higher-ups were aware that being on lite would lead to a PIP under the new HR policy. He reassured me that this is just a formality and suggested that I should take the PIP option. I'm in a tough spot and looking for advice on whether to trust him or to opt for the GVSA (Voluntary Separation Agreement) instead. If I choose the GVSA, I want to know if I will receive four months of base pay or just my basic pay. The feedback from others is leaning towards taking the GVSA, as they believe that the company might be hoping I take the PIP just to get four months of work out of me before letting me go. They suggest that the GVSA would give me the financial cushion to look for a job where I'm valued. I’m really torn about this situation and would appreciate any guidance on the best course of action.

I'm currently working as a kitchen assistant at a large hospitality company that owns various establishments. While I appreciate the company, I'm feeling really burnt out with my current role. I hold a BA in Illustration and I'm about to graduate with an MA in Digital Design, but finding jobs related to my field has been incredibly disheartening. I've been considering approaching upper management to discuss the possibility of switching to an internal role, perhaps as a junior designer, digital marketer, or content creator. I plan to showcase some of my recent work, like rebranding concepts, menu designs, and social media content that I've created during my MA program. I’m curious if anyone has successfully made a similar move within their company or if I would be overstepping by asking. I don't want to embarrass myself, but I believe I could bring valuable ideas to the table. I've heard of others in my company being given new roles when circumstances changed, which gives me some hope. However, I'm also aware that if I express my desire to move on, the gossip around the office could spread quickly, making things uncomfortable.

I'm a B.Sc. Criminology graduate from India, eager to kickstart my career in Financial Crime and AML (Anti-Money Laundering). Currently, I have no banking experience or AML certifications, but I'm committed to learning and working hard to break into this field. I've identified several entry-level roles that seem suitable for beginners, including AML Analyst, KYC Analyst, and Compliance Associate, among others. However, I'm at a crossroads and would greatly appreciate guidance from professionals already in these positions. I have several questions that I hope to get insights on: 1. Which of these roles are realistic for someone with just a Criminology degree? 2. Are there additional entry-level positions I should consider? 3. Is it possible to get hired without certifications like ACAMS or ICA if I have solid fundamentals in AML and skills in Excel and SQL? 4. What skills should I focus on developing before applying? 5. What does a typical day look like in these roles? 6. What challenges do freshers typically face in the first few months? 7. What concepts should I master before interviews? 8. What common interview questions should I prepare for? 9. What mistakes do freshers often make? 10. If you could start over, what would you learn differently? 11. How stressful are these jobs, and what type of work do they involve? 12. What level of writing and analysis is required? 13. How feasible is it to transition between roles in this field? 14. Which positions offer the best growth and international prospects? 15. How is AI impacting this work? 16. If I study diligently, how long might it take for me to become job-ready? If anyone is willing to share their experiences, including their first job title, city, starting salary, current role, years of experience, and career path, I would be immensely grateful. Additionally, if you were mentoring someone like me, what roadmap would you suggest for the next 3 to 6 months? Thank you in advance for any advice or resources you can provide!

I’m a 21-year-old male currently unemployed and actively job hunting. I've been applying for jobs daily, working on my portfolio, and trying to enhance my chances of getting hired. However, I often feel guilty when I do anything unrelated to job searching. I really want to start going to the gym to build muscle and improve my physique, but I struggle with the idea of spending 1-2 hours there instead of applying for jobs or learning new skills. Seeing my friends and peers move forward in their careers makes me feel behind, and I sometimes think I don't deserve to focus on hobbies or self-improvement until I land a job. I'm torn between two options: either to stop everything else and focus 100% on job hunting or to balance job searching with going to the gym, even if it means spending less time on applications. I’ve been seeking advice from those who have been in similar situations. I want to know if they focused exclusively on finding a job, if maintaining a gym routine helped their mental health and confidence, and whether they would recommend balancing both or putting fitness on hold until securing employment.

I'm currently a Principal Software Engineer in my 50s, and I'm facing a tough situation at my company, which seems to be slowly falling apart. As I prepare to look for new opportunities, I've been contemplating whether I can downgrade my position to something less demanding. I'm really tired of the responsibilities that come with being a Principal, like mentoring junior engineers and overseeing big-picture projects. I just want to focus on design and implementation without the added stress of leadership. I'm curious if anyone else has successfully made this kind of transition and how they approached potential employers. I know the job market for software engineering is tough right now, and I worry that my current title might hinder my chances of landing a more straightforward role. I've heard suggestions about adjusting my CV to reflect a Senior title instead of Principal, but I'm unsure if that's the right move. I just want to find a position where I can be a 'cog' in the machine without the extra responsibilities that come with higher titles. Has anyone navigated this kind of career shift?

I recently graduated with a degree in geology and just got an offer for an entry-level geologist position in Alaska. The pay is significantly higher than anything I could find in my hometown, which is exciting. The job involves a 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off schedule with 12-hour shifts. The company provides housing during my working weeks, but I’m faced with the dilemma of either flying home after each shift or finding an apartment and a car in Alaska. I'm really torn about this decision. On one hand, this job could be a fantastic opportunity to kickstart my career and gain invaluable experience. On the other hand, I’d be leaving behind everything I know for at least a year, and the costs of flying home or living in Alaska could eat into my paycheck, leaving me with little savings. I’m worried that if I wait for a better opportunity closer to home, I might miss out on this chance, which seems to be the only thing that has come my way so far. I’m seeking advice on whether I should take the plunge and go for it or hold out for something better.

I'm feeling completely overwhelmed right now. I graduated in 2024 and had a brief stint as a Community Manager in a blockchain project, where I earned about 8 lakh, but I lost everything in February 2024. After graduation, I interned in a Founder’s Office for two months, but an accident forced me to leave. Once I recovered, I worked as a Software Developer for around six months, but the company shut down due to government restrictions on online gaming. I returned home because of family issues and my father's health, but things have improved enough for me to join a new role as a Jr. Business Development Associate. Unfortunately, the company is struggling; salaries are delayed, and the founder is abusive towards employees. I'm feeling lost and anxious about my future. I have a B.Tech in IT, but I've lost most of my technical skills and need to start earning soon due to my family situation. I want to get back into tech or AI, but I'm unsure how to move forward. It feels like no matter how hard I try to do right by others, everything just keeps falling apart.

I recently left my job and took a 5-month break before diving back into the job market. During this time, I only applied to about 5 jobs directly and registered with a couple of agencies. To my surprise, I started working within a week of registering. I've been reflecting on the idea of being overqualified and whether omitting certain degrees or experiences could help in the application process. I've seen advice suggesting to trim my CV to only include the last 5-10 years of experience and to remove any management roles if they might deter employers. I wonder if others have had similar experiences and if tailoring my CV based on the role I'm applying for could make a difference.

I’m 25 and have never had a job due to struggles with my mental health and other issues that prevented me from completing my education. For the past year since graduation, I’ve been searching for a job but have only managed to get three interviews. People around me suggest I lie on my resume about past experience, but I feel uncomfortable doing that. I have some volunteer experience and have managed online groups, but I’m unsure how to present this effectively without misrepresenting myself. This job search is taking a toll on me mentally, and I’m starting to feel hopeless. Should I consider lying about my experience, or is there a way to present my volunteer work as legitimate experience? I really want to be honest but also need to find a job.

I recently shared my thoughts on job interviews and applications, and I wanted to document some tips that have helped me enjoy the process. I know many people find it stressful, so I hope these insights can assist others. When it comes to applications, I make it a habit to reflect on my completed tasks at work about once a month. I create a detailed list of these accomplishments and polish them up for my CV. This practice helps me remember useful experiences that could make me stand out, even if they happened a while ago. Before applying for jobs, I gather about 4-5 postings that I feel I would be a great fit for. I then compare these postings side by side with my CV to ensure I've included all relevant experiences. I pay attention to the wording, as sometimes recruiters miss important qualifications due to phrasing differences. A tip from a friend that I found useful is to clarify citizenship on my CV if I have a surname that indicates a different background. This has reportedly increased her response rates, which is unfortunate but can be effective. For interviews, I always dress appropriately. I have two button-down shirts specifically for interviews, regardless of the company's culture. I also make sure to arrive early, especially for virtual interviews, to avoid any technical issues. I practice common interview questions like "tell me about yourself" and "what do you know about the company" to feel more prepared. If I get nervous, I wiggle my toes to help calm myself down without fidgeting visibly. I bring a couple of printed copies of my CV to the interview, which not only shows that I'm prepared but also helps if I blank out during the conversation. When researching the company, I dive deep into their values, history, and relevant metrics. This allows me to have informed discussions during the interview. Finally, I always make sure to ask questions at the end to show my interest in the role and the company culture. I hope these tips can help someone out there, especially during these challenging times in the job market!

I’m feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt as I prepare to give my notice on Monday. I currently work at a corporate accounting firm, where I serve as the only Client Services Coordinator/Administrator. My commute is over 30 minutes each way, and with our office manager on maternity leave for the past two weeks, I've taken on a lot of her responsibilities. This has made my workload even heavier. The reason for my decision is deeply personal. My son, who has autism, just started school, and my current job schedule makes it nearly impossible for me to attend his therapy appointments or pick him up after school. My husband finishes work earlier than I do, but I hate missing out on those precious moments with my son. Recently, I received an offer for a position in the office at my son's school. This new job comes with school hours and holidays off, which would allow me to be more present for my family. I know this is the best decision for us, but I feel terrible about leaving my current team, especially since they are already short-staffed without an office manager and a Client Services Officer. I’m dreading the conversation I need to have with my employer and am looking for some encouragement or shared experiences from others who have felt this same guilt when quitting.

Today, my entire division was unexpectedly called into a "restructuring meeting" led by our CFO at the government organization where I work. The atmosphere was bizarre; the CFO and directors discussed plans to "get rid of silos" and improve efficiency, all while expressing appreciation for our hard work. However, they also revealed the significant deficit our organization is facing. One director even stated, "our intent is not to lay people off," but then presented a vague restructuring plan that lacked specific details about positions or teams. It was unsettling, and the silence in the room afterward was palpable. As a newer employee, this is my second potential layoff in two years, and I'm left wondering if I should start looking for new opportunities. I could really use some advice on what to do next.

I'm currently facing a tough career decision. I make $168K at a small startup in a high cost of living area. The team is fantastic, and I feel valued with a good work-life balance. They see me as a potential future manager, but I'm being asked to travel 2-3 weeks each month and work some weekends. Recently, the workload has fluctuated; I survived layoffs and was kept on payroll, but I'm worried about long-term stability since benefits are lacking, especially with no retirement matching. I received an offer for $138K from a local government agency, which aligns with my long-term career goals. This position offers great benefits and an excellent retirement package. However, I'm hesitant to accept a $30K pay cut, especially since I just bought a house and have a wedding coming up. While my partner and I could manage the mortgage, I'm concerned that this pay cut might impact our lifestyle and savings. I'm considering sticking it out at my current job to save some cash and hope for future openings at the agency. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently working as a busser at a restaurant, but my hours have drastically dropped to just 3-6 hours a week since the initial hype of the place has faded. This leaves me with only about $260 a month, which is not sustainable. I genuinely enjoy the environment and my coworkers, and I even hang out with them outside of work, but I realize this situation can't continue. Recently, I had an interview with Arby’s, which is about 17 minutes away. They offer $15 an hour, the same as my current job, but I’m still waiting to hear back since it's only been a couple of days. I've heard mixed reviews about the fast food industry, especially regarding getting consistent hours, which makes me hesitant. I really want a job where I can count on the hours I’m promised. Additionally, I have another interview lined up just two days after I go to MEPS. This job also pays $15 an hour but comes with guaranteed benefits like medical and dental insurance, a 401k, and even discounts on seafood. It’s in oyster farming, and I would be working on a boat in the Chesapeake Bay with a small crew. However, I’ve found limited information about working conditions, and I know it can be tough depending on the weather. Honestly, I’m tired of the same routine at the restaurant and would love to be outdoors doing hard work. But I’m also aware that $15 an hour isn't the best rate, especially since many places are offering more. The main draw of the oyster farming job is the guaranteed 40 hours a week. I’m really just looking for stability and fair pay for my efforts. I’m contemplating whether I should take this job or keep looking for better opportunities once summer wraps up.

I interviewed for a position last Monday, July 27, and I'm really hoping to land this job. It felt great to make it to the final stage, especially since I had to give a 15-minute presentation, which I think I handled well considering I haven't interviewed in a while and I'm not a fan of them. At the end of the interview, the recruiter mentioned they would decide within a week or two. I followed up the next day with a thank you email, and she replied asking if I was bilingual, which is a preferred qualification for Spanish. I had to clarify that I speak Tagalog instead. After that question, I started to feel a bit doubtful about my chances. Now that it's the end of the week, I'm wondering if I should reach out for a follow-up tomorrow or wait until next week. I don't want to seem annoying, but I'm also eager for any updates. I'm still applying to other jobs, but it's tough to find decent opportunities in my field. I've been wanting to leave my current job for two years now because, while it offers flexibility, it's mentally draining. This new position seems like it would be a great opportunity for me.