Planning

I wanted to share my journey after being laid off in July. It was a tough time, and I experienced a lot of moments filled with despair. I applied for numerous jobs that I was qualified for but often received no response or just automated rejection emails. There were recruiters who seemed very interested, only to ghost me later. This cycle really started to affect my confidence, making me question my resume, my qualifications, and whether I was asking for too much. Despite the challenges, I kept pushing through. I continued to submit applications, improve my resume, and engage with recruiters. Then, something incredible happened: I received three job offers in one week! It was a complete turnaround from feeling hopeless to having to choose between multiple opportunities. I ultimately accepted a position that was not only a promotion but also came with a pay raise compared to my previous job. What felt like a significant setback in July turned out to be a major step forward in my career. I share this not to downplay the difficulties of being laid off but to encourage anyone who might be feeling the same way I did a few months ago. If you're in that position, keep applying, keep refining your approach, and don't lose hope. You only need one opportunity to change everything.

I had a job interview today at a home health agency. My background is in home health aid, but I left that role because the pay was just not sufficient. During the interview, they asked about my car and insurance, which I found a bit odd since it's been a while since I worked as a HHA. I don’t recall getting gas reimbursed in the past. I mentioned my availability and stated that I would need at least $17.50 per hour. The interviewer initially offered $16.25, but then mentioned $20.00 only for special shifts or if someone cancels. I understand that jobs are hard to come by right now, but my rent alone is more than what I would make in two weeks at $16.25 before taxes. I'm considering negotiating my pay rate and asking about gas reimbursement with the agency. I have 15 years of experience in healthcare and 10 years as a HHA/CNA, so I feel I have a strong case.

I was laid off on Monday from my UX research position at a company with around 200 employees. They decided to let go of about 40 people due to financial issues. The severance package I received includes 6 weeks of pay, which is one week for each year of service. I was just one week shy of my 7-year anniversary, so I felt a bit disappointed they didn't round it up to 7 weeks. I'm planning to reach out to the HR representative to see if there's any room for negotiation on the severance package. I have a feeling they might say no, but I think it's worth asking respectfully. I'm curious if anyone has had success in negotiating their severance packages. Have you tried and been told no, or did you manage to get something better?

I recently submitted 100 job applications, went through 3 interviews, and finally received an accepted offer! However, I won’t be able to start working for another month due to background checks, transcript checks, and company training, along with the slow response times from the employer. Being out of school and not having a job is making me feel really anxious. I've been trying to stay busy, but I'm considering looking for a second job to keep myself motivated until my new role officially begins. I had also thought about applying for grad school, but now I feel a bit lost. Has anyone else experienced something similar? I would appreciate any advice!

I recently found myself in a tough spot after my company was bought out. I'm a 24-year-old manager earning under $20/hr, and the changes have been overwhelming. Just this morning, on my day off, I was asked to provide my ID and SSN for re-enrollment, which felt like a red flag. The new management is enforcing higher standards and expectations without any pay raises, and the employee meal budget is still just $12, which doesn't even cover some menu items. To make matters worse, shift leaders like myself now have to undergo a 7-week extensive training course to re-qualify for our positions, which we've held for over a year. The atmosphere has become tense; being even a minute late could lead to write-ups and potential termination. I’ve been diligent in my role, paying great attention to detail, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is going to go very wrong soon. My wife and I are planning to move states by January, and while we can manage to break our lease and relocate, I need a job that pays better than just enough to cover bills. I want to be able to buy new things for my cat, who really needs a new cat tree and litter box. Despite my years of customer service experience and a solid understanding of paperwork from my managerial role, I haven’t had any luck landing a new position. I’m dedicated and rarely take time off, often working long hours, yet I’m still struggling to find opportunities. My mom recently passed away, and while I have friends and family willing to help me financially, I want to be self-sufficient. I’ve applied for many jobs I’m qualified for, but I’m not hearing back from any of them. I’m feeling lost and could really use some advice on where to look beyond job boards like Indeed.

I recently faced a significant challenge after recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that occurred two years ago while working. The accident happened when I was unloading a front loader off a landoll trailer; a gust of wind slammed a heavy steel door into the back of my head. It took an immense amount of effort and dedication to get back on my feet, including physical, cognitive, and psychological therapies, multiple MRIs, EEGs, and outpatient care. After two years of hard work, I was finally cleared to drive a tractor trailer again, which felt like a huge victory for me. However, re-entering the workforce has proven to be quite difficult. The two-year gap in my CDL has made insurance companies view me as a new trucker, despite my nearly five years of experience in flatbed and heavy equipment hauling in New York City. This gap is affecting my ability to apply for both CDL and non-CDL jobs, as my resume is heavily focused on high-demand trucking roles that typically come with higher pay. I'm contemplating whether it would be beneficial to take a job, even if it's not in trucking, just to fill the gap on my resume and get back into the workforce. I genuinely enjoyed my previous work in trucking; it was challenging, physical, and exciting, and I miss it. I'm at a crossroads and could use some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I just got fired from my job, and it's a tough pill to swallow since I've never experienced this before. Honestly, it feels pretty terrible, but I have to admit that I really disliked working there, so maybe it's a blessing in disguise. I was already trying to find a way out, but they beat me to it. They didn't give me a clear reason for the termination—just a sudden decision that left me feeling blindsided. On the bright side, I still have four weeks of pay and health insurance coverage until October, which gives me a little breathing room. I'm still trying to process everything, but I'm planning to take a few days to gather my thoughts, update my resume, and start reaching out to my network for new opportunities.

I recently completed an online medical assistant program and earned my certification, but I have no real job experience aside from some volunteering. I had a prescreen interview for a medical assistant position, and the recruiter was incredibly enthusiastic. She even called me to see if we could move the interview to an earlier time. During the call, she acknowledged my lack of hands-on experience but was quick to mention that they could arrange an externship for me by next Monday, with an official start date of October 5th. She went on about the benefits and described the clinic as a family-like environment. I felt like she was overly praising me for simply submitting the required documents on time, which felt a bit excessive. Despite my concerns, I have an official interview scheduled for tomorrow, and I'm trying to keep an open mind. However, I can't shake the feeling that something might be off about this situation. It feels like a choice between this opportunity or facing more months of unemployment.

I've been struggling to find a job for the past year, and it's been really tough. I never graduated from college due to disabilities that went untreated at the time, and now I'm considering whether going back to school or taking online classes would be a good move. I feel like not having a degree puts me at a serious disadvantage compared to other applicants. My partner and I could manage financially with my loans while I study, and I'm hoping that graduating could lead to better job opportunities in the future. But honestly, I'm feeling lost about what to do next.

I just completed my first job search and it was quite the experience! I had five interviews lined up in just one week. It felt intense but also exciting to be in the running for multiple positions. Each interview was with a different company, and I had to quickly adapt my approach and responses based on the role and company culture. It was a great learning opportunity for me, and I feel more confident in my interviewing skills now. I'm hopeful that one of these opportunities will lead to a job offer!

I recently got laid off from my software engineering position, and honestly, it's been really tough. My mental health has been taking a hit every day since the news broke. I came across a video from Business Insider featuring other software engineers who were laid off from FAANG companies, and it seems like they are also struggling to find new opportunities. I feel like we could really benefit from forming a community to support each other during this challenging time. It would be great to share our side projects and experiences as we navigate the job market together. Anyone else interested in creating a supportive space?

I recently faced a tough rejection from a job I was really excited about. As a recent HR graduate, I've been job searching for months and had a few interviews, but nothing has panned out yet. When I came across a People Operations Coordinator role, I felt it was a perfect match for my skills in HR, employee experience, and recruitment. I dedicated a lot of time to prepare for the interview, researching the company, understanding their mission and values, and practicing my responses to behavioral questions. I even prepared thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. During the interview, I felt a genuine connection with the interviewer, and the conversation flowed smoothly. She mentioned there would be two more rounds of interviews, which made me hopeful that I could be moving forward in the process. I left the interview feeling optimistic, thinking that this could be the opportunity I had been waiting for. However, the very next day, I received an automated rejection email stating they had chosen to move forward with another candidate. It was disheartening, especially since I had invested so much effort and truly envisioned myself in that role. I understand that rejection doesn’t always reflect my abilities; they could have found someone with more experience or an internal candidate. Still, it stings, especially when you really want the job. I know people often say to keep applying or that something better will come along, but honestly, I'm feeling drained. I've been tailoring resumes, writing cover letters, networking, and preparing for interviews, only to face rejection again. This one hit particularly hard because I could see myself thriving in that position. I just needed to vent about it.

I'm currently at a crossroads regarding my job situation. I've been working at my current job, which I'll call Job A, for over a year now. Recently, I received an offer from a new position, Job B, and I'm torn about whether to stay at A or make the switch to B. Job B is appealing because it's much closer to my home, which would save me commuting time. However, the schedule for Job B is a bit unpredictable; while I usually work morning shifts, there are times I’d have to cover afternoon or evening shifts, and I'm concerned that this could negatively impact my health. Both jobs offer similar benefits, like health and dental insurance, but Job A provides more paid time off compared to Job B. Although the pay at Job B is slightly higher, Job A has the advantage of a fixed schedule, which I appreciate. Given the current job market, which isn't the best, I'm hesitant to turn down Job B, but I'm also unsure if it's the right move for me. I'm really struggling to make a decision and weighing the pros and cons of both options.

I recently graduated college and moved back home after working as a mortgage loan originator for a big mortgage company. While the salary was great, the 60-70 hour work weeks left me with no quality of life. My goal is to work in housing, particularly for the government, and I had an interview last month with my desired agency, but unfortunately, I wasn't hired. I'm still actively applying for positions there. Currently, I'm working at a restaurant just to cover my student loan payments and maintain my savings. I recently received an offer for a teacher's assistant position with the city government, which pays $21.50 per hour and includes benefits—something my restaurant job lacks. However, I'm torn because I don't see this role as a long-term career and plan to leave as soon as I can secure a position with the housing agency. I'm seeking advice on whether I should accept this teacher's assistant job or stay in my current role at the restaurant.

I find myself in a tough situation after spending over 16 years at my current job in marketing. Unfortunately, I've lost all my references due to various circumstances, including the passing of my previous references during and after Covid. My department head is willing to provide a reference, but since I'm still working under her, I feel it's not the best option. The person I report to has also become untrustworthy, and I believe they would rather keep me stuck in my current role than support my move to a new opportunity. I realize that the industry I'm in is declining, and I need to diversify my experience. I've been stuck in the mindset of staying long and working hard, thinking it would lead to rewards, but I now see that the job market favors those who switch jobs every few years. I've been feeling a bit low, reflecting on how I've let my career stagnate, and I'm eager to change that despite the current job market challenges. My main concern is how to secure references moving forward. I volunteer my time, but I work directly with clients rather than the organization staff, which complicates things. I don’t have close friends who could act as references either. I’m considering reaching out to local businesses to offer my time in exchange for a reference, or perhaps pursuing freelance clients, but I worry that these options might take too long to yield results. I’m really looking for advice on how to navigate this predicament and find a way to get solid references.

I’ve been working as a Staff Accountant for about six months now, but things are looking pretty bleak at my current company. We’re in forbearance, have had layoffs, and our CFO is leaving, which is concerning since they were the one who brought me on board. I recently got an offer for a Supply Chain Finance Analyst position at a larger company with around 5,000 employees. The catch is that it comes with a $3,000 pay cut and a longer commute of about 40 miles. However, the role is hybrid on Mondays and Fridays, and it would allow me to transition from accounting to finance, which is my ultimate goal. I'm also waiting to hear back about another finance opportunity with a similar commute. I'm torn between taking the pay cut and making the move to finance or staying put until I can transition without a pay cut. I feel guilty about leaving my boss in a tough spot, but I also don't want to find myself in a precarious situation at my current job given the uncertainty. Any advice on whether I should take the leap or hold off would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently working as a nursery employee but I'm feeling really overwhelmed by the toxic environment. My mental health is taking a hit, and I know I need to make a change. I'm 22 and planning to go to university next September, so I'm looking for a temporary job to tide me over until then. Unfortunately, there aren't many suitable temporary positions available in my area. My main options are working with my mum, who is a carer, or taking up agency work. If I work with my mum, I'd have to rely on public transport to get to clients' homes, which means I'd be out all day. On the other hand, agency work has a bad reputation and I'm worried it won't provide the consistent hours I need—I'm looking for at least 30 hours a week. I'm really unsure about what to do next.

I just found out that the location where I work is closing down in a month. I’ve been with this local business for a while now, and it only has three locations. My manager sent out an email to each of us, scheduling private meetings to discuss our future with the company and our availability. The wording of the email has me worried. The first part about discussing my future feels ominous, but the mention of availability makes me wonder if there are shifts available at the other locations. I have this meeting on Friday, and I’m feeling anxious about it. I want to be prepared, but I’m also unsure if I should be honest about my situation. I rely solely on this job for income, and my partner can’t support us alone while I look for work. Would it be unprofessional to express that? I’m looking for any advice on how to handle this meeting, but I also know that ultimately, the decision is out of my hands.

I’m currently 17 and have been struggling to find a job. I keep getting turned down because of my age, and it's really frustrating. I turn 18 in about three months, and I’m feeling desperate to start working. I’ve been considering whether I should just lie about my age to get hired sooner, but I’m worried about the potential consequences. I’ve heard that employers might run background checks and that they’ll need my ID when I’m hired, which makes me think lying could backfire. I’ve seen comments suggesting that I shouldn’t lie about my age at all, as it could lead to being fired if they find out. I also learned that there are different labor laws for minors, which makes it even more complicated. I’m thinking I might just have to wait a bit longer and look for seasonal jobs around the holidays. It seems like a better option than risking my chances by lying.

I've been working at a small business for ten years, and I've built a good relationship with the owners, especially one who has been supportive during tough times in my life. However, the company is struggling and has recently lost a major client, which has led to layoffs and pay cuts among the owners. I'm now the only employee left besides them, and I feel that there’s no opportunity for growth here. I'm contemplating looking for a new job, but I'm unsure when to inform my employer. I want to avoid burning bridges, especially since I value my reputation and the friendships I've formed. My wife is encouraging me to seek new opportunities, but I’m worried about how my current employer, particularly my friend, will react. I’ve been in a similar situation before where leaving led to strained relationships, and I want to handle this delicately. I've received some advice from others suggesting that I should wait until I have a new job offer before notifying my current employer. They mentioned that revealing my job search could lead to an uncomfortable work environment or even jeopardize my current position. I’m leaning towards keeping my search quiet until I secure something new, but it’s a tough decision given my long tenure and personal connections at the company.