Planning

I've been working at my current company for the last three years, but in May, we were informed that we would be closing in six months due to a larger manufacturing firm acquiring us. Since then, I've been actively applying for jobs and only managed to secure one interview, which I didn't do well in because I asked about salary too early. Recently, I had a promising onsite interview with an aerospace manufacturing contractor that led to a verbal offer. However, I've hit a couple of snags. First, I applied for a tech position that offered a higher salary, but they downgraded me from intermediate to junior tech because I haven't completed my associate's degree in chemical engineering yet (I have two semesters left) and I only have three years of experience. The lower pay grade they offered was still within my desired range, but when I received the verbal offer, they only increased my salary by $2,000 annually compared to my current pay. When I inquired about negotiating the salary, HR informed me that it wasn't possible since I didn't meet the requirements for the higher tier, although they assured me I'd be earning more than their junior employees. I haven't signed anything yet; it was just a verbal agreement, and they mentioned sending the written offer in a couple of days. To complicate matters, I have another interview lined up for next Tuesday with a different firm that manufactures electrical devices for the government, and they typically offer a higher pay range than what I'm currently making. I'm in a tough spot because the verbal offer I received requires me to sign by Friday, but I'm hesitant to accept a lateral move with minimal pay increase when I have another opportunity on the horizon. Additionally, the retention bonus from my current job is quite low, barely covering one month's expenses, which is why I'm not inclined to wait for the layoff. I'm trying to figure out the best course of action here.

I recently got hired at a small skincare company in a digital marketing role after being laid off last November. My main responsibilities include managing email marketing and social media. The team is small, with only about 10 employees, and I'm really enjoying the work environment. The pay is great, and my coworkers are supportive. Plus, I have a personal interest in skincare, making this job feel like a dream come true. In just two months, I've already been asked about attending conferences and designing marketing materials, which is exciting. I would love to grow within the company and eventually move into a head of marketing position. I'm looking for advice on how to make a strong impression on my boss and set myself up for advancement. I plan to take on more marketing responsibilities to help the company grow and demonstrate my commitment.

I left my job in October last year due to burnout and decided to take a break. In March, I started a freelance gig on an AI training platform that promised hourly pay. The work involved correcting AI outputs, which was tedious and frustrating. The site often experienced outages, and they reduced my pay from $20 to $16 per hour after I signed up. After about ten hours of work, I realized I was better off on welfare and quit. Now, I'm contemplating whether it would be okay to say I'm still freelancing on my resume to avoid a significant employment gap. I'm not claiming any skills I don't have, and since the work is automated, there’s no manager to verify it. However, I'm worried about the potential consequences if this comes back to haunt me during a background check. I’ve read mixed opinions about this, with some suggesting that fibbing on a resume is common but can lead to serious issues if an employer finds out. I just want to bridge the gap without risking my chances of getting hired.

I'm currently navigating my job search and have a question about applying for roles. I've been interested in a position at a biopharmaceutical company that I had been in contact with through a recruitment agency a couple of months ago. At that time, the roles weren't listed on the company's website, so going through the agency seemed like the best option. However, I've recently noticed that these positions are now available directly on the company's site. The roles from the recruitment agency are full-time 6-month contracts, but they pay about $2.50 less per hour than the direct positions. I've been receiving calls from the agency about these roles, and I see that some of my classmates have successfully landed positions through them recently. I'm leaning towards applying directly on the company's website since it seems like the obvious choice, but I'm curious if there could be any advantages to sticking with the recruitment agency. Would applying through them potentially increase my chances of getting an interview? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently received two job offers and I'm trying to make a decision. Offer A comes with a base salary that is $25k higher than Offer B, but it has some drawbacks. The bonus structure seems unreliable, the medical costs are higher, and the position is fully onsite. I've also noticed some concerning Glassdoor reviews, particularly regarding management, and I don't have a great feeling about the team or company culture. They've been trying to fill this role for quite some time, which raises some red flags for me. On the other hand, Offer B has a lower base salary, but it offers great benefits, a hybrid work model, and a positive vibe about the team and role. They even mentioned front-loading PTO, which would allow me to take an upcoming vacation without worrying about accruing time off. While the $25k difference is significant, my gut instinct leans towards Offer B due to the better work-life balance and overall feeling about the job. I’m considering reaching out to Offer B to see if they can match or come closer to Offer A's salary. However, I’m also aware that commuting costs and higher health expenses can quickly eat into that extra $25k, making it less appealing. I'm trying to weigh the long-term implications of each offer and choose the best option for my current situation.

I recently faced a frustrating situation with my employer, who is the founder of a small marketing firm. I started working with her as a part-time contractor about six months ago, with the understanding that I would eventually transition to a full-time role. Last month, she offered me that full-time position, which I was excited about. However, when I submitted my full-time invoice, she called me to discuss my hours and informed me that she wanted to revert to 25 hours per week instead. She even shelved a senior-level position she was hiring for due to cost concerns. This unexpected change left me feeling betrayed, especially since I had plans to move to a new place that I can no longer afford without a full-time income. I’m unsure how to express my frustration to her professionally, but I’ve already started applying for other jobs as a backup. It's disheartening to see someone I’ve helped grow a business with go back on their word.

I recently applied for a position at Sonic in Virginia, which is my first job application ever. I was a bit taken aback when I saw they asked for my Social Security Number on the application. I started to feel nervous and wondered if this was a scam, especially since they were using a platform called Olivia.paradox.ai. I reached out to the community for advice, and some people suggested that if I applied through the official Sonic careers page, it should be legitimate. However, I was also warned against giving out my SSN at this stage, as it felt too early in the process. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to proceed.

I’ve been feeling really burnt out at my current job for the past six months and have decided that I need to make a change. The company culture and office politics have been overwhelming, and I often feel unsupported by my manager, who makes backhanded comments instead of offering real help. The lack of training I received at the start has left me struggling to keep up with my workload, and I find myself involved in more departments than necessary, which adds to my stress. I’ve been trying to utilize my benefits while I look for a new direction, but I’m hesitant to stay longer just to gain external training that may not even help me in the long run. I’m considering picking up a random job, possibly in general labor or something with night shifts, just to give myself some breathing room and recover from this burnout. I’m curious if anyone has taken this route before and if it was a good strategy for them. I’m worried about the toll it might take on my body and whether it would hinder my career growth or salary in the future. Should I expect to receive lower offers if I take a step back now? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I currently work at Company A, where I'm sourced to Company B. My group lead at Company A is new and doesn't have much influence, so I'm considering asking my boss at Company B for a reference for a job opening there. It's common for people to transition from Company A to B, which contributes to high turnover at A. My boss at B has been instrumental in setting up a long-standing system that will soon be phased out, and I've been trained by one of the original employees for this task. There's a job opening at Company B that aligns with my skills and offers the chance to move to a different state, which I'm very interested in. I've already submitted my application, but I want to maximize my chances. I'm planning to research the organization to find out more about the position and show my interest. My concern is whether it would be appropriate to ask my boss at Company B for a recommendation, especially since she doesn't know I'm looking for other jobs. I worry it might come off as desperate or that it won't carry much weight in such a large company. I also want to avoid any awkwardness at work if I don’t get the position, as I know it could take a while to find a new job. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation!

I’m writing this entry to document my sister’s ongoing struggles at her job. She’s been working from home for a virtual call center that handles government contracts for about a year and a half now. Over the past six months, the work environment has become increasingly toxic, primarily due to her manager, Rick, who seems to be bullying her out of her position. The training she received when she started was subpar, with much of the material being outdated. She went eight months without encountering a specific type of call that was covered in her training, and when those calls finally came in, she felt completely unprepared. Despite taking thorough notes, she struggled because she had never actually practiced handling those calls. When she reached out for help, the response was dismissive, stating that the information was already covered in training. Her original supervisor did provide some assistance, but after going on leave, the interim supervisor requested additional training for her, which Rick denied. I even attended a meeting with Rick where he condescended to her, implying she wasn’t worth the investment of additional resources for training and suggested she consider if she truly belongs in the role. Since that meeting, things have only worsened. Although her original supervisor has returned and tries to help, the workload has become overwhelming, and I can hear her crying and having panic attacks from across the room. To make matters worse, her breaks were reduced from 15 minutes to 10, and her performance is being monitored more closely than ever. Recently, she faced a critical issue regarding her eye condition, which requires regular check-ups. She submitted a request for PTO for an upcoming appointment, but Rick denied it, citing staffing concerns. I suggested she go to the appointment anyway and provide HR with a doctor’s note afterward, but she’s terrified that this could lead to her termination. She’s been job hunting, but the offers she’s received are significantly lower than her current salary, leaving her feeling trapped. I’m trying to help her figure out her options, including how to navigate the company hierarchy to find someone above Rick, whether contacting corporate would be effective or lead to retaliation, and if HR might be a viable resource despite their typical role in protecting the company. I’m just heartbroken watching her struggle like this.

I've been actively searching for a part-time job as a carer, but I'm struggling to find opportunities. I've applied to several positions, but haven't had much luck so far. I'm hoping to connect with others who might have tips or leads on available roles in this field.

I recently graduated with a Master of Mass Communications and am currently working in a legal setting. However, I'm eager to transition into a customer success role. While my background is primarily legal, I've gained valuable transferable skills from interacting with clients and providing excellent customer service. I often receive compliments for my ability to help clients navigate complex legal terminology. I'm passionate about helping people and believe that if I could just land an interview, my personality would shine through. I'm seeking advice on how to break into the customer success field despite lacking direct experience. Additionally, I'm considering including past customer-facing roles, like cashier and sales associate, on my resume. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently focusing my job search on specific nonprofit organizations that align with my values and career goals. I've been researching various nonprofits in my area and identifying those that are making a significant impact in the community. My aim is to tailor my applications to highlight my skills and experiences that would be most relevant to their missions. I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to meaningful work and making a difference through my next role.

I was an air traffic controller for over a decade, but I’ve recently been medically disqualified due to unsatisfactory eyesight. This has been a tough transition for me, as I now need to pivot my career and start fresh in the private sector. I hold a bachelor's degree in communications and want to stay within the transportation industry. I'm exploring roles like transportation analyst or logistics analyst, as I believe my skills in making critical decisions under pressure and understanding workflow priorities could be valuable. I'm seeking advice on what specific positions to look into and how to leverage my experience in this new direction.

I recently parted ways with my employer and filed for unemployment benefits. After a month, I had my fact-finding interview and was approved. However, I had a second job at a cafe from February to May, and I lost my main job at a restaurant in July after five years. I thought my unemployment claim only involved my last employer, but now my past employer from the cafe has filed an appeal against my benefits. They claim they submitted their paperwork on time, but I was informed that they filed it too late. I don’t understand why they’re involved since they weren’t my last employer, and now I’m facing the possibility of having to pay back my benefits. This is really concerning because I relied on that money for bills, especially since my boyfriend was supporting me during the waiting period. I just started a new job this week, so I won’t be receiving any more unemployment benefits. To complicate matters, I was fired from the cafe over text without any prior warnings. The reason given was lateness, which was never discussed with me until after I was let go. There was a misunderstanding regarding my absence due to being sick, and although I continued working there for over a month after that incident, I was still blindsided by my termination. I’m hoping that the lack of official warnings about my job performance will help my case in keeping my unemployment benefits. I don’t understand how a previous employer can affect my claim when I filed after separating from my last job due to an injury. I’ve been cleared to work light duty, but there were no accommodations available for my injury at my last job. I just want to make it clear that I’m not trying to take advantage of the system. I simply filed for unemployment after losing my job unexpectedly due to my injury. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this appeal process and what I can say to clarify my situation.

I recently got laid off from my accounting job, and honestly, I'm feeling pretty lost right now. I've been in this field for years, and at 32, I realize I've never truly enjoyed it. I just tolerated the 9-5 grind, but it has drained me for so long that I feel like I've been living on autopilot. Being in a role that doesn't resonate with me has made me feel trapped. Now that I'm on my own financially, I feel the pressure to go back to accounting just to make ends meet, especially considering the current economic situation here in Québec. It's frustrating because I've been wanting to make a significant change in my life—not just find another job but pursue something that truly makes me feel alive. However, I'm at a loss for what direction to take. I have so many questions swirling in my mind: How do I figure out what I want when I feel so uncertain? How can I manage the financial pressure while trying to pivot careers? Has anyone successfully left a stable but unfulfilling job for something better? And how do I even start exploring new paths when everything feels so overwhelming? I've been journaling a lot about my feelings and what brings me joy, but I still can't seem to find any clear answers. I'm reaching out for some perspective and advice from anyone who has been through a similar situation.

I recently applied for several administrative positions on Indeed, and yesterday I received an email from a construction company asking if I was still interested in a role. I replied affirmatively. However, today I received a follow-up email that seemed unusual and raised my suspicions about whether this could be a scam. The email addressed me simply as "Applicant," which felt off, as I expected a more personal touch. I’m feeling quite nervous about the legitimacy of this opportunity. I plan to call the company to confirm if this is a real job offer.

I was recently furloughed from my job and faced a frustrating situation where my employer effectively initiated a job abandonment without any communication about my layoff. After a month of silence post-furlough, I’m now in the process of filing for unemployment benefits. On top of that, I'm outraged that the unemployment laws in my area haven't changed since 2005. The minimum and maximum benefit amounts have remained stagnant for 21 years, which feels unacceptable, especially considering the challenges many families face, including those with dependents who have disabilities. I’m considering starting a petition and organizing protests to urge the governor to take action and change these outdated laws. I really want to know if anyone has had success in advocating for changes in their state’s unemployment system. It's disheartening to see how little progress has been made, and I feel like we need to fight for better support for those who are struggling.

I graduated with a Computer Science degree this past May, but I'm struggling to find a job in my field. I had an internship that didn't lead to a return offer, and now I'm working at an IT company where my dad is a VP. While I have the same responsibilities as my colleagues, it feels more like I'm just filling a spot rather than being a valued employee. I'm earning $15 an hour full-time with no benefits, and although there's talk of potential upward mobility, I can't shake the feeling that this might be a dead end for me. I've thought about joining the military, but that's a last resort. I'm really unsure about my next steps and whether I should be applying to other jobs.

I just found out that E. W. Scripps Company is laying off a significant number of employees this week. I've been hearing from various sources that the layoffs are happening across several local television stations as the company is finalizing some transactions and implementing new automated systems in their news production. Executives have been holding meetings with staff in newsroom, creative services, and sales to discuss these changes, and it seems like they are wrapping up those meetings this week. One of the main topics has been the integration of more automated systems, including some AI technologies, which is leading to the consolidation of production roles. I’ve heard that some stations in Nebraska and Oklahoma are among those affected, but there’s no clear information yet on how many positions will be eliminated or which specific roles are impacted. Layoff notifications are expected to start going out tomorrow. I’m anxious to see how this unfolds.