Planning

I recently started a new role after a long 10-month job search, but I've only been here for about a month and I'm already contemplating leaving. The workload is overwhelming, with 50-55 hour weeks and constant pressure to meet tight deadlines. I feel like I'm always racing against the clock, and the stress is taking a toll on my health. I'm not sleeping well, often skipping meals because I'm too busy, and I've even lost weight since starting this job. My energy levels are so low that I struggle to enjoy any free time outside of work. I've begun applying for new positions, but I'm anxious about how long it might take to find something else, especially after spending so long looking for this job. Part of me thinks about quitting right away since I don't believe I can sustain this pace long-term, but I'm also worried about how that would look on my resume, considering I'd only have been here for about three months in total. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has faced a similar situation and what factors led them to decide that it was time to leave. What signs should I look for before making such a big decision?

I recently accepted a job at Walmart and went through a two-day orientation, working about two hours each day. I then worked for a day and a half before I decided to quit during my second shift. I’m currently laid off from another job for the summer, which is why I was collecting unemployment benefits. After quitting, I filed for a week of unemployment without mentioning the hours I worked at Walmart. A week later, I received a direct deposit paycheck from them. Now, I'm really worried about whether I should continue filing for benefits, as I don’t want to lose them. I’ve heard that Walmart will report my wages to the state, and I’m concerned about the implications of not reporting my work. I’m at a crossroads and unsure of what steps to take next.

I recently found myself navigating the complexities of unemployment while being 35 weeks pregnant. Since mid-April, I've been on unemployment and decided to apply for a part-time seasonal photography position, hoping to learn more about the field. I didn’t realize that interviewing for a job could jeopardize my unemployment benefits if I chose not to accept it. My background is in insurance and office work, so this was a new venture for me. During the interview, which took place when I was around 32 or 33 weeks pregnant, I learned that the job required early morning starts, driving longer distances than I anticipated, and lifting up to 40 pounds. Since it was a Zoom call and I was seated, the interviewer didn’t see my pregnancy. In hindsight, I regret not being more transparent about my condition, especially since I had previously mentioned needing time off due to a medical issue. After receiving the job offer, I reached out via email to inquire about possible accommodations for my pregnancy, but I never received a response. Eventually, I decided not to accept the position, citing the lack of communication regarding accommodations. I now have an interview scheduled with unemployment to discuss whether I can continue receiving benefits after turning down the job. I expressed that the physical demands of the role were not suitable for me, but I’m anxious about whether I made a mistake by even applying in the first place. Moving forward, I’m focusing on applying for office positions that align better with my current situation.

I recently received a job offer after going through two interviews that I felt went really well. The position is offering me $35 per hour, which is only a dollar more than my current pay of $34. I had initially asked for $37, which is at the top of their pay scale. During the call with HR, they mentioned some corporate jargon that made it seem like they weren't fully convinced of my worth or were just trying to save money. They did say they would consider revisiting my pay in six months if I meet their expectations, but I want to know if getting that in writing is actually valuable. I'm feeling frustrated because I believe my qualifications warranted a higher offer, especially since they interviewed me twice and didn't even check my references. The offer does come with some perks like a company phone, potential for overtime, and less travel, but the commute would be significantly longer—about an hour to an hour and a half round trip compared to my current 20-minute drive. I'm looking for advice on how to negotiate this situation effectively.

I've been on the job hunt since January 2025, and it's been a tough journey. I'm a 25-year-old male, and despite having great interviews and a solid resume, I keep facing rejection. I've even worked with career advisors from my school, but nothing seems to stick. Recently, I've been wondering if I should just take any job that comes my way. I tried that before, but all I got were temp positions, which didn't feel like a long-term solution. I get that some people suggest taking any job is a smart move, but I want to avoid burnout and getting stuck in a role that doesn't fit me. I want to find something I can see myself doing for years, not just a stopgap. I believe in playing the game smart, and while I appreciate the advice, I feel like I'm already doing everything I can. I've sacrificed a lot to try to improve my situation, and I have plans to move out and live independently soon. But I worry that if I take a job I can't see myself in, it could lead to burnout and potentially end up homeless. I just wish people would stop making assumptions about my efforts and understand that I'm really trying to secure a role that works for me.

I attended a job fair for a company where I've spent a significant part of my career. When my number was called, I sat down with a recruiter, handed over my resume, and he seemed impressed by the number of projects I've worked on. We discussed what’s important to me at work, and I emphasized the safety of my coworkers. The recruiter then asked if he could take my resume to a superintendent at the fair, which I agreed to. This is where I felt I stumbled; when the superintendent asked about my involvement in a crane project from six years ago, I mistakenly referred to it as 'crane 2' instead of its actual name, Markum 2. When he inquired about my supervisor, I blanked and could only describe him vaguely, which made for an awkward silence. I tried to recover by mentioning my work on torque tubes and two other nearby projects, Emerald Grove and Greasewood. Fortunately, the superintendent recognized Emerald Grove and seemed to connect with me on that. I went on to detail my mechanical skills and experience, even joking about how long I've been in the industry. The superintendent remained neutral, which made it hard to gauge his reaction. Afterward, the recruiter asked about my certifications and leadership experience, and we discussed salary expectations. He hinted that I could ask for more than the average due to my experience, which felt promising. He mentioned that the superintendent was pleased with my background and they were considering fast-tracking me for a position. Despite the positives, I can’t shake the feeling that I flopped on the project name and supervisor details. The superintendent's neutral demeanor left me unsure of his thoughts, while the recruiter seemed excited about my potential. I left feeling conflicted; I think I did well overall, but those slip-ups nag at me. The recruiter did say he would keep my resume and marked it with a star, which he assured me was a good sign. I’m left waiting for a call, which he said might take a few weeks.

I've been doing everything I can to avoid being jobless. My goal is to move out and live independently, and getting a job is the first step. Over the past year, I've worked hard on my resumes and cover letters with the help of career advisors. Recently, I had an interview for a People Operations Associate position. I received a message after the interview stating that while I had a strong interview and represented my skills well, they would not be moving forward with my application. They mentioned how competitive the candidate pool was and encouraged me to apply again in the future if another position aligns with my skills. It feels like my life is on hold, waiting for someone to give me a chance. I haven't had a steady job in over a year, only managing to secure some temporary work. As a 25-year-old man with a bachelor's degree in communications, I just want to find a role in administrative operations support. I've been actively applying, getting feedback, and adapting my approach, but it's disheartening to receive so many rejections despite positive feedback on my interviews. I just want to work and live my life quietly.

I recently graduated high school and I'm trying to figure out what job might suit me since I don't have any college credits. I’m reaching out for advice on potential job options. On the positive side, I consider myself a good worker, I have strong problem-solving skills, and I'm quite tech-savvy. I also have experience in basic labor, I'm skilled in drawing and art, and I have a knack for repairing cars and selling items. However, I do face some challenges. I have dyslexia, I'm not very strong physically, and I get overwhelmed easily. Writing and reading can be tough for me, and I often feel low energy. I also have to admit that I can be a bit lazy at times. I've thought about becoming a residential electrician or a repair technician, but I'm losing interest because it seems hard to master and lacks flexibility. My family really wants me to pursue this path, but they can be quite unsupportive, which adds to my stress. I’m also considering a career as a car mechanic, especially since I’ve repaired cars before. I think working for a company like Ford could offer some flexibility, but I’ve heard the pay isn’t great. Lastly, I’m looking into becoming an HVAC technician since that seems like a decent option, though I haven't researched it thoroughly yet. I’d appreciate any suggestions for other job opportunities that might be a good fit for me. It’s tough dealing with family pressure, especially when I feel like I’m constantly being compared to my sister. My dad barely remembers my birthday, and I feel like a failure sometimes. I graduated only three weeks ago, so I hope I can find something that works for me soon.

I recently received a job offer for a remote position and signed the offer letter, which feels like a huge relief after a long job search. The company mentioned they would reach out with next steps and to ship my equipment, but I haven't heard anything yet. My start date is just two weeks away, and I'm starting to feel anxious about the onboarding process. I'm wondering how soon I should expect to hear back about the onboarding details, especially since they might be running a background check right now. For those who have started remote jobs, how long did it take for you to receive onboarding information? Did you feel the need to follow up? I'm considering reaching out if I don't hear anything early next week, but I’m nervous about it, as I really don’t want to risk my offer being rescinded.

I've been working at a small tech company for just two months, still in my probation period, and I'm seriously considering quitting due to the toxic environment. Today, I experienced something that made me rethink my situation entirely. There's an external contractor who frequently works in our office, and he's known to be a problem. Female employees, including myself, are advised not to be alone with him because of his inappropriate behavior. Just the other day, he hugged me and kissed me on the head without my consent, while two male coworkers laughed it off. Today, he made another uncomfortable comment about my appearance, and when I reacted, a female coworker told me I should just play along to avoid becoming a target. On top of that, there's a male coworker who has been making inappropriate comments about my personal life and has started making sexual jokes when we’re alone. The company owner is also a huge part of the problem, as he often yells at employees and speaks to us in a degrading manner. It's clear that management is aware of the contractor's behavior but chooses to keep him around. This whole situation feels like harassment has been normalized here, and I’m really questioning if I should stay until I find another job or just leave immediately, even without a backup plan. I’m actively job hunting, but I don’t have any offers yet.

I recently attended several interviews and received an offer for a position, which I'm excited about. However, just a day before that offer came in, I interviewed for my dream role and I'm still waiting to hear back about a second interview. It's been three working days since the interview, and while I understand that these processes take time, I need to make a decision on the first offer soon. I'm considering reaching out to the hiring manager of my dream role to ask for an update on my application status. I'm thinking of mentioning that I have another offer on the table, as I want to know if I'm still in the running for the position. Should I go ahead and send that email?

I recently had a phone interview with a small company and was surprised to receive a job offer just a few hours later. While I'm excited about the opportunity, I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about the workplace environment. During our conversation, we discussed the lack of available employees in my area, which might explain their quick decision to extend an offer. I really want to pursue this role, but I don’t want to end up in a situation worse than my current job. The company is small, and I found the position on Indeed and Glassdoor. However, I need to respond to the offer letter by tomorrow, so I'm seeking advice on how to approach this decision. I've heard mixed experiences from others regarding same-day offers, with some cautioning that it could indicate a problematic workplace. On the other hand, I understand that if a company knows what they want and finds a good fit, they might move quickly. I'm weighing my options and trying to determine if this opportunity aligns with my career goals.

I recently found myself in a tricky situation after my previous employer sold off its department, prompting me to leave voluntarily. I applied to several jobs but didn't hear back for about five days, which led me to book a vacation. Just as I was preparing for my trip, I started receiving emails, texts, and calls from potential employers. I found it frustrating that they took so long to reach out when I was eager to start a new role. Now, I'm heading out on vacation next week and I want to handle any job offers I receive delicately. I don't want to burn bridges or end up on a 'red list' for future opportunities. I genuinely appreciate the offers, but I can't commit to a full-time position right now due to my prior travel plans. I’m considering being upfront with the recruiters, explaining that I have prior commitments but would love to discuss a potential start date after my return. I hope that by being honest, they’ll understand my situation and not hold it against me if I need to reapply later.

I'm currently navigating a tough decision regarding a job offer I received from a logistics company. At 23 and unemployed, I'm eager to start earning, especially since I've been actively applying and interviewing. The role could potentially open doors for me in the future, but the scheduling options are quite challenging given my circumstances. The shifts are either 5am-1pm, 1pm-9pm, or 9pm-5am, and I don't have a car, which complicates things significantly. The 5am shift would require me to walk alone in the dark, which makes me uncomfortable. The afternoon shift means taking the metro home late at night, which also feels unsafe, and I've found that working those hours can be quite depressing for me. The night shift might be the safest option transportation-wise, but it goes against my natural sleeping habits. On top of that, the job requires weekend work, which further isolates me from my friends who have more typical schedules. While the pay is better than nothing, it's not great, and I’m still waiting for feedback from other interviews. I need to decide by tomorrow, and honestly, none of the options feel favorable. I'm really torn and could use some advice on whether to take the offer or hold out for something better.

I’m currently seeking a full-time job in Los Angeles and need to secure something ASAP. I’m 19 years old and have around 2 years of experience in residential house painting, which I did alongside my dad. Right now, I’m working at Walmart in a temporary remodel position. My background mainly consists of physical labor, customer service, and being on my feet for long hours. I’ve been thinking about transitioning into security work since it seems like a more accessible option, but I don't have a guard card yet. I’m curious about how feasible it is to land a full-time security job as a beginner and would appreciate any recommendations for companies or roles that might be hiring and are a good fit for my experience.

I recently got approved for the maximum unemployment insurance benefit of $1,152 per week in Washington. However, I'm feeling anxious about whether I might have to repay any of this later. During most of my base year, I was on leave due to FMLA and then Short-Term Disability, and I received payments during that time. I'm uncertain if those payments were made by my employer or through Prudential. Without those payments, I only have 424 hours of work, which is below the 680 hours required for eligibility. Even though my claim was approved, I'm worried this might be an oversight that could lead to issues down the line. I’m trying to understand if I need to clarify anything regarding the disability payments I received before filing my claim.

I've been working as a Customer Service Representative at a family-owned HVAC company in Indiana for about five years. Last year, we were bought out by a larger company, and since then, things have taken a turn for the worse. Many of my colleagues, including technicians and other CSRs, have left for better opportunities, leaving us short-staffed. Currently, there are only five of us left in the CSR role, and we're being stretched thin. With the new management's changes, I'm now juggling multiple responsibilities, including billing, dispatching technicians, managing maintenance contracts, and answering a high volume of calls—often alone for hours at a time. The new owners have implemented AI to handle calls, which customers dislike and often request to speak with a live person instead. Despite my requests for help, my manager has informed me that we can't afford to hire more staff or eliminate the AI system. The situation is becoming unbearable, especially with the busy summer season approaching. I genuinely feel that the company might go out of business soon, and I'm concerned about my mental health as I try to manage this overwhelming workload. I'm contemplating whether this situation qualifies as 'good cause' for unemployment benefits, as it seems unsustainable. I've noticed that some employees have been spoken to about their attendance issues but haven't been let go, which adds to the uncertainty. I just want to know if I should start looking for a new job or if I might qualify for unemployment if things get worse.

I had a realization about employment that really changed my perspective, especially after being laid off during a wave of redundancies. I started to see my salary as just a corporation's monthly subscription to my skills and time. This thought struck me four years before my layoff, and it made me rethink how I approach long-term financial commitments. I realized that if I were to take on a mortgage or a car loan, I would essentially be basing those obligations on the assumption that my income would remain stable indefinitely. When I was laid off, I was fortunate enough to move back to my home country where my parents had a spare apartment. This allowed me to avoid the stress of immediate housing costs. I also made a conscious decision to save up ten years' worth of living expenses, which meant sacrificing some luxuries while I was still employed. I don't have practical advice for those who might not have a safety net like I did, but I strongly believe in resisting lifestyle inflation and being cautious about long-term financial commitments that rely on a steady income. It's a harsh reality that job security is a myth in today's corporate world, and it's crucial to prepare for the unexpected.

I recently faced a troubling situation with my employer while trying to return from maternity leave. I got pregnant in early 2025, with my due date set for January 2026, and I informed my employer right away. Shortly after, they requested a meeting to confirm my return post-leave, which I assured them would happen. They informed me that I could take short-term disability followed by Paid Family Leave. In September, I attempted to submit my disability and FMLA paperwork to HR, but they refused to accept it, insisting it wasn't necessary until after the baby was born, despite clear instructions indicating I could submit it in advance. After my baby was born, I had to mail in my paperwork, which caused delays in receiving my benefits. As my leave progressed, I received an email asking about my return schedule, but I hadn't finalized it due to childcare considerations. After that, I noticed they hired someone new who took over many of my responsibilities and even cleaned out my desk. With only three weeks left in my leave, I proposed a remote work schedule, but HR responded that I could only work in the office. I tried to clarify my employment status, but after several attempts, I received no response. Feeling ghosted, I consulted an employment attorney who outlined my options: reach out again, potentially file for unemployment, or leave things as they are and risk being seen as having abandoned my job. I'm hesitant to take action that could damage my reputation in the local community, as this is a small business where the owners are well-known. I'm seeking advice on how best to proceed, considering the potential consequences.

I started my first sales job in January and have been performing exceptionally well, hitting 260% of my quota since May and even reaching 530% this month with 10 business days left. Recently, I secured one of the top 10 biggest accounts for my company, which is crucial for our office. However, we've hit a snag. During an accounting meeting, we agreed on net 30 terms, but my company prefers net 15. We initially underestimated the account's spending, which led to a low credit limit. To remedy this, we arranged a good faith payment of about $10k, and their credit limit was raised. Yet, just two weeks later, they hit that new limit again. Now, my company refuses to increase it further, and we're missing out on approximately $30,000 in gross profit for the month, of which I'd see about $4k. I was instructed to text the customer about their credit limit, which understandably frustrated him. He believes it's unfair to ask for payment in 15 days when we agreed on net 30. I approached my boss to discuss increasing their credit limit, but he said there’s nothing we can do. This situation is incredibly frustrating for me. I'm contemplating whether I should start looking for a new job, reach out to accounting directly, or escalate the issue to someone higher up in the company. I'm new to this and unsure of the best course of action. Any advice would be appreciated.