Planning

I experienced significant layoffs at USAA yesterday, affecting various departments including Bank, PNC, and Life. There's a lot of uncertainty as the company hasn't communicated clearly about who was impacted, leaving many of us in the dark. I've seen colleagues reaching out to those who were let go, trying to understand the situation better. It's frustrating to see such a lack of transparency, especially since USAA prides itself on being a family-oriented company. I had just applied for a position in life insurance sales, and now I'm left wondering if this delay in communication is related to the layoffs.

I applied for a job over two weeks ago and sent my resume and cover letter directly to the company's HR, but I haven't heard anything back. They never confirmed that they received my application, which has me a bit anxious since it's for the same position I currently hold. I'm considering sending a follow-up email to check in, but I'm unsure if it would be helpful or just annoying to the recruiters. Some say that recruiters are overwhelmed with applications and don’t appreciate follow-ups, while others believe a polite email could remind them of my application. I’m leaning towards sending the email but will continue applying for other positions in the meantime.

I recently started a new job at Company A after being unemployed for 8 months, with a salary of $95,000. However, just a week into my role, I received an offer from Company B for $120,000. This situation feels really awkward for me since I've never had to quit a job so soon after starting. I'm unsure about the etiquette here. I know I won't be able to negotiate a better salary with Company A, and my contract states I'm an 'employee-at-will,' which means I technically don't have to give a full two-week notice. I'm contemplating whether to send a standard resignation letter stating that it's not a good fit or to be honest and mention the better offer. I feel bad not providing some explanation, but I also don't want to complicate things.

I've been noticing a significant increase in recruiter outreach lately, and I’m curious if others in the Controls Engineering field are experiencing the same. I have 5 years of experience working in a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company, primarily focusing on Rockwell products and managing automation projects. Before this month, I would receive about two recruiter messages a week on LinkedIn, mostly for 12-month contracts in Ohio. However, this month has been overwhelming; I've had over 10 recruiters contact me each week, including five in just one day! The positions vary from contract roles with integrators to permanent positions with companies directly. The salary offers I've seen range from a 20% to a 50% increase compared to my current role. I'm actively looking for a new opportunity, so I'm interested to hear if this uptick is a common trend among my peers.

I've been working in logistics for the past two years at an entry-level role while also completing my online bachelor's degree in Logistics from SNHU, which I just finished about a month ago. Despite my experience and education, I've been struggling to find better opportunities in the field. I've had several interviews for Transportation Manager positions at different companies, but unfortunately, they didn't pan out. Now, I'm aiming for a Specialist or Logistics Coordinator role as the next step in my career. However, I feel like I'm hitting a wall in my job search. I'm looking for advice on how to improve my chances of landing one of these roles. Any tips on how to better present my experience or approach my applications would be greatly appreciated!

I wanted to share my chaotic journey into the data analysis field, as it might resonate with others facing similar challenges. I completed a master's in economics, but I realized that my passion lay in the data aspects of my studies. With no technical background, I decided to pivot to data analysis. Initially, I turned to YouTube to grasp the fundamental concepts. I found some great videos that helped me understand what data analysis entails and what tools are used. However, I soon felt like I was just passively consuming information without actually applying it. I then tried Coursera, hoping for a more structured learning experience, but it didn't suit me. I was overwhelmed by the number of courses and certificates, and I still faced countless rejections while applying for jobs. Eventually, I adopted a 'learn by building' approach, which surprisingly worked well for me. I started creating a portfolio, completing a data analyst roadmap, and building real projects. This hands-on experience made me realize that I genuinely love data analysis, not just as a career move but as a passion. In terms of job searching, I found a strategy that really paid off: I connected with recruiters on LinkedIn for every interesting job offer I came across, even if I didn't apply. This networking led to a recruiter reaching out to me for a position I wasn't initially aware of. After discussing my projects and going through interviews, I signed my first contract as a data analyst last week. It still feels surreal! Some advice I wish I had known earlier: - You don't need to feel 'ready' before starting projects; completing them is what prepares you for interviews. - Your projects will be your best talking points in interviews, often more than your degree. - Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn; it’s a simple step that can lead to unexpected opportunities. I hope my experience can help others on their journey, especially in tech fields that are becoming increasingly competitive. Good luck to everyone!

I'm currently working as a delivery driver for a large company, where I've also been a trainer for the past year. Recently, I was unexpectedly offered the chance to apply for a team leader position due to my strong work performance and personality fit. This caught me off guard, especially since I've only conducted about seven training sessions in the last few months, while others are training daily. I brought this up with my team leader, who seemed confused about the decision-making process, and the main team leader just shrugged it off. After some thought, I decided to step back from my training role and return to just doing deliveries. Now, I'm faced with the dilemma of interviewing for the team leader role, which feels odd since I would be working alongside colleagues who haven't recognized my contributions. It seems illogical to push for a promotion while not valuing my current position. I know many people would appreciate this opportunity, but I feel conflicted about it. I'm trying to figure out what to do next and would love some advice on how to approach this situation.

I have an interview scheduled for my first full-time job as an admin on the 29th. Currently, I work part-time as a records assistant, and I'm looking for any tips or good questions to ask at the end of the interview. I want to make a good impression and ensure I'm prepared, so any advice from those who have been in similar situations would be greatly appreciated!

I graduated in May with a Bachelor's in Psychology and have been job hunting since February. I've submitted over 800 applications for both professional and minimum wage positions, but I've only landed one interview. It's been incredibly frustrating because professional roles often overlook my degree due to my lack of experience, while minimum wage jobs reject me for having a degree. I've tried various avenues like career fairs, temp agencies, and my university's career center, but nothing has worked out. I’ve applied for a wide range of jobs, from hotel staff and food service to social work and behavioral health positions, but I keep hitting dead ends. Despite having around 6 years of experience in retail and customer service, I haven't done an internship and can't afford to relocate or drive for gig apps since they aren't available in my area. I'm feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next. Any advice on how to break this cycle would be greatly appreciated!

I recently got laid off from my IT technician role and I'm struggling to find a new job in this tough market. I've been actively searching for opportunities but it feels like a daunting task. I've tried various job boards and websites, but so far, I haven't had much luck. Some people in the community have suggested that going remote might be a good option, and I've been considering it. I also came across a few pages where jobs are posted regularly, which I plan to check out. It's disheartening to hear from others who have given up after years of searching, but I'm determined to keep pushing forward.

I graduated in December 2025 with a finance degree, and it's now almost a year later without a full-time job. I've only managed to secure three interviews, which has been really disheartening. Currently, I'm stuck in a part-time retail job that feels like a waste of my time. I'm seriously considering pivoting my career towards healthcare, possibly nursing, or exploring opportunities in tech. It seems like a better path given my lack of experience in finance.

I am currently working in a government role where I've been on a contract for 3.5 years. My contract is set to end in December, but they are offering to extend it for another year with increased responsibilities. However, I haven't received a pay raise since April 2025, and despite promises from my manager about a permanent position, there's an ongoing hiring freeze while new hires are brought onto other teams. I'm facing a tough decision: should I renew my contract or let it end and look for a new job to qualify for employment insurance? I can sustain myself for about six months without a job, but the situation at work is affecting my mental health. I've raised my concerns multiple times, but nothing has changed. I'm also unsure if I can refuse the additional responsibilities being asked of me.

I'm currently working east coast hours for a startup based on the west coast, where I've been for a few years. After navigating some stressful times, things have finally settled down, and I have a supportive team. The biggest advantage of my current role is that it’s fully remote, which has been incredibly beneficial, especially as my partner and I have been battling infertility for over a year. The flexibility has allowed me to manage fertility clinic appointments and rest between treatments. Recently, on a whim during a particularly stressful period, I applied to what I consider my dream company. To my surprise, I've made it to the last round of interviews, but the catch is that the position requires me to be in the office three days a week, with a one-hour commute each way. I'm torn about this decision. On one hand, my current job isn’t a long-term fit; it's a startup, and I don’t envision myself staying here forever. On the other hand, the new job offers stability, and the team has been together for over a decade, which is appealing. I’m anxious about the trade-offs. While the potential salary increase of 20-40k is enticing, I’m also considering the costs of commuting and the impact on my daily life. I fear that I might regret leaving the comfort of my remote position, but I also worry about stagnation if I stay. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this dilemma.

I was laid off from my first post-graduate job at EY in the tax department about two months ago. Since then, I've been actively searching for new opportunities, but it's been incredibly frustrating. I've had several interviews, yet I haven't received any job offers, which is really taking a toll on my confidence. With less than a year of corporate experience, I'm worried that this will negatively impact my chances with recruiters. I was let go due to performance issues, and I'm concerned whether recruiters can find out about that. I'm based in Texas, and I'm unsure about the laws regarding this kind of information. This whole experience has made me question if I'll ever be able to work in finance or a related field again, especially since I've faced so many rejections. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's becoming increasingly difficult. Has anyone else been in a similar situation and managed to turn things around?

I recently experienced a layoff from HCA where I worked as a healthcare analyst in the operations department. The reduction was abrupt, and I was not given a specific reason beyond the general statement of 'cost-cutting measures.' After my position ended, I noticed that similar roles were posted in Hyderabad, which made me question the future of our department. Before leaving, I was asked to document my processes and train a new team member, which felt like a rushed attempt to transfer knowledge. My severance package was decent, but I was left uncertain about my health insurance and retirement benefits. Management described the layoffs as part of a restructuring effort, but they didn't clarify whether my specific role would be moved overseas or if any work would remain in the U.S. Interestingly, I heard that former employees were encouraged to reapply for different roles, even if they were lower-paid, which felt disheartening. Overall, the experience was quite overwhelming and left many of us in a state of uncertainty.

I'm currently seeking a remote job due to significant health issues that restrict my ability to work in a traditional setting. I have experience in customer service, computers, coding, Photoshop, and various technology-related tasks. Unfortunately, my health conditions, including degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, and severe arthritis, make it challenging to sit or stand for extended periods. My doctor has outlined specific limitations, including the need for frequent breaks throughout the workday. Given these constraints, I’m reaching out for suggestions on legitimate companies or websites that offer remote positions accommodating my situation. My family is struggling financially, and I’m eager to find a role that allows me to work comfortably from home. I appreciate any advice or leads on where to look for remote opportunities. Thank you!

I recently accepted a job offer with a company I've been trying to get into for over a year. They have a low turnover rate, and I genuinely love everything about the organization. However, after accepting the offer, I was informed that I need to complete a pre-employment physical. This isn't usually a concern for me, but I had quit my previous job to focus on this opportunity, which included interviews and drug testing. Additionally, the job requires me to relocate, so I need time for that as well. Earlier this year, I visited my doctor, and aside from being overweight, my health is good with no abnormal blood readings. Now I'm worried about the physical. Can I be denied or fail due to my weight? I have extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, and I know I can perform the job duties despite my size, but I'm concerned about the implications of being over 300 lbs during this non-DOT physical.

I had a job interview last week on Monday for a position I was really excited about. I felt it went well and was optimistic when I asked HR about the timeline for feedback. They mentioned that they conduct an extensive background check and that I should hear back soon. However, it’s been a week and I haven’t heard anything yet. They haven’t reached out to my references or provided any updates. I’m starting to feel anxious and wonder if I should assume that I didn’t get the job. I’ve been advised to be patient, as they might be busy with other candidates, but it’s hard not to worry. In the meantime, I’m planning to keep applying to other opportunities.

I'm currently in a situation where I need to take some time off to visit family for a few weeks, but I'm feeling anxious about it. My company has recently laid off a lot of people, and I'm worried that my absence might be resented by my coworkers or management. I know I have the right to take my leave, but I can't shake the feeling that it might reflect poorly on me given the current circumstances. I've read that it's not my problem if my employer struggles to manage without me, but it's hard not to feel guilty. I just want to make sure I'm making the right choice for my family and myself.

I was laid off last week and have already been approved for unemployment insurance. Recently, I received two checks: one from SELF, which is a payout for a loan, and another from my dental insurance, which reimbursed me for expenses they covered in full. The check from SELF hasn’t arrived yet, but I found the dental insurance check last week. I'm feeling anxious about cashing them because I want to avoid any issues with my unemployment benefits. I've seen mixed information online regarding whether I need to report these checks, and I'm worried about accidentally committing fraud. I just want to make sure I don’t screw myself over by cashing them.