Planning

I recently found myself in a situation where I was unemployed for an extended period, and I was really struggling to figure out how to re-enter the job market. I reached out to others who had faced similar challenges and asked for their advice on how they managed to get employed again after being out of work for so long. I received a variety of responses, some suggesting that I might need to consider switching to a new field entirely or pursuing further training and certifications in my current field to enhance my marketability. I learned that there are actually government programs available that can help cover the costs of these trainings. It was also interesting to see how people define 'long term' unemployment differently; for some, just six months feels like a long time, while for others, it could be a year or even two. Overall, the insights were helpful, and I'm now considering my options more seriously.

I just received a rejection from Burger King, which was really disheartening. I've been actively applying to various places like McDonald's (still waiting after two months), Subway, a local grocery store, and a movie theater, but nothing seems to be working out. I'm currently a senior in college majoring in psychology with a 3.6 GPA, and I was hoping to secure an internship, but the competition is fierce. Financially, I'm really struggling to make ends meet. I feel like I do well in interviews and can even make my interviewers laugh, but I can't shake the feeling that my impending graduation is a turn-off for potential employers. I'm 23 years old, male, with no criminal record, and I just don't know what more I can do to improve my chances of getting hired. I have some tech skills and knowledge of Python coding, but I worry that the job market for part-time positions is saturated due to AI advancements. Currently, I’ve been doing DoorDash for a few hours each day, but since I live in a rural area, I often just break even after working around six hours. I live on campus without a meal plan, so I'm really just scraping by, eating whatever I can afford, like chicken and pasta. I'm reaching out for any advice or online job listings that might help me out. I'm feeling pretty lost right now.

I worked at my hourly job in Texas for about 8 months before things took a turn. Two months ago, we experienced a major technology failure that led to a significant reduction in operations. Since then, my hours have been cut by more than half, and the management has even encouraged employees to take unpaid time off. In the last two weeks, I only worked two days each week. Recently, I had to take two weeks off for a necessary surgery, which was approved by my managers. I was set to return this week but discovered that I'm not on the schedule at all. It looks like the crew is full, and those who usually get fewer shifts are now taking the hours I would have had. When I reached out to my manager, she mentioned that they are low on shifts and my availability might not align with what's available, which doesn't seem to add up based on their usual scheduling patterns. She also mentioned that the Assistant Store Manager is still working on the schedule, but it’s already posted and typically doesn’t change. There was no clear solution or timeline for when things might improve. I've always been a reliable employee and have received positive feedback from my managers, even hints about potential promotions. Now, I’m left wondering if I’m being quietly fired. With my recent surgery, I need to ensure I can meet my payment obligations and support my child. I've started applying for new jobs, but it’s challenging to find something quickly in this area. I heard that having drastically reduced hours could qualify me for unemployment benefits, so I'm considering applying. I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing.

I'm currently facing a tough decision between two job offers and could really use some insights. I have an offer from a Big Pharma company for an on-site role with 15 days of PTO, which comes with decent compensation and good brand recognition. However, the mandatory commute and lower time off are definitely drawbacks for my lifestyle. On the other hand, I have an offer from a Big Tobacco company that is fully remote with 26 days of PTO. The compensation is higher, and the benefits are fantastic, giving me much better work-life flexibility. Practically speaking, the Tobacco offer seems to be the better choice, especially with the extra time off and no commute. My plan would be to take the Tobacco job, gain valuable skills over the next 2 to 3 years, and then transition back to a more mainstream sector. However, I'm worried about the stigma associated with working in the tobacco industry. I have a few questions that I'm struggling with: 1. Will having a major tobacco company on my resume hurt my chances with future recruiters? 2. Are there certain sectors, like health or biotech, that I would be locked out of if I come from tobacco? 3. Do hiring managers view Big Pharma as a cleaner option compared to Big Tobacco, or is the corporate world indifferent to both? I appreciate any thoughts on how to weigh the benefits of a standard corporate life against the perks of a remote role in a controversial industry.

I've been actively job hunting for an office position for a few months now, and I finally landed a couple of interviews with a company I would really love to work for! However, I’ve hit a bit of a snag during the reference and background check phase. It’s been quite thorough, and while digging through my old employment records, I discovered two minor inconsistencies with the dates on my resume. For one of my previous service jobs, I accidentally listed the end date as a month ahead of when I actually left. I thought I worked a few days into the next month, but it turns out I was mistaken. For another older position, I listed the end date a month too early, even though I actually worked a day into the next month. Neither of these jobs is particularly relevant to the new position I’m applying for, and they aren’t my most recent experiences. For the background check, I did provide the dates from my Records of Employment (ROEs), which are accurate. Now I’m debating whether I should reach out to the hiring manager to address these discrepancies proactively or if I should just wait to see if they get flagged during the checks. A friend suggested that I should hold off on mentioning it unless it becomes an issue, but I’m worried about coming across as deceptive. I really don’t want to jeopardize my chances with this opportunity.

I’m currently working as an Account Executive and have decided to explore other job opportunities. I recently received an invitation for a panel interview with a company in the HVAC industry that could significantly boost my salary. My current base salary is $65k with an additional $130k OTE, but this new role offers a base salary ranging from $180k to $230k plus incentives. Since this is my first panel interview, I’m feeling a bit anxious and would appreciate any tips on how to navigate it effectively. I’ve heard that panel interviews can be challenging because different interviewers may focus on various aspects of my experience. I want to be prepared for questions about my previous deals, how I qualified leads, and how I managed objections. I’m eager to make a good impression and hopefully secure this opportunity.

I just learned that I'm getting laid off, but there's no set end date yet. My division is shutting down, and while our business is being acquired by a competitor, they aren't automatically taking us along. We were told to stop all work immediately, which feels surreal since we're still technically employed. The acquiring company has shown some interest in hiring some of us, but there’s no clarity on how many positions they will offer or when that might happen. Right now, I’m in a tough spot. I could stay put and hope for an offer from the acquiring company, which I would prefer since I like my current job and have heard good things about the new company. However, there's a real chance that I could be waiting indefinitely without any guarantee of an offer. Alternatively, I could look for other roles within my current company, but there aren’t many appealing options available, and I’d risk disqualifying myself from a potential offer from the acquirer. The last option is to apply for jobs externally, but I worry about losing my current benefits and salary, which I believe is above market rate. I’m feeling a lot of pressure to make a decision, and I’m not sure what the best course of action is. Should I start applying for new jobs now, or hold out for the potential offer from the acquiring company?

I'm currently working as a Product Manager at a small startup with 12 employees, where I've been for about 6 months. While I've gained valuable experience, the work environment has become chaotic, and I feel I have no control over product decisions. Additionally, I'm underpaid and feel exploited, which has pushed me to consider a job switch. I've prepared my resume and started applying, but navigating the job search while still employed is proving to be confusing and daunting. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has successfully made a job switch recently. I have a few specific questions: 1. How should I approach applying for jobs? Given my 9 AM to 6 PM work schedule, would it be better to apply after hours or during the day? 2. What platforms or strategies should I use to expedite my job search, especially considering the current unpredictable market? 3. If anyone is looking for a PM with 1-3 years of experience or knows someone who can refer me, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm more than willing to return the favor in any way I can. Any insights or advice would be incredibly helpful. Thanks!

I was laid off about a month ago and since then, I've been applying for jobs without any traction. It's been really tough. I'm trying to push through my discomfort with cold outreach and networking, even with people I don't particularly like. I've been constantly revising my resume, staring at empty screens, and receiving emails from scammers, which is incredibly frustrating. I find some solace in the quiet moments before bed, but the mornings hit hard when I realize I have to face another day of job searching. It feels like I'm caught in a loop of not having enough time, seeing no results, and dealing with a heavy sense of existential dread. My husband has been unemployed since early 2023. He’s had dozens of interviews and has been offered jobs multiple times, only to find out that the companies weren't serious and the offers turned out to be scams. Recently, I attended a happy hour event with former colleagues, which I was hesitant about but forced myself to go. It was a strange experience; among the crowd, only a few people were warm and engaging, and they were all unemployed like me. The others who were still working seemed tense and unable to engage in deeper conversations. I found myself reflecting on whether I was jealous of their jobs, and surprisingly, I wasn't. That realization scared me. How can I find a job when I don't even feel like working? Am I the only one feeling this way? Is this burnout something that will eventually pass, or is it a sign of something more serious?

I recently started my journey as a self-taught software developer at 20 years old. I've been learning JavaScript for a couple of months now, but I often find myself overwhelmed by anxiety about the job market, especially with discussions around AI potentially taking over tech jobs. I feel a lot of pressure to succeed because I want to be able to support my partner and eventually get married. My goal is to earn at least $500 a month, which would cover my basic needs in my country. I know I don't have the necessary skills yet, but I'm hopeful that with time and dedication, I can reach that goal. I'm really looking for advice on how to navigate this path without messing it up.

I wasn't planning on leaving my job as a baker, but I was in the process of getting a second job in the evenings to help with college expenses and the upcoming holiday season. Out of the blue, a district manager from a different company reached out to me after seeing my resume. They invited me for an interview, and to my surprise, they expressed a strong interest in hiring me. I have a second interview scheduled for tomorrow, and if all goes well, I’ll be signing the paperwork soon. This new position could increase my salary by about $18,000 a year, which is a significant boost. However, it means completely changing my schedule from early mornings to nights, as the new role is in cooking. While I'm excited about the opportunity, I'm also feeling guilty about potentially leaving my current coworkers in a tough spot, especially since we are approaching the busy holiday season. I really enjoy working with them and don’t want to let them down. Additionally, I’ll have to inform the second job that I can no longer work there, which makes me feel like a quitter. The new job will likely come with a more unpredictable schedule and the possibility of working holidays, but the financial stability it offers is incredibly tempting. I'm just struggling with whether or not I’m making the right decision.

Today, I faced a tough decision regarding a job offer I received after completing three interviews. I was really excited about the opportunity, especially since I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for a few years and was looking forward to re-entering the workforce. However, things took a turn during the drug test phase. I arrived a few minutes early, hoping to show my enthusiasm, but my future boss was clearly upset about it. I apologized, but it seemed to set a negative tone. During the drug test, I accidentally sealed the sample container when I wasn’t supposed to, and the hiring manager reacted very harshly. She yelled at me, which was shocking and hurtful. I’ve never been treated that way in a professional setting before, and it really affected me emotionally. After the incident, I managed to complete the test correctly, and they sent me an email offering me a start date. However, I left the office feeling defeated and cried in my car and again when I got home. I’ve been reflecting on whether I should take the job or continue searching for something else. I want to work in a place that aligns with my values, and I’m unsure if this environment is the right fit after such a negative experience. I’m looking for advice on whether to accept the offer or keep looking for a more supportive workplace.

I'm currently feeling overwhelmed about the future. As the sole provider for my family, including my mom, the economic challenges in Pakistan have made my responsibilities feel even heavier. The anxiety about financial stability has been keeping me up at night, and I'm constantly worried about how I will manage everything. I'm actively searching for remote work opportunities, whether they are temporary, contract, or long-term roles. My experience lies in marketing, social media, content creation, HR, recruitment, administration, and outreach. I'm open to learning new skills and willing to take on additional tasks to prove my dedication. If anyone has leads or knows of any projects that might be a good fit for me, please reach out. Even a small opportunity could make a significant difference in my life right now.

I am currently on probation at a private company where I've been experiencing a toxic work environment filled with nepotism. Unfortunately, I feel completely unsupported by HR, who I believe has been gaslighting me alongside management. The situation has taken a toll on my physical and mental health, and I’ve reached a breaking point where I cannot continue. I’ve built some good relationships with colleagues, but after discussing my concerns with HR, my manager was informed and has started gossiping about my situation, likely to cover their own tracks. I want to quit immediately and not return, and while I'm not particularly worried about burning bridges since I won’t be using them as references, I still want to handle my resignation professionally. I’m contemplating writing a detailed document outlining my reasons for leaving, as I believe it’s important to stand up for myself and ensure my perspective is known. I’d appreciate any advice on whether this is a good idea and what I should include in such a document.

I just received an incredible job offer from a public firm, and I'm ready to accept it! However, I’m feeling a bit anxious about how to resign from my current position in private accounting. This is my first professional job after school, and I even interned here before getting hired full-time. The situation is a bit complicated because my boss left about five months ago, and my new boss and I don’t seem to work well together. I've also noticed that the company is heading in a direction I’m not comfortable with, and I've been feeling overwhelmed with too much work and responsibility without the support or pay to match. I've raised these concerns to HR and my new boss multiple times, but nothing has changed. I’m excited to move on, but I want to make sure I leave on good terms. I’m unsure whether I should resign in a video call since my boss and I are in different states, or if it’s acceptable to just send an email with my resignation letter to him and HR. I’ve seen mixed opinions on this, and I want to avoid any missteps, especially since I’m not fond of my boss. I plan to give a standard two-week notice, but I’ve heard that some employers might cut off access immediately, so I need to be prepared for that. I’d appreciate any advice on the best way to handle this situation!

I recently went through a tough experience at my job. My company was acquired by a private equity firm that focuses heavily on AI automation and technology. Since then, I've felt increasingly sidelined in my role in operations. Initially, I was excited to be part of the team, but as the new leadership brought in executives from competitor companies, my responsibilities diminished. I’ve noticed my colleagues having daily meetings about training and automating processes, while I’ve been left out despite my efforts to engage and ask for opportunities. It feels like a one-way street where information flows to everyone but me. I've been cut out of client-facing meetings for the past several months, and the leadership has hinted that I may not fit in with the team, especially since I’m not a long-tenured employee. It’s disheartening because I contributed significantly to the projects that trained our automation systems, yet my role has not evolved beyond execution. I feel like I’ve gone from being valued to being invisible, which has taken a toll on my mental health. I’ve been feeling what I can only describe as quiet firing for a while now, and the pace of this change has accelerated with the shift towards AI. I haven’t taken any PTO in over a year, choosing instead to work long hours to prove my dedication, but it seems to have backfired. I realize now that my constant availability may have only made it easier for them to overlook my contributions. I’m really scared about my future. I’ve been applying for jobs for months, including roles with lower salaries, but I haven’t received any interviews. The thought of losing my health insurance is particularly frightening since I rely on expensive medications for a chronic condition. I feel trapped in this cycle of job instability and health issues, and it’s affecting my personal life as well. I’ve never had the chance to live independently or experience the milestones of adulthood due to these challenges. I feel broken and uncertain about what comes next, especially after investing so much time and effort into finding this job. It took me over 4,000 applications and years after college to land this role, and now I fear I won’t find something similar again.

I recently went through a frustrating experience with NTT Data in Philadelphia. After three rounds of interviews for a cybersecurity position, I was told I was the top candidate and that they were finalizing an offer. However, the recruiter later informed me that the CIO wanted me to interview for a different role that he believed would be a better fit. Desperate for a job, I went along with it and ended up going through two more interviews for a cloud infrastructure position, which I was thrilled about since it aligned more with my career goals. After a week, I received a call from the recruiter confirming that I was selected for the position, but that the client was still working on approvals. I felt hopeful, but in hindsight, I should have been more cautious. A week later, I got another call saying that while I was selected, the position had been postponed due to a hiring freeze. I was left in disbelief, especially after being led to believe for over a month that the job was secure. This situation has left me feeling frustrated and anxious, as I had turned down other job opportunities and contract work based on the promise of this full-time position. Now, I'm in a worse situation than before, with increased debt and no job. It's a harsh reminder that I should have waited for something in writing before making any decisions. I'm now back on the job market, looking for new opportunities.

I graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in Data Science from a top American university, and I was really optimistic about finding a job in such a growing field. However, it's now been five months since I started my job search, and I still haven't landed anything. Despite having relevant research, an internship, and a part-time job related to my field, employers keep asking for multiple years of experience, which I don’t have. Just last month, I went through four interviews with a potential employer, only to receive a generic rejection a few days later. This whole process has been incredibly discouraging and is worsening my depression. I’ve always struggled with mental health, but the constant rejection and lack of opportunities make me question if I can keep going. I’ve thought about going back to school for a master’s degree, but I fear that it would just lead me back to the same situation, only with more debt. I’m reaching out for advice on how to stay motivated during this tough time or if anyone is willing to help me with my resume. I could really use some support right now.

I've been working at my current company for about 11 years in a process/mechanical design/safety/QA role, and I'm feeling stuck when it comes to career advancement. My title is mechanical design "engineer"—I put quotes around it because I don't have a bachelor's degree. My responsibilities are extensive and include lifecycle process ownership, planning and implementing preventative maintenance for remotely operated systems in a radiation environment, and mechanical design of tooling for highly radioactive components. I also manage radioactive waste inventory, work as a SharePoint designer, and lead R&D for new technologies in hot cell environments. Additionally, I'm the subject matter expert on ASME B30.20 and BTH-1 for multiple departments and operate overhead cranes, including remotely controlled ones. Despite my diverse skill set, I'm currently earning about 15% less than others in similar roles who have fewer responsibilities. I've had multiple discussions with my manager about a compensation increase, whether through a raise or a promotion from Engineer II to III or a management role. My manager has advocated for me, but after two years of cost-of-living raises that barely surpass 2%, I'm starting to feel like I've hit a ceiling at this company. I genuinely enjoy the work environment and the work/life balance here, but I'm beginning to think that my time may be running out if I can't find a path forward. I'm looking for suggestions on how to enhance my attractiveness for other opportunities.

I moved to the US in February with my wife on L1A and L2 visas. I work in IT management, but my wife, who also has an IT background, is struggling to find a job in her desired field of skincare and beauty. Despite applying for over 5,000 positions, she hasn't received a single interview. We've tried entry-level admin jobs and even positions at Starbucks and IKEA, but still no luck. Currently, my salary is just enough to cover our bills, but we expected more from our move here. We dreamed of living in the US since childhood, but the reality of scraping by is disheartening. We thought she would find work by now, but it feels like we're at a crossroads. The job market seems tough, and while we've had her resume reviewed, it hasn't made a difference. We're determined to keep searching, but I'm starting to wonder if returning to our home country might be a better option.