Thinking

I am currently employed but actively seeking a new job. I want to be prepared for interviews where I might be asked about my current employer. I need to convey that I’m serious about leaving my current position without speaking negatively about it. My current role is in a different field than the jobs I'm applying for, so I’m unsure how to frame my reasons for leaving. I’ve read that it’s best to focus on my desire for growth and new challenges, rather than dissatisfaction with my current job. I enjoy my work and my colleagues, but I feel there’s no room for advancement. I'm also looking for tips on how to transition smoothly from one job to another.

I've been working in arts and education for over 15 years, but after experiencing burnout, I'm now searching for new job opportunities. Unfortunately, it seems that my experience is often overlooked and not seen as a benefit. My last position was just a temporary replacement for a friend, and I can't rely on that kind of work anymore. I've been actively looking for a job for over a year now, despite having skills in UX/UI, SEO, CRM, sound and video editing, and design. Working in arts and education has taught me how to adapt quickly, think on my feet, and handle challenging situations with maturity. I believe these skills would be valuable to any company. However, it feels like people coming from my background are often underpaid and not recognized for their potential. I'm open to remote or flexible work and would even consider lower pay just to get my foot in the door. Every day feels like a struggle, and I wake up feeling like a failure. I wanted a change from teaching, which I could no longer handle, and I've put in countless hours of self-training to prepare for this new direction. Yet, I find it disheartening that even entry-level positions in creative fields like art direction, video editing, and digital marketing seem out of reach. Is there any hope for someone like me in this job market?

I worked in a remote Account Management/Business Development role in the Gov Tech sector for six years. My job involved minimal responsibilities, mainly attending a few team calls each week and attempting to prospect for new clients, but I never really hit my KPIs. Management didn’t seem to mind, which was strange. My salary was $100k, but it felt more like $65k since a significant portion of my pay came from bonuses tied to company performance. With a wife and two kids, plus managing an autoimmune disease, my expenses were higher than average. I decided to leave for a role in a field I was passionate about, where I secured a base salary of $130k and a $26k annual bonus. Unfortunately, I was laid off after just nine months due to restructuring by Private Equity. I returned to my previous company, taking on a similar role with the same salary. The job security is great, and I can spend a lot of time with my family, witnessing my kids' milestones. However, I’m starting to feel the need for a higher salary and worry that my skills in account management and BD are stagnating since my current role doesn’t challenge me. I’m at a crossroads: should I stay and try to negotiate a pay increase, or should I seek a higher-paying opportunity, knowing I might not be able to return here?

I started a new job as an HR/Accounting Assistant at a hotel on September 21st. I'm 26 and based in New York State. It's now October 9th, and I'm feeling a bit paranoid about my performance. My background is stronger in HR, and while I'm good at that, I'm still trying to get the hang of the accounting side. During my first week, I was supposed to train with the accounting manager, but she got sick, and the hotel was in chaos, so I didn't get much training at all. Last week was my first real training week, and I found it more challenging than I anticipated. Although I'm asking questions and taking notes, I feel like I'm not catching on as quickly as I should. The accounting manager has given me some guidance on my tasks, but this week she's left me to handle things on my own, and I'm struggling a bit. She mentioned that I'm moving slower than expected and making repeated mistakes. I often ask for clarification, but I worry that I might be annoying her, so I sometimes hold back. Today, she told me I'm not keeping up, and it's made me really anxious about my job security. I can't help but think she might be considering replacing me. Should I be worried and start looking for other opportunities? I feel like it's still early in my tenure, and there’s a lot being expected of me considering I had limited training.

I've been on the job hunt for a while now, feeling quite frustrated with the process. I earned my CISSP and CCSP certifications thanks to the support of some amazing people in the community, but unfortunately, they haven't led to any job offers in the field. I've sent out hundreds of resumes, all reviewed by LinkedIn experts, but I still haven't had any luck. Back in 2020, my division was laid off, and at that time, I had over 10 years of experience in software engineering and management. I was even hired before finishing my college degree, which is still hanging over my head. Now I'm at a crossroads: I have about two years left to complete my degree in Information Systems, but I'm also considering pursuing the ISC2 trifecta by getting my SSCP certification. I'm unsure if finishing my degree would be more beneficial than going for another certification, especially since the first two haven't helped me secure a job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recently found myself in a concerning situation at my job where I felt my managers might be looking to get rid of me. They mentioned they would investigate something I was involved in, but their lack of urgency made me uneasy. I’m not sure what I did to upset them; I generally keep to myself and focus on my work. This has left me feeling anxious about my job security. I've taken some advice from others to keep my resume updated and to start looking for new opportunities, as it seems like jobs can change quickly and without warning.

I recently found myself in a tough spot after being laid off for the second time within a year. Two years ago, I was made redundant, but I quickly found a new job. Unfortunately, that role also ended in layoffs after about six or seven months. Being a non-EU citizen, I felt immense pressure to secure another job before I had to leave the country. Frustrated with my job situation, I decided to pursue a Master's degree and moved to another country to do so. After graduating, I was fortunate to land a position as an external consultant with a clear roadmap laid out during the hiring process. However, once I started, the owner completely disregarded our agreement and expected me to take on multiple roles that were not part of the original terms. Realizing the situation was untenable, I requested a compensation review after three months, which he initially agreed to. But just a week later, I was informed that my services were no longer needed. Now, I'm left feeling defeated and questioning whether I made the wrong decision by accepting this role. I feel guilty for being laid off so quickly, but I know I wasn't comfortable with the drastic changes in expectations.

I recently received a one-year job offer in the USA based on my work experience, but I'm feeling anxious about the background check process. I attended a Canadian university 20 years ago but didn't graduate. On my resume, I mentioned the university, the degree I pursued, and the dates, but I never explicitly stated that I graduated. Now, I'm worried that the background check provider, USAfact, might flag this as a discrepancy. I filled out their form, but it only allowed me to input information for US schools, which makes me think they might not even have the capability to check Canadian institutions. A representative from Gemini mentioned that if they can't find my details in their databases, a human reviewer will step in and likely contact the registrar of my Canadian university for verification. Since I've signed the release forms, they could pull my transcripts, which would show that I attended but did not graduate. I'm just hoping that since the job description didn't require a bachelor's degree and focused on industry experience, this won't become an issue. Has anyone else navigated a similar situation with background checks?

I was recently laid off from Amazon after spending 11 years with the company. It's a strange feeling to find myself in this situation, especially since I never planned for it. Surprisingly, I'm not feeling particularly sad about the layoff. Instead, I'm more curious about what the future holds, even though I haven't figured out my next steps yet. I'm reaching out to see how others who have gone through similar experiences approached this phase. Did you take the opportunity to explore something new, or did you stick to what you were familiar with?

Today, I learned that Flock Safety is planning to lay off 270 employees due to ongoing privacy concerns. This news is particularly unsettling as it impacts a significant portion of the workforce. The layoffs are set to take place by the end of October, which leaves us with a limited timeframe to prepare for the transition. I'm currently evaluating my options and considering my next steps in this challenging job market.

I'm a 28-year-old who has been navigating my career path and now find myself in a bit of a bind. I've been a freelance videographer and photographer since high school, which I love, but unfortunately, passion doesn't always pay the bills. My first real job was at Amazon as a warehouse worker, where I spent three years until I felt mistreated and overworked. I managed to save enough to leave that job and pursue my passion for photography and videography. For five years, I worked at a social media advertisement agency, but this year things took a turn for the worse. I started getting less work, and now, as of October 2026, I've been completely cut off from gigs. I'm facing the reality of not being able to pay my rent or debts in just two months. At this point, I'm looking for stable income that can cover my expenses and allow me to enjoy life a bit. I graduated high school but have no degree or formal experience beyond what I've mentioned. I'm seeking a job that involves teamwork, ideally in a blue-collar setting, where I can grow and develop my skills. I'm considering options like working at Costco as a stocker, but I'm open to any suggestions for entry-level positions that don’t require a degree, offer training, and allow me to work as part of a crew without heavy customer interaction.

I work at Circle K as a third-shift employee, and I've been facing some serious issues lately. My store has failed the Ecosure inspection twice, and now my general manager is under pressure to improve the store's cleanliness. Unfortunately, this has resulted in me being overloaded with work while my coworkers on first and second shifts seem to do very little. I often find myself cleaning up after them, and despite my efforts, I've just learned that my hours are being cut down to only 16 a week starting on the 23rd. This is incredibly frustrating, especially since I've been a reliable employee for the past 10 months, never late, and always present. It feels like I'm being punished for the failures of others, and now I'm worried about how I'm going to make rent. I'm considering escalating this to HR, but I’ve heard they typically don’t help employees in situations like mine. I really need to find another job quickly before my hours are reduced.

I've been working the overnight shift from 10:30 PM to 6:30 AM for almost a year now. Recently, I was offered a promotion, which I was excited about, but I have some concerns. I mentioned to my employer that I can only work until 7 AM at the latest because I need to take my kids to school right after my shift. My job sometimes requires me to work events, and while I've managed to find childcare for those, they recently posted a notice indicating that all third shift employees are required to attend an event next week starting at 2 PM. This poses a significant problem for me since I would finish my shift at 6:30 AM, then have to return at 2 PM, which gives me very little time to rest and no time to arrange childcare. If I refuse to attend, I risk getting written up, which could jeopardize the promotion that comes with a nearly 30% raise. I'm in a tough spot because I really need that raise, but I can't justify the hours and the lack of childcare.

I just received a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my job, and I can't shake off this feeling of embarrassment. I work in a corporate environment where I've been struggling for the past 6-8 months. I've felt completely burnt out and unmotivated, just going through the motions. This lack of enthusiasm stems from a combination of personal issues, dissatisfaction with my role, and constant micromanagement. Deep down, I knew this PIP was coming, and I suspect my employer is looking to replace me. The idea of being let go is daunting, especially since I have friends at the company. I really don’t want to be known for getting fired. However, there’s a part of me that feels relieved. This situation might actually be the push I need to explore a career shift towards something I genuinely want to do. I’m seriously considering resigning instead of enduring this PIP process, as I feel it might just prolong the inevitable. I’m reaching out to share my thoughts and see if anyone has insights or advice on how to navigate this situation.

I'm a 24-year-old with a Bachelor's in Biology and a Master's in Biomedical Science, and I'm feeling completely lost in my job search. It’s been over a year since I graduated, and I’ve sent out my 1000th application today. I went to a mediocre university where I struggled to find opportunities to network or get involved in research projects. I remember pleading with professors to let me observe their work, but I was always turned away. After working for a year at a bad startup that let me go once they could afford more experienced scientists, I thought getting a Master's would help me advance my career. However, the program was accelerated and designed for those heading to med or dental school, which I never wanted to pursue due to the costs and requirements. Now, I have experience in various fields, but because I haven’t spent several years in one role, I keep getting rejected. The job market seems to demand more and more experience and certifications, which I can't afford to obtain. I've tried everything from fast food to construction, but nothing seems to work out. I feel like I'm just surviving day to day, staring at the wall, and I’m exhausted. I’ve reached out to several recruiting agencies, but most have ghosted me, and it’s disheartening to watch others succeed while I feel stuck. I just want to pay my bills and take care of my dog. If anyone has tips or leads, I’m open to switching careers or going back to school. I just want to escape this feeling of hopelessness.

I am a 25-year-old female from the US, and I graduated with a civil engineering degree in 2024. Last year, I went missing for 2.5 days, and my name and pictures ended up on the police department's website. Since then, I've been actively job hunting but faced a lot of challenges, including getting ghosted, scammed, and rejected by potential employers. To improve my hireability, I enrolled in extra classes at my local community college. I'm concerned about how my past might affect my chances of getting hired. I’ve been wondering if being reported missing will impact how employers view my qualifications. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently received an invitation to participate in an on-demand HireVue interview for a temporary Day Flex HR Connects Advisor position at NewYork-Presbyterian. As an HR professional, I'm curious about the experiences of others who have gone through a similar interview process for this role or any related HR positions at NYP. I'm particularly interested in details such as: 1. The number of questions and the time limits for preparation and responses. 2. Whether retakes were allowed during the interview. 3. The types of questions asked, whether they were behavioral, situational, or specific to the role, and if anyone remembers any questions verbatim. 4. If there were inquiries about salary expectations or availability. 5. Questions regarding HR systems, customer service experience, or handling confidential information. 6. What the next steps were after the HireVue interview, including the number of interview rounds and how long it took to receive feedback. 7. Insights on how the temporary Day Flex role operates in terms of scheduling and the likelihood of transitioning to a permanent position. 8. Any advice on what to do differently in this process. I appreciate any insights or experiences you can share!

I was let go from my job after 6.5 years due to performance issues following a PIP. This happened about a year ago. Recently, I discovered that the director who played a significant role in my termination has moved to a competitor where I'm interested in applying for a role. Despite only having gained three months of experience since my firing, I'm considering whether I should go ahead and apply. I'm curious if it's possible to convince this director to give me another chance in a different environment. I know there are mixed opinions on this, with some saying it's a bad idea since the director might influence the hiring process negatively. However, I feel like I have nothing to lose and want to explore this opportunity.

I recently had an unemployment appeal hearing in Pennsylvania. I received a disqualifying determination from the unemployment office, and I was hoping to challenge it. During the hearing, I was asked to provide details about the circumstances surrounding my termination and any evidence I had to support my case. The comments on my post suggested I should focus on the exact wording of the disqualifying determination to strengthen my appeal. I’m feeling a mix of anxiety and hope as I wait for the decision.

I recently received an offer for a Founding Recruiter role at a Series A startup in the AI sector, which has around $40 million in funding and a valuation of $200 million. They're currently in the process of another fundraising round. I'm currently working at a Series D AI startup that has $200 million in funding and a valuation of $750 million, but unfortunately, it's going under, which is why I'm exploring this new opportunity. The offer includes a base salary of $175,000, with equity valued at $125,000. There's also a bonus that can go up to $175,000, paid as equity once a year based on personal and company performance. The catch is that while 50% of the bonus vests immediately, the remaining portion follows the standard four-year vesting schedule. On the positive side, I see this as a great resume builder. I would have the chance to learn a lot and be hands-on in growing the company, which could allow me to make a significant impact. However, the cons are also notable: the new position offers only $25,000 more than my current salary, and I would face higher healthcare costs, increased risks, and potentially longer hours. I'm trying to determine if the additional $25,000 in cash compensation is worth the trade-offs. I'm generally okay with the base salary, but I would prefer to receive part of the bonus in cash since that would help cover my current living expenses.