Planning

I recently applied for a position as an academic advisor in the anthropology department at a university. With my background, including an MA in classical archaeology and another in applied linguistics, I feel well-equipped for the role. For the past 20 years, I've taught ESL to adult learners, and at 60 years old, I believe my experience would make me a strong candidate. However, I'm facing a challenge with my references. My teaching experience has been primarily on a contract basis across various community colleges and universities, which means I haven't built lasting collegial relationships. I reached out to a couple of old contacts for references, but unfortunately, I haven't received any responses yet. I'm feeling quite discouraged because I genuinely think this job aligns well with my skills and career goals at this stage. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and improve my chances of securing the position.

I recently received a job offer that I'm contemplating. The position would mean taking a pay cut, but it’s a permanent, full-time role with benefits, which is a significant change from my current job. Right now, I’m in a seasonal position that leaves me without work for about four months each year, and I don’t receive any benefits. Plus, there’s no potential for growth, and I find myself increasingly frustrated with the customer service aspect, especially dealing with tourists and their trivial complaints. The new job promises a consistent schedule, benefits, and a chance to work for one of the largest employers in the state, along with opportunities for advancement. Although the pay cut is concerning, I believe it could be a better long-term decision for my career. I feel like I know what I should do, but I’m seeking some outside perspectives on this. Any advice would be appreciated!

I’m a 29-year-old woman currently looking for help with my resume as I’ve been struggling to find a job since June 2025. Despite reworking my resume countless times, I still haven’t been able to secure a position, and I’m eager to understand what might be wrong with it. I’ve been applying to various jobs daily and have had a few interviews, but unfortunately, I’ve also faced many rejections. My goal is to receive a job offer before the year ends. I’m currently a stay-at-home mom and am ready to transition into a new career path, ideally in customer service. I would appreciate any constructive feedback on my resume and suggestions on how I can improve it to stand out more to potential employers. I’m looking for supportive advice as I navigate this challenging job market.

I’m currently navigating a challenging situation as my wife wants to reduce her work hours and possibly go part-time, which would mean losing her medical benefits. She has suggested that I find a part-time job to help cover our family's healthcare needs. I haven’t worked since 2016 because I’ve been a stay-at-home dad to our now 13-year-old son. Now, at 55, I’m feeling uncertain about re-entering the job market, especially since I’ve been out of work for nearly a decade. My wife thinks I should apply at places like Costco or Trader Joe’s since we frequently shop there, but I’m worried about my age and lack of recent work experience. I’m not keen on roles that involve handling cash or heavy lifting, which limits my options even further. I understand the importance of getting a job for the benefits and the employee discount, but I’m feeling overwhelmed by the thought of starting from scratch. I’ve received some advice suggesting that I shouldn’t focus on what I can’t do, but rather think about what skills I might have and what jobs I’d be willing to take. Some commenters pointed out that many part-time jobs don’t offer comprehensive health insurance, and that I might need to consider full-time options instead. I know my wife is feeling burnt out and needs my support, so I’m trying to muster the courage to step up and find something, but I’m still unsure of where to start.

I recently got laid off and found a local hiking group for people in similar situations. This Tuesday, September 8, I'm joining them for a hike at Pedro Point Headlands in Pacifica, California. It’s a 4.3-mile loop with a 777 ft elevation gain, which should be a great way to clear my head and connect with others who are navigating job transitions. The group splits into smaller teams based on hiking pace, which makes it more comfortable for everyone. I appreciate that they also offer support beyond just hiking, like co-working sessions and job search assistance. It feels good to connect with a community that understands what I'm going through. I hope to see some new faces there!

I have been on SSDI and am currently searching for a part-time job that aligns with my abilities due to my disabilities. My focus has been on clerical, reception, or customer service roles, but I'm finding it incredibly challenging. Most job postings I come across are for full-time positions, and I specifically need something sedentary that doesn't require lifting over 30lbs. I've been at this for about 8 months now and am feeling quite lost. I'm wondering if there are really that few part-time opportunities available or if I'm just not searching in the right places. I've heard that local small shops may have openings that aren't advertised online, but I'm unsure how to find these opportunities. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I received notice today that I will be laid off in mid-November. I had a feeling this was coming, so I've already started applying for new positions, but I'm feeling anxious about my chances of finding something suitable. I've been trying to pivot into different fields and leverage other skills I have, but it's tough. I'm curious how long it typically takes others to secure a new job after a layoff. I'm also looking for some encouragement during this uncertain time.

I just had to vent about my experience with job recruiters lately. I've applied for a few positions, and now my phone won't stop ringing with calls from recruiters. It feels like they’re hounding me like used car salesmen, and it's driving me crazy. Honestly, it’s gotten to the point where I’m considering just shutting my phone off entirely. I’m so overwhelmed that I’d rather deal with anything else than this constant barrage. I've noticed that a lot of these recruiters are from India, and they all seem to be chasing the same job postings. In the past few days alone, I've received as many as six calls for the same position, and it’s all from different recruiters. It feels like a complete waste of time, and I’m starting to think that this is just how it is now. I’ve been testing the waters with job applications for the last two years, and I can confidently say that most of these recruiters are just a waste of effort for me. I’ve also heard that companies sell our data when we apply, which makes it even worse. It’s frustrating to think that scammers might be getting my information too. I’m taking the advice of some commenters and planning to block these numbers and stop answering unknown calls. I just want this to die down so I can focus on my job search without all this chaos.

I recently received unemployment benefits in New Jersey while starting a small side gig doing AI training. I made a mistake in my weekly certification when I reported $0 in earnings for one week. I was unsure if the hours I logged would be approved and paid, and I ended up certifying incorrectly because I thought those hours might not count. Unfortunately, this led to a hold on my claim since the system saw earnings one week and none the next. After explaining my situation to an agent, the hold was released. Now, I've learned that the hours from that week were actually approved and will be paid, so I want to correct my previous certification. I'm unsure about the best way to do this. Should I call NJ Unemployment and ask them to amend it? I'm worried about potentially freezing my claim or having to fill out a questionnaire if I do. I also don't want to just add the earnings to a later week since they belong to the earlier week. If anyone has experience with this process or knows how to handle it properly, I would really appreciate your advice. I want to make sure I correct my good-faith mistake without causing further issues.

I just quit my first job ever, and honestly, I'm feeling a mix of sadness and relief. I'm a 19-year-old student who took a summer job at a cafe in a tourist area, which I got through a friend. Initially, I thought it was a decent gig, but I soon learned it was far from ideal. My boss was sexist and made offensive remarks, and I was hired on the spot without any paperwork, which was concerning. He had a strange way of interacting with employees, often bragging about his connections and career, which felt more uncomfortable than friendly. The tipping situation was also bizarre. It was a self-service cafe, so tips were usually low, but I enjoyed chatting with customers and managed to earn some decent tips. However, after not receiving my tips for weeks, I asked about the process, and my boss told me I would get them at the end of the week, which felt unusual. When I finally received my tips after two weeks, I suspected the amount was incorrect. My friend, who also worked there, hadn’t received her tips since May, and another friend who worked for just one day never got paid at all. After realizing how poorly the place was run, I decided to quit. I’m not confrontational, so I planned to make up an excuse about university commitments. But things escalated on my last day. A customer was talking to me, and my boss yelled at him to go away, making a rude comment about his nationality. I was shocked but tried to keep working. When I asked for my tips at the end of my shift, he said he would decide when I would get them, which confused me. He then got angry about my work schedule, and I just snapped. I told him that he should also pay my friend for her missing tips, and he was furious. I left the cafe feeling overwhelmed and cried afterward. I didn’t expect to feel this way, but I guess it was a lot to handle. I’m not looking for specific advice, just needed to vent about this whole experience.

I recently had an interview scheduled with a recruiter from Dev10 after passing my initial assessment and aptitude test. I was really excited about the opportunity, but unfortunately, I had to miss the interview due to a family emergency. My dad injured his eye while working on his truck, and since he couldn't drive, I had to take him to the doctor. I completely lost track of time and realized I had missed the interview only after I returned home. I received an email from the recruiter asking if everything was okay, and I promptly sent an apology explaining the situation. I expressed my continued interest in the position, but I'm now worried about how this might affect my chances with Dev10. I know that missing an interview can be detrimental, but I'm hoping that my circumstances might be taken into consideration. It's been a few hours since I reached out, and I'm still waiting for a response. I understand that these companies often need to fill positions quickly, so I'm curious if anyone has experience with how they handle missed interviews.

I was laid off in February while working in North Carolina, and I received a severance package tied to a very broad non-compete agreement. After my layoff, I attempted to take a job with a competitor in a different role, selling products that my former employer does not offer. However, I was forced to resign after receiving a cease and desist letter, which also extended my non-compete without any new consideration. I had consulted with my new employer about the non-compete, and they didn't see any issues. I even checked with my former employer before accepting the new role, and they didn't indicate that I couldn't take the position, despite me giving them the chance to be upfront about it. I'm now wondering if I've been wronged and if I should seek legal advice regarding this situation.

I received an offer for a retail position at Loblaws on September 1st, with a start date of September 5th. However, I didn't hear anything else from them until today, when I got a text from the manager confirming that I needed to attend orientation tomorrow from 12pm to 4pm. This message came just 23 hours before the orientation, which caught me off guard because I had already made plans for the long weekend. I'm feeling really torn about how to respond. My fiancé insists we stick to our plans, but I'm worried about potentially losing this job, especially since it's my first retail job in 15 years. I'm questioning if this short notice is a red flag or if I should have been more prepared given the start date. Any advice?

I recently started a new job as a [specific role] at [company name] about four weeks ago. Initially, I felt it was a good fit because the work was independent, allowing me to manage my frequent bathroom breaks without needing coverage. However, I was informed that starting next week, I will be training in a different area that requires coverage for breaks, which I’ve learned isn’t always guaranteed. I have a medical condition that causes me to urinate frequently—about 20-30 times a day due to pelvic floor dysfunction. While it’s somewhat controlled, stress and anxiety exacerbate the issue. During my shifts, I typically need to use the bathroom every 1-2 hours, which is challenging in a role that requires constant coverage. I’m considering whether I should ask for accommodations to ensure I have access to the bathroom when needed, but I’m also worried about the implications for my health coverage due to my income level. It might be easier to find a different job rather than navigate this situation. I’m feeling quite stressed and anxious about the whole ordeal and unsure of the best path forward.

I recently received information regarding my severance pay from Centene, where I worked as a claims analyst. The severance package details were communicated to us, and I noted that the pay dates are set for September 4th. I'm currently navigating the transition and trying to plan my next steps.

I am currently preparing for a phone hearing regarding my unemployment benefits in Ohio. My former employer has been appealing my claim and has lost at every stage so far. Their written appeal was vague, simply stating that I "wasn't performing" without any evidence to back it up. The termination letter I received didn't specify a reason for my dismissal either; I was only told that "it's just not working out," which left me confused about the actual reason for my termination. I have submitted a request to obtain any information they may have provided for the hearing, but I don't expect much since I was never formally warned about any performance issues. I've noticed that they are using a third-party business service firm to handle their unemployment claims, and I'm unsure if this is a bad sign or if it's a common practice. I have to admit, I'm feeling quite nervous about the hearing as I've never been involved in anything like this before. I don't have any documentation since they were quick to let me go after informing me of my termination. I'm wondering if I need a lawyer for this process or if I can manage it on my own. Additionally, I'm considering whether I should gather any emails, texts, or witnesses that might support my case.

I’ve been working as a receptionist for about a year now, and the experience has been overwhelming. After about four months, I was unexpectedly promoted to take on a role that was previously held by someone else who was let go. I received minimal training—just an hour each day for a week—before I was expected to handle everything on my own. It was chaotic, and I felt completely unprepared. In this new role, I found myself doing accounting work, which I had no background in. I’m not an accountant, and I didn’t study for this. My bosses have a specific way of pricing, and I often have to check everything manually, which is time-consuming and prone to mistakes. Although I’ve improved somewhat, I was recently given another responsibility that has made my workload even more unmanageable. I feel like I’m constantly falling behind and it’s affecting my confidence. I dread facing my tasks and often end up leaving work without accomplishing anything. I struggle with feelings of incompetence and avoid applying for new jobs because I’m afraid I won’t be qualified. Financially, I could afford to leave this job, but I worry about how long it would take to find something new and what would happen to my current responsibilities. I feel lost and overwhelmed, and I’m not sure what to do next.

I’m thrilled to share that after sending out over 200 applications, I finally received an offer that I’m genuinely excited about! The terms are fantastic for fractional work, and there’s potential for it to turn into a full-time role. The founder has a solid business model that’s already performing well and is looking to scale, which aligns perfectly with my experience in previous positions. For anyone still on the job hunt, I’d like to offer some advice based on my experience: - Most of my interviews came through referrals. - My referrals weren’t always from people I worked closely with, but they were willing to help. - Don’t hesitate to ask for introductions; people are usually happy to assist. - It’s okay to hear 'no' sometimes, and rejection is part of the process. - Keep pushing forward; your opportunity is out there, but you have to actively seek it. - The job market is tough, so unless you have niche skills, you need to take initiative to create your own opportunities. I’m feeling optimistic and grateful for this new chapter!

I recently received an interview offer from a recruiter for a position that would significantly increase my responsibilities compared to my current role as an HR specialist for the state government, where I've been for a little over 8 months. The new role involves supporting multiple facilities, focusing on employee relations, conflict resolution, and employee retention, primarily in healthcare HR for five long-term care centers. While I understand the job description and can envision myself performing the tasks, I have concerns since I haven't worked in healthcare HR before. My current duties mainly involve document management and compliance, which differ from the strategic employee retention focus of the new role. My background includes a year as an industrial recruiter, where I handled everything from sourcing candidates to onboarding, and 4.5 years in retail management, overseeing a large team and managing employee relations. I also co-managed a restaurant for two years, but none of that experience directly translates to the healthcare HR environment. I'm torn between being rational and analyzing the potential steep learning curve versus seizing the opportunity for an interview, especially in today's job market. I’m leaning towards taking the interview, but I’d love to hear any advice or thoughts on whether I should move forward with it.

I recently graduated in May and spent four months searching for a job. I finally received an offer from a nonprofit organization in the city I've always wanted to live in. The role aligns with my career goals, and the benefits are decent, but the pay is on the lower side, and they don’t offer any relocation assistance. This has made me hesitant about moving, even though I really want to be in that city. I'm considering signing a short-term lease to mitigate the risk if I do decide to move. On top of that, I have an upcoming interview for a position in my current location. It's not my dream job, but it offers more stability and better pay. However, there's no guarantee that I will get it. I feel a lot of pressure since I'm currently staying with family, and I've been feeling like a burden. I really want to find my own place and start my career.