Planning

In January, I was let go from my job due to what they claimed was a lack of improvement in my performance. They felt I wasn't contributing effectively to other departments and couldn’t transition to new roles since those positions were filled. I personally believed I had improved, gaining confidence and comfort in my tasks, but ultimately, I wasn’t happy there. When I was let go, I felt a mix of dread and relief. Now, it’s June, and I find myself without a job. Thankfully, I live with my parents and have no major financial responsibilities, but I’m eager to find a career that I can be content with. I've received various advice, like going to college or pursuing different paths, but nothing resonates with me. I even tried turning my hobbies into a career, but my creative process doesn’t align with deadlines or consistency. My job history includes retail, warehouse work, fast food, and agricultural fields, and I recently got my forklift license in April. However, I haven’t heard back from any of the jobs I applied to, and I regret getting the license, feeling it was more about creating an illusion of change rather than a genuine step forward. I realize I should have followed up with those applications instead of waiting for responses. I’m reaching out for advice because I want real conversations with people who can offer insights, rather than just relying on AI suggestions. I’m tired of the cycle of finding jobs, quitting, and repeating the process.

I'm currently on the job hunt and actively seeking new opportunities. I'm open to various roles and industries, so if anyone has leads or advice, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm ready to leverage my skills and experience to find a great fit.

I recently faced a challenging situation after being terminated from my previous job due to making mistakes in my role. As I start my job search, I'm concerned about how to address this if potential employers ask why I left. Should I be honest about the termination, or is it better to say it wasn't a good fit? I've heard that previous employers can only confirm employment and dates, but I'm still anxious about how much they might disclose. Seeking advice on how to navigate this in interviews.

I'm currently working at a tech company as a software engineer, and I'm feeling really stuck in my role. I've been considering quitting to pursue better opportunities, but I'm hesitant because I don't have any job offers lined up. I've been reading advice online, and the consensus seems to be that I should wait until I have a solid offer with a start date before making any moves. It's tough to balance my desire for a new job with the security of my current position.

I received a rejection email from the company I had accepted a job offer from, even after completing the onboarding process. This has left me confused and anxious about what went wrong. I'm not sure how to proceed, but I plan to reach out to the HR department for clarification. I hope to get some answers soon.

I recently went through a frustrating experience with a Fintech startup where I was offered the role of Campaign Manager. The interview process seemed to go well, and I was optimistic about the opportunity. However, just a day before I was set to join, I received a call from HR with some disappointing news. They informed me that the salary package was significantly lower than what I had expected, even after I attempted to negotiate for a better offer. To make matters worse, the letter of intent I received downgraded my designation from what I had originally interviewed for. I expressed my concerns, emphasizing that the lower title would hinder my career growth. After some back and forth, they offered me a similar designation to what I initially applied for, but not the exact title I had been promised. Ultimately, I decided to decline the offer. I felt that accepting a position with a lower title and salary would set a bad precedent for my future with the company. It was a tough decision, especially given the current job market, but I realized I couldn't compromise my worth.

I recently went through a second round panel interview with a company that I believed would be an easy transition for me, offering a raise between $25k and $30k. However, I decided to withdraw from the process because I felt that wasn't enough of a raise to leave my current position. Shortly after, I had a phone screen for a dream job that I've always wanted, which would come with a significant raise of $50k to $70k. I have a hiring manager interview scheduled for the 18th. Just yesterday, the recruiter from the first job reached out to me, expressing their interest and asking if I was sure I didn't want the position. They've now increased the salary ceiling to a potential $40k bump from my current salary. I'm now in a bit of a dilemma and wondering if there's a polite way to ask the dream job recruiter if they could possibly move my hiring manager interview up, as the timeline for the first opportunity is quite tight. It's a bit of a validation for me that withdrawing from the first job was the right call, especially since they came back with a higher offer.

I feel like I've become a professional spy at my current job, and it's really taking a toll on me. Right now, I'm pretending to be engrossed in some legacy code while secretly checking my emails every few minutes in a private browser window. Every time my phone vibrates, I jump because I fear it might be a recruiter calling back, and my boss could be right behind me. Just last week, I told my manager I had an urgent dentist appointment, but I was actually in my car at a grocery store parking lot for a second-round interview. It was sweltering, and I was wearing a blazer over a t-shirt, trying not to sweat while discussing my 'passion' for project management. The logistics are insane! I’ve started keeping a clean button-down shirt in my trunk for surprise video calls. I even had to hide in the handicap stall of the office bathroom during one interview, whispering my answers while someone next to me was having a rough time after lunch. I can't shake the feeling that the IT department is onto me; I've been visiting Glassdoor during lunch breaks, and I wonder if they’ve flagged my account. To be safe, I’ve switched to using my personal hotspot, but the paranoia lingers. It feels like I’m living a double life, and it's affecting my work performance. I’m more focused on the job hunt than my actual job. Just yesterday, my boss asked why I've been taking so many private calls, and in a panic, I told him it was about a plumbing issue at home. Now he’s asking for updates on my pipes, and I have to keep this lie going. I'm on the brink of a mental breakdown. The worst part is the ghosting from companies I'm applying to. I’m risking my current paycheck for a role that might only pay a little more and possibly have worse benefits. I just want this to end so I can stop feeling like a fugitive every time my phone rings. I feel like I've forgotten how to work without looking over my shoulder.

I recently applied for my first job at three different places: two local restaurants and a Starbucks. I submitted both online and physical resumes for all of them. Now, I'm feeling a bit anxious about how long it might take to hear back from them. I really hope to get a call soon, but I also want to be proactive and keep applying elsewhere instead of just waiting. I've heard mixed advice about the timeline, and I'm curious about what others have experienced. Should I just keep looking and assume I might not get a callback?

I'm a 17-year-old currently on the job hunt, but I've been struggling to land even a single interview. I've applied to several positions, mostly in retail and food service, but I haven't received any responses. I'm feeling a bit discouraged and unsure of what I might be doing wrong. I've tried to tailor my resume and cover letters, but it seems like there are so many applicants out there. I'm hoping to get some advice on how to improve my chances or any tips for standing out to potential employers.

After being laid off in February 2025 due to the ongoing struggles in my industry, I managed to secure a new job in April 2025. Unfortunately, that position turned out to be unstable, leading to a significant reduction in workforce in January 2026, and I was laid off again. Now, after over five months of unemployment, I finally received a job offer from a company that seems reputable and aligns with my interests. However, during the offer call, I was taken aback when the recruiter mentioned that my salary expectations were too high. They offered me $20,000 less than what I requested and $30,000 less than my previous salary. I expressed my enthusiasm for the role and said I would review the written offer. I'm torn between wanting to negotiate for a better salary and the fear of having the offer rescinded, especially after such a long job search. I'm considering whether to accept the offer as is or attempt to negotiate, hoping they might meet me halfway. Has anyone else navigated a similar situation after a lengthy unemployment period?

Today marks the end of my 90-day mandatory notice period after being laid off from my corporate finance role. I will be receiving a severance package that amounts to about 12 weeks of wages, which will help me financially in the short term. I'm 50 years old and have spent the last 15 years in this field, but the current job market seems really tough. I'm actively applying for new positions while also taking the time to upskill myself during this transition. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, as this is the first time I've had to navigate unemployment. I'm considering whether I should apply for unemployment benefits now or wait until my severance runs out, which could be a few months from now. I’ve heard conflicting advice on this, and I'm trying to figure out the best approach. If my job search takes longer than expected, I want to know how to effectively use unemployment benefits as a resource. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off from my UX Design position at a design agency due to a client ending their contract. This was my best job so far in my four-year career, and I was part of an amazing project and team. I had a feeling this was coming when I learned about the client's decision, which was based on their internal business needs, although they were satisfied with our work. I specialized in the Fintech domain and I'm hoping to find a new opportunity in the same field. Even though I expected this outcome, I'm still feeling quite low and crushed by the news. I know I need to gather my strength and rework my profile to start my job search again.

I’m currently in the process of interviewing for an entry-level position as a component overhaul mechanic, and I’ve hit a bit of a snag. The company is asking for three references, but I’m struggling to come up with anyone I can confidently list. I don’t have previous employers to rely on, and I’m not sure who else would be appropriate. I’ve considered putting down friends, but I’m worried that might not be the best route. I’ve seen suggestions about using old teachers, tutors, or even acquaintances like a doctor or someone from my community, but I’m not sure if those would be taken seriously. Has anyone else faced this issue? How did you handle it? I really want to make it to the next round of interviews and land this job.

I recently had an experience where I interviewed for a position at a company last fall. I made it to the third round of interviews, but unfortunately, I didn't get the job because they decided to cut the position and close the requisition. The entire process felt smooth, and I appreciated how responsive and encouraging the recruiter was throughout. Now, I've applied for another open role at the same company that I believe I’m qualified for, although it’s not on the same team. I’m considering reaching out to the recruiter I worked with previously to express my interest in this new position. I wonder if it would be appropriate to reconnect after not getting the job last time.

I have been with my company for six years, consistently performing at a top level with perfect reviews. However, I am now facing a likely layoff due to a company restructure. It's frustrating because I know my work is essential, but the decisions are being made by people who don't fully understand my role. I'm preparing for the layoff conversation and wondering what to expect. Will they provide a clear explanation for the decision? Is it appropriate for me to question their understanding of my contributions and the potential costs of letting me go? Additionally, I am currently pregnant, so I'm curious about my options for negotiating severance or benefits. I want to be ready for how quickly they might have me sign any paperwork after the meeting.

I work at a company that is currently trying to reduce headcount in the US by replacing positions with overseas workers who are paid significantly less. The atmosphere here has become quite toxic, filled with a sense of doom and gloom as we all wonder about our job security. There's a rumor that the downsizing process has been outsourced to a third party that uses an algorithm to determine who gets laid off. Even though age discrimination is illegal, I've seen it happen frequently, especially since older employees tend to earn more due to their longer tenure. I made a career change in my late 30s and have been with my current company for less than 20 years, while many of my peers, who are younger, have been here for 25 to 35 years and likely earn significantly more than I do for similar roles. I'm starting to wonder if my shorter tenure might actually work in my favor when it comes to the algorithm they are using. I’ve heard from others that it’s a numbers game, and the third party will analyze headcount and determine how many people can be eliminated from each department. Some companies prioritize laying off those with longer tenure due to their higher salaries, but there are no guarantees. For now, I think I’ll stick it out a bit longer since having tenure might provide me with a decent severance if things go south.

I recently got laid off from my position as a Machine Learning intern at a health tech company in Jaipur after a 10-month internship. During my time there, I worked on various projects, including developing 2D and 3D models for BrainCT and ChestCT diagnostics, and I created a deployment pipeline for these models on Azure Databricks using PostGres for the database. Today was the review day, and while five of my peers received pre-placement offers (PPOs), I did not. My senior mentioned that I wasn't strong in the research aspect, despite being competent in all other areas. They suggested I hold on until next Monday when they will consider other available positions within the company. I can't shake the feeling that my senior might have reported me out of personal bias, especially since the company is currently short-staffed and not hiring many new employees. I'm feeling lost and unsure about my next steps. Should I start applying for jobs elsewhere, or would it be better to prepare for the GATE exam? I feel like this was my only shot at securing a position after being one year late in my career, and now I’m worried about my future.

I’m currently facing a tough situation at my job, where I work in a corporate role. My company is preparing for another mass layoff in three months, and I’m almost certain I’ll be part of it this time. I’ve managed to hang on since the last round of layoffs at the end of last year, but I know my luck might be running out. Living alone without any family support has me feeling scared and anxious about what’s to come. I’ve been actively searching for new job opportunities for the past three months, but I know that once the layoff occurs, I’ll need to apply for unemployment right away. I’ve heard that unemployment benefits will only cover about half of my current paycheck, which is daunting. I’m also considering applying for food stamps to help make ends meet. I’m reaching out for advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. What steps did you take when you were laid off and had no support? I’m feeling terrified and could really use some guidance on how to navigate this challenging time.

I've been struggling with the job hunting process for the last few months, and it's been tough on my mental health. About a year ago, I was working as a freelance writer focused on video games, earning between $1000 to $3000 a month while living in a low-cost country. It was a great setup until around 4-5 months ago when all my clients suddenly stopped sending work. To make matters worse, I also had to end a significant relationship, which added to my emotional turmoil. Since then, my lifestyle has taken a significant hit. I've been sending out around 4-5 job applications daily, trying to pivot my career towards roles like UX Writer and Content Specialist, but I've only received a handful of callbacks and interviews. The majority of my applications have gone unanswered, leading to feelings of loneliness, guilt, and embarrassment. I'm 29 years old, with a master's degree in behavioral science and a bachelor's in human-centered design, and I never expected to find myself in this situation. My dad is the only breadwinner in our family, and as I approach my 30s with little to show for it financially, it's been a rough journey. I'm reaching out to see how others cope with the anxiety and depression that can come from this prolonged job search. I've tried to keep a routine, but it often feels overwhelming. Any advice on how to stay positive and motivated would be greatly appreciated.