Planning

Today, I experienced my first layoff after 35 years in the engineering field, specifically in hardware and firmware. It feels surreal to be unemployed at 58, especially since I've navigated my career without facing this situation before. While I have had a fulfilling career, the thought of entering the job market now is daunting, particularly with the challenges that come with age. I have 12 weeks of severance, and I plan to take some time to recover and reset before I start job hunting. I've seen many posts from others in similar situations and feel a sense of solidarity with them.

After 25 years in the tech industry, working for companies like Apple and NCR, I found myself laid off in a mass reduction. As I hit my 40s, I started feeling the sting of ageism, with my experience suddenly being deemed 'too expensive' by corporate spreadsheets. It was a tough realization that my years of hard work were reduced to a line item in a budget. In a moment of panic, I invested $9,000 into an executive transition program, hoping to get the support I needed. While the community aspect was great, the advice on branding and LinkedIn left much to be desired. I found myself trying to downplay my extensive history to fit into a corporate mold, hoping a recruiter would notice me. That was my wake-up call. I decided to completely revamp my online presence, showcasing my decades of experience as a problem-solver rather than just another employee seeking a job. This shift in perspective transformed my approach; what corporations saw as a liability became an asset that private clients began to pay for directly. While I don't think everyone should jump into entrepreneurship, I do believe it's crucial to build your own brand alongside your job search. If you've recently been laid off, don't waste your energy seeking validation from a flawed corporate system. Instead, take control of your online presence, embrace your seniority, and ensure your public profile reflects the respect you've earned over the years.

I recently came across a community focused on layoffs and job searching, and it inspired me to share my experience. After being laid off, I know how overwhelming it can be to re-enter a fast-paced job market, especially when your resume hasn't been updated in years. I've been a resume writer for three years and previously worked as a recruiter, so I understand the challenges from both perspectives. I want to help anyone who has recently faced a layoff by offering to review their resumes for free. I believe a strong resume can make a significant difference in the job application process. If you're in need of assistance, feel free to reach out to me. Just remember to redact any personal information before sending your resume.

I was laid off from my job in the healthcare sector last week, and it was my first experience with a layoff. I had only been with the company for a few months after leaving a position I held for seven years, so this was a complete shock to me. The severance package they offered was minimal, and despite my attempts to negotiate for better terms, they refused to budge. I consulted with an employment attorney who confirmed that everything seemed to be handled correctly, which was disappointing. What really infuriates me is their claim that two weeks of pay is "meaningful support for your transition." It feels absurd to say that with sincerity. As an hourly employee, I had little leverage, and since I live in a state that doesn’t require paid time off to be compensated, I feel even more vulnerable. Right now, my plan is to take some time to recover from the burnout I experienced in my previous job and reassess my next steps. I genuinely wish both companies the worst and hope their executives face some serious consequences.

Three months after being made redundant, I finally let go of the guilt associated with stepping away from my desk. When I lost my job, I dove headfirst into the job search, opening my laptop early each day to scour job boards and submit applications in a relentless cycle. However, it wasn't the job search itself that was the issue; it was the toll it was taking on my mental well-being. I found myself feeling unrecognizable, and my usual confidence had vanished. The turning point for me wasn't attending a CV workshop or receiving LinkedIn tips. It came when I started taking just twenty minutes each day to step outside, away from my desk and the constant barrage of my inbox. It might sound simple, but giving myself permission to take that break before diving into the job hunt made a world of difference. If you're feeling lost in your own job search, please reach out. I'm here to talk, no strings attached.

I finally received a job offer after four long years as a temporary employee. I'm excited but also a bit anxious about the next steps, particularly regarding salary negotiation. My previous program manager, who held the same role I'm stepping into, was making $77k this year before moving up to a manager position. Although she isn't my hiring manager, I believe her salary gives me a benchmark. I was informed that the company conducted a market analysis to determine the salary for this role, which is standard practice. Since this is my first significant job offer outside of retail, I'm unsure about what would be considered appropriate or reasonable for negotiating my salary. Any advice on how to approach this would be greatly appreciated!

I’m currently navigating a challenging situation at my first job in IT, where I’ve been working as a Technical Support employee for the past 8 months. When I joined, I was told I would need to complete a 3-month unpaid internship due to my lack of experience, which I accepted because I didn’t want to miss the opportunity. My manager, a family acquaintance, initially hired me, and I’m grateful for that chance, but my role has become increasingly confusing since I started. I was hired for Support, but soon after, a former employee returned and took over most client communications, leaving me with a smaller client that rarely had issues. I thought I would eventually transition to handling more client interactions, but instead, my responsibilities shifted to just assigning tasks, while he continued to manage the more active clients and developer coordination. To complicate matters, I was assigned to Team A officially, but I often worked with Team B, which my manager primarily oversees. The CTO would tell me to focus on Team B, while Team A's lead would direct me to prioritize Team A tasks. This back-and-forth left me feeling lost and without a clear role. Despite my efforts, my work in task assignment isn’t valued by senior management, and I’ve repeatedly heard that my role is “vague” or “undefined.” After six months, I was supposed to go through a review process, but that never happened. Recently, I expressed interest in moving into QA after a resignation, but I haven’t received any feedback from the CTO about that. What really pushed me to my breaking point was when I found out I was excluded from a new workplace policy announcement. My name was left off the list, and this isn’t the first time I’ve been forgotten. I reached out to HR and the CTO for clarification, but I haven’t heard back. I feel like I’m in a position where nobody knows where I belong, including my managers. During daily standups, I feel embarrassed when it’s my turn to update, as I have nothing meaningful to contribute. I’m currently job hunting, but it’s been tough, and I need to stay in this role to complete my semester requirements. This situation has drained my motivation and confidence, and it’s taking a toll on my mental health. I joined this company hoping to learn and grow, but instead, I’m left questioning my purpose here.

I’m currently considering applying for a position in another department within my company, and I’m unsure whether I should inform my direct supervisor about my interview. I feel a bit conflicted about disclosing this information at this stage. Some colleagues suggested that it might be courteous to let my supervisor know, as the hiring manager from the other department will likely reach out to them for a reference. They mentioned that it’s better for my supervisor to hear it from me rather than from someone else, as it could help maintain a good relationship. I’m leaning towards being upfront about it, but I’m still weighing my options.

I recently accepted a job offer and my new role starts in three weeks. I have planned PTO for next week and I'm contemplating whether I can give my two weeks' notice while I'm away. I'm considering emailing my manager to inform them of my decision and letting them know I'm available to discuss everything when I return. This is my first time navigating this situation, so I'm unsure about the proper etiquette. I've seen mixed advice online, with some suggesting that a two weeks' notice is just a courtesy and that I could resign immediately if needed. However, I want to handle this professionally.

I have an interview coming up on Wednesday for a position I'm really excited about. It's a group interview with 4-5 other candidates, and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it. In the past, I've struggled to articulate my thoughts during interviews and often find myself saying 'um' way too many times. I know I can do the job well, but the interview process tends to trip me up. I'm reaching out for any tips or tricks that might help me prepare and present myself better during this group setting. A fellow candidate mentioned that responses don't need to be lengthy, just concise and relevant, which I found helpful. If anyone has additional advice, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I am currently in the final stages of interviewing for a Quotation Renewal Associate position at a product-based company in Gurgaon, India. I've completed all the interview rounds and am now waiting for the HR to reach out for salary negotiations. My previous package was 6 LPA fixed, and I’m trying to determine what would be a fair compensation for this role given my 2 years of experience. Any advice or insights on salary expectations would be greatly appreciated!

I recently learned that there have been some executive layoffs at Covista, where I work. As a VP, this news is concerning, and it has created a tense atmosphere within the company. I'm trying to stay focused on my responsibilities while also keeping an ear to the ground for any further developments regarding job security and potential changes in leadership.

I recently quit my job as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and started looking for remote work opportunities in various fields. I came across a company called Great Limited Import Export Inc., which offered me a position as a Procurement Assistant and Specialist with a base salary of around $165,000. They proposed a two-week promotional period instead of a traditional interview process. While the job sounds appealing, especially since it involves purchasing items for clients in Asia, Europe, and Canada, I can't shake the feeling that this might be a scam. They provided a lengthy employment offer that appears legitimate, but I still have serious doubts about the authenticity of the opportunity.

I got laid off from my marketing role at a tech startup in March, and honestly, it was a relief. I had joined the company last year, eager to pivot from my writing background into marketing, but the job quickly revealed itself to be a mismatch. The role was advertised as entry to mid-level, but they expected someone to build things from scratch without any proper training or orientation. From day one, there were red flags. My boss was often absent, and the company culture felt toxic, with an emphasis on long hours and competition. I was overwhelmed with tasks I wasn't trained for, and after my boss went on maternity leave, I was left to figure things out on my own with minimal support. I struggled for half a year, trying to keep things afloat with the help of a consultant, but it was a lonely and miserable experience. When my boss returned, I had just come back from a family emergency, and it felt like everything was stacked against me. I was let go shortly after, and surprisingly, I felt happier than I had in months. The company assured me it wasn't performance-based and offered references, but I don't think I'll need them. Now, I'm collecting unemployment and have some savings to fall back on. The job market is tough, and I've only had one phone screen since being laid off, which was for another role that raised all the same red flags. However, I'm approaching this job search with a sense of apathy rather than desperation, which is a refreshing change for my mental health. I just wanted to share my experience and see if anyone else has felt relief after leaving a bad job.

I've been feeling pretty defeated in my job search lately. I hold a Master's in Planning and have sent out over 100 applications, but I've only managed to secure 17 interviews with no job offers in North Carolina. It's been tough, especially since I’ve applied for roles in both the public and private sectors, as well as positions in related fields. To make ends meet, I've even started applying for serving, cashier, and bartending jobs. What’s really frustrating is that I had two interviews that felt promising, but both employers ended up canceling the positions altogether without hiring anyone. I can't help but wonder if the current state budget issues are causing these hiring freezes and delays. On top of that, I have a resume dilemma. I recently moved to a rural area for a city planner position, but after just two months, I was let go and they froze hiring. Should I omit that short stint from my resume? I’m worried it might raise red flags for potential employers. I’d appreciate any advice on my resume situation or insights into the job market right now.

I recently started a new job as a kitchen steward, just four days ago, after a long 10-month search. Unfortunately, I've quickly realized that working in a kitchen isn't for me. The head chef is extremely harsh, and the training I received was inadequate. I've been feeling immense stress, and it's affecting my appetite and overall well-being. I dread going to work, and I can't stop thinking about how much I dislike it. The place has a bad reputation, and I found out from the handbook that I can quit without notice within the first 13 weeks. However, I'm worried about leaving since there are no other job opportunities in my town right now. I fear that if I quit, I won't find another job in time for college to start back up. Despite knowing that I won't last much longer in this stressful environment, I'm torn about what to do. I have work tomorrow, and the thought of going back is overwhelming.

I have been unemployed for a year and am actively searching for remote sales jobs. Due to my lack of transportation and the absence of public transit options nearby, I am focusing solely on remote opportunities. I'm particularly interested in sales roles that offer commission, but I would also consider customer service positions if they are available. I've been browsing Indeed and applying directly through various company websites, but I'm seeking recommendations for companies that are known to hire for remote work in these fields. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I recently helped my brother navigate a job offer he received from Meta. He’s been at his current job for only seven months and is in a tight financial spot. He’s worried that if he accepts the offer from Meta, he might get laid off shortly after due to the recent layoffs there, which could hurt his future job prospects. I asked for advice on whether his concerns were valid. Some people suggested that he should weigh the compensation against the risks. If the pay is significantly better, it might be worth the chance. Others mentioned that having a FAANG company like Meta on his resume could be beneficial, even if he only stays for a few months. However, there were also warnings about how job hopping might look to future employers. A few comments reassured me that he probably wouldn’t be laid off within the first six months due to the performance evaluation cycle. They also mentioned that the company just had layoffs, so it might be a while before they do another round. Ultimately, it’s a tough decision for him, especially considering the stress of moving and managing rent. I’m hoping he can make the best choice for his situation.

I cleared my Loop at Reddit in March 2026 for a senior machine learning engineer role (IC4) in Toronto, Canada. I felt that I performed well in all rounds, but the system design interviewer was quite tough and downgraded me to IC3. Now, I've been stuck in the team matching phase for the past two months for the IC3 MLE position. I've followed up with HR three times during this period, but they keep telling me that there are no open positions for IC3, which is why my profile hasn't been picked up by any teams. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this situation and if there’s still a chance of receiving an offer after being stuck in the team matching phase for so long.

I’m feeling really stuck in my job search and could use some advice. I have a B.A. in psychology and initially aimed to become a school counselor, but I shifted my focus to occupational therapy and even enrolled in a grad program. Unfortunately, I had to take a leave of absence due to family emergencies and working to support my family. Now, I’m struggling to find any job, even at a coffee shop. I’m in my 30s, and I feel like my resume isn’t strong enough. Most of my experience comes from short-term jobs like being a dance teacher, camp counselor, and working in a bakery and preschool, followed by caregiving for both adults and children. I’m concerned that this diverse but short-term experience is hurting my job search. I’m looking for unconventional career paths or ways to tailor my resume and degree to fit the job market better. I’m starting to lose hope, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated!