Planning

After 13 months of searching for a new job, I've decided to simplify my approach even further. I'm focusing solely on LinkedIn for my job search. It's been a long and challenging journey, and I hope that concentrating my efforts on this platform will yield better results.

I had my second interview today for a position I've been really excited about. I felt well-prepared and even took some time to meditate beforehand to keep my nerves in check. The interview was conducted with several team members at once, and they hit me with rapid-fire questions, which I handled without a hitch. However, I stumbled a bit when they asked the classic question: "Why did you decide to apply for our job?" and "Why do you want to work here?" Honestly, my immediate thought was that I've been out of work for months and I desperately need a job to keep my house. I know that's not the answer they're looking for, so I tried to pivot and talk about my skills relevant to the role and how much I liked the company culture. I can't help but feel frustrated by the reality of job searching these days. It seems like we have to put on a facade just to get through these interviews. I hope my answer was satisfactory, but I can't shake the feeling that the job market has changed so much, and it feels like we're all just trying to scrape by.

Today marks my fourth month as a marketing generalist at a financial company, and I’m feeling quite disheartened. When I interviewed for this role, I was clear about my expectations and received reassuring answers about the job’s responsibilities and growth potential. Initially, I enjoyed working with my team and felt confident in my abilities. However, things took a turn after my first performance review. My manager initially praised my confidence but later shifted her tone, criticizing my work and saying I needed to improve drastically. She even warned me that any mistakes could lead to a formal conversation, which felt quite intimidating. As the weeks went by, the situation worsened. I was often yelled at for minor issues, blamed for mistakes that weren’t mine, and my emails were constantly rewritten. It felt like I was walking on eggshells, unsure of what would trigger her next outburst. My coworkers have been supportive and don’t understand why my manager is treating me this way, which adds to my confusion. I’ve always been well-regarded in my previous job, so this experience is really shaking my confidence. Today, my manager told me that while I’ve improved in some areas, she still doesn’t trust me and feels I’m not a good fit for the role. I’m meeting with her again soon to continue this conversation, and I’m hoping for a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) so I can have a clearer understanding of what’s expected of me. I’m reaching out for advice on how to handle this situation, as it genuinely feels like my manager is targeting me. It’s tough to stay motivated when I feel like I’m constantly under scrutiny.

I recently faced a challenge with my background check for a new job. My former employers from nearly a decade ago couldn't be reached for verification, which led to my case being escalated. The compliance team asked for additional documentation, so I submitted my W-2s along with a written explanation of the situation. However, I ran into a snag because the names on the W-2s don't match what I provided in my background check; they reflect the legal entity and payroll company rather than the actual business names where I worked. I'm now wondering how long the compliance review process typically takes once I submit this documentation. Also, for those experienced in recruiting or compliance, do you think W-2s and my explanation will suffice to verify my employment in this case? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently looking for work-from-home (WFH) job listings due to some medical issues that have made traditional blue-collar jobs unfeasible for me. I’m legally blind and suffer from chronic foot ulcers, which have severely limited my ability to work. My last job lasted only 8 months because I was frequently out due to my condition, and I have been unemployed since April. Unfortunately, vocational rehabilitation services haven't been helpful in my job search. I have always worked in blue-collar roles and do not have a college degree, which further narrows my options. Right now, I’m living on disability, but after paying bills, I only have about $100 left each month. I’ve started using SNAP, but it’s not enough to cover my living expenses, and I’m relying on credit cards to buy food and medications. I need to find a job soon. I’m not very familiar with how to search for WFH jobs and I’m concerned about the possibility of scams. Ideally, I would prefer not to work from home, but the high cost of transportation and poor public transit in my area makes it difficult. Using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft is costly, and I can’t afford to take on a job that would replace my SSDI income without providing enough to live on. I can only make up to $16 an hour full-time to keep my SSDI or over $20 an hour to manage without it, which complicates my job search even further. If anyone has recommendations for reputable sources or websites where I can find legitimate WFH job opportunities, I would greatly appreciate it. I just need something that allows me to earn some income without relying on my credit cards.

I'm currently on the hunt for a job in collegiate sport media, and I'm reaching out for some advice on how to navigate this challenging field. I graduated from Northwest Missouri State University, where I was part of the in-venue broadcast team, Catvision. I had a blast working there, primarily as a camera operator for football, but since then, I've found it tough to break back into college sports after working in TV news and corporate video. I've been applying to various positions but have only landed one interview, which unfortunately ended in a rejection. The automated rejection letters have been disheartening, but I'm determined to keep pushing forward. I'm particularly interested in roles similar to "Huskervision" at Nebraska or "12th Man Productions" at Texas A&M. I'm considering whether grad school might be a worthwhile option, especially since I've looked into programs at Oklahoma State, but the cost is quite high for an out-of-state student. I've also applied to schools that are looking to enhance their programs in light of changes in the sports landscape, such as USF, Utah State, and Texas State, as well as some smaller FCS schools like SDSU and the University of Northern Colorado. If anyone has tips or insights on breaking into collegiate sports media, I'd greatly appreciate it!

It's been 4 months since I was laid off from my role, and I've finally decided it's time to activate Plan B. I've been following this journey closely and want to share my experience to hopefully help someone else who might be feeling lost. After my layoff, I took a couple of weeks to regroup, especially since it coincided with my vacation. I had built up a savings cushion and received a decent severance, which has helped ease the transition. Initially, I was seeing a good response rate of about 40% to 50% for interviews, but that momentum has stalled recently. The past few weeks have been tough, with mostly silence or rejections. This has pushed me to consider alternative paths, so I registered for an EIN, opened a business checking account, and revamped my LinkedIn profile to start networking as a consultant. I’m doing this while I still have some financial stability, but I know I need to act before things get critical. I've received positive feedback on my plans for a consulting website, which I hope to launch soon. Today, I applied for a job that seemed like a perfect fit for my skills. However, I realized after submitting my application that I forgot to include a cover letter. I’ve applied to this company multiple times in the past and have had positive interactions with their recruiters, but they always seem to go with internal candidates. I think it’s silly to require cover letters, especially when many are likely AI-generated. Regardless, I'm not giving up. I’ll continue applying while also hustling to create my own opportunities. I want to remind everyone that we’re in this together, and I appreciate you all for listening.

I'm currently feeling anxious about my job security at my company, where I work in a training role. With the recent changes in leadership, it seems like they are restructuring things significantly. I've noticed that they are having us train employees overseas, and I suspect that once we complete this training, they might let us go. I'm trying to prepare for the possibility of being fired without cause in the next few months. I'm wondering what steps I should take now to ensure I'm treated fairly if that happens. Should I consider reaching out to an employment lawyer before I'm officially let go, or is it better to wait until after I receive a severance package? I want to make sure I understand my rights and what I might be entitled to in terms of severance, especially since I'm based in Canada. I've heard mixed opinions on whether it's worth contacting a lawyer at this stage, especially if the severance offered is standard. I want to be proactive, but I also don't want to jump the gun.

I’m starting a new job next Wednesday at a large company, but I haven't received the first-day logistics yet, and I'm starting to feel anxious about it. I've already signed the offer, passed the background check, completed my I-9, received onboarding materials and benefits information, been assigned an employee ID, and confirmed my start date. Earlier this week, I reached out to my manager for details like what time to start, if there are any team meetings, whether I need to prepare anything, and how my equipment will be handled. My manager responded quickly, saying they were excited to have me on the team and would confirm a few items with HR before getting back to me. Now it’s Friday afternoon, and I still haven't heard back, which is making me a bit uneasy. I sent a follow-up email today since I start in less than a week. I'm trying to figure out if this is just a normal delay in onboarding communication, a sign of a disorganized process, or something I should genuinely be worried about. Given that this is the highest-paying job I've ever had and how long I spent interviewing, I know my anxiety might be skewing my perspective. If you were in my shoes, would you be concerned or just wait until Monday for more details?

I just started a new job a week ago, but I'm already planning to leave for better offers. After a tough year trying to get back on my feet, I finally landed a job in April 2026, but got fired just three weeks in. That was a tough blow, especially since I had been laid off in April 2025. Fast forward to June 1st, I got hired on the same day as my interview, but I wasn't thrilled about the hourly pay of $27. I was desperate for work, though. Just two days later, I received two new offers: one job is 25 minutes away with a salary of $60K, and another is just 10 minutes from home at $31.50 an hour, which they later told me would be revised to a salary of around $65K. The hours are also better, from 7:30 am to 4 pm compared to my current 8 am to 5 pm shift. I feel uneasy about leaving so soon, especially since the onboarding process at my current job has been smooth, unlike the last one where I was fired. I'm planning to resign next Monday after my shift and send a resignation letter along with photos of my fob on the desk. The new job wants me to start next Thursday. I can't help but feel guilty about leaving so quickly. Am I making the right decision?

I recently faced a challenging situation with my unemployment claim in New Jersey. I separated from my employer in December 2024 due to a lack of work and was initially approved for unemployment insurance. However, just two weeks later, my claim was reviewed, and I was denied, which led to me having to pay back the benefits I received. I appealed the decision in February 2025, but I didn’t hear anything for over a year. I continued to file my weekly claims until December 2025 when my claim expired. Last week, I finally received a letter scheduling my appeal hearing for next week. I’ve gathered all the necessary evidence and submitted it according to the instructions. However, I’m facing a complication: I legally changed my name last year. I’ve searched the unemployment website for information on how to update my name but couldn’t find anything. I’ve also tried calling multiple times, but the calls just hang up after a long wait. I haven’t registered to confirm my hearing date yet because I’m unsure whether to use my old name or my new legal name on the forms. I want to make sure I don’t complicate my case or get accused of fraud. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has dealt with a similar situation or has any advice on how to proceed.

I'm currently in a tough situation with my job at a Canadian company that recently opened a location in California. It seems like I'm about to get laid off, as I've been tasked with closing up shop while everyone else in California has already been let go. They haven't communicated anything directly to me, which is frustrating. I'm just following orders to ship items back, but it's clear that they're shutting down operations here. I'm worried about my final paycheck and the four weeks of unpaid PTO that I'm owed. As I prepare to send off the last shipment, I'm anxious that once it's gone, they might decide not to pay me for my last hours worked or my PTO. I've noticed that this company has a tendency to bend the rules, and since they won't have a presence in the US anymore, I'm concerned they might ignore their legal obligations. I feel like I have no clear path to pursue them for what I'm owed if they decide to withhold payment. I’ve considered the possibility of going public with my experience to pressure them into paying, but I’d rather avoid that route if possible. This PTO was a significant part of my salary negotiations, and not receiving it would have a major impact on my finances. I'm just trying to figure out what steps I can take to protect myself in this situation.

I have a job interview scheduled for Monday, and I'm currently employed. I took time off last Tuesday, pretending it was for a doctor's appointment, so I can't use that excuse again. My workplace is closed from Friday to Sunday, which complicates things. I'm considering whether to call in sick or text my boss over the weekend to request Monday off for personal reasons. I'm seeking advice on the best approach to handle this situation.

I've been on a challenging job search lately, specifically looking for opportunities in insect care and management. I have two years of hands-on experience caring for various invertebrates like isopods, millipedes, springtails, and even a mantis. Unfortunately, my current role as a cashier doesn't allow me to utilize my passion for these creatures. I've been searching for months but feel like I'm running out of options and places to apply. I'm really hoping to find a position that aligns with my interests and skills, rather than giving up on this dream. If anyone has suggestions for potential job openings or organizations that might be hiring in this niche field, I would greatly appreciate the help!

I recently filed for unemployment insurance in Illinois and was accepted. I've been actively searching for jobs through Illinois Job Link for a couple of weeks now. My bi-weekly certification is due on Wednesdays. After waiting through the initial grace week, I certified the following Wednesday and received my first payment that Friday, which was a relief. However, I noticed that I haven't received my payment this week, and it's been 8 days since the last deposit. I've been logging in every other day to apply for jobs, so I was expecting my usual payment. I checked my direct deposit information and everything seems fine. I also confirmed that I didn't miss any certification deadlines, as my next one isn't due until next week. I received a notice stating that my weekly payment amount is set, so I should be getting paid weekly while certifying bi-weekly. I'm unsure if this is just a delay or if there's an issue I need to address. Since this is my first experience with unemployment benefits, I'm feeling a bit lost on where to look for potential errors or what steps to take next.

I was laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a mid-sized tech company two months ago. Since then, I've been actively searching for new opportunities but haven't had much luck. I've applied to numerous jobs and tailored my resume for each one, yet I feel like I'm missing something in my approach. I'm reaching out to seek advice on how to improve my job search strategy. Any insights on what I might be overlooking or tips on how to stand out in this competitive job market would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently seeking a job out of state, specifically looking to relocate from Massachusetts to Illinois. My background is in retail management, and I have strong references that I can provide. I'm very motivated to leave my current employer on good terms and am ready to start a new position almost immediately. However, I've been facing challenges as I haven't heard back from most of the places I've applied to, despite mentioning my intention to relocate in my resume. I'm considering whether I should take the initiative to call the companies I've applied to or if I should just wait and hope for an interview invitation. Any advice on additional steps I could take would be greatly appreciated.

Today I had a difficult conversation with my boss at my current job. I've been struggling with my mental health, particularly with BPD and ADHD, and it reached a point where I was partially institutionalized due to the stress and pressure from work. After seeking help from my psychologist, I made the decision to prioritize my mental well-being and accepted a new job offer from a previous employer. They were flexible and allowed me to start next Monday, which gives me some time to transition my responsibilities. When I called my boss to inform him of my decision to quit on Wednesday, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Initially, he seemed understanding when I mentioned my mental health improvements, but once I stated my intention to leave, he became quite defensive. He warned me that my new employer would see my quick departure as a red flag and suggested that I should provide a two-week or even a month's notice. He emphasized that my current position is not comparable to a fast food job where quitting is easy, and while he claimed it wasn't a threat, it felt like a strong suggestion to reconsider my decision. Despite his concerns, I know I can't stay another day in this environment. I appreciate his initial understanding, but I must prioritize my health and well-being.

I recently received a shocking notice from the unemployment office claiming that I was overpaid by $3500 and that I made over six figures last year. This is completely false. A few weeks before the fall semester started, I was laid off from my full-time job, but I was still working part-time as a server at a burger joint on weekends and occasionally during the week. I was eligible for unemployment benefits and was claiming between $250 and $350 a week, which was barely enough to get by. In December, I managed to secure a full-time job while still attending classes, so I stopped claiming benefits. Now, out of nowhere, I get this notice stating that my average earnings for about 12 weeks were $2200 a week, with the highest week being $3400. If that were true, I would be earning over $100,000 a year, which is a total joke because I don’t even come close to that amount. My biweekly paychecks are nowhere near those figures, and as a server making $2.13 an hour, my actual earnings after taxes are minimal. I was lucky to make $400 a week at my part-time job. I'm really stressed out because they are saying I owe this money and could face jail time! I have all my pay stubs as proof, but I’m unsure how to proceed. They suggested I call, but I’m not sure what to expect or what I should prepare for. Has anyone else gone through something similar?

I was recently let go from my position at a drug testing lab where I worked for two and a half years. Unfortunately, my health issues have been a constant struggle, causing me to miss work occasionally, despite always notifying my employer and providing doctor's notes. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and Endometriosis, which has led to two surgeries and a miscarriage that required hospitalization. After returning from a paid leave, I was placed on probation, and just yesterday, I was informed that my position was terminated. Now, I'm feeling lost and overwhelmed, especially with the job market being so tough. I don't have a degree, and I'm concerned about my ability to find a role that aligns with my passions. I'm reaching out for advice from anyone who has faced similar challenges, particularly those who have navigated job searches while dealing with mental and physical health issues. Is it possible to find a job where I can truly thrive? I would appreciate any tips or insights you might have. On the financial side, I've set up unemployment benefits and food stamps, so I'm okay for now, but I need guidance on the next steps.