Planning

I'm currently working from home as an HR Assistant, earning around $50K annually, and I've been in this role for almost two years. Recently, I've taken on more responsibilities and asked for a raise, but I haven't heard back yet. I enjoy the flexibility of my current job, which allows me to travel and saves me commuting costs, but I do pay about $300 a month for health insurance and feel like I'm handling most of the workload. I received an offer for a Talent Acquisition position that pays $65K, which is $32 an hour, and includes free health insurance. The catch is that the first four months are fully in-person, and then it transitions to a hybrid model with two days of working from home. My concern is the travel involved between clinics in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens for interviews, especially regarding parking and commuting during the winter months. They do cover tolls for trips to the Bronx, which is a plus. The team seems really nice, and the opportunity looks promising, but I'm torn between the flexibility of my current role and the better pay, benefits, and potential for career growth with the new position. I'm seeking advice on what to do next.

I'm currently applying for jobs and I'm worried that my lack of references might be holding me back. I have about 8 years of experience in blue-collar work, specifically with a CDL, public works maintenance, waste removal, and heavy equipment operations. Right now, I'm employed by my town in public works maintenance, but I'm looking to relocate to a city and find jobs that match my skills, particularly in city and municipality roles. I've applied to several positions, some of which I feel I'm overqualified for, yet I haven't received any callbacks or interview requests. A few of the job postings have already closed, while others are open until filled. I suspect that my lack of references is the main issue. I only have one reference, a coworker from the waste management industry, but he wasn't in a management position. My previous job ended on bad terms after a disagreement with a manager, which means I don't have any references from that experience. Currently, I don't feel comfortable asking my manager for a reference at my current job. I think he might not provide a positive response since I've expressed my intention to leave, which upset him, especially since it's during our busiest season. Additionally, we've had some heated discussions about our differing political views, which has made things even more complicated. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate this situation. What steps can I take to improve my chances in the hiring process despite my lack of references?

I’ve been working at a tech company for over four years in a junior engineering role, and recently, I got injured, which has led to the need for multiple surgeries. My doctor has advised me to take a short-term medical leave of about 6-7 months for recovery. Thankfully, my company is providing me with 26 weeks of partial salary, and after that, I’ll be covered by Employment Insurance, so I have some financial security during this time. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be off work for the next seven months, and I’m feeling a mix of emotions about my situation. I’m not sure if I should consider myself lucky or unlucky. I want to make the most of this time and think about how I can pivot to a better career opportunity. I’m still technically employed, so I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to start looking for a new job while I recover. I’m curious about what steps I should take to prepare for a potential job switch. Should I focus on developing new skills, perhaps in areas like AI or forward-deployed engineering? I want to avoid just lying around during my recovery and instead use this time to set myself up for a better future. If you were in my shoes, where would you begin?

I was let go from my job on September 11th after just over a year of employment. I had recently returned from a two-month medical leave due to spinal surgery, and just three weeks later, my boss informed me that I would be out of a job after October 1st. The reason given was that two out of three doctors would be unavailable for at least three months, making my position unnecessary. I feel a sense of discrimination because my medical leave was unavoidable, and I had been actively working hard, screening 12 patients before lunch while my colleagues only screened 8. To make matters worse, we don’t even have an HR department to address these issues. I'm preparing for a meeting tomorrow, but I'm feeling uncertain about my options moving forward.

I’m currently searching for job opportunities and specifically looking for companies that hire felons. I've gone through various resources online, but many of the companies listed don’t actually hire individuals with felony records. My background includes experience in landscaping, bussing, office work, and several warehouse positions where I operated forklifts and pallet jacks. I've also done some construction work. I'm open to any type of job and just want to get back to work. If anyone has recommendations or knows of companies that are more likely to hire felons, I would greatly appreciate it!

I'm currently on the hunt for a freelancer to help me fine-tune my resume, but I'm specifically looking for someone who doesn't rely on AI tools like ChatGPT. I want my resume tailored in a way that it can appeal to a wide range of job opportunities, with just a few personal tweaks. I initially considered Fiverr, but I have ethical concerns about using their platform due to the prevalence of AI-generated content. I'm searching for alternatives that vet their freelancers and maintain high standards, as I'm really tired of the oversaturation of AI in the job application process. I want my resume to stand out and be crafted by someone who genuinely understands the intricacies of creating effective resumes that can navigate ATS systems. I'm willing to invest good money for quality work and would prefer to avoid hiring someone who views 'prompt optimization' as a legitimate skill. If anyone has recommendations for platforms or freelancers who fit this description, I would greatly appreciate the advice!

Today, I experienced a bit of a rollercoaster at work. I had recommended a friend for a position at my company, and my boss seemed enthusiastic about hiring him. My friend submitted his application, and I was feeling optimistic about it. However, I just learned that my boss ultimately decided to turn him down. Now, I'm feeling anxious about how this will reflect on me. I can't help but worry that my boss will think less of me for this recommendation. I feel like I've let him down, and I'm even hesitant to talk to my friend now, even though it was his dad who influenced the decision. I have to go into work later, and I'm dreading the conversation. I really want to figure out how to navigate this situation and restore my boss's trust in me.

I recently decided to implement a two-interview maximum in my job search. I’m in desperate need of a job, but after my latest experience, I feel it’s necessary. I spent an entire month going through four interviews for a position that seemed promising, but the process was a logistical nightmare. The final interview was with an SVP who only asked me one question and seemed completely uninterested. It was frustrating, especially since the other interviews were recorded and analyzed by AI, which felt impersonal. To make matters worse, I was uncomfortable with the SVP’s appearance and demeanor during the interview. I didn’t receive an offer, but I had debriefs with the recruiter after each interview, and they only provided positive feedback. However, after the rejection, the recruiter suggested continuing conversations for future opportunities. I was taken aback and chose to block them instead. I’ve been on both sides of the hiring process, and it’s disheartening to see how unprofessional some recruiters can be. I’m open to panel interviews or practical assessments, but I refuse to waste my time with drawn-out processes that lack clarity. I’m determined to stick to my two-interview rule moving forward.

I am currently applying for a part-time position as a customer service associate at a thrift shop. The application requires me to provide three references who are not related to me, which is proving to be quite a challenge. I recently moved and don’t have any friends or neighbors to ask, and I lost contact with my previous employer. I feel stuck because I really want this job, but I don’t know who to list as references. I've even tried reaching out on forums for help, but my posts keep getting removed. I'm considering asking old teachers or family friends for help, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I started receiving unemployment benefits in early April and recently landed a part-time contracting job through a friend. It's a flexible gig where I work about 10-15 hours a week at $100 per hour. I'm trying to figure out the best way to manage my unemployment claim while working. Should I continue filing claims even if I won't receive benefits for the weeks I earn too much, or is it better to pause my claim? I thought about stopping my claim temporarily, but I realized there might not be a way to do that. My understanding is that I won't lose the total amount I'm eligible for, but I'm concerned about the number of weeks I can claim. I also wonder if I can skip filing for a week when I earn too much. Last time I tried to skip a week because I was on vacation, the system wouldn't let me file for subsequent weeks without certifying for the week I missed. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently learned from a current employee at HNI that the company is planning to cut 50% of its workforce. While there is one area that will be excluded from these layoffs, this news has prompted me to take action. I’m updating my resume and starting to look for a backup plan to ensure I'm not caught off guard. If you're working there, I highly recommend you do the same and start preparing for potential job searching.

I’ve been on the job hunt lately, and it feels like I'm searching for a unicorn. I'm currently on dialysis four days a week from about 2 PM to 5 or 6 PM, which limits my ability to work full-time. I have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, which isn't exactly the most marketable degree, and my work experience is mostly in part-time food service and tutoring kids. I'm specifically looking for an entry-level, part-time job that requires minimal experience and offers training, ideally in a field that won't be automated or outsourced. However, from what I've seen, these types of positions are hard to come by. It seems like many employers want candidates who check every box, which makes it even more challenging for someone like me.

I'm currently facing a tough decision about whether to stay at my job or leave after returning from a three-month medical leave. I've been with my company, a Fortune 100 firm, for about two years now, and on paper, it seems like a great position: remote work, good pay, excellent benefits, and a sense of stability. However, I've been feeling guilty about wanting to leave, especially given how fortunate I am. My medical leave was largely due to the negative impact my job had on my mental health. The changes in management, lack of training and support, and a shift in the company culture have made it increasingly difficult for me. The environment feels like an 'old boys club,' and I don't see myself thriving there long-term. I've tried to make things work by applying for internal positions and discussing my desire to transfer teams, but nothing has panned out. Now, I'm in the final stages of interviews with a couple of external companies, and I'm being selective because I want to ensure my next role is a better fit. As I prepare to return from my leave, I'm torn between wanting to give my two weeks' notice right away and waiting until I have a signed offer. I feel guilty for even considering leaving such a stable job, but I know it hasn't been good for my well-being. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has been in a similar situation: Did you resign immediately after returning from medical leave? Did you wait for an offer? Was it awkward knowing you were planning to leave? Did you struggle with feelings of being ungrateful for leaving a good job? Looking back, are you glad you made the leap?

I’ve been reflecting on the challenges faced by individuals who have recently been laid off, especially with the rising number of layoffs in India. I’m considering developing a side project aimed at providing support to those in this situation. While there is a wealth of information available online about resumes, job applications, and interview preparation, I believe the real issue lies in the immediate aftermath of losing a job. Many people may feel lost and overwhelmed, unsure of what steps to take next while grappling with anxiety, financial stress, and a sudden lack of routine. I envision creating a structured plan that guides individuals through their first week after a layoff, detailing specific tasks for each day, such as checking their financial situation, organizing documents, updating their CV, identifying job targets, reaching out to their network, and applying for jobs. Additionally, I think incorporating emotional support, like daily check-ins and advice on managing isolation, could be beneficial. My goal is not to replace professional therapists or career coaches but to offer a supportive companion that helps people navigate this challenging period. I’m considering starting small, perhaps offering my services for free to a handful of individuals to gauge interest and usefulness before expanding further. I’m genuinely seeking feedback from those who have experienced layoffs or significant career transitions. What was the hardest part for you right after losing your job? Did you struggle more with knowing what to do or with taking action? Would a structured plan have been helpful? Would emotional support alongside career guidance have made a difference? I’m eager to hear your thoughts and whether you think a resource like this would be valuable.

I was laid off about a month ago and jumped into job hunting right away, applying to nearly every position within an hour's commute in my mid-sized city. Fortunately, I secured a full-time role pretty quickly, though it was contract-to-hire and didn't pay very well. Still, it was in my field of study, with a reputable company, and I thought I could manage the long commute. However, not long into this new job, I received a callback for a position I had interviewed for earlier. This new opportunity offers a much shorter commute, a significant pay increase of around $20k per year, and is permanent. It's also in a field I'm passionate about and comes with more responsibilities. It's with a non-profit organization, which raises some concerns about stability and advancement, but I got some reassurances from the department leader. After two days of careful consideration and discussions with family and friends who have experience in similar roles, I decided to accept the new offer. I’m waiting to officially resign until I pass the background check and receive a firm offer, which my future employer has agreed to. I feel guilty about leaving my current role so soon, especially since I like the team and find the work engaging. I worry that I might be burning bridges with this big company and that I won’t be in a position to ask for a promotion later on. However, I really feel like I couldn't let this new opportunity slip away. I hope I'm making the right choice.

I'm currently job searching and considering applying for an entry-level position as a claims processor at a bank. My background is as a teacher's aide, and I don't have a degree, but I'm eager to transition into a completely different field. I have about 7 months of clerical experience from a previous job at a pediatric office. I'm looking for an office job that doesn't involve being a receptionist or constantly interacting with the public, as I'm really looking for a quieter environment. I'm particularly interested in backend office roles focused on clerical work like data entry or operations at banks, medical offices, or insurance companies. Given my experience, I'm wondering if claims processing would be a good fit for me or if the environment might be too fast-paced or stressful. I'm open to any honest feedback on whether this role is worth applying for.

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at my job in a mega corporation within the building controls sector. I was on a temporary assignment to help another part of the company when I learned that I was being let go due to poor sales in my area. This news came during a Teams meeting with HR and my manager, who encouraged me to apply for a position in the department I was assisting. I did so, but since the transition, I haven't received any pay for a month. Initially, I wasn't too worried after missing the first paycheck, thinking delays happen. However, as the weeks went by and I continued to miss payments, I started to reach out to various HR contacts for help. The process for tracking hours changed from an online system to a simple Excel spreadsheet emailed to my new manager, which added to the confusion. I drive five hours each week to my job site, and while the company covers my hotel and meals, the whole situation has become stressful. My expenses are still being routed through my former manager, leading to late approvals and fees that I have to cover. I feel like I'm living off my savings with no clear resolution in sight, and it's causing me significant anxiety. I'm scheduled to work at another client site next week, but I'm seriously considering not going until this payment issue is resolved. I've been advised to contact the state department of labor and to be more assertive with HR, but it's disheartening that no one seems to take responsibility for fixing this mess. I’m at a crossroads, unsure if I should continue working under these circumstances.

I was laid off from my role in Film Curation back in 2021, and looking back, it seems like it was the market finally adjusting itself. After the layoff, I went through the typical post-layoff process: updating my LinkedIn, rewriting my resume, and trying to craft a coherent ‘career narrative.’ I applied to various jobs, often facing questions from younger HR representatives about where I see myself in five years. Eventually, I took a step back and evaluated my finances. I realized that my trailer was paid off, my expenses were minimal, and I had enough savings to consider not needing a job anymore. So, I decided to stop looking for work altogether. It's now been over five years. During this time, I invested around $280k into Treasuries, which, along with my low burn rate, covers my basic needs like food, utilities, and internet. My lifestyle isn’t about adventure or building a brand; I simply wake up, make coffee, check the yields, play games, and read online. I’ve come to view employment as a forced obligation filled with endless emails and meetings, often about things that seem trivial. Initially, being out of the workforce felt like falling out of society, but over time, I’ve come to see it as a kind of freedom. While I wouldn’t recommend getting laid off as a strategy for financial stability, five years later, I’m still not convinced I should have fought harder to return to the workforce.

I have been unemployed for the past 8 months due to family issues, including several hospital visits. This extended break from the workforce has left me feeling uncertain about how to approach my job search. I’m contemplating whether I should settle for a lower salary to get back into the job market or if I should still aim for a pay increase based on my previous experience. It’s tough to gauge my bargaining power right now, especially after such a long time away from work.

I applied for a part-time job yesterday morning and was pleasantly surprised to receive an email just a few hours later allowing me to schedule an interview. I wasn't expecting such a quick response, and it made me wonder if this is a good sign about my application. Some people have mentioned that it could indicate the company is desperate for hires, but I'm just excited to have this opportunity. I'm preparing for the interview and hoping for the best!