Planning

I am a 24-year-old woman feeling completely overwhelmed and drained from my years in customer service, primarily in food service since I was 16, with some retail experience mixed in. The entitled customers and difficult shop owners have pushed me to my breaking point, and I can no longer handle the stress of a minimum wage job that barely covers my bills. I dropped out of college, so I don't have a degree, and I'm desperately searching for entry-level jobs that aren't customer service related. Ideally, I would love to find a work-from-home position, as I feel like I'm already living a housegirlfriend lifestyle. I need something stable to help me get through the next year without the emotional toll of customer service. I'm feeling lost and would appreciate any ideas or suggestions for jobs that could fit my situation.

I’ve been working at my current job for 11 months, earning $14.50 an hour. My sister, who has been there for six years, makes $16.50, and new hires are starting at $17.50. I feel overworked and underpaid, which has led me to consider a seasonal job that pays $18.50 an hour. However, I’m concerned about the potential for being let go once the season ends. As a college student, I’m struggling to make ends meet with rent and travel expenses, and I’m even thinking about getting a bike to save money. I started my previous job as seasonal too, but they moved me to part-time, likely due to my sister's influence. I’m also encouraging her to find a new job since her pay raises have been minimal over the years. I’m really torn about whether to take the risk with the seasonal position or stick it out here.

I was laid off from my role at Uber in 2026, and ever since, I’ve struggled to find a job that matches my previous compensation. Despite receiving a few offers from multinational corporations, none have come close to what I used to earn. I’ve noticed that even experienced professionals, like my former manager who joined a well-funded startup after our mass layoff, faced similar challenges when that startup shut down due to funding cuts. On LinkedIn, I see many people from Microsoft's Xbox team, with over eight years of experience, still actively looking for jobs and commenting 'Interested' on postings. It’s a tough market out there. My advice for anyone who has been laid off is to treat your severance pay as if it were an active salary. Set a budget as though you are still employed, and consider accepting a lower-paying job for the sake of your mental peace and to ease any pressure from family. Once you have that baseline security, you can focus on finding a better-paying role while employed. Currently, it’s not the peak hiring season. I’ve noticed that around 90% of job postings seem to be ghost jobs. While many people offer referrals, they often don’t lead to results. I received referrals for positions at Google and Microsoft eight months ago, but I haven’t heard back from either. The peak hiring season usually occurs in January and February, so I’m focusing on honing my skills and technologies during this time to increase my chances of landing a solid offer when the market picks up. This has been my experience so far.

I’m feeling really stuck right now and just need to share my situation. I’m a 31-year-old guy with a high school diploma and most of my work experience has been as a car mechanic. Recently, I started experiencing panic attacks that escalated and really turned my life upside down. It felt like a midlife crisis at 30. Now, I’m working at Amazon just to make ends meet, but I want more for myself. My body is aching from the physical toll of my previous job, and I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which has made communication difficult for me. I feel like I’m in a phase of relearning who I am. The only field that piques my interest is something related to computers, but I’ve read that the market is oversaturated and I worry about wasting my time. I struggle with learning from books, but I’m open to trying again since it’s been a decade since I last attempted to learn something new. Coming from a low-income background, I’m the first in my family to graduate high school and buy a house, which makes me feel like I have to figure this out on my own. I’m looking for any advice or suggestions on what I should do next.

I'm currently on the hunt for a low-stress, part-time job that accommodates my severe chronic pain, gastroparesis, and IBS-M. After dealing with significant health and mental health issues from 2022 to 2025, I'm eager to re-enter the workforce, but it's proving to be quite challenging. Unfortunately, my internet connection isn't fast enough, and my computer isn't reliable for remote work, which is what I would prefer. I need a job that allows me to take bathroom breaks whenever necessary, as I may need to spend extended periods in there. Additionally, I have to manage my joint pain by being able to sit, rest, or walk around as needed. My eating schedule requires me to have 4-6 small meals throughout the day, which complicates things further if I’m working a full shift. My healthcare team has advised against high-stress environments or positions that restrict bathroom access, as this can exacerbate my conditions and lead to severe complications. I'm reaching out for advice on where to start or which industries might be suitable for my situation. My husband has been incredibly supportive, but we've exhausted our savings, and I need to find a job as soon as possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off last Friday morning due to a "reduction in workforce" at the software company where I worked in sales support. It was a tough moment, especially since I really liked my job and had a great relationship with my boss, who seemed to struggle with delivering the news. I was approaching my two-year mark with the company, and this is my first experience with a layoff. Thankfully, I received two months of severance, which gives me a bit of a cushion, but I'm feeling uncertain about what to do next. I've started looking for new job opportunities, but honestly, most of the openings I see don’t excite me. I know it’s not my fault that I was laid off, but it's hard not to feel like I could have been more valuable to the company. I’m trying to figure out how to prepare for my next career move during this severance period. I'm considering whether there are any certifications I could pursue that would be beneficial within the next two months. My background is in sales support, primarily dealing with order processing and quoting renewals, but I’m also interested in possibly transitioning into HR or Marketing. A few years ago, I took online courses in UX Design but stopped due to market saturation. I’m not sure if that field is still as competitive as it was. On a different note, I recently bought my first camera, a Canon R50, and I've always had a passion for photography. I’m thinking about taking it more seriously and possibly exploring it as a supplemental income source, especially given the current job market. I’m still applying for jobs, but I’d appreciate any advice or insights on how to navigate this transition.

I'm a 27-year-old stay-at-home dad, currently trying to find work that can help my family financially. My husband works full-time, but we're struggling to make ends meet. I have certifications in culinary arts and business management, but I've had no luck finding a job in those fields. I really enjoy being home with our one-year-old and another baby on the way in November, so I'm looking for work-from-home opportunities. I've applied to numerous entry-level remote positions, but I rarely hear back. I'm considering pursuing additional certifications that I can complete from home, which would ideally lead to a stable job that allows me to continue raising our boys. Any suggestions for certifications that could lead to decent work would be greatly appreciated!

I've been working in sales at my company for just over a year, and I've consistently been one of the top performers. Recently, I was promoted to a lead role, which comes with more responsibilities, and I've been hitting my goals and even exceeding them at times. However, I recently faced a tough situation when management decided to take two of my key business partners and reassign them to a newly promoted teammate. One of these partners was a major contributor to my monthly goals, funding around $1 million last month alone, while the other was a relationship I had built from the ground up. When they informed me of this change, I initially responded positively, trusting their decision. But after reflecting on it, I feel upset and undervalued. It seems like every time I achieve something, something is taken away from me. I'm worried about hitting my monthly targets now, which directly impacts my commission and financial stability. I'm considering whether I should have been more honest with management about my feelings during our conversation. I'm at a crossroads and seeking advice on how to approach this situation. Should I talk to management about my concerns, and if so, how can I do that without coming off as entitled? Should I ask for some form of compensation or protection regarding my commission, or should I just accept the situation and look for a new job? I genuinely want to know if my feelings are justified or if I'm overreacting.

I’m reaching out to help my brother, who is currently in a tough spot at Microsoft where he works as a principal engineer. He has over 15 years of experience and has a solid educational background, having studied computer science at NCSU and scoring 335 on the GRE from a top institution in India. However, he feels sidelined in his current role and is concerned about his job security. He is on a work visa and has a family to support, including a middle school child, so he wants to avoid any disruption in their lives. I’m looking for advice on how to best prepare him for a job search and assist him in finding a new role. Any tips or strategies would be greatly appreciated.

I recently quit my part-time job because the work environment had become unbearable. My boss was the worst, expecting me to handle the workload of three people while underpaying me. I received a $0.30 raise after a long time, which felt more like an insult than an incentive. It was frustrating to see him micromanage while I juggled multiple tasks, only to have him add more to my plate. Last Christmas, he gave me a gift that was just two Hershey kisses and an opened can of cookies, which felt incredibly thoughtless given his salary. After a particularly rough day when I was sick and had to come in because he wouldn't let anyone else cover for me, I decided enough was enough and handed in my resignation. I’m currently finishing grad school and struggling with student loans, and while I’ve been applying to jobs, I haven’t had much luck. My two weeks notice ends next week, and now I’m second-guessing my decision to leave without another job lined up.

I was let go from my first adult state job just four weeks in. At 22, I started working as a file clerk in my state's government branch, thinking it would be similar to my previous part-time role. However, the office culture was different and the longer commute added to my stress. I was quick with record searches and tried hard to keep up, but I eventually burned out. When my supervisor noticed I was overwhelmed, I opened up about my struggles. They expected me to manage calls from every county, handle Zoom meetings, and conduct record searches all at once. I expressed my desire to stay and learn, even when they suggested I might want to resign. I had a productive day and felt accomplished, but then my supervisor and the manager called me in and informed me they decided to let me go, saying I wasn't a good fit. It was heartbreaking, especially seeing my supervisor in tears. Now, I feel lost and terrible about the whole situation. I've been reflecting on what I can improve, but I’m also considering going back to my old job where my previous manager is willing to take me back.

I'm currently facing a tough situation as a community college student studying computer science. My priority right now is to find a job, but I'm feeling completely stuck. I live with abusive parents who don't support me, and I need to move out urgently. I have no work experience, but I do have my GED, a driver's license, and I've earned my CompTIA A+ certification. However, I don't have a car, and public transportation options in my rural area are very limited. I've considered renting a car, but that would leave me financially strained. I've been searching for remote job opportunities in IT and coding, but so far, I've had no luck. I'm open to any job, but ideally, I'd like something related to my field. I'm also looking for advice on how to improve my transportation situation or any skills I could learn that would allow me to work remotely.

I recently found myself in a bit of a predicament at my job. I work for a small fund, and about a week ago, our executive director announced that we would be partnering with a much larger company in the coming months. This news came with the introduction of what this new company would be "assisting" us with, and it turns out that it encompasses my entire department's workload. When I asked about what our roles would be moving forward, the response was vague, with the assurance that no one would be losing their jobs. However, I can't shake the feeling of uncertainty. How will they manage to pay both us and the new company's employees? I'm left wondering how likely it is that I might get laid off. I've seen some comments suggesting that I should start applying elsewhere, which is definitely weighing on my mind. It feels like I'm in a precarious position, and I wish I had more clarity about my job security.

I have an interview tomorrow for a deli clerk position at Save On Foods. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, especially since my last post about job searching received a lot of negativity. This time, I really want to do well and show that I can handle the responsibilities of the role. I know that this isn't a fast food job like McDonald's, so I expect a more in-depth interview process. I'm reaching out for advice on how to prepare effectively. I've heard that practicing common deli scenarios and familiarizing myself with the products could be beneficial. Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

I had a final round interview on Tuesday for a position that seemed like a great fit. The team was relaxed, and the hiring manager indicated they were ready to move forward. However, today I received an email from HR requesting three references, which is pretty standard. What caught me off guard was that one of the references has to be my current manager. They specifically asked for my direct supervisor, not a former boss or coworker. I quickly replied, explaining that I haven't given my notice yet because I don't have a signed offer. Contacting my boss now would jeopardize my current job. The recruiter responded within ten minutes, stating that it's company policy to verify current performance and suggested that if I have a transparent relationship with my manager, it shouldn't be an issue. Honestly, who in their right mind would tell their boss they are looking to leave? It feels like a huge risk to put my current job on the line before I even have an offer. I’m considering using a Google Voice number to protect my current situation.

I recently interviewed for an associate-level position at PNC and went through two rounds of interviews that felt promising. The managers expressed appreciation for my background and indicated they wanted to keep me in mind for other roles if this one didn't work out. Unfortunately, I found out that the position was filled, but the same managers told me they were impressed with my performance and had shared my resume with several partners across the company who are looking for candidates for higher-level positions. They seemed genuinely excited to help me connect with other opportunities within PNC. While I'm disappointed about not getting the job, I'm trying to gauge how significant this follow-up really is. I wonder if this is a common practice at PNC to soften the blow of a rejection, or if it actually leads to real opportunities. Has anyone else had a similar experience where your resume was passed along to other departments at PNC after a rejection? If so, how long did it take before you were contacted for another role? I'm continuing my job search, but I'm curious about the likelihood of this leading to something more.

I recently helped a friend navigate a challenging situation after he received a pre-adverse action notice following a background check for a remote job at a large national company. My friend has a misdemeanor conviction for evading arrest/detention from a few years ago, which was flagged by the employer using First Advantage for the background check. Despite this, he responded to the notice honestly, taking full responsibility for his past actions and explaining why they weren't relevant to the job he was applying for. He emphasized his work history and the time that had passed since the incident. After a week of waiting, we received the good news: the background check and drug screen were successfully completed, and he was cleared to start. This experience taught me the importance of not assuming a pre-adverse notice means automatic rejection. Instead, it's crucial to respond thoughtfully and address the employer's specific concerns. If you're in a similar situation, I encourage you to be honest about your past, highlight your qualifications, and focus on how you've changed since then. Every case is unique, but I hope sharing this outcome can help someone else who might be feeling anxious after receiving a pre-adverse notice.

I recently went through an exhausting interview process that lasted three months for a role at a large tech company. After leaving my long-term job of 15 years in March, I was contacted by a recruiter in late May about this opportunity. Over the course of the next few months, I completed five interviews, including a recruiter screen, a meeting with the hiring director, a local team meeting, an interview with the senior VP, and an in-person coffee with the hiring manager. I felt confident after each step, especially when the local team expressed their intention to recommend me for the position. The senior VP also seemed impressed and indicated that they wanted to fill the role quickly, which made me optimistic. However, after my last meeting with the hiring manager, who casually mentioned that he was still considering other candidates and that the hiring process could take another month or two, I started to feel uncertain. Despite my attempts to clarify any concerns he might have had about my candidacy, he reassured me that there were no reservations. Now, ten days have passed since that meeting, and I haven't heard back. I'm struggling to interpret this situation. It feels like they've moved on, and I'm left wondering if this kind of delay is normal at this stage or if it suggests that I'm being considered as a backup candidate. The emotional rollercoaster has been tough, especially since I thought the in-person meeting was a positive sign that we were close to sealing the deal.

I was recently laid off and I'm currently seeking my next opportunity or some freelance work. I have over 5 years of experience working with React Native, primarily focused on building and maintaining production mobile applications, as well as handling backend and API development. If anyone knows of a team that is hiring or if you have connections looking for a React Native developer, I would greatly appreciate your help. I'm also open to any tips or advice on navigating this job search.

Today, I was laid off from my finance job in Montreal, just a week shy of completing my six-month probation period. The company offered me one month of base pay as severance, while the statutory amount is only two weeks. I'm unsure if I should accept this offer or if I should negotiate further. I have a week to decide, and I'm looking for advice on whether this package is reasonable given my situation.