Planning

I’m starting a new job next week after being laid off a few months ago, and I’m feeling both excited and a bit anxious. This role is a significant step up in my career, and it’s a brand new position for me. Since I’m not entirely sure what to expect in terms of training and onboarding, I’m reaching out for advice on how to make the most of this experience. I want to ensure I’m aligned with performance expectations and understand how the company operates. I’ve been advised to focus on ‘managing up’ and improving my people skills, as I’ll be navigating a new team dynamic. Any tips on how to onboard effectively would be greatly appreciated!

I recently received a referral for a position at a tech company where I applied for a software engineering role. It's been a couple of weeks since my application was submitted, and despite the referral, I haven't heard anything back about an interview. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the situation, as I thought having a referral would increase my chances of getting an interview. I'm considering following up with the person who referred me to see if they have any insights or if I should reach out to the hiring manager directly.

I recently learned that Workday is planning layoffs at the management level as part of a restructuring effort. The goal seems to be to streamline their product and technology teams by reducing the number of managers, which they believe will help improve efficiency and speed up processes globally. It's not public yet, but there's a lot of speculation about whether this will lead to more off-shore work or if management positions in the US will be cut. I'm keeping an eye on this situation as it develops.

I'm currently in a tough spot as I prepare for heart surgery, which is scheduled soon. At just 18, I've been searching for a job for over a year, focusing on minimum wage positions like fast food or childcare, but I've had no luck. I graduated high school and had to postpone college due to my financial situation, which has been really hard on me. With the upcoming surgery, I'll be in the hospital for about a week, and then I won't be able to lift anything for 6-8 weeks. This means I can't do jobs like DoorDash or Uber, especially since I don't have a car. The jobs I've been applying for now seem impossible to pursue because I won't be available during peak times like the holidays. I'm worried about how this surgery will impact my family's finances and my future. I want to stay productive and find a way to make some money during my recovery, but I'm unsure about my options. I know remote work is often degree-specific, and I don't have one, so I'm hesitant to even try. I'm feeling lost and would appreciate any advice on finding remote gig work or any other options that might be available for someone in my situation. What would you do if you were me?

I recently joined NTT Data just a couple of weeks ago, excited about my new role. However, I was informed that the position I was hired for no longer exists. They are now asking me to resign without any severance or notice period pay, which has left me feeling uncertain about my next steps. I've attempted to reach out to my previous employer for assistance, but I'm not receiving a proper response. It's frustrating to be in this situation, especially since it feels like they want me to resign to avoid any unemployment liabilities. I'm considering my options, but I know I shouldn't quit voluntarily. I need to make sure they officially terminate my employment so I can file for unemployment benefits.

I recently started a new job that I was really excited about, but things took a turn for the worse after just one day. Last week, I had an interview for a position that involved mostly computer work and direct customer interaction. The hiring manager seemed thrilled with my performance and even offered me the job on the spot. However, when I showed up for my first day, she called me into her office and informed me that my role had been changed completely. Instead of the office work I was promised, I was now expected to do physical labor outdoors. To make matters worse, she altered my schedule right in front of me, assigning me shifts on my supposed days off without asking for my input. I was taken aback and didn’t know how to respond at that moment. I went through the training for this new position, which is much more demanding than I anticipated, and I’ve never had a job that required such physical effort before. My partner thinks I should quit, but I feel a strong urge to give it a fair chance. Quitting after just two days feels shameful to me. I’m really torn about what to do next.

I just received an interview offer for a barista position at Dutch Bros, but I recently accepted a job as a server at Olive Garden. I'm 18 and have been job hunting for a while. I got hired at Olive Garden and my orientation is scheduled for next week. However, I was really hoping to work at Dutch Bros first, so I'm feeling a bit down about the situation. I'm not planning to cancel my Olive Garden offer just yet, but I'm torn about whether to decline the interview with Dutch Bros. I'm wondering if there are any pros and cons between being a server and a barista that I should consider before making a decision.

Today, I was laid off from my job at a small US-based PR agency, and it hit me completely out of nowhere. I had a call with my manager at 11 AM, and she informed me that the company is facing serious financial issues, which led to this decision. It's a tight-knit team of around 40 people, and I honestly never expected this to happen, especially after just having a meeting last Friday where we discussed upcoming work and I was assigned new tasks. I’m still in shock and trying to process everything. Although I had other sources of income, losing this job is still a significant blow. I didn’t live for this job, but it was a good chunk of my earnings. I’m Brazilian and was working remotely, so I know that there won’t be any legal benefits for me here. I’m unsure of what to do next and just sitting here trying to wrap my head around it all. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has had a similar experience, especially when everything seemed fine before the layoff. How did you cope? How long did it take for you to process it? I’ve read some advice about filing for unemployment benefits and updating my resume, but right now, I’m just trying to breathe and figure out my next steps.

Today, I reflected on my job search journey as a 27-year-old with a bachelor's degree in library science but very little work experience. Growing up with ADHD and autism, I wasn't encouraged to seek employment, which has left me feeling lost now that I want to start my career. My work history includes just a week at a kindergarten, a month as a library intern, another month at a clothing store, and nearly three months at a cafe. I've been applying to jobs, but it seems like I'm either overqualified or not qualified enough. Libraries and bookstores often overlook my applications due to my lack of specific experience in the field, and it's disheartening. I feel like I've failed at life and I'm unsure how to move forward. I've received some advice from others, like removing my degree from my resume for jobs that don't require it, or considering volunteering at a library to gain relevant experience. Networking seems to be a crucial part of this process, and I plan to engage with professionals in my field on LinkedIn and explore community groups. I never anticipated how challenging this would be, and I’m contemplating temp jobs or even going back to school for a secondary degree in document management to enhance my prospects. It’s frustrating, but I’m determined to find a way to build my resume and get my foot in the door.

I lost my job in August and filed for unemployment in Massachusetts. I was accepted and completed my waiting week, but since September 5, my claim has been pending. It says it's waiting on information from my ex-employer. I've accumulated about four weeks of unemployment benefits, but I'm starting to worry since I'm close to securing another job. I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to expedite this process or if I should just wait it out.

I started a new job earlier this year in an adjacent field, leveraging skills from my previous experience. I quickly progressed, completing my goals during the first half of my probation period. My manager has been very supportive, emphasizing that I should develop my career here rather than look for opportunities elsewhere. This role is entry-level, but I had some relevant experience coming in. Recently, I was asked to take on tasks beyond my current role, and while I set boundaries about not wanting to do these tasks regularly without a promotion, I find myself still handling higher-grade responsibilities. I was told that promotions are rare and usually happen only when someone leaves, but I was reassured that if a position opened up, it would be advertised internally to give me a better chance. Now, a staff member at the higher grade has left, and my line manager encouraged me to apply for the position. I expressed my interest to the senior manager and asked about the internal advertisement they had previously mentioned. Unfortunately, I learned that their higher-ups refused to advertise the role internally, meaning I have to compete with external candidates. While my managers are trying to find ways to support my application, I'm feeling anxious about the competition. I really enjoy working here, but I can't shake the feeling that I might have been misled about my chances for advancement. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. Should I consider moving on from this company?

I'm currently feeling stuck in my small town, where job opportunities are virtually nonexistent. The nearest towns with potential jobs are too far for me to commute, which limits my options significantly. I'm considering relocating to find better work prospects, but I'm facing a financial barrier as I have no money left to make that move. I'm really unsure about my next steps and feeling quite overwhelmed by the situation.

I recently started a new job as a project manager at a tech company after leaving a toxic work environment. Unfortunately, it feels like I jumped from the frying pan into the fire. My supervisor is extremely controlling, micromanaging everything we do, even down to reviewing our emails. I didn't even interview with her, as I was moved to this team after accepting the offer, which was a huge red flag I ignored at the time. Since starting in July, I've realized that the productivity expectations are unrealistically high, making it difficult to take even short breaks. With over 20 years of experience, I find it frustrating to be treated like I need constant supervision. I'm already feeling the urge to start looking for another job, but I’m torn about whether I should stick it out for a year to avoid a gap on my resume. Should I just start applying now or wait it out? I really need to figure out my next steps.

I was recently laid off and have been searching for a new job since June. My goal is to apply to 10 jobs each week, but despite my efforts to network on LinkedIn and attend job fairs, I haven't received any responses. I'm currently targeting director roles, but I'm starting to feel the pressure of financial hardship and the reality of the job market. I've heard from others who have been in similar situations, and many suggest that I need to increase my applications and consider lower-level positions if I want to see any progress. It's discouraging to think that being out of work for a few months might affect my chances, but I’m trying to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

I started a new remote job about six months ago after years of working in an office, even throughout COVID. While I appreciate the lack of coworker drama and enjoy the work itself, I've been struggling with some of the company's policies. They only offer one week of accrued paid vacation and unlimited unpaid vacation, which is tough since I can't afford to take unpaid time off. Additionally, I don’t get paid for holidays or the time I spend sending updates on my tasks, which can take a significant amount of time each day. I was told I had a flexible schedule during the interview, but I've had to establish specific hours and inform them of any changes, no matter how minor. Despite my compliance, I often don’t receive any acknowledgment of my schedule updates. Because of the unpaid breaks and the time I spend on updates, I find myself working an extra 1-3 hours daily without pay, which makes it hard to plan after-work activities. The training materials are great, and I've received good one-on-one training, but there seems to be an expectation that I should perform complex tasks perfectly right away, despite being new. I feel like I'm making progress, but I mostly receive negative feedback on what I haven't done perfectly, which is quite discouraging. I signed a lease in a more affordable area after starting this job, but now I feel stuck because there are limited opportunities in my field nearby, and commuting to the city would take 1-1.5 hours each way. The job market in the city seems to be dominated by outdated attitudes, making it hard for someone like me to find a better fit. I just need to hold on for a year until I can reassess my situation and hopefully move out of state.

I recently found myself navigating the complexities of job searching while managing my unemployment benefits. Currently, I'm receiving unemployment based on my part-time income, and I have a few interviews lined up. However, I've just learned that I need a medical procedure scheduled for mid-November, which will require me to take several days off over two non-consecutive weeks. To complicate matters further, I am also facing major surgery in February 2027 that will necessitate six weeks off work. I'm unsure about how to approach this topic during my interviews and whether I should stop my unemployment benefits now. I want to be transparent with potential employers, but I also don't want to jeopardize my chances of securing a job. It's a tough balancing act, and I'm trying to figure out the best course of action.

I just got laid off from my position as a Graphic Designer. Unfortunately, I was still in my probation period, and the Managing Director decided to let me go as soon as possible. It's a tough situation, and I'm feeling pretty down about it. I remember someone mentioning that the probation period can be brutal, and I guess I experienced that firsthand. I'm planning to take a couple of days to decompress before I start sending out applications. I've heard the design market is a bit unpredictable right now, but I'm hopeful that something will come up.

I recently found myself in a tough spot after leaving my job at a local marketing firm where I worked as a junior analyst. I quit after just two weeks, thinking it wasn't the right fit for me, but now I'm regretting that decision. I left on good terms, so I'm considering reaching out to see if they might take me back. I've been reading mixed opinions on whether it's a good idea to ask for my old job back, and it seems like some people think I should just swallow my pride and go for it since I didn't burn any bridges. Others suggest I wait a few months before making a move, as returning too soon might raise eyebrows about my commitment. I really liked the team and the work, so I'm torn about what to do next.

I recently lost my job in the dental field after a decade of working 40-60 hour weeks, and honestly, I feel relieved. At almost 28, I've been in a career that I never enjoyed, forced into it by my parents when I was 17. The past ten years have been filled with verbal and physical abuse from patients, constant negativity, and a lack of benefits or overtime pay. I moved back home after being laid off two months ago, and I've mostly been sleeping and hitting the gym to recover from the burnout that has plagued me since my teenage years. Despite achieving financial success, I’ve been miserable and exhausted for so long that it feels like no one truly understands my struggles. The only time I felt somewhat alive was during the month off I had during COVID, where I lost weight, picked up hobbies, and reconnected with old friends. Now, I know I need to get back to work or consider going back to school, but nothing sounds appealing. I’m considering a career change, possibly into hairdressing as a curly hair specialist or personal training. My dad suggests water treatment engineering, but I want to pursue something that genuinely interests me this time. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has dealt with similar burnout and how they found their way back to what they enjoy.

I recently interviewed for a job (Job A) and received an offer just a few hours later. However, the pay was on the lower side for a new grad, so I asked for a few days to think it over. They wanted a quick response, and after emailing them some questions, I didn't hear back. I followed up with a text, and they promised to get back to me the next morning, but as the day ended, I still hadn't received a call. In the meantime, I got a call from another company (Job B) where I had interviewed. They mentioned I would hear back in a few days, and I suspect I might need to interview again since it's a different location, but still the same company. The pay for Job B is about $4 more per hour, plus they offer a 9-day fortnight, which I would prefer. Now, I'm wondering if it's acceptable to accept the offer from Job A if they respond, and then back out if Job B makes an offer. Also, when should I stop anxiously checking my phone for a call? I'm new to this job search process and could really use some guidance.