Planning

I filed my California unemployment claim on September 27th, just three days before the end of the quarter. I realized afterward that my earnings from April, May, and June were excluded as they fell into the 'lag quarter' category. This resulted in my benefit amount being much lower than I anticipated, as it was calculated using an older, less favorable quarter. Now that it's October, I understand that I could potentially file a new claim that would consider my earnings from that high-earning quarter, where I made three times as much. I'm wondering if there’s a way for me to cancel my initial claim and reapply for the higher benefits, or if I'm stuck with this low payout.

I was recently laid off from my position at a large tech company while I was on federally protected FMLA leave. The reason given for my layoff was that my role was remote, but the truth is that I was not hired as a remote worker. Two years ago, I was granted permanent remote work status as an accommodation for my disability, which I believe may violate the ADA. Instead of discussing any potential alternatives with me, the company decided to terminate my role completely. I'm still on leave and have been informed that I can continue my leave as needed, but upon my return, I will be officially terminated and offered severance. I'm feeling lost and unsure of what steps to take next. I'm looking for advice on whether I should consult an attorney and if anyone has recommendations for legal assistance.

After 14 months of searching, I am thrilled to share that I have finally secured a new job at the age of 61. My journey has been incredibly challenging, especially after being laid off from a large non-profit where I worked for 21 years as a healthcare clinician and administrator. I was put on a performance improvement plan and faced intense harassment, which was emotionally and physically draining. I refused to quit, and ultimately my department was eliminated, leading to my severance and unemployment benefits. During my year of healing, I applied to hundreds of jobs but received no responses, which left me feeling hopeless. However, a former coworker reached out to me out of the blue and mentioned a job at her new company that seemed perfect for my skills. I applied and went through a smooth interview process, where I felt a strong connection with the interviewers. They appreciated my extensive experience and the fact that I had stayed with my previous employer for so long. I was invited to meet with team members for further discussions, and I received positive feedback from HR shortly after. The company values human review in their hiring process, which I believe helped my application stand out. I am excited to start this fully remote position and look forward to this new chapter in my career.

I work at a branch that was recently told we are exemplary and are supposed to lead the way for a new acquisition out of state. However, I've been feeling uneasy and started applying for new jobs due to several concerning signs: 1. We were informed that our branch is responsible for a significant loss of $35,000 in unprocessed client payments. 2. Management has begun requiring us to document everything extensively, which feels like a red flag. 3. There have been abrupt changes to our workplace procedures that were previously considered ideal. 4. The new acquisition is in a state with better property taxes and tax breaks, making it more attractive for the company. 5. I've noticed that employees in various departments are receiving Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), often after good reviews, which seems suspicious. 6. Our branch manager was suddenly moved to the new site and replaced by someone with much less experience. 7. One branch has already been laid off, and those employees were absorbed into our department. 8. Another branch is rumored to be on the chopping block and may be absorbed by us as well. These developments have escalated quickly, and it reminds me of a previous job where there were mass layoffs after an acquisition. I'm worried about the stability of my position and feel it's wise to explore other opportunities.

I've been with my current remote-first company for 6 years now, but I'm feeling stuck due to a lack of career growth. I appreciate the flexibility they offer, allowing me to manage my child's drop-off and pick-up schedule, but the toxic culture, constant layoffs, and restructuring have made it difficult to stay motivated. About 6 months ago, I received a job offer but lost it after asking the recruiter if I could speak with the hiring manager about my schedule. I took a break from interviewing after that experience but I'm back in the game now and have a presentation round with a new company this week. If it goes well, there might be one more round before an offer. However, the interviews have been short and I haven't had a chance to clarify remote work expectations. The recruiter mentioned a hybrid model, but I’d need to commute 2 hours one way to the office. If I get an offer, I'm torn about whether to accept it without clear communication about my schedule needs. My spouse thinks I should accept and juggle both jobs, but that sounds stressful. Friends suggest I should stick with my current job until I'm laid off, which feels limiting. I'm wondering if it's unreasonable to expect a new job to accommodate working parents like me.

I recently received a job offer from my former boss who has started a new firm. Currently, I work in the legal field in Canada, earning $88,000 a year plus around $2,000 in bonuses, along with decent benefits and time off. The new position would pay $95,000 with similar benefits and bonuses, but I’m feeling conflicted about making the switch. As a solo parent without any family support, job security is my top priority. While I’m comfortable and happy at my current firm, the extra $8,000 to $10,000 is tempting. However, I worry about the stability of my role since my former boss has a history of frequently changing firms, and I feel my position would be closely tied to her. I’m considering what questions I should ask to gauge job security if she were to leave. With the legal industry increasingly outsourcing administrative work, I also have concerns about being replaced by cheaper labor. At 53, I’m aware that ageism is a factor in hiring, which adds to my hesitation. I appreciate any advice on whether it’s worth taking the risk for a higher salary.

I've been working at a publicly traded corporation in New York for about six years as a salaried employee. Recently, there have been several rounds of layoffs, and I'm starting to feel anxious about the possibility of my position being eliminated. I can't seem to find a copy of my contract, if I even received one when I started. I'm curious about severance pay—specifically, whether the company is legally required to pay it if I get laid off and if it's something I can negotiate during the termination process. I've heard that when layoffs happen, employees are often taken by surprise, pulled from their desks, and escorted out by HR without a chance to say goodbye to colleagues. This process seems really abrupt and emotionally challenging. If I find myself in that situation, I’m worried about how I might react and want to be prepared. I want to ensure that I’m not left in the dark about what I might be entitled to, especially if others are receiving severance while I might not be. I appreciate any advice or insights on this matter!

I recently took a role as a Quality and Food Safety Manager at a cheese company, which was presented to me as a fantastic opportunity. However, after just a month, I've discovered that the reality is far from what was promised. The company has serious food safety issues, including potential recall situations and a troubling infestation of roaches and mice. My manager even let a product go that I refused to release due to foreign material concerns. It's alarming to see how they exploit their employees, hiring individuals who struggle to find work and making them endure long hours with minimal pay in unsafe conditions. I'm already looking for another job and have an interview lined up for Monday. I'm feeling anxious about how to quit after such a short time. Has anyone else found themselves in a similar situation?

I received an unexpected email from a big company I interviewed with a couple of months ago. After going through the final interview stage, I was rejected and told that all positions were filled. They mentioned keeping my application on file, but I didn't think much of it at the time. Fast forward to now, and they reached out to let me know that a candidate dropped out, and they want to have a 'catch up' call to discuss logistics. They even mentioned that they appreciated my proactive follow-ups after the rejection and think I could be a strong fit for the role. I'm feeling hopeful but trying to manage my expectations since I have no prior experience with situations like this. The call is scheduled for first thing Monday, and I’m both excited and nervous about what it could mean for my job search.

I recently experienced layoffs after just two months of working at a new flagship store for a major fashion retailer. I was part of the opening team and had been training at an established store for a few weeks before helping to set up the new location. I felt confident in my role and was excited to be on the sales floor after the grand opening. However, I noticed that sales weren't meeting expectations shortly after the initial rush, and last week, several employees were let go. Then, just yesterday, I was informed that I was being laid off, along with a few others. It was unexpected, especially since I had been receiving positive feedback and was actively involved in planning for the upcoming week. I was still on probation, but they decided to end my contract early, which means I will receive some compensation instead of just the standard pay for the month. It’s strange to think they preferred to pay me off rather than keep me on for the remaining probation period. I had really enjoyed working there, and the pay was significantly better than other retail jobs. I wanted to share my experience in case anyone else has gone through something similar or has any advice. This situation really caught me off guard, and I'm still processing it.

I recently went through a frustrating experience with a potential job after being fired from my last position due to a mistake I made regarding confidential information. After a few weeks of searching, I got an email inviting me to orientation for a Customer Service Representative role, but I had actually applied for an Assistant Manager position. I thought it was odd but decided to go anyway. When I arrived for orientation, things quickly went south. The secretary didn't have me on the schedule, and I was told I needed to have replied to the email to confirm my attendance, which I hadn't realized was necessary since there were no instructions to do so. I felt embarrassed and confused, but they allowed me to fill out some payroll information on the spot after sending me the required email. The secretary then made comments about my appearance, specifically my nails and lip piercing. She insisted I needed to remove my piercing to work in customer service, despite the policy allowing one facial piercing. This was particularly frustrating since I had previously held a management position with all my piercings intact. After a long night and feeling mentally and physically drained, I left without completing orientation. Now, I'm debating whether to reschedule or just walk away. The job doesn't align with what I applied for, and I already feel undervalued based on my interactions. However, I'm also in a tough financial situation and worried about finding another opportunity in this job market. It's a tough call between settling for a job that feels beneath me or risking unemployment again.

I’m currently in a two-year trainee program abroad that was supposed to lead to a role back in my home country. The program is ending in March, but my team lead has been vague about what the role will be and what skills I should be focusing on. I’ve been told multiple times that he’s ‘working on it’ and have only seen a draft job description that he saved in his email drafts. I was promised a contract by the end of August, but nothing has materialized. I feel like my time has been wasted, and I’ve had to create my own learning goals for each department I rotate through. On top of that, a new trainee from a different country has access to more opportunities than I did, which has made me reflect on my own experiences over the past two years. Now, I’m seriously considering whether this company and team are the right fit for my professional development. I’m contemplating applying to other companies, but I worry about how it will look on my CV if I leave right after the training contract ends. I can only start a new role in April next year, so it feels a bit premature to begin applying now. I’m concerned about burning bridges, especially since I’ve been reassured that there will definitely be a role for me after the contract, yet I haven’t received any updates since August. To top it all off, I just found out that trainees could attend industry conferences, but I was never informed about this opportunity. Instead, I was asked to help my team with the attendee list without being included in the event. It’s been a frustrating experience, to say the least.

I am currently exploring opportunities in municipal communications and have a chance to apply for a position as a constituency assistant with a provincial politician. I feel qualified for the role, as my experience aligns well with the responsibilities, particularly in communications. However, I'm worried that taking this partisan role might negatively impact my chances of securing a future position in municipal administration. My ultimate goal is to work in public service, and while I've reviewed the city's policies and found no disqualifying factors, I'm concerned about the potential reputational risks. With an election year approaching and the political climate being quite divided, I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on whether I should pursue this opportunity, especially since I am currently unemployed and eager to find work.

Good morning, everyone. I've been working in car sales for about three years now, and I quickly moved up to a managerial position after just eight months. However, I'm feeling drained by this industry and am eager to transition into a more stable Monday-to-Friday role. My background includes nearly seven years of sales experience, spanning from running a limo company and a photography business to car sales and account management. I'm particularly interested in SDR/BDR roles, but I haven't had any luck with my applications. I've sent out numerous applications, yet I keep facing rejections. One major hurdle I face is not having a college degree. I didn't attend college, but I believe my extensive work experience and accomplishments should be valuable. It's frustrating to see others with less experience and no degree land high-paying jobs, especially around the $100K mark. I've been actively networking and building connections, but I haven't seen much success yet. I'm reaching out for any advice or recommendations on potential career paths, industries, companies, or strategies to help me stand out in the job market. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I recently interviewed for a position and was feeling quite anxious about the outcome. The interview took place on Monday, September 28, and shortly after, the hiring manager called to let me know they wanted to move forward with the next step, which involved checking my references. I submitted my references through Skill Survey, and they completed everything by Wednesday. I reached out to the hiring manager via email to confirm that my references were done, and she replied saying they would call me on Monday. I’ve been on the job hunt for about five months now, so this news has me feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I’m curious if this is a good sign that they’re moving forward with my application. It seems like a positive step, but I’m trying to manage my expectations. I’ve heard that a reference check often indicates that they are seriously considering me for the role, but until I have an official offer, I know I need to keep looking. I’m hoping to hear good news soon!

I was recently let go from my job in Ohio, and it's been almost two weeks since that happened. My former employer did offer me a severance package, but I haven't received it yet. I've been diligently checking my unemployment portal to ensure I'm not missing any updates. The portal has been instructing me to file a new claim starting on 10/4, which is tomorrow. However, when I logged in today, it now says that no new weeks can be claimed. I'm confused about what that means. Did they close my case? Can I appeal this decision? I've never had to collect unemployment before, so I'm really unfamiliar with the process. Any advice would be appreciated!

I’m officially leaving my role as a graphic designer in marketing after three years at a company in the education sector. This decision feels like the best move I could make for myself. My experience there has been incredibly frustrating, as I’ve been constantly policed by HR and recently placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) because they claimed I wasn’t taking enough initiatives. It felt like no matter what I did, I was being set up to fail. My direct manager was unprofessional and more concerned with his own image than fostering a supportive work environment. My work was often devalued, with my completed marketing pieces not being shared on social media without any explanation. I was left in the dark about whether my work was approved or not, and it was demoralizing to have my efforts dismissed. I was also forced to use my personal phone to record videos for work, despite the company policy against using personal devices. It was a constant struggle to get my tasks done without the proper equipment, and I often had to rely on colleagues for help, which felt unprofessional and inappropriate. After enduring several PIPs and feeling increasingly disrespected, I decided to leave sooner than they anticipated. I’ve accepted a new job in product design that offers realistic goals and better pay. They want me to start quickly, and I can’t wait to leave my current position behind. I’ve overheard discussions about how they might struggle to find a replacement for me, but honestly, I don’t care. I’m done. While there are some nice people at my current job, they’re not enough to make me stay. Many are only there for the tuition discounts, and it’s clear that no one is truly happy. I’m moving on to something better, and I hope my experience serves as a lesson to others.

I've been actively searching for a job as a Computer Science Engineering (CSE) fresher, graduating in 2027, and it's been a challenging journey. So far, I've applied to over 200 companies and completed more than 70 placement and online assessments, yet I haven't received a single job offer. It's really confusing, and I'm starting to wonder where I'm going wrong. My skill set includes programming languages like Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript, along with frameworks and technologies like Spring Boot, REST APIs, MySQL/SQL, and AWS (EC2/S3/RDS). I also have experience with Docker, Linux, Git/GitHub, and have worked on projects related to backend development and AI/workflow automation. Despite this, I feel like I'm missing something crucial in my job search. I'm not looking for motivation; I genuinely want to know if I should focus on improving my data structures and algorithms (DSA) knowledge, enhancing my resume, refining my projects, or improving my interview skills. Perhaps my application strategy needs adjustment as well. I've heard that the job market is tough right now, especially for entry-level positions, with many experienced engineers competing for the same roles. I would really appreciate any honest feedback from others who have navigated the fresher hiring process. What do you think I should focus on next to increase my chances of landing a job?

I'm currently in my first year of an engineering apprenticeship, earning $25,000 a year. I have a third-class bachelor's degree in a subject that I consider less valuable, and I didn't include my grade when applying for jobs, which helped me secure this position. After graduating just after the pandemic, I spent two years driving vans and working in a warehouse, followed by two years of unemployment. Although my apprenticeship is fine, the pay is too low for me to afford moving out on my own, and living at home is negatively impacting my mental and physical health. I'm considering targeting operations, analyst, or airport planning jobs to aim for a salary around $35,000. However, I'm worried about the risk of leaving a decent job only to face another layoff.

I graduated with an accounting degree in 2019 but never used it, and I've been working in retail for the past 5 years. I went through some personal challenges that kept me from pursuing a career in my field. Now, I'm feeling unsure about my chances of breaking into accounting since so much time has passed. I really want to get my foot in the door, but I worry that it's too late for me. I've been considering entry-level positions like accounts payable or bookkeeping, as I've heard those can be good starting points. I know my retail experience has given me skills in dealing with numbers and customers, but I'm still feeling lost. Any advice on how to approach this transition would be greatly appreciated.