Planning

I currently work at a tech company that is set to be acquired by a larger tech firm, with the acquisition expected to be finalized by mid-next year. This announcement has left me feeling anxious about my job security. I'm in a mid-career role, and while I believe my position is valuable, I'm aware that during acquisitions, companies often streamline operations and eliminate redundancies. Given the current job market, I'm torn between staying put and starting my job search. I've been advised to maximize my options and begin applying for new roles while I still have a steady income. It seems like a tough situation, and I'm not sure what the best course of action is.

I'm currently in the process of applying for state government jobs, specifically for a Sales and Marketing Specialist role and a License Permit Program Associate position. However, I'm facing a dilemma regarding my resume. I've had two previous government jobs from which I was let go. I lost both positions due to challenges I faced after starting a new medication for ADD, which affected my focus and made me more irritable, leading to mistakes at work. Right now, I'm working as a Sales Associate/Optician at Target Optical since November 2023, where I've been successful in my role. However, I'm looking for a job with a more consistent schedule, better pay, and benefits. The issue is that if I omit my previous jobs as a Deputy Clerk at a Municipal Village (September 2021 - January 2022) and as a Customer Service Representative at my State’s Department of Transportation (March 2022 - July 2022), I will have a two-year gap in my employment history. I'm unsure how to handle this situation on my resume.

I recently received a job offer from a local hospital, and they are using Hire Right to conduct my background verification. I worked as a nanny from 2020 to 2023, but it was under the table, so I only have Cash App transactions as proof of payment. I'm unsure whether to include this job in my employment history or leave it out. Hire Right states that I need to explain any gaps in employment over 6 months within the last 5 years, which adds to my confusion. I'm seeking advice on how to handle this situation.

I recently found myself feeling lost in my job search after taking a break to raise my kids. My experience feels outdated, and I'm struggling to find a part-time job close to home since my husband travels frequently. I applied to McDonald's, but the application process was disheartening. Instead of submitting a resume, I had to complete a 30-minute AI questionnaire that felt more like a personality test than a job application. I never got to showcase my management experience or skills. I also tried applying to TJ Maxx, where I used to manage, but it seems they have also shifted to an AI-driven process. I’m open to both part-time and full-time opportunities, but the reliance on AI in hiring has really dampened my hope. I just want to find a job where I can contribute and feel valued.

I’ve been working from home for 15 years at a government contracting company, and I’ve recently come into a significant financial windfall that means I never have to work again. While my job is fairly easy and I only have to interact with my manager twice a year, I find it quite lonely sitting at home all day. I’m ready to travel for a few years while I’m still young enough to enjoy it. I’m considering how to get laid off, as I think it might be a challenge given my long tenure. My company requires 40 hours of training each year, and I’m wondering if I could cut back on that without them noticing. However, I’m not sure if they would care about my training since it wouldn’t cost them anything if I don’t complete it. I’ve received some advice from others suggesting that if I have enough money, I should just quit and enjoy life instead of trying to navigate a layoff. It’s a tempting thought, but I’m still weighing my options.

I've experienced several layoffs throughout my career, and I thought it might be helpful to share my journey: 1. My first job was at a fast food restaurant during high school, where I worked my way up to manager over 9 years. I dedicated myself to the job, often putting in 60 hours a week. Eventually, the franchise owners sold the store back to the company, and I was laid off. They paid me until the end of the week and kept my insurance until the end of the month. While I was a bit disappointed with the lack of recognition for my hard work, I was also relieved to have some time off. 2. After that, I decided to pursue a career in IT. I landed an entry-level position at a large retailer, but it was a cheap company. After 4 years, they were acquired, and on the day of the layoffs, we were all taken to a hotel and informed we were let go. I received a week’s pay for every year I worked there, which was a small consolation. 3. I didn’t apply for unemployment and instead started hunting for jobs, but only found temporary work. I worked for a company for six weeks, but once the regular employees returned from vacation, I was let go. I went on another interview for a position that had no advancement opportunities, and I was relieved when I didn’t get that job. 4. Eventually, a temp agency sent me to interview with an oil company. I was thrilled when I got the job, which was the best I had at that point. However, after almost 7 years, they decided to change their accounting software and laid off many employees, including me. I was surprised when I received the call from the director's office. I had thought I was safe, but the company ended up getting bought out twice afterward. 5. After meeting someone in a different state, I moved and found a new job after a couple of months. It wasn’t the highest-paying job, but I worked three 12-hour shifts, giving me plenty of time off. When my manager discovered I was looking for other jobs, I received a 21% raise. Unfortunately, after almost 7 years, the company merged, and my position was eliminated. I stayed until the end to receive a retention bonus and got 1.5 weeks of pay for every year I worked. 6. It took a couple of months to find my next job, but it turned out to be the right fit. I was still receiving severance when I started, and I ended up working there for 22 years before retiring two years ago. I survived a major layoff in 2008 but managed to advance afterward. I had great managers and felt my work was valued. The last decade of my career really set me up for retirement. Looking back, I realize that even though layoffs can be tough, I was fortunate to have some savings to help me through the rough patches.

I'm currently navigating a chaotic job situation after owning my own business in Central Florida for 13 years. My operation was thriving until late 2024-2025 when I got shorted $400k by two contractors—one went bankrupt and the other essentially robbed me. This led to a drastic downsizing from 25 employees to just myself and one other person, and I'm now facing foreclosure on my home. The last 18 months have been incredibly tough, and I've exhausted all my savings and retirement funds trying to recover. I'll be turning 41 soon, which adds to the stress. I started applying for jobs about six weeks ago and quickly realized how dire the job market has become. Although I've received offers, the wages are shockingly low. However, I finally got an acceptable offer for a project management position at $120k with a schedule of 26 weeks on and 26 weeks off, starting on October 5th. In the meantime, a contractor I used to work with reached out and offered me a project that also starts on October 5th, which will pay around $40k for a two-week turnaround. Another contractor accepted my bid for a project worth $211k, estimated to take about 90 days. Both contractors are reliable payers, which is crucial in this industry. Additionally, I’m waiting to hear back from an engineering/design firm about a full remote position that pays $140k. I really want this job as it would allow me to finish my degree and gain valuable experience, but I don’t have it yet. On top of all this, there’s a possibility of receiving a settlement from the contractor that wronged me, which could be around $180k. My financial situation is precarious—my power was almost shut off last month—but both contractors are willing to front materials and expenses for the projects if I can sign contracts. I'm feeling overwhelmed with all these opportunities happening at once and need to make decisions quickly, as everyone wants answers by Monday. If anyone has advice or suggestions, I'm all ears!

I’m currently in a tough spot as a college student in my third year of game design. I’m desperately looking for a part-time job, ideally one that allows me to work 8-hour shifts. However, I’m concerned about how to balance this with my massive college assignments, especially since I have a major project due soon. I’ve been thinking about negotiating for night shifts or scheduling around my classes. My main worry is what happens if I get hired and then find myself overwhelmed with assignments, unable to pick up shifts. Would that be seen as unprofessional? I know I need to pay my college fees, and I might not have another job opportunity after graduation. I’m trying to figure out how to manage my time effectively and ensure that my education remains a priority while still being able to support myself financially.

Today I took a big step and resigned from my job. I've been feeling pretty unhappy at my current position for a while now, and despite sending out numerous applications, I haven't received any responses. After much consideration, I decided it was time to take the plunge. I submitted my two weeks' notice and I can't express how relieved I feel. In just two weeks, I'll be moving across the country to start a new chapter in my life. I'm filled with happiness and excitement about what lies ahead. Wish me luck on this journey!

I had a phone screen with a recruiter two days ago for a position I was really excited about. I felt like the conversation went well, and at the end, the recruiter mentioned she needed to discuss things with the hiring manager on Friday and would update me on next steps afterward. Now that Friday has passed and I haven't heard back, I'm starting to worry that I might be rejected. I did send a thank you note the day after the interview, and the recruiter responded positively, saying she enjoyed our conversation and would reach out soon. I'm wondering if the lack of follow-up means bad news. Based on others' experiences, should I send a follow-up email on Monday to check in?

I recently completed my job search journey in Canada, which was quite challenging due to my lack of local experience. Initially, I was hesitant about taking contract roles because many people in my network advised against them, citing instability and lack of benefits. However, I decided to give it a shot, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. The job market for permanent positions at major banks was incredibly competitive, and I found myself getting nowhere without any Canadian experience on my resume. Contract roles offered a much lower barrier to entry, and the hiring process was significantly quicker. Once I secured my first contract role at a big bank, everything changed. I was no longer just someone with international experience; I had relevant local experience that made me a more attractive candidate for subsequent applications. Through this contract, I gained valuable insights into the tools and processes used by Canadian banks, which enhanced my resume further. Although my first contract didn't pay well, it opened the door to a much better second contract role, which came with a significant pay increase. Ultimately, after gaining this experience, I was able to land my first permanent position just a few months ago. I learned that for those stuck in a similar situation, taking a contract role can be a strategic move to break into the job market.

I was placed on my first Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) last week at my current job, which I absolutely despise. The work environment is incredibly toxic, largely due to my manager, who has made my life miserable since I started here. I suspected that she was trying to push me out, so the PIP didn't come as a surprise. However, I've been actively job hunting and have received several interview requests over the past two weeks. I'm currently going through the interview process and I’m hopeful to secure a new position within 2-3 weeks so I can escape this toxic workplace. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has had a successful experience with a PIP and managed to land a new job before the 90-day period was up. I could really use some positive stories to lift my spirits and improve my mental health.

I was non-renewed from my teaching position in Washington this past Spring while I was on maternity leave. Despite being fully qualified for FMLA, the district, which is currently $6 million in debt and notorious for cutting corners, did not inform me directly about my non-renewal. I found out through a colleague far too late. After my salary stopped, I filed for unemployment to support my family during my job search. However, the district is contesting my claim, asserting that I quit. This has led to a notice from the Unemployment Office stating that I might have to repay the benefits I've received. I anticipated this issue when I learned about my non-renewal, so I reached out to my administrators and HR, but they ignored my inquiries. The head of HR claimed I failed to sign an 'intent to return' document that they supposedly mailed during my leave, which I never received. After being ignored, I contacted my union, and they managed to get in touch with HR. It turns out HR stated they intended to non-renew me because of my maternity leave. This entire experience has been incredibly unprofessional, confusing, and hurtful, especially since I dedicated several years to this job. I really need the unemployment benefits to keep my family afloat, and I can't afford to repay the amount already disbursed. I've submitted a statement to the Unemployment Office along with the union's email correspondence as evidence. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? What was the outcome?

I was recently laid off from a biotechnology company where I had worked for six years due to restructuring. This has been a tough transition, especially considering my husband was also laid off three years ago from a high-paying job and has only managed to find work in food delivery, bringing in about $2,000 a month. Our savings can sustain us for about 8-9 months if we manage them strictly. Since my layoff, I've been actively applying for new positions for the past three weeks, but I've only received radio silence in response. I've reached out to my connections, but it seems they aren't able to help, despite what I've read about networking being beneficial. I've been following all the advice I can find: tailoring my resume for each job to pass ATS, writing cover letters, applying through job portals instead of using Easy Apply on LinkedIn, and even trying to find emails of key people at the companies I'm applying to in hopes of pitching myself directly. It feels uncomfortable to reach out to strangers who may not want to engage with me, and I'm starting to doubt whether this approach is effective or if I'm just wasting my time. After living in the USA for 25 years, I used to love my life, but everything feels different now. For the first time, I'm considering returning to my country of birth, something I never thought I would do. It's strange not to miss my former job, which I genuinely liked, and I left with a clear conscience knowing my performance was not the issue. Right now, I feel uncertain about my future and whether it's realistic to find a job in the senior mid-sector. With zero traction from my applications, I'm starting to lose hope. On the bright side, I've been keeping up with my fitness routine, doing yoga and strength training, and I'm in the best physical shape of my life, but unfortunately, that doesn't help pay the bills.

I just accepted a new in-person office job that starts on Monday at 8 AM, but I'm feeling a bit anxious about the lack of reporting details. I completed the offer letter and the I-9 form, and I received a general email from HR today about getting my badge and finishing the I-9, but that process starts at 9 AM. There's also an onboarding meeting scheduled online at 10 AM. The email mentioned contacting the person who interviewed me for reporting details, but I reached out and haven't heard back since it's after hours on Friday. The only information I have about my start time is what was mentioned during the interview, which is 8 AM, but no specific confirmation was given in any of the emails. My plan is to arrive at the office around 7:40-7:45 AM, let the front desk know who I am, and ask for guidance on where to report for my first day. This is my first job, and I can't shake the feeling of being a kid waiting for my mom to finish shopping. I'm just hoping everything goes smoothly.

I am currently trying to apply for unemployment benefits in Washington State, but I'm facing a frustrating issue. The claims line's automated system won't connect me to a representative, and I have a bug on my SAW account that I need to fix before I can submit my application. It's incredibly frustrating that their phone lines are always too busy to get through to someone for assistance. I'm feeling stuck and unsure of how to proceed.

I recently found a full-time role posted by a company I used to work for earlier this year. I was in a contract position there but had to leave before completing the full 12 months because I was offered a full-time opportunity elsewhere. I left on good terms and really enjoyed my time with the team. Now that they have a permanent position available that aligns with my skills, I’m considering applying. However, I'm a bit concerned about how it might look since I left the contract early, even though it was for a stable full-time role. I was laid off from my previous job about 7 months into that role due to organizational restructuring, which adds to my apprehension. I’m seeking advice, especially from recruiters or hiring managers, on whether applying would raise any red flags. I’ve read that if I left on good terms, it shouldn't be an issue, and I’m thinking about reaching out to my former manager to express my interest in the new role. I hope that could help smooth the process.

I'm currently seeking legitimate remote customer service jobs that hire from Chile. At 53 years old, I have extensive experience in customer service and call centers, including remote work across phone, chat, and email support, as well as basic technical support and handling escalations. My native language is Spanish, and I have a B2 level in English, approaching C1, which allows me to work effectively in both languages or in a bilingual capacity. The motivation behind my job search is deeply personal. I have an autistic son who is undergoing treatment, and it's been financially challenging to provide him with the support he needs. Call center jobs in Chile typically offer low pay, and I believe that working remotely for an international company could help me better support my family. I'm frustrated by the fact that many remote jobs advertised are only available to US residents. I'm specifically looking for companies that hire individuals living in Chile or Latin America, either as direct employees or remote contractors. If anyone has experience working for such companies or knows of any that hire internationally for customer service, chat/email support, or basic tech support roles, I would greatly appreciate any company names, websites, recruiters, or personal referrals. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any leads or advice would mean a lot to me.

Today, I applied for a video editor position at Base360.ai through LinkedIn. Shortly after submitting my application, I received an email stating that only about 5% of applicants move forward in the process, which felt like a tactic to boost my confidence despite knowing it was likely an AI reviewing my application. They requested a practical task where I needed to edit a 90-second video, but I decided to test the waters instead. I submitted a second application with a photo of a donkey I found online instead of my resume and intentionally chose the worst answers on the application. To my surprise, I received the same email about the 5% progression rate again. This experience has motivated me to call out both Base360.ai and TheFlex, the agency involved, because I believe more people should be aware of these practices.

I recently exhausted my unemployment benefits while searching for a new job in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck finding work, and it seems my former coworkers are in the same boat. Two weeks ago, I reapplied for benefits since it said I could do so after my previous claim expired, but I haven't seen any updates or movement on my application. I'm starting to wonder if this is a normal part of the process.