Planning

I just learned that Visa is planning to cut about 2,600 jobs, which is roughly 7% of its workforce. This news really hit me hard as I work in the payments industry and have always admired Visa's stability. It's disheartening to see such a major player in the market making these cuts, especially when there are mixed messages about the job market. I can't help but feel concerned about the future and what this means for my own job security.

I'm currently navigating a challenging job search and have applied to around 30-40 positions, resulting in 5-7 interviews so far. I'm finding it tough to make significant progress in securing a job. Recently, I've encountered a situation where I'm unsure whether to be completely honest or to tailor my responses to what I think the interviewers want to hear. I have a unique personality that might not always align with conventional expectations, and I'm concerned about how that might affect my chances. I've already asked all my questions during the interviews, but I'm looking for advice on how to handle this dilemma. I'm open to answering any questions about my experiences or situation.

I've been working at my current job for 4 years now, and I'm starting to question if it's time to look for something new. I'm 26 and have had the chance to run a magazine and lead sales for it, which I really enjoy. However, my pay hasn't reflected my responsibilities; I'm earning the same as people three positions below me. The company promised to compensate me for my work, but that hasn't happened yet. The only increase I got was a commission for sales, and that was something I had to ask for myself. Now, the company is considering selling my magazine, and I might be reassigned to a different role within the company. I'm feeling anxious about this because I don't know what the new position will be or what my pay will look like. While I'm comfortable in my current role and have built strong relationships at work, I'm worried about being left in a situation where I’m underpaid and undervalued. The CEO assures me that I'm safe, but I can't help but wonder what that really means, especially since I'm likely the cheapest employee doing a job that typically pays over $80k. I'm torn between wanting to stay and fight for better compensation and the fear of getting stuck in a position that doesn't value my contributions. I’m considering making a pro and con list to help me decide what to do next.

I recently faced a tough realization about my career aspirations. I’m 27 years old and hold a BA in studio art and philosophy. Inspired by my own art teachers, I pursued a path to become an art teacher myself. I interned as an art teacher's assistant during college and even taught art at a small private school for children aged 6 to 10. However, I discovered that teaching wasn't for me. The role of facilitator felt off, and it was disappointing to realize that the career I thought I wanted didn’t bring me joy. Now, I’m working as a barista to pay the bills, but I've also been diving into coding and website management since 2024. I initially got into coding to explore video game development, but I've mostly focused on web development. Over the past two years, I've built several websites, including two for clients. While I enjoy coding, I find myself uncertain about my long-term career direction. I’m partly motivated by the financial aspect, but I’m hesitant about stepping into a corporate job, which I’m 80% sure I don’t want. It feels both liberating and confusing not to have a clear path. I’m looking for insights on how to pivot effectively in my career. Any advice would be appreciated!

I find myself at a crossroads between jobs, and I wanted to share my journey. I have a background in machine shop work, having attended both high school and trade school where I really developed a passion for what I do. My first job was in a small machine shop, which started off great. I learned a lot and moved up quickly, but over time, the environment soured. I was treated poorly, and I began to lose my enthusiasm for my work. Eventually, business declined, and I was laid off when my boss couldn't hand over the reins to anyone else. Three months ago, I began job searching and ended up at a company where many of my relatives and former classmates work. Initially, I hesitated to apply there because I wanted to forge my own path, but I took the leap and got hired. This job has been a breath of fresh air; I've reconnected with old friends and even picked up hobbies I had abandoned. Then, last week, I received a call from my former tech teacher about a teaching position in an adjacent program to machining. The job sounds incredible, and it's practically mine if I want it. I've made a pros and cons list, but I'm still torn. The teaching schedule would be more favorable, with hours from 7:45 to 2:45, Monday to Friday, and summers off. However, I'm hesitant to leave a job that has brought me so much joy.

I was blindsided by a layoff today from my role as a Senior Business Development Manager in the wellness industry. I made the leap from a stable career in medical device sales to pursue my passion, and now it feels like that decision has backfired. Just yesterday, I was busy launching major app updates, signing contracts with Fortune 500 companies for their wellness programs, and hosting corporate webcasts. Now, I'm suddenly unemployed and facing a harsh reality check. I know I need to pivot quickly, so I'm reaching out for help. If anyone in your network is hiring, I would greatly appreciate any connections. If not, I would welcome your positive thoughts and energy during this challenging time. For a bit of background, I have experience in building multichannel sales campaigns, coaching and developing sales teams, managing product rollouts, and hosting wellness webcasts. I hold an MBA and dual BS degrees in Psychology and Advertising, along with certifications in Wellness Coaching and Breath Work. I'm based in St. Petersburg, FL, but I'm open to remote opportunities. Thank you for any leads or support you can offer.

I recently left a stable job at a Fortune 500 finance company to join a small medical recruiting firm, even though it meant taking a pay cut. I was excited about the new role, especially since the recruiter, who knew me personally, assured me the company was doing well financially. Fast forward to last Friday, I received an invite for a "Team Alignment" meeting, which I assumed was routine, especially after we had just launched a new Applicant Tracking System that I played a significant role in. To my shock, during the meeting, my manager and HR informed me that I, along with much of my team, were being laid off effective immediately due to a sudden decrease in revenue. I was stunned, especially since I had been given a promotion schedule that promised a pay increase every six months for two years. I never even made it to that first milestone. To make matters worse, I was let go with no severance and my unused PTO won't be paid out either, as neither Texas nor South Carolina requires it. I feel betrayed after putting in so much effort and believing in the company's vision. It’s disheartening to realize that despite my dedication, I was just another number on a spreadsheet. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has similar experiences with layoffs and how they managed to bounce back. I'm feeling frustrated but I'm determined to move forward.

I finally landed a job after a long and challenging search! For months, I faced countless rejections, primarily applying to positions in animal shelters and other related roles, as my resume is heavily focused on animal-related jobs. The process was incredibly frustrating and felt like torture at times. However, today I received an offer for a position in an after-school program where I'll be working with kids. It's not my dream job, but it's a paycheck, and I'm genuinely excited about it. I feel like a new person! On top of that, I'm about to start university again to study marine biology, and I hope to eventually transition into a role in that field. To anyone out there struggling with job applications, don't give up! I was tempted to throw in the towel many times, but I knew I couldn't afford to.

I just learned that Procter & Gamble is planning to cut 7,000 jobs. This news is pretty disheartening, especially since I was considering applying there, thinking that working in consumer packaged goods (CPG) would be a more stable choice. It's frustrating to see how Wall Street's pressure for constant growth affects companies like this, which primarily sell everyday products like laundry detergent and diapers. The job market feels really bleak right now, especially for high-paying corporate positions in my hometown of Cincinnati. It's tough to see so many families potentially impacted by these cuts.

I recently applied for unemployment benefits in Colorado and encountered a frustrating issue. After submitting my application, it was closed due to inactivity because I took a couple of days to update it. I reopened my application the next day, and the missing questionnaire was approved, leading to a determination that I was eligible for benefits. However, now I'm stuck because I can't find the button to request payment. I've checked multiple times since last Friday and today, but the payment section is blank, only showing 'next steps - eligible' without any option to request payment. I've already read the determinations and have been applying for jobs through Connecting Colorado, but I'm unsure if I'm glitched out of receiving payment or if I need to start a new claim. Feeling really stuck and unsure of what to do next.

I recently found myself in a tough situation at my corporate job, where I've been working since November. After about four years of experience, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) this week due to being rated as "below strong" compared to my peers. This evaluation system seems to be systemic, as I've learned I'm not the only one facing this; three people from my team of five have been put on a PIP in the last six months. With only 60 days to turn things around, ending on September 21, I’m trying to focus on job searching while managing the emotional toll this situation has taken on me. I struggle with OCD and ADHD, which makes this even more challenging. My rejection sensitivity has been heightened, and I find it hard to concentrate on anything other than this stress. I’m reaching out to gather ideas on how to cope better during this difficult time. Specifically, I'm looking for small activities or treats I can incorporate into my week after work to help me manage my stress and keep my spirits up. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I've been facing a frustrating situation lately with my job search. After applying for several entry-level positions, I've received multiple requests for interviews from different companies. However, after I respond promptly with my availability, I often get ghosted. It's starting to make me wonder if there's something wrong with my email or if I'm somehow coming across poorly in my communication. I've been applying for months now, and while these jobs match my experience, the lack of follow-up is disheartening. I really want to know if this is a common experience for others and what I might be doing wrong. One suggestion I received was to keep applying to similar positions and consider reaching out directly, which I might try next.

I recently applied for a position at a new company that is set to open soon. The job posting advertised a pay range of $27-31 per hour. After applying, the manager called me the same day to discuss my work history and skillset, and she seemed pleased with what I had to offer. She mentioned that I would hear from HR soon but didn't discuss salary during our conversation. I assumed an offer letter would be coming shortly after that call. A few days later, I received a text from a recruiter stating that they were looking for someone to fill the position with a pay range of $30-45 per hour, depending on experience. It seemed like the recruiter was unaware that I had already spoken with the manager, and it was a bit confusing since the job listing on Indeed had a lower pay range. The recruiter then scheduled a remote interview with the manager I had already talked to. However, the manager called me half an hour before the scheduled interview to say that we didn't need to have another discussion since we had already talked, and that I should expect to hear from HR soon. Now, I'm wondering if HR will send me an offer letter where I can negotiate the salary, or if I should have addressed it with the manager during our calls. I'm fine with the salary range, but I believe my specific skillset, particularly with the software they are using, gives me leverage to negotiate towards the higher end of the $30-45 range. I’m leaning towards considering the recruiter's range as more accurate, but I'm unsure how to approach this when the time comes.

I just had my third interview with a YC-backed startup after seven months of job searching. I thought I was doing well at first, but then I panicked and feel like I completely bombed it. They said they'll let me know in two days whether I got the job or not. This is my last chance, and I'm really stressed out since I have almost no money left in my account. I can't sleep, and I'm not sure what to do next. I've been advised to keep applying for other positions while I wait, but it's hard to stay positive right now.

I recently had a conversation about a potential job opportunity that left me feeling frustrated and confused. I used to work as an IT Ops Manager at a small to medium-sized business, but I was laid off about two years ago due to budget cuts. My former manager, who has become a good friend, is planning to retire early next year, and he wanted to bring me back to take over his IT position. He has been managing both IT and Facilities since my departure, and the plan was for the Facilities department to be dissolved after he leaves. However, during our recent meeting, I learned that the CFO and HR have pushed back on my return because they claim I had previously told people that their requests for help were 'not my problem.' This accusation is completely unfounded. I never said that, and if I had, it would have been documented in my performance reviews, which were actually quite positive. I consistently received scores of 4 out of 5, while the average was 3 out of 5, and my manager had to advocate for me to maintain that rating. When I was hired, I was specifically instructed not to assist with Facilities due to liability concerns, and I always directed requests to the proper channels by asking people to submit tickets for IT issues. Now, I'm left wondering if this misunderstanding is a miscommunication or if someone is spreading false information about my past performance. I'm hoping my ex-manager can clarify this situation and help me stay in the running for the position.

I was laid off in January and received unemployment benefits until May when I found a new job. I thought everything was settled until I got an email from the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) stating that I have an overpayment of $6,400 due to a retroactive disqualification. I had no idea this was coming and now I’m feeling overwhelmed. I plan to call them tomorrow to figure out what went wrong, but I’m unsure where to start. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? Any advice on how to handle this would be appreciated.

I recently experienced a tough layoff situation as a Senior Software Engineer with 10 years of experience. After being laid off from my previous job due to a significant workforce reduction, I joined an outsourcing company. Unfortunately, I was fired just days before my probation period was set to end. The client, a US healthcare company, decided to take control of their project management and reduce the number of personnel working on their account. Initially, I was relieved to find out I was on the list of team members who could stay, but things quickly took a turn. One Monday, I wasn’t invited to a crucial meeting about team restructuring, which raised my suspicions. My teammates sent me the link, confused about my absence. The following day was even worse; I again wasn’t invited to a meeting where the final team structures were announced. I raised my hand to ask why I wasn’t included, and the organizer promised to reach out to me afterward, but she never did. Soon after, my local boss informed me that I would be removed from the project. It was disheartening to see my peers, who I had built friendships with, stop responding to my messages. I later learned from the local CEO that there was no space for me on other projects, confirming my fears. A week later, I received formal notice of my termination, along with others who had been warned earlier. Despite my efforts and positive feedback from my team, it became clear that sometimes, even when you give your all, layoffs can happen due to cost-cutting measures, especially during probation periods. I felt a mix of anger and understanding towards my colleagues who couldn’t speak up about my situation, as I had been in a similar position before. To add insult to injury, shortly after my departure, the client faced a major network issue that caused significant disruptions, highlighting the chaos I had been dealing with. I also heard from a former colleague that more layoffs were on the horizon for them. Now, I’m taking some time to rest before diving back into the job market. I’ve started responding to recruiters on LinkedIn and even made it to the final round at one company, but they ultimately rejected me due to my lack of experience with AI-assisted development. I’m also exploring opportunities at a company where I worked for four years, which could be a good fallback. Meanwhile, I’m brainstorming project ideas with friends in the industry. Although being jobless is challenging, there’s a strange excitement in exploring new possibilities. Thanks for reading my story. I wish everyone the best in their job searches!

I have been actively job searching for over a year now, and I recently had an HR team interview with a company about a month ago. After some waiting, they scheduled me for an in-person interview last week, which I thought went well. Today, I received an email asking me to provide two references and to complete a Thomas International assessment. However, the email felt rushed and included emojis, which is unusual for their communication style. I'm feeling a bit confused about what this all indicates regarding their hiring process.

I am currently in the job search process and have a potential interview lined up with Starbucks for a part-time barista position. The shift they are looking to fill is from 4:30am to 2pm. I am also waiting to hear back about a full-time technician role at a hospital, which involves working three 12-hour shifts. My hope is to secure both positions, but I need to prepare for the Starbucks interview, especially regarding questions about my availability. One of the pre-interview questions asked if my availability would change within the next six months. I'm considering whether to say that my availability will remain the same or to be upfront about the possibility of it changing if I get the hospital job. I want to be honest but also keep my options open.

I'm currently unemployed and have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, but my work experience isn't in that field. I've been job searching for a while and recently landed an interview for a cashier position at a restaurant. I'm feeling a bit torn because I really want to work in accounting or finance, but I also need to start earning some income. I'm considering whether I should accept the cashier job as a temporary solution while I continue my search for accounting roles. I know that taking the cashier job could demonstrate my willingness to work and help me stay proactive, but I'm worried about straying too far from my career goals. Should I take the cashier position or hold out for something more aligned with my field?