Planning

I’ve been on the job hunt for almost a year now, and it’s been incredibly frustrating. I hold a BA and an MA in English, and I’ve completed three internships in marketing, literary journal publishing, and social services with a nonprofit. Additionally, I volunteer as a copy editor for a literary journal. Despite this background, I’m still struggling to land my first job. My dream is to work in publishing, but I’ve expanded my search to include any field that might be a fit. I’m open to remote positions, but I’ve also been applying to jobs in the US where public transportation is accessible since I don’t drive. Since January, I’ve submitted what feels like an ungodly number of applications, but I haven’t received a single interview. I make sure to tailor my resume and cover letter for each job, incorporating keywords from the job descriptions to pass through ATS filters, yet nothing seems to work. I’m at a loss and unsure of what I’m doing wrong. I’m reaching out for any advice or leads on job opportunities in any field that I might be suited for, particularly in areas with good public transit. I’m feeling quite desperate at this point.

I have an interview coming up for a Coordinator position at another campus within my company. I've been in my current role for a while now, and while I enjoy it, the management situation has become challenging, prompting me to seek internal opportunities since March. This new role would involve different responsibilities, which I believe would help me grow professionally and prepare for future advancement. However, I'm facing a dilemma with the commute. My current drive is about 15 miles and takes around 30 minutes, but the new position would require a 25-30 mile commute, potentially taking 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic. I'm wondering if making this lateral move is worth it, considering the same pay but a longer commute. I really want to develop my skills and I think this role could be a stepping stone for my career. I’ve seen comments suggesting that lateral moves can be beneficial for long-term career advancement, which resonates with me. I just need to weigh the commute factor, especially during winter months when driving conditions can be tough. I’m also curious if there might be options for remote work on bad weather days.

I just received the news that I'm being laid off for the fourth time in five years. This has been an exhausting experience, and I can't help but feel unemployable at this point. I'm really struggling with how to present my resume, as I worry that potential employers won't believe someone could have such a streak of bad luck. I'm reaching out for any suggestions on how to frame my situation or tips on what to do next. This has been a tough journey, and I'm looking for guidance.

I recently had an interview scheduled with a company after applying online, and it was set up by an AI bot. The interview was scheduled for 2 PM MST, but I mistakenly thought it was in my local time zone, EDT, so I was prepared for 4 PM. When I logged in, the hiring manager wasn't there yet, and an employee informed me of my mix-up. I felt embarrassed and like a complete moron for not checking the time zones correctly. After that, I received an email stating that my interview would start in one hour, which added to my anxiety. Now I'm just waiting to see if they will still call me for the interview.

I'm currently facing the possibility of another layoff, and it's really frightening. My company recently reduced our work schedule from six days a week to just three, which has me worried about my financial stability. I barely made it through a layoff last summer, and I still haven't fully recovered. I had to rely on credit cards to keep my family afloat, and even though I'm back at work, I'm earning about half of what I used to make. I've been working as much overtime as possible, but my credit card debt from that time is consuming any extra money I manage to bring in. It's a relentless cycle of buying groceries on credit and making payments that only dig me deeper into debt. For nearly two years, I've been actively searching for a new job. I've applied to numerous positions, gone through interviews, taken on side work, and even returned to school to secure a more stable career. I feel like I've done everything right, yet I can't seem to get ahead enough to handle another significant loss of income. With my hours now cut in half and bills remaining unchanged, I can see the direction this is heading. My family relies on me, and I'm genuinely scared that I won't be able to keep everything together this time. I'm not entirely sure what I'm hoping to gain by sharing this, but I'm looking for advice, resources, job leads, or any ideas that might help me navigate this situation before the layoff actually happens.

I’m currently navigating my job search after leaving my position in law enforcement where I worked for about 6 years. My experience includes investigations, report writing, and handling high-stress situations, but I’m realizing that this background doesn’t always translate well into other fields. I also have experience as a Senior Project Manager and some roles in construction and customer service. Right now, I’m pursuing a Business Management degree, but I haven’t completed it yet. I quit my last job because the hours became unsustainable, shifting from 10-hour shifts to 12, and sometimes even 15 hours due to being understaffed. I decided to take a break, travel a bit, and enjoy some time off, which I don’t regret. However, I’ve been applying to various jobs—sales positions, accident reconstruction roles, and investigator jobs—but the rejections are starting to wear on me. I’ve applied to roles that I feel qualified for, yet I’m not even getting interviews. I’m curious about where others are finding jobs these days. Are people having success on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or through networking? I’d love to hear from anyone who has transitioned from law enforcement to a different career path and how they managed to find their new roles. I’m trying to figure out if I’m looking in the wrong places or if the job market is just particularly challenging right now.

I'm currently at a crossroads in my career. I left my previous job due to a toxic work environment, long hours, and an overwhelming workload—working from 2:30 PM to 11 PM for $21 an hour, while having to pay for my own benefits. The team was understaffed, with only five of us handling the work meant for nine, which left me exhausted and barely able to spend time with my partner. The only upside was that it was only 4.5 km from home. After leaving, I took a role at a warehouse but unfortunately got sick and was let go. Since then, I've been doing Uber Eats, which has been a decent source of income, especially since I live near a gas reserve that keeps my fuel costs down. Now, I've got an interview lined up for a new position that offers 12-hour continental shifts at $19.62, about 15 km away, still in a familiar field. However, I'm feeling the financial pinch after a few weeks without stable work due to my illness. I’m also trying to save up for a 7-month course to become a heavy machine operator. Today, my old boss reached out and offered me my previous job back, without a raise, but knowing I didn’t get the new role yet. I’m really torn between returning to a job that I know will provide immediate income or taking a chance on this new opportunity that could potentially lead to better growth. I’ve enjoyed not coming home at 11:30 PM and having some time for myself, so I’m really looking for any advice or thoughts on which path to take.

I've been exploring various online job sites lately, especially those that require a subscription or payment. I'm curious if anyone has had success using these paid platforms to find jobs. I've seen a lot of options out there, but I'm hesitant to spend money without knowing if it's worth it. If you've tried any paid job sites and found them effective, I would love to hear which ones you recommend and why. On the other hand, I've also been advised to stick with free options like LinkedIn and Indeed, which makes me wonder if the paid sites are really necessary.

I have been unemployed for 1.5 years after leaving a toxic work environment in April 2025. My previous job was overwhelming due to team layoffs and a lack of support, which forced me to juggle multiple roles and high-stress customer interactions while also managing grad school. Since fall 2024, I faced ongoing criticism from a new lead who undermined my work and created a hostile atmosphere, leading to my decision to leave. Now, I'm struggling to find a job in a tough market despite holding an MBA and a Master’s in Management and Leadership. I have operations experience in technical and marketing consulting but have had no luck securing a position. I've gone through 30 interviews, often feeling hopeful, but even minor mistakes seem to cost me the opportunity. My goal is to transition from retail to an office role, but I haven't received any callbacks recently, which makes me question my relevance in the job market. I wonder if my long unemployment is a factor or if I'm just not presenting myself well enough. What am I doing wrong?

I’m feeling really lost in my job search and could use some guidance. I’ve been struggling with interviews because I can’t seem to communicate effectively in the corporate environment. I overthink my words and often end up saying things that don’t come out right, which just makes me feel worse about myself. I’m a single mom currently living in a homeless shelter, and I need to find a job quickly to support my daughter and become self-sufficient. I have a liberal arts degree and experience in project management and as an administrative assistant, so I’m trying to stick to office jobs, but they feel suffocating to me. The corporate culture seems so clique-ish, and I often feel like an outsider because I value authenticity and don’t conform to the typical corporate mold. After years of enduring various forms of abuse, I feel like my tolerance for the 9-5 lifestyle has diminished significantly. I know I have a strong work ethic and I’ve always received good performance reviews, but my anxiety and PTSD from past experiences affect me during interviews. I’m not even sure if my struggles with communication stem from my trauma or just my general speaking skills. I’m actively applying to multiple corporate jobs, but I’m feeling stuck and overwhelmed. I can’t go back to school right now, and physical labor isn’t an option due to a herniated disc. I really want to find a way to improve my situation and feel like I’m capable of getting hired. If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on how to navigate this, I would really appreciate it.

I'm currently facing unemployment and feeling quite lost about my next steps. I'm in my mid-20s and based in Grantham, UK. With 9 years of experience in sales and client management, particularly in the property sector, I've also gained some business development experience. Recently, I've dabbled in social media and hold a Level 2 Digital Marketing qualification. Outside of my main work, I engage in content creation and UGC, earning a modest income of about £100 a month through TikTok Shop affiliate marketing. I'm eager to transition into influencer marketing, campaigns, or creative/marketing roles, ideally remote, since I live in a somewhat isolated area. I recently interviewed for a Junior Influencer Marketing Manager position but unfortunately lost out to candidates with more relevant experience, despite feeling that my interview went well. I have ADHD, which makes repetitive tasks challenging for me. I'm looking for roles that offer a salary between £27,000 and £30,000, and I want to avoid cold sales jobs. I'm open to exploring different job titles or industries, but I need concrete suggestions for roles that align with my background. I'm feeling overwhelmed and would appreciate any advice on job titles I should consider applying for.

I'm a 25-year-old from India, and I've been trying to navigate my career path, which has been quite messy so far. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Video Game Design, but after realizing the limited opportunities and low salaries in the gaming industry here, I decided to pivot. My work history includes a short stint of 6 months at one company, followed by a 6-month period of unemployment, and then 7 months at another company before I made the decision to shift my focus. Currently, I'm in my second year of an MBA program, specializing in IT & Operations, but I'm attending a low-ranked business school, which has made it challenging to secure good opportunities. I've discovered that I have a knack for data analytics and using AI tools, and I want to leverage these skills for a more stable career. However, the campus placements at my university offer very low salaries, which means I might still need financial support from my parents after getting a job. They’ve already invested over $60,000 into my education, and I feel uncomfortable relying on them further. I'm seriously considering building my career outside India, with my preferred destinations being the USA, UK, EU, or Canada. However, I'm facing challenges in securing international roles due to the lack of work authorization or visa sponsorship. I'm also open to remote roles, but I'm unsure how realistic that is while based in India. I'm looking for advice on how to realistically secure a junior or mid-level role in data analytics, IT, or operations, either remotely or abroad. Specifically, I want to know if I should gain 1-2 years of experience in India first, what skills or certifications would be most beneficial, whether a portfolio of analytics projects would help, and which countries or companies might be more open to hiring Indians without existing work authorization. My goal is to build a sustainable career, achieve financial independence, and eventually have the option to move abroad.

I just got fired from my job as an account executive after over three years with the company, and I'm feeling a mix of fear and uncertainty. I was always one of the top performers, and I really enjoyed my time there, especially because I had amazing colleagues and a product that sold itself. The job was relatively easy for me; I hit my numbers daily without the stress of cold calling or long sales cycles. Now, I find myself lying in bed, searching for new jobs in the same field, but the descriptions I'm seeing are daunting. They mention cold calling and visiting customers, which are things I never had to do before. I'm worried about stepping outside my comfort zone and whether I can perform at the same level in my next role. Financially, I'm also concerned since many of the positions I’m looking at offer significantly lower pay. I’ve grown accustomed to my current salary, and the thought of earning less is really tough to swallow. To make matters worse, this all happened just before my vacation with my wife, and I’m anxious about how I’ll manage to enjoy that time while worrying about my next steps. I’m getting paid for this month and the next, but after that, I’ll officially be unemployed. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you cope with the transition?

I recently got laid off from my position in Finance and Operations at a small business that was acquired by a large multinational company. I had been with the company for nearly two decades, working my way up from a jack-of-all-trades role. When the acquisition happened, I was assured by my CEO that my job was safe, but just over a year later, I found myself in a routine Teams meeting where I was informed of my layoff. It was a shock, and I spent the next few days consulting with lawyers about my severance, which I ultimately deemed fair. After the initial shock wore off, I realized I had the opportunity to find a job that I was truly passionate about. However, the reality of my situation hit hard—I had bills to pay and a family to support. I decided to stay in the business world and aimed to get a top-tier certification to enhance my job prospects. I studied hard and obtained the certification, believing it would help me secure a better-paying remote job. I launched into a job search, applying to hundreds of positions with custom resumes, but faced a lot of ghosting and rejection. I started applying for in-person jobs, fearing I might have to take a pay cut. Despite my efforts, including networking and refining my interview skills, I struggled to land a position. I reached out to connections for leads, but often felt let down by those who offered empty promises. In the midst of my job search, I decided to start my own business, hoping to create opportunities for myself. I developed a pitch and reached out to my network, which led to securing two clients. After six weeks, I was making more money than I had in my previous job, and it felt like a small victory amidst the chaos of job hunting.

I recently completed an on-site interview for an engineering role at Microsoft. It’s been over three weeks since I finished the three technical rounds, and I’m still waiting for the AA round to be scheduled. The status in the Action Center still shows "Interview," which has me feeling anxious. I reached out to the recruiter today to follow up, especially since I'm in the final stages with other companies and need to make a decision soon. Unfortunately, I haven't heard back yet. I know the recruiter is contracted, which might be affecting the communication. I’m starting to wonder if this delay is normal or if I should be concerned about my chances.

I had my mid-year review scheduled for last week, but it got canceled twice. This morning, I saw that it was rescheduled for tomorrow, and now my VP and the HR Business Partner are both included in the invite. I'm starting to feel really anxious about this. Given the current climate in tech, I can't help but think this might be bad news. It seems like meetings like this typically signal layoffs rather than promotions these days. I just hope it's not a performance improvement plan or something worse. I'll definitely update once I know more.

Today, I found myself contemplating how to approach salary negotiations for a customer service role at a credit union. The position lists a base salary that is $4,000 higher than what I was making before my layoff. With 10 years of customer service experience, including 4 years in a technical capacity and a bachelor's degree, I feel well-qualified for this role. I'm debating whether I should ask for the top end of the salary range, which totals a $21,000 difference from the bottom to the top. I know they have the budget for it, given that they posted this salary range. However, I also recognize that many other candidates will likely be applying, some of whom may be just as qualified. I’m torn between wanting to advocate for myself and the reality that many companies typically offer salaries closer to the midpoint of their budget. I want to ensure I’m not overreaching, but I also don’t want to undersell my experience. Should I go for the top salary or stick closer to what I was making before? This is a pivotal moment for me, and I want to make the right move.

I was subcontracted by a New York company to work as a W2 employee for a six-month project in California. Now, I've secured another contract gig that will last for an additional ten months in California. However, once I finish this next contract and return to my permanent address in Wisconsin, I anticipate being unemployed. Since I'll still technically be a W2 contractor with the New York company, I'm unsure if they will have any work for me at that point. I'm looking for guidance on whether I can apply for unemployment benefits once I'm back in Wisconsin. Also, is there a statute of limitations I should be aware of regarding unemployment applications? I assume I would need to apply for benefits in Wisconsin.

I recently went through a significant career shift after being laid off from my analytics role, where I had about 10 years of experience and was earning around ₹38 LPA. The first week post-layoff was tough; I was anxious and started applying for jobs everywhere. However, I quickly learned that many companies looking to hire at my salary level were seeking candidates with expertise in AI, GenAI, Python, and machine learning, in addition to analytics skills. I did get close to securing another position, even agreeing to a pay cut to ₹34-35 LPA, but the offer never materialized despite the extensive back-and-forth with the hiring team. Then, unexpectedly, my current employer reached out and offered me the chance to withdraw my resignation and keep my job. This meant I had to forgo a substantial severance package. After some reflection, I decided to accept their offer. This experience has really opened my eyes to the current job market and my own skill gaps. While I excel in SQL, analytics, and stakeholder management, I realized I need to bolster my AI and Python skills to remain competitive. Now, I'm contemplating whether I made the right choice by staying. I'm leaning towards using this opportunity to upskill in AI and eventually seek better-paying roles in the future. I'd love to hear thoughts from others in the data, analytics, or AI fields who have faced similar situations.

I currently work as an Inside Sales Rep for a wholesale distributor in the HVAC industry, where I've been for almost two years after an internal promotion. With over 10 years of experience in HVAC, I've started exploring new job opportunities due to not receiving a raise in the past two years. Recently, I received an offer from another company for the same position, but with a significant pay increase. My current role is hybrid, allowing me to work from home three days a week, and I have a 20-30 minute commute. My salary is $56k, and I receive a $600 monthly vehicle stipend, although it's taxed. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to earn any commission this year due to recent changes in the company. The new offer is for the same Inside Sales Rep role but with a base salary of $78k, plus bi-yearly bonuses of 5-10%. However, it requires me to work 100% in the office, which is a 35-45 minute drive with no vehicle stipend and no commission structure. I'm really torn because I enjoy working with my current team and appreciate the flexibility of working from home, especially during winter. However, the financial benefits and potential for growth at the new company are enticing. I've tried to discuss my pay with my current employer but haven't received any responses. I'm seeking advice on whether to stay or make the switch.