Planning

I quit my job at Costco 21 years ago when I was just 20 years old. Looking back, I realize how foolish I was for just stopping showing up and not even calling to explain. I’m now wondering about my chances of getting hired back there after all this time. Do companies like Costco blacklist former employees for situations like mine? Is it even worth applying again, or should I just move on?

I’m excited to share that I’m starting a new job on Monday after more than a year of searching! This past year has been the toughest job search experience of my life, and I'm 51 years old. I left my job of over 21 years in September 2024 for long-term disability, and it wasn't until last year that I felt ready to re-enter the workforce. That gap on my resume was a major hurdle. For over a year, I applied to countless positions, tailored my resumes, went through interviews, and often got ghosted. I submitted hundreds of applications. At the start of this year, I briefly worked for a terrible company that paid poorly and laid me off after three months because I was overwhelmed. This new job feels different already. They provided a structured 90-day onboarding plan that can adapt based on my progress. The offer letter was clear about expectations, and I recently had a Teams meeting where I met the small team of about 13 people. They seem very close-knit, which is a bit intimidating, but I’m genuinely optimistic about fitting in. I used to roll my eyes at all the “Don’t Give Up” posts, but here I am writing one myself. If you’re in the midst of your job search, even when it feels hopeless, don’t lose faith. Things can change. My wife and I were down to our last two months of savings, so this journey has truly tested us. I know many can relate to that pressure. There wasn’t any magic formula, but I found that using ChatGPT to tailor my resumes made a huge difference. It learned my style and helped me customize my applications more efficiently. Just remember to proofread everything to ensure accuracy. I believe if companies are using AI to evaluate candidates, we should use it to present ourselves better, as long as it’s truthful. Once I started leveraging AI, my interview opportunities increased significantly, and interestingly, I don’t even need it for every application anymore because it has improved my writing skills. Thank you to this community for being a supportive space where I could vent and find useful tips. It reminded me that even in a tough job market, there’s still hope. If anyone has questions about my job search, resume strategies, or how I used AI, feel free to reach out. Sharing is caring! 🙂

I recently came across a job offer for a tech professional position that requires a minimum of 3 years of experience, but the salary offered is only 26K. I find this quite disappointing, as it seems low for someone with that level of experience in the tech industry. I'm currently evaluating my options and considering whether to apply or continue my job search for better opportunities.

I recently got laid off from my security job at a local company after it was bought out. I had been working in security for several years, including a role at a university where I hosted events. Before that, I was a car salesman and have experience in customer service from various jobs, including fast food and restaurants. Now, I'm considering a career change to become a server. I’m not sure if I can start as a server despite my experience in related fields. I'm hoping to find a position that offers 40 hours a week or more, as my current pay of $15 an hour isn't enough to make ends meet. Any advice or insights into transitioning into the serving industry would be greatly appreciated!

I have a compliance assistant interview coming up in the UK, and I’m feeling quite nervous about it. As a recent law graduate, I want to make a good impression and showcase my knowledge effectively. I’m reaching out for any tips or recommendations that could help me prepare for the interview. I would really appreciate any advice from those who have experience in this field. Thank you!

I worked at a company for 4 and a half years, starting in an entry-level position. After two years, I was promoted to a management role, which was my first experience in management. Unfortunately, due to multiple layoffs, I was let go. Now that I'm searching for new opportunities, I've noticed that many leadership positions require 3 to 5 years of management experience, which I don't quite meet. I'm considering adjusting my resume to reflect my management role starting earlier in my tenure at the company. I'm wondering if potential employers typically fact-check the specific dates for each role or if they only verify the total length of employment. Has anyone else faced this situation and have any advice?

I'm currently planning a move to New York to live with my aunt in search of better job opportunities. As a 21-year-old black male, I've been feeling overwhelmed by the job market lately, and it's been affecting my mental health. I've worked in various kitchen roles, including cook, dishwasher, busboy, server, host, and prep cook, but Atlanta just isn't cutting it for me anymore. My fiancée and I are eager to start our life together, and we believe moving to New York could help us achieve that. We're hoping I can secure a job there, save up some money, and eventually bring her along to begin building our future. I'm tired of the constant rejections and being ghosted, and while I know I'm young and have time, I have specific goals I want to pursue. Thank you for reading my story.

I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) about a month ago at my current job, and I genuinely felt like I had made significant improvements during this period. However, in a recent meeting two weeks ago, my manager's feedback contradicted my perception of progress. They mentioned that they don’t expect perfection, but something about that statement felt off to me. Last week, I experienced a panic attack, and my anxiety and depression have been worsened by this situation. It feels like no matter how much I improve, my efforts go unnoticed, and even the smallest mistakes are being highlighted. I’ve also noticed that my manager has been reviewing my work from several months ago—well before the PIP started—but didn’t address any issues back then. This has led me to question whether the company is trying to push me out or if I should just start looking for a new job.

I came across a project focused on the impact of AI on jobs and income, and it really resonated with me. I'm considering sharing my own experience, as I believe AI has significantly affected my role as a freelance graphic designer. Since the rise of AI tools, I've noticed a decline in client inquiries and projects, which I suspect is due to businesses opting for AI-generated designs over hiring human designers like myself. I'm intrigued by the opportunity to share my story on camera for a short documentary. The project aims to showcase real experiences of people affected by AI, and I think my situation could contribute to a broader understanding of this issue. I’m based in Southern California, so I might have a chance to participate in person. I appreciate that the initial conversation is casual and doesn’t commit me to anything right away. I’m hopeful that by sharing my story, I can help shed light on the challenges we face in adapting to these technological changes.

I am 23 years old and recently graduated with a biology degree and a business minor in 2024. I started medical school at 20, but I realized that practicing clinical medicine isn't the right path for me. I also hold an associate's degree in business that I earned in high school. I am currently looking to pivot into the business or finance sector. I've been applying to various healthcare consultant and analyst positions, as well as jobs in finance and business operations. My long-term goal is to pursue an MBA from a top 14 school, but I need to secure a job first. Any recommendations on how to make this transition?

I reached out to my recruiter, Beck, about a new role at the same agency where I'm currently interviewing for a different position. I'm in discussions for Role A, which is a two-month contract with low pay, but I just saw they posted Role B, which seems like a full-time opportunity and much more appealing. I'm unsure if Beck is also the recruiter for Role B or if it might complicate my chances with Role A if there's another recruiter involved. I'm really hoping to get clarity on this situation.

I've been on the job hunt for about two months now, applying to any positions I qualify for. Recently, I came across some promising opportunities that have me feeling hopeful. Just yesterday, I applied to a local clinic right before their job listing closed. To show my enthusiasm, I sent a follow-up email reiterating my interest and attached my cover letter and resume again. In addition to the clinic, I also applied to three other positions last week—one at a bank, another at a hotel, and the last at another clinic. I made sure to apply through Indeed and also directly on their websites if they had separate applications. I'm curious about the typical timeframe for callbacks. Do employers usually wait the full 30 days of the job listing to review all applications? I’ve heard mixed opinions on this. One commenter mentioned that they prefer to reach out quickly to avoid losing good candidates to other offers. It’s reassuring to know that some employers are proactive in their hiring process.

I recently relocated to New York for a new job, and just a month in, I was laid off. Now, I'm facing a tough situation as I have to pay rent without any income. I found a nice place in Queens with a rent under $800, which I thought was a great deal for the area. However, I'm now stuck with 11 months left on my lease and struggling to find someone to take it over since the house is older and not many people are interested. The job market is quite challenging right now, and I've had no luck even landing minimum wage positions. I can't move back to my home state because I'd still be responsible for rent here. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure about my next steps.

I recently transitioned into a new role after a challenging job search. After resigning from my position as a Pharmacy Technician, I found myself jobless for six months, which was a tough experience as I watched my savings dwindle and struggled to pay bills. However, I finally landed a job in 2026 as a Security Officer at an Aerospace Industry and Corporate hybrid site. I've been in this role for two months now, and while it pays $22.16/hr—only slightly more than my previous job—it's been a relief to be back on track. My duties vary from manning a guard shack on the perimeter to working in the office or patrolling the area. Thankfully, the work is generally low-stress, and I appreciate the change from my previous job, which had taken a toll on my mental health. After 12 years in various roles, including farming, warehouse work, and landscaping, this position feels like a hidden gem. I plan to stay in security long-term and eventually aim for a Federal position once I gain more experience and obtain my Armed License. The job market is tough right now, but I believe that persistence pays off. If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to explore this field sooner to avoid the stress I endured in my past jobs.

I was recently made redundant from a major corporate bank where I worked in real estate. At 32 years old, I started this role in July 2020 during the peak of COVID, transitioning from my previous career in recruitment for financial services. I’ve been in this position for about six years, and while the job market isn't great right now, I feel surprisingly okay about the situation. In my team of around 20 people, only one colleague reached out to express regret about my departure, which honestly doesn't bother me too much since I wasn't in the office often. We had some good times at client events, but I’ve always kept to myself and focused on my work. There’s an ongoing consultation period, and I know people have been advised not to discuss the layoffs, but it would have been nice to receive a few more messages from coworkers. I want to emphasize that this situation isn’t a reflection of my worth; I’ve always done my job and shown up when needed. This post is a message to anyone going through a similar experience: don’t let the workplace define you. Focus on your personal life and well-being. My job served me well financially and provided valuable experience for my next steps. I know how the job search process works, and I’m prepared to move on. Taking the redundancy package might just be a blessing in disguise, so embrace the change and look forward to new opportunities.

I'm a 23-year-old incoming Junior at UNC Charlotte, pursuing a BS in Accounting after getting my associate's degree from community college. I've spent the last five years working at Lowe's as a Sales Specialist in the Pro Section, but now that I'm moving to Charlotte, I'm looking for part-time job opportunities that can accommodate my class schedule of 9-6 M-F. My goal is to earn around $2000 a month while continuing my education, and I'm hoping to find something that pays at least $22 an hour, similar to what I currently make with bonuses at Lowe's. I've applied for some part-time positions at banks but haven't heard back yet. If anyone has recommendations for jobs near the college, I'd really appreciate it! I'm also open to sharing my resume for feedback.

I recently went through a tough period after being laid off from my role as a director at my previous company, where I worked for 1.5 years before the entire division was shut down. My last job ended after I raised concerns about being bullied by a VP regarding confidential information from my past employer. I have evidence of this in emails, and I'm currently in arbitration with them after refusing a low severance package and deciding to sue. After 8 months of unemployment, I managed to secure two job offers. One was a work-from-home position, but it came with significantly lower pay. The other job required a long commute but offered a much better salary, so I chose the latter. Now, I'm on day three of this new role, but I’m struggling with my confidence and adjusting back to a regular work routine. I can't shake the fear that I might not succeed in this position either. I'm looking for advice on how to overcome these fears and regain my confidence.

I was laid off after just 90 days at a company I had previously worked for from 2019 to 2022. I returned in May for a different role, despite knowing they were undergoing significant layoffs. I thought the salary and opportunity outweighed the risks, so I took the leap and left a stable position at another company. When I rejoined, it felt familiar, though there had been some changes, including a new CEO. Then, out of the blue, I received a calendar invite for a meeting, which immediately set off alarm bells. My gut feeling was spot on; my entire department was being laid off. Now I have two months to find a new role within the company, but opportunities in my area are scarce, and financially, I can't afford to relocate. While the severance package is generous and gives me some breathing room, I feel overwhelmed by the situation. I haven't had the chance to make a significant impact in my short time here, and the job market seems bleak. After a tough couple of years, I thought I was finally getting back on track, but it feels like I've hit a wall instead.

I received my first job offer in May 2026 after graduating with my bachelor's in Information Sciences. However, I'm feeling conflicted about the offer because the salary is only $45k a year, which doesn't meet my expectations. I understand that this might be a reasonable starting point for someone in my position, but I'm worried about settling too soon. Some advice I've received suggests that I should take the job and keep looking for better opportunities while I work there. I'm considering this option, but I want to make sure I'm making the right decision for my career.

I recently received a significant merit-based raise at my current job, which took me from $65k to $75k. I was honestly surprised by the amount, as I didn't expect such a bump given the budget constraints I thought we had. However, instead of feeling happy about it, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. My industry is known for high client turnover, and I’ve heard rumors that we might be facing a financial crisis due to several clients exiting. This could potentially lead to salary cuts for those affected by the client losses. On top of this, I'm currently interviewing for a new position that would pay $55k, which is a significant pay cut from my current salary. I’m weighing my options carefully, as I realize that my current role may not be as stable as I once thought. The thought of taking a job that pays $20k less is daunting, especially with the uncertainty surrounding my current position. It’s a tough spot to be in, and I’m feeling the pressure to find something more secure in this unpredictable economy.