Planning

I’m currently seeking my first job opportunity in the tech/business sector after completing my Master’s degree nearly two years ago. Originally from India, I moved to the USA and have been actively applying for entry-level positions since then. Despite having relevant skills and continuously improving myself, I’ve faced significant challenges in my job search, including a lot of ghosting after interviews where I felt confident about my performance. It’s been exhausting and discouraging, but I’m determined to keep going. I’m reaching out to the community for help with a few things: - Referrals or leads for entry-level roles - Feedback on my resume or LinkedIn profile - Advice on how to enhance my job search strategy - Connections with recruiters or hiring managers - Any other insights based on your experiences would be greatly appreciated. I’m ready to put in the effort to learn and grow; I just need a chance to prove myself. If anyone knows of openings or can connect me with someone in the industry, I would be incredibly grateful.

I work as a per diem medical assistant at a hospital, typically clocking in around 16 hours a week, but I recently increased my hours to 24. Today, I learned that my boss is looking to hire another medical assistant for a full-time position, which has me feeling anxious. I can't help but wonder if this means I might be secretly replaced or even terminated. I've consistently received positive feedback from both my colleagues and patients, so I'm confused about the situation. I'm considering starting to look for other job opportunities just in case.

I recently applied for a coffee job at a small brand that is opening a new location. The original store is 28 miles away from where I live, and I was invited for an interview at that location. The interview is set to last for two hours, which they described as a vibe check involving activities and games to get to know each other, but it’s still just part of the interview process. This feels quite unusual to me. The commute takes about an hour each way, so I'm looking at a total of four hours out of my day for an unpaid interview. On top of that, I'm concerned about the gas costs, as filling up my tank is around $80. I understand the job market is tough right now, but this situation seems quite extreme. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing.

I was laid off in March 2026 and I'm urgently searching for a job. I have an MBA and over 8 years of experience in B2B sales. Since my layoff, I've applied to more than 550 jobs and have gone through 20+ interviews, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck yet. This has been a really tough time for me, and I'm reaching out for support. If anyone has openings or can provide referrals, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

I received a call today asking me to come in tomorrow at a specific time, but the person on the other end didn't clarify if it was for an interview or something else. I agreed to show up, but now I'm second-guessing what I should wear since I didn't think to ask. I'm 17 and have been applying to over 40 jobs, so this is the first response I've gotten back. I have a pair of nice fitting black/grey jeans, several plain t-shirts, a few dress shirts in black and maroon, and some black slacks. I'm torn between going casual or formal. Also, I have some face piercings and I'm wondering if I should hide them or just let them be and address it when I get there. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the whole situation and could use some advice on how to present myself.

I have an interview tomorrow morning for a position at a company where the format is quite unusual. It's scheduled for an hour and a half, and the first hour is dedicated to creating a PowerPoint presentation based on a prompt they provide. After that, I will present my slides and answer questions for the remainder of the time. This is my second interview with them; the first one involved taking a personality test on their computer. I find the whole process a bit bizarre since I haven't had a real conversation with anyone from the company yet. However, I'm eager to leave my current job, so I'm willing to tackle this challenge head-on.

I recently received a tough performance review at my job, which has left me feeling pretty shaken. The feedback highlighted some recurring mistakes and issues that I should have caught, and while I recognize that some of it is valid, it was alarming to see how these concerns had built up over time. I had previously received individual feedback, but I didn't realize it had escalated to a larger issue regarding my overall performance until it was all laid out in the review. I'm currently in the process of having follow-up discussions with my manager and other leaders to gain a clearer understanding of the concerns and what is expected of me moving forward. However, this experience has really impacted my confidence and morale. I genuinely want to improve and am committed to putting in the effort, but I'm also contemplating whether I should start preparing an exit plan. Having been with my company for nearly 8 years, this is my first time looking for a new job in quite a while. Financially, I can't afford to resign without having another position lined up, but I'm worried about the direction things are heading in if I stay too long. I'm considering taking a break to rebuild my confidence before diving into the job market, but I'm unsure how to balance that with my financial situation.

A couple of months ago, my boss informed me that I would be laid off soon due to some work being transferred offshore. The layoff date is approaching, but I haven't heard anything from HR or my manager yet. During this time, I managed to secure a new job, which is a temporary contract for 1.5 months with a possibility of extension. I'm facing a dilemma: should I resign from my current job and forfeit my severance, or should I stay until I'm officially let go and inform my new employer that I can't take the job? I'm concerned that my current employer might be waiting for me to quit to avoid paying severance. I'm leaning towards staying put until the layoff happens, especially since the new job is so short-term and uncertain.

I recently put in my two weeks' notice at my job in South Dakota on September 24, intending to work until October 9. However, I was informed on September 28 that I was no longer employed as of the day I submitted my notice. I have a new job lined up to start on October 12, but I'm unsure if I should file for unemployment for the two weeks in between. I'm considering the Job Attached qualification to avoid having to search for another job, but I'm not sure if I qualify since I'm not returning to my old employer. I’ve heard that if I file, the first week would be unpaid, but the second week could be paid. I’m wondering if it’s worth it to file or if I should just take the time off unpaid.

Today, I received a job offer for a claims specialist position at a small company, which has me weighing my options. Currently, I work at an insurance company making a base salary of $53K, and the new role offers $55K. However, there are some concerns that are making me hesitant. One downside is that after factoring in bonuses and the 401K match, the total compensation might be similar or even slightly lower than my current job. Additionally, the position was advertised as hybrid, but during my conversation with the VP, he mentioned that there isn’t a fixed hybrid schedule. While he suggested he could accommodate a 3 days in, 2 days home arrangement after I settle in, it still feels uncertain. Moreover, I got some weird vibes from the VP. For instance, when I asked for time to consider the offer, he implied that if I wasn't serious, he would hold the offer. He also made comments suggesting that wanting to work hybrid was not in line with the company’s values. On the flip side, the work seems more interesting and offers a better career trajectory. I'm really torn about whether to accept this offer or stay where I am.

I’m currently in a tough spot at my job and really want to leave. I’m considering giving only 8 days notice instead of the full two weeks, as I’m waiting to hear back from a potential new employer. I plan to hold off on quitting until I have a formal job offer and have completed all necessary background checks and drug tests. I want to keep the option open to return to my current job if needed, but the thought of putting in another two weeks is overwhelming. It’s been a while since I’ve navigated this process, so I’m looking for advice on how to handle my notice period.

A couple of months ago, my boss informed me that I would be the next person laid off due to some work being transferred offshore, and I was given a set date for my termination. As that date approaches, I haven't heard anything from HR or my manager, which has left me feeling uncertain. In the meantime, I managed to secure a new job, but it's only a temporary one-month contract. I'm in a bit of a dilemma: should I resign from my current job and forfeit any potential severance, or should I stick it out until I'm officially let go and inform my new employer that I have to decline their offer? I'm also concerned that my current employer might be waiting for me to quit so they can avoid paying me severance.

Today, I found myself at a crossroads regarding my job. I’m currently working in a role where I generally get along with everyone, except for one particularly difficult coworker. I’ve been feeling completely miserable because of her, and it’s reached a point where I’m considering leaving. I might have a new job lined up in the same field, which adds urgency to my situation. The tricky part is that nobody at my current job suspects I’m planning to quit, which makes it all the more challenging. I’ve masked my discontent so well that my departure would likely come as a shock to everyone, especially since I’ve previously mentioned my frustrations to a few colleagues. Every single day at work feels like a battle, with this coworker making it unbearable. Despite that, I genuinely like the rest of my team and my boss, who is a great guy. I feel torn because I want to leave professionally, but I also fantasize about just storming out. I know the right thing to do is to give my two weeks' notice, but I’m worried about how awkward those remaining days would be, especially since there’s been a threat that the framing side of our business could shut down if I quit. This was said to my difficult coworker in an attempt to control her behavior, but it hasn’t worked. I feel a strong urge to just walk away, but I also want to respect my boss and leave on good terms. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this situation without burning bridges, but it’s tough when one person makes the work environment so toxic.

I was laid off from my job at Company A at the end of April after nearly four years. I received severance pay until mid-June, which helped me get by. Once that ended, I started a part-time position at Company B, where I initially had enough hours due to covering for others on leave. However, by the end of July, the hours dwindled, and I couldn’t make ends meet. To fill the gap, I took another part-time job at Company C. Unfortunately, just two months later, I was laid off from Company C. Now, I'm back to just my part-time job at Company B, which isn't enough to sustain my budget. I was told I could file for unemployment after being laid off from Companies A and C, and I’m hoping to file for partial unemployment to supplement my income from Company B. My concern is that since I haven’t been laid off from Company B, they might dispute my claim, especially since I haven’t been officially notified of a reduction in hours. I’m looking for advice on whether I can still get partial unemployment in this situation.

I recently interviewed for a part-time host position and was informed that I was placed on a waitlist. The interviewer mentioned that there were other candidates applying for the same role, but she couldn't provide any timeline for how long the waitlist might last. I'm feeling a bit confused about what being on a waitlist really means and how I should proceed. Should I continue applying for other jobs while I wait for a response, or should I hold off? I just want to understand my options better.

I've been searching for part-time job opportunities as a college student and applying to every listing I come across, but unfortunately, I haven't received any responses yet. I suspect that my limited availability might be a deterrent for employers. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations for jobs that are more accommodating to students like me.

I recently accepted a job offer for a position that starts on the 12th. I signed the offer letter and confirmed the start date, but I also made sure to give my two weeks' notice at my previous job, which was important to me. The new employer initially wanted me to start on the 5th, but I stood firm on my notice period. However, I've been feeling anxious lately after seeing several posts about job offers being rescinded after candidates have already quit their old jobs but before starting the new one. I haven't received any onboarding paperwork yet, and that uncertainty is making me nervous. I know it’s not super common for offers to be rescinded, especially since I have a signed offer and a confirmed start date. But the thought of it happening to me is unsettling. I plan to reach out to the new company to check in, express my excitement for the start date, and see if there are any onboarding items I need to complete. I just hope everything goes smoothly until my first day.

Today, I had an interview during my lunch break for a new role while working at my current company, which requires me to be fully in-person. Finding a private space to conduct interviews has been challenging due to my managers frequently rescheduling meetings or stopping by my desk unexpectedly. So, I ended up taking the interview from my parked car. I made sure to dress professionally and blurred my background to maintain a good impression. The conversation felt positive, and I was excited to hear that they want to schedule a second interview. However, during the follow-up, the HR representative mentioned that the hiring manager noticed I was in my car. I explained my situation and that my car was the quietest option available. Thankfully, she understood and offered to set up the next interview before my workday, which I appreciated. Now, I'm a bit worried that taking the call from my car might have left a negative impression. I’m curious if HR’s comment was a concern or just an attempt to accommodate my schedule. I do have an in-person interview later on, and I hope that goes well. I’d love to hear thoughts on whether this might affect my chances.

I recently went through a challenging job search and realized I was really struggling with writing effective job-search emails. To make things easier for myself and others, I compiled four email templates that I wish I had when I started my job hunt. I found that staring at a blank email for too long was a huge barrier, so these templates helped me streamline my process. 1. **Following up after applying**: I created a template for following up on applications about a week after submitting. It’s straightforward and allows me to express my continued interest in the role without sounding desperate. 2. **Requesting a referral**: I also put together a template for asking acquaintances for referrals. I made sure to include a line that reassures them it’s totally fine to say no, which I think increases the chances of getting a yes. 3. **Thank-you note after interviews**: After a panel interview, I found it crucial to send a thank-you note within 24 hours. My template encourages mentioning specific topics discussed during the interview, which shows I was engaged and attentive. 4. **Countering a salary offer**: Finally, I created a template for negotiating salary offers. I learned that providing one specific number instead of a range can be more effective in negotiations. I hope these templates help others avoid the anxiety of drafting emails from scratch. Good luck to everyone in their job searches!

I recently found myself reflecting on my career choices and the job I left behind. A few years ago, I made the decision to leave my position as a project manager to focus on raising my family. My bosses were incredibly supportive during that time, understanding my desire to step away. After a year, I was approached by a former colleague who had been promoted and was now making hiring decisions. He encouraged me to apply for my old position, but I declined, wanting to pursue a career in my field of study instead. Fast forward to now, I’m on maternity leave with my second child, and I can't shake the feeling that I made a mistake. I really dislike my current job and often find myself reminiscing about my previous role. The work environment was much better, and there were opportunities for growth. I’m considering reaching out to my former colleague to see if there are any openings at the company. I feel a bit embarrassed about it since I turned down the chance to return before, but he was always so kind, and I know he’d be willing to help.