Planning

I was laid off six months ago from my previous company, and now there's a contractor role open that supports my old team on the systems side. An old coworker reached out to me, asking if they could recommend me to the partner manager since I could help them out easily. A contracting company has now contacted me about this role. However, I'm facing a few challenges: 1. The pay is below my market value, but it's still better than unemployment. 2. There are no benefits, but since it's W2 work, I could return to unemployment if it ends. 3. This is the same company that laid me off, so my loyalty is minimal, but I do want to support my old coworkers. 4. I have several full-time roles I'm interviewing for, so I'm considering taking this contractor position just to help with income until I secure something permanent. I’m wondering if anyone has experience with contracting in this way. Is it frowned upon to take a role like this, especially since I might leave once I find a better opportunity? My old coworkers would understand, but I don’t want to let them down.

I have a virtual interview scheduled for tomorrow for a position transitioning from urgent care to primary care. The recruiter I spoke with was incredibly pleasant and expressed her excitement about my resume, mentioning it twice during our conversation. She highlighted that my skills and experience align well with what they need on their team. I'm feeling hopeful about this opportunity, but I struggle with interviews and really want to make a good impression. I'm particularly anxious about the 'tell me about yourself' question, which I find challenging. If anyone has tips on how to answer this effectively while keeping the interviewer engaged, I would greatly appreciate it.

I'm currently on the job hunt in Jacksonville, Florida, and I'm looking for entry-level positions that have a low barrier to entry and offer full-time hours with plenty of overtime opportunities. I've been applying to companies like Walmart, Amazon, and the post office, but so far, I haven't had any luck securing a position. I'm trying to figure out what other jobs might be worth pursuing. I've considered the trades, particularly roofing, but I've heard mixed things about the current hiring situation in that field. It seems like a lot of people jumped into trade jobs over the last decade, and I worry that I might have missed my chance. I've received some suggestions about looking into warehouse work and logistics companies, which might be more flexible with hiring than I initially thought. Additionally, janitorial and facility maintenance roles have been mentioned as underrated options that could provide full-time work and benefits, along with training for those starting from scratch. I'm open to any recommendations for jobs that fit this description or any insights into the trades in my area. Thanks in advance for any help!

I recently applied for my dream job and I'm feeling a bit anxious about how to stand out in the application process. I submitted my CV through the company’s website, but I noticed they required a supporting document, which I assume is a cover letter. I was initially planning to email my cover letter separately, but now I'm unsure if I should still send it as an email or just stick with what I submitted online. I have the phone number and the name of the hiring manager, but I'm not quite sure what to say if I call them since I just applied today. I'm considering waiting a few days to reach out, but I'm worried that might come off as invasive. Alternatively, I thought about emailing the hiring manager to request a call, but I’m unsure if that’s appropriate. I really want to make a strong impression and stand out from other candidates. Any advice on how to approach this situation would be greatly appreciated!

I interviewed for a case management position at a shelter last Tuesday and met the team. The director seemed positive and gave me some paperwork to fill out, including social and reference information. I was told that HR would reach out with an offer the following week. Today marks a week since the interview, and I haven't heard anything yet. I'm wondering if it's typical for them to send an offer before conducting a background check. Should I reach out to inquire about the status or should I just wait until next week?

As I brace myself for my upcoming layoff, I find myself wondering about the future of job opportunities in the U.S. It seems like many companies are offshoring roles, and I can't help but question what careers will remain available for American workers like myself. I'm actively searching for similar opportunities across the country, but the trend of offshoring has me feeling uncertain about my prospects. I'm hoping to connect with others who are navigating this transition as I prepare to join the 'layoff club.'

I was laid off about a month ago after more than 10 years at my company. I'm thankful for my strong network, which is actively helping me find new opportunities. I received severance, giving me some breathing room, but I want to make the most of this time. Before my layoff, I had applied for an internal role that I later discovered was significantly lower than my previous position. The manager for that role is fantastic, and I believe I would learn a lot from them. Additionally, another position has opened up that combines my former role with another one, offering a promotion. I know I could excel in this role, but it would mean working with the same person who laid me off. I have the chance to pursue either of these roles. The lower role would be easy to secure but would come with a 30% pay cut and set me back in my career progression. However, it would be highly visible and offer pathways to other internal opportunities. The other role would be a significant challenge and a promotion, with potential for further advancement. I'm torn about whether to consider the lower position at all, given my circumstances, and I'm curious about others' thoughts on these options.

I've been working at my current job for 2.5 years, and it has taken a serious toll on my mental health. Initially, I loved the role and had great relationships with my coworkers, many of whom I still consider friends. However, most of them have left, and the new staff has created a toxic environment filled with constant drama and tension. I dread going in every day, waking up with anxiety that makes me miserable at work. With plans to return to college this fall, I've started applying for summer jobs that would allow me to work part-time as a student. Unfortunately, I don't have another job lined up yet, and the thought of going into work tomorrow is daunting. I want to leave without burning bridges, especially since I still have friends there, but I feel like I can't endure this situation any longer. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? What did you do? Any tips would be appreciated.

I became unemployed last December when the retail dollar store I worked at closed due to low traffic in our small town. I was an assistant manager and stayed until the last day, which allowed me to receive six months of unemployment compensation, for which I'm very grateful. However, my job hunt over the past six months has been quite unsuccessful. I've been applying for various positions, including retail, online call centers, and receptionist roles—basically any customer service job I can find. I apply to multiple jobs each week, but I haven't been getting much traction. It feels like 90% of the job postings are just duds, or positions that are already filled. I've only been asked to interview twice, and both times I was passed over for another candidate. I don't think I'm underqualified for the roles I'm applying for. I have a college degree and a solid background in customer service, but I lack many references because I've always kept to myself. I have a good work ethic and have never been fired, but I do struggle with interviews due to my awkwardness, which I know can be a barrier. I’m also facing a pressing issue: I'm about to age out of my family's health insurance this month, which is concerning because I rely on expensive medications for my mental health. Even if I get a job soon, there's usually a waiting period for benefits, adding to my stress. I'm reaching out for advice on how to become more hirable. Is there something I'm missing? How can I differentiate between real job postings and the 'ghost' ones? Any tips on improving my situation would be greatly appreciated.

Today, I wanted to document our job search journey as my wife prepares to leave her job after six years. She's been feeling overwhelmed by the negative direction of her company, which has been making headlines for mass layoffs. Recently, she found out that her role would likely be eliminated, so she decided to take a buyout, giving her financial support until late October. While we are okay financially with my income, we are exploring how to approach her job search effectively. So far, she has had a few interviews for a fully remote position, which was promising since it showed her resume could get past some AI filters. Unfortunately, she didn't get the job, and since then, we've faced a lot of rejections and ghosting from employers. I'm reaching out to see how others have successfully navigated the current job market. Is it all about networking and cold-contacting hiring managers on LinkedIn? Or is there a specific strategy for crafting a modern resume that can bypass AI filters? We’re also curious about the importance of timing and setting up alerts to ensure we’re among the first applicants. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve been unemployed for several months now and have been struggling to find a job. I’ve submitted numerous applications but haven’t had much luck getting contacted or scheduling interviews. Currently, I’m unhoused, which adds to my challenges. When applications ask for an address, I use my PO Box, but I’m worried this might raise red flags for potential employers. I’m considering whether it would be better to use my previous address instead. I know I have several obstacles to overcome, like a lack of qualifications and a significant gap in my employment history, and I don’t want to make things worse by being too transparent about my situation. I’m just looking for advice on whether using a PO Box is acceptable or if I should lie about my address.

I’ve been working in a marketing role for the past four years, and I feel like I've hit a wall. At 31, I took this job in the auto industry hoping it would serve as a stepping stone to something better, but it hasn’t panned out as I expected. The pay is really low for my area, and with a small team, there’s no opportunity for advancement. The industry has been shaky, and lately, we’ve been cutting costs, so raises are off the table. I haven’t gained any new skills during my time here, despite working on certifications. Unfortunately, when I apply for digital marketing positions, I keep getting passed over for candidates with more direct experience. One interview for an entry-level role left me frustrated when the interviewer said they were worried I’d get bored because I was overqualified. I’m honestly feeling trapped in this job, and the rise of AI in marketing makes me hesitant to invest more time into this field. A year ago, I earned a project management certification (CAPM) with the hope of joining a friend’s team, but the company ended up laying everyone off instead. Now, I’m looking for advice on how to pivot out of marketing and into a role that offers better opportunities. I’ve heard that Marketing Operations might be a good fit since it combines my marketing experience with project management, but I’m unsure how to make that transition.

I'm currently in the process of shifting my career from accounting to working in an animal shelter. I've primarily held office jobs with experience in clerical work and reception, but I'm finding it challenging to get my foot in the door at animal shelters. Despite my relevant skills, I've faced multiple rejections and I'm wondering how to tailor my resume to better fit this new direction. I understand that my clerical and reception experience could be beneficial since shelters have a lot of administrative tasks, but I feel my resume is too focused on office work. I'm hesitant to share my resume for feedback, but I'm open to any tips on how to frame my existing skills in a way that highlights their relevance to animal care. Additionally, if I have any informal volunteer experience with animals, should I include that as well? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I helped my girlfriend navigate the confusing process of filing for unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania. When she first applied, she received a determination of denial, stating she was unable to work. This was surprising, especially since my own experience during COVID was much smoother. Just 10 minutes later, she got a call back from the department of labor after missing their initial call. After answering some questions, she received an approval determination. Now we're left puzzled because the approval states that any previous denial supersedes it. I'm not sure which determination is valid, so we plan to call the office tomorrow to clarify the situation.

I'm currently navigating my job search in Illinois and have been curious about how many applications I should be submitting each week. I've heard a range of opinions from different people — some suggest aiming for 5-10 applications, while others say 3-5 is more realistic, and I've even encountered folks who only apply to one job a week. Personally, I find it challenging to find a large number of suitable positions that align with my experience; often, I only come across 1-2 jobs that truly interest me. If I were to increase my application count beyond that, I'd likely have to apply for roles that don't match my skills just to hit a number. I'm looking for guidance on what is considered an acceptable number of applications to send out weekly.

I have been unemployed for the past six months and I'm finally starting a new job at the end of the month. While I'm thrilled to have found a position, I can't shake the anxiety about returning to work. The thought of getting back into a routine, dealing with stress, and meeting expectations feels overwhelming. I also feel guilty for not completing personal projects I had planned during my time off, like reorganizing my house. I'm worried about whether I can perform at the same level I did before and if I'll be able to earn the salary I used to make. I know I need to give myself grace during this transition, but the anxiety is real. I'm curious to hear how others have adjusted after a long break from work.

I'm currently job hunting as a Project Coordinator/Analyst and I'm feeling the pressure of the tough job market. I've been trying a variety of modern tactics to improve my chances of getting noticed, but I'm looking for more strategies to really stand out. Here's what I've been doing so far: - I focus on applying to jobs that have fewer than 50 applicants and try to submit my application within the first few hours of the posting. - I actively search for the hiring manager or recruiter's email online, or I leverage my connections to get in touch with someone at the company who can flag my application. - To speed up my application process, I use AI tools to fill out applications faster, allowing me to apply to more jobs in a shorter amount of time. - I've updated my LinkedIn profile with a professional headshot and optimized my bio, skills, and job descriptions for better visibility. - I also run my resume through Claude AI against job descriptions to see how well I match the requirements. - To stay on recruiters' radars, I post and engage with relevant industry content on LinkedIn. Despite these efforts, I've noticed that while recruiters are checking my LinkedIn shortly after I apply, I don't seem to be getting much further than that. I'm considering applying to employment agencies and contract companies to see if that yields better results. If anyone has additional tips or insights on what I might be missing or what I could improve, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I'm preparing to give my notice at my current job, where I work at a small business with just four other employees and our boss. Recently, we lost our most experienced team member, who had been with the company for over two years without receiving a raise despite taking on extra responsibilities. I understand her frustration, as we all make between $18-20/hr, and I suspect she was earning less than $25/hr with decades of experience. Our boss doesn't provide any benefits, and we don't have PTO, which is illegal. Any time off is unpaid, and I'm currently supporting myself and my husband on $19/hr. With the cost of living, it's been tough, and we rely on food stamps with no savings. Fortunately, I recently landed a job offer at $26/hr with guaranteed overtime, a clear path to promotion, and benefits. I signed the offer letter today and feel it's an opportunity I can't pass up. However, I'm anxious about how my boss will react when I give my notice. He tends to take things personally and has previously expressed disappointment about my attendance due to my chronic illness and my husband's health issues. He even pulled me aside last week to say I'm on thin ice because of my recent absences, which feels unfair given the circumstances. I'm planning to give just a week's notice instead of the usual two weeks because I'm so over this job and want to minimize the stress of transitioning. I'm worried my boss will make a big deal out of it, and both my dad and husband have suggested I just walk out if he reacts negatively. The thought of that is anxiety-inducing, though. Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

I recently started the onboarding process for a pharmacy job and I'm feeling anxious about how to handle my previous employment history. I was fired from my last job due to tardiness, and now I'm worried about how to explain my departure when they ask for a reason. I included the store's phone number on the application, and I'm concerned they might actually reach out to HR for a reference. I'm really eager to secure this new position and am tired of being unemployed. I'm contemplating whether to lie about the reason for leaving, but I know that could backfire. I've heard from others that companies can and do call previous employers, especially in regulated fields like pharmacy. I'm considering putting something less specific like "attendance issues" instead of the full truth. If it comes up in an interview, I think I could own it and explain that I've learned from my mistakes and am working on improving my punctuality. But I'm still torn about how to approach this.

I’ve been trying to break into case management for almost a year now. My background is primarily in business and retail, but I also hold an associate degree in behavioral and social sciences and a bachelor’s in Business Administration. Currently, I’m working towards my master’s in Public Health. To align with my career goals, I've completed several certifications related to case management. Despite my efforts, I haven’t yet landed a true case management role. Most of the interviews I’ve had revolve around my lack of direct experience in case management, despite my relevant roles in intake with immigrants and as a recovery specialist. Interviewers often steer me back towards recovery specialist positions, even though I’m specifically applying for case management roles across various demographics. Recently, I interviewed for a case management position at a shelter in Boston. The director gave me a tour of the facility and mentioned that I would be working with disabled and elderly residents on the second floor. However, I noticed there were no offices upstairs, and we didn’t delve into the specifics of the case management duties during our discussion. I’m concerned that I might be funneled into another recovery/support role instead of gaining the actual case management experience I’m seeking. I’m currently waiting for the offer from her, which she mentioned HR would send in a week. I’m looking for advice on how to approach this situation and what steps I should take next.