Thinking

I was placed on my first Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) last week at my current job, which I absolutely despise. The work environment is incredibly toxic, largely due to my manager, who has made my life miserable since I started here. I suspected that she was trying to push me out, so the PIP didn't come as a surprise. However, I've been actively job hunting and have received several interview requests over the past two weeks. I'm currently going through the interview process and I’m hopeful to secure a new position within 2-3 weeks so I can escape this toxic workplace. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has had a successful experience with a PIP and managed to land a new job before the 90-day period was up. I could really use some positive stories to lift my spirits and improve my mental health.

I was recently laid off from a biotechnology company where I had worked for six years due to restructuring. This has been a tough transition, especially considering my husband was also laid off three years ago from a high-paying job and has only managed to find work in food delivery, bringing in about $2,000 a month. Our savings can sustain us for about 8-9 months if we manage them strictly. Since my layoff, I've been actively applying for new positions for the past three weeks, but I've only received radio silence in response. I've reached out to my connections, but it seems they aren't able to help, despite what I've read about networking being beneficial. I've been following all the advice I can find: tailoring my resume for each job to pass ATS, writing cover letters, applying through job portals instead of using Easy Apply on LinkedIn, and even trying to find emails of key people at the companies I'm applying to in hopes of pitching myself directly. It feels uncomfortable to reach out to strangers who may not want to engage with me, and I'm starting to doubt whether this approach is effective or if I'm just wasting my time. After living in the USA for 25 years, I used to love my life, but everything feels different now. For the first time, I'm considering returning to my country of birth, something I never thought I would do. It's strange not to miss my former job, which I genuinely liked, and I left with a clear conscience knowing my performance was not the issue. Right now, I feel uncertain about my future and whether it's realistic to find a job in the senior mid-sector. With zero traction from my applications, I'm starting to lose hope. On the bright side, I've been keeping up with my fitness routine, doing yoga and strength training, and I'm in the best physical shape of my life, but unfortunately, that doesn't help pay the bills.

I just accepted a new in-person office job that starts on Monday at 8 AM, but I'm feeling a bit anxious about the lack of reporting details. I completed the offer letter and the I-9 form, and I received a general email from HR today about getting my badge and finishing the I-9, but that process starts at 9 AM. There's also an onboarding meeting scheduled online at 10 AM. The email mentioned contacting the person who interviewed me for reporting details, but I reached out and haven't heard back since it's after hours on Friday. The only information I have about my start time is what was mentioned during the interview, which is 8 AM, but no specific confirmation was given in any of the emails. My plan is to arrive at the office around 7:40-7:45 AM, let the front desk know who I am, and ask for guidance on where to report for my first day. This is my first job, and I can't shake the feeling of being a kid waiting for my mom to finish shopping. I'm just hoping everything goes smoothly.

I recently found a full-time role posted by a company I used to work for earlier this year. I was in a contract position there but had to leave before completing the full 12 months because I was offered a full-time opportunity elsewhere. I left on good terms and really enjoyed my time with the team. Now that they have a permanent position available that aligns with my skills, I’m considering applying. However, I'm a bit concerned about how it might look since I left the contract early, even though it was for a stable full-time role. I was laid off from my previous job about 7 months into that role due to organizational restructuring, which adds to my apprehension. I’m seeking advice, especially from recruiters or hiring managers, on whether applying would raise any red flags. I’ve read that if I left on good terms, it shouldn't be an issue, and I’m thinking about reaching out to my former manager to express my interest in the new role. I hope that could help smooth the process.

I'm currently seeking legitimate remote customer service jobs that hire from Chile. At 53 years old, I have extensive experience in customer service and call centers, including remote work across phone, chat, and email support, as well as basic technical support and handling escalations. My native language is Spanish, and I have a B2 level in English, approaching C1, which allows me to work effectively in both languages or in a bilingual capacity. The motivation behind my job search is deeply personal. I have an autistic son who is undergoing treatment, and it's been financially challenging to provide him with the support he needs. Call center jobs in Chile typically offer low pay, and I believe that working remotely for an international company could help me better support my family. I'm frustrated by the fact that many remote jobs advertised are only available to US residents. I'm specifically looking for companies that hire individuals living in Chile or Latin America, either as direct employees or remote contractors. If anyone has experience working for such companies or knows of any that hire internationally for customer service, chat/email support, or basic tech support roles, I would greatly appreciate any company names, websites, recruiters, or personal referrals. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any leads or advice would mean a lot to me.

Today, I applied for a video editor position at Base360.ai through LinkedIn. Shortly after submitting my application, I received an email stating that only about 5% of applicants move forward in the process, which felt like a tactic to boost my confidence despite knowing it was likely an AI reviewing my application. They requested a practical task where I needed to edit a 90-second video, but I decided to test the waters instead. I submitted a second application with a photo of a donkey I found online instead of my resume and intentionally chose the worst answers on the application. To my surprise, I received the same email about the 5% progression rate again. This experience has motivated me to call out both Base360.ai and TheFlex, the agency involved, because I believe more people should be aware of these practices.

I had to withdraw from an interview I was really looking forward to. I received a panel interview request for a role at a tech company, and I was excited to showcase my skills. I prepared thoroughly and even researched the company. However, just 20 minutes before the interview, they sent me a list of specific questions that were related to their internal processes, which I had no familiarity with. I tried to use ChatGPT to help formulate responses, but I realized I would just end up sounding unprepared and out of my depth. Instead of going into the interview and potentially embarrassing myself, I decided to be honest and withdrew my application. It’s disappointing, but I guess it’s back to the drawing board for me.

I've been actively applying and interviewing for jobs lately, but I'm feeling really discouraged by the process. I recently completed my associate's degree and am working towards a certification in the medical field. I initially interviewed for a rehab aid position, but the hiring manager said I was too qualified for that role and encouraged me to pursue other positions instead, especially since I’ll be certified soon. I've had a few interviews since then, and I thought I did well—trying to be personable and engaging—but I keep getting feedback that my lack of experience is holding me back. At one interview, the supervisor mentioned she could train anyone for the job, emphasizing the importance of personality over qualifications. However, it seems like many employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, which makes me feel like they aren't interested in mentoring or developing new hires. I also can't shake the feeling that my identity as a young black female might be affecting my chances, especially since most of my interviewers have been white women or Asian men. I’m starting to wonder if I’m just making excuses for myself. I'm really seeking advice on how new grads like me can break into the job market. I hope that once I receive my certification, employers might overlook my inexperience, but I’m not sure if that’s just wishful thinking.

I recently went through a rollercoaster of emotions during my job search with a robotics company. After eight interviews, I was finally told by the head of the company that they wanted to create a remote role for me, and we agreed on a salary range of $90-95k. Feeling optimistic, I turned down a written offer for an $82k non-remote position, assuming the verbal offer was solid. However, a week later, I called for an update and was reassured that everything was on track and that HR was finalizing the role's responsibilities. Today, I received a call stating that I was actually still in consideration for the original role I interviewed for, which is not remote. To make matters worse, I learned that the original role is now between two locations instead of just one, which was not what I expected. I feel completely betrayed and abandoned, and it's frustrating to think that I turned down a solid offer based on a verbal promise. I know I should have kept my options open, but I really trusted the process. This experience has left me feeling angry and confused, and I just want to vent about how disappointing this whole situation has been.

Today, I reflected on the stark differences between job hunting now and when I graduated. It feels like navigating a maze just to find a real person who can offer me a genuine opportunity. The process has become so impersonal, dominated by AI systems that often reject my applications based on keyword mismatches. I spent countless hours crafting my resume and cover letter, only to be turned away by an ATS. It seems like the only way to truly break through is through networking—getting involved in panels or industry groups and hoping someone takes notice. The irony of relying on AI tools to voice my frustration about AI in the job market isn't lost on me; it's just another layer of complexity in this already challenging landscape.

I've been feeling exhausted and stuck in my current job situation, and I'm really looking for consistent work that pays better than what I have now. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in child psychology and a master's in industrial/organizational psychology. I also have certifications in CPR, first aid, crisis intervention, food handling, and I'm currently working on a librarian assistant program. I'm aiming for 30 to 40 hours a week, but I'm flexible enough to work up to 60 hours since I have caregiving duties for two elderly family members. For the past decade, I've been trying to find better employment. I worked through college, but after graduating, I struggled to find a job in my field and ended up in care jobs. While I enjoy the work, most of the positions I've found are dead-end roles paying around $18 an hour, with little to no benefits. My current job has inconsistent hours, and the situation has worsened to the point where I'm worried about potential layoffs. The only reason I still have hours is that I have open availability and am willing to take on the most challenging clients, but even then, I'm not making enough to cover my bills. I'm exploring other options like selling plasma, recycling, and applying for temp jobs, but I'm not having much luck. I've also reached out to friends and family for leads, but nothing seems to be panning out. I'm starting to feel like I'm doing something wrong, but I've tried networking, earning certificates, and even delivering my resume in person (which backfired once). I just want to find a job that allows me to pay my bills consistently and get out of this financial hole.

I just signed a contract today for a data analyst role after four months of searching. I had to step down from a lead position to a senior role and take a pay cut, but I'm grateful to have found something. During my job search, I learned a few key strategies that I think could help others. First, I focused on sending selective resumes rather than applying to every job I found. I tailored my applications to align with the roles I was interested in, sending about 10 resumes a week. I also had to get used to rejection; it was tough at first, especially when I received no responses or rejections without interviews. I revamped my LinkedIn profile, which I believe was crucial. I learned that networking is important, and having a strong profile helped attract headhunters. My headline now includes keywords like 'Advanced Analytics Lead' and 'Power BI & SQL Specialist' to catch the right eyes. Additionally, I made sure my CV was not generic. Many companies use ATS systems to filter resumes, so I tailored mine to pass those checks. I even used an AI tool to evaluate my resume against job descriptions. Understanding the job market in my area was also essential. As an expat, I had to consider my options carefully, especially since moving back to the US is not an option for my wife. I researched what roles were available and whether they matched my skills. Lastly, I kept myself busy during the search. I maintained my hobbies, kept up with relationships, and took time to relax without feeling guilty. I want to thank everyone for their posts; they've been a source of comfort knowing I'm not alone in this journey. Good luck to everyone still searching!

I was recently terminated from my position at a private practice in Pennsylvania after just three weeks of employment. The reason given was supposedly my "attitude," but I was completely blindsided by this decision. There were no warnings, write-ups, or any conflicts with my team; everything seemed fine from my perspective. Now, I'm trying to navigate the situation and have some questions about unemployment compensation. I'm wondering if I'm eligible for UC, whether future employers will see that I filed a claim, and if this could negatively impact my job prospects in the future. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently witnessed a troubling situation with a close friend who was terminated from their role after over eight months at the company. They had consistently met performance expectations, received a salary raise, and even a bonus just a month or two prior. Everything seemed fine until one week, during their regular 1:1 meeting, their boss indicated that all was well. The following week, however, they were abruptly terminated for alleged poor performance, with HR present during the call. This came as a shock, especially since there had been no documented performance issues or prior discussions about any concerns. It felt particularly unfair given that they had received positive feedback from senior management and peers across different teams. I can't help but wonder why the company would label it as a performance issue when there was no evidence to support that claim. It seems like a tactic to avoid paying unemployment benefits, especially since they reposted the job within a week of the termination. It raises so many questions about corporate ethics and the treatment of employees. My friend had negotiated a solid pay package and was the only senior member on their team, which makes me suspect that financial motives were at play. This experience has left me disillusioned with corporate America.

I recently interviewed for a public sector government job and it seems like things are moving along. They called or emailed all of my references, which included three from my previous internship and two weaker ones—a family member and my best friend. The interview felt promising; they even gave me a tour of the facility and we had some casual conversations after the formal interview. They mentioned that they would have results in about two weeks since they had a couple of candidates drop out and still needed to interview more people. Now, a week and a half later, my references have informed me that they were contacted just yesterday and today. I'm hopeful that this indicates I'm a strong candidate, though I know it doesn't guarantee I'm the top pick.

I’ve been working as an HR Manager for the past three years, but recent changes at my company are set to significantly reduce my responsibilities by about 30-50% weekly. To proactively address this situation and avoid potential layoffs, I’m considering applying for a fully remote HR Data Analyst position that’s currently open. I’m reaching out to those of you who are already in this role to gather insights. How do you find the job? What’s the pay range like? Also, what does career advancement look like in this position? My background is in computer science, and I have some very basic SQL knowledge, but I haven’t worked with Cognos BI before. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

I just received an amazing job offer that aligns perfectly with my career goals, including the compensation and role I've been seeking. The location and my future co-workers also seem great, which is a huge plus. However, I’m currently a contractor at a company that’s in the process of being acquired, and my contract is set to end at the end of the year. Many of my colleagues are opting to leave instead of transitioning to the acquiring company, which adds to the uncertainty. I have the chance to start my new role in just two weeks, which would allow me to be eligible for the end-of-year review and a merit increase next year. However, I only have a week to give notice, which is a departure from the standard practice I usually follow. If I take longer to notify my current employer, I risk missing out on a salary improvement next year. Given that I'm a contractor and most of my colleagues are leaving, I’m leaning towards taking the opportunity to leave sooner rather than later. My boss has already given me approval and was a reference for my new position, which makes me feel more secure in my decision. This is a situation I wouldn't typically consider, but it seems reasonable given the circumstances.

I just got laid off from my position as a senior graphic designer after 9 months with the company that acquired my agency. I had spent 7 years in the field before that, so this sudden change has left me feeling lost. I have 2 weeks of severance pay and my insurance is valid until the end of the month, which is less than a week away. I'm unsure about where to start my job search since I haven't applied for jobs since 2018. I've been considering cold calling companies, but I've heard so many negative things about potential workplaces from sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn. I'm feeling scared and overwhelmed about how to approach applying for new jobs. Any advice on where I should focus my efforts?

I was laid off from my role on September 4 and received an offer of 24 weeks of severance pay. Unfortunately, my entire team was affected, and my previous position has been eliminated. Currently, I'm in the process of interviewing for a second round with the same company, but for a different role. The recruiter mentioned that the pay for this new position might be a bit lower than what I was making before. I just found out that if I accept this new job, my severance pay would stop. I'm torn about whether to take this job or continue searching for other opportunities. I would appreciate any advice on what to do next.

I recently had an interesting conversation at work with a woman who mentioned that her company is looking for a new receptionist, offering $21/hr, which is about $4 more than my current pay. She was kind enough to recommend me to her boss, and I even received an interview notification the very next day. However, I'm feeling uncertain about the whole situation. I don't have much experience in that role, so I'm not sure if I'll actually land the job. On the other hand, I absolutely love my current position as a bridal stylist. I enjoy working with my clients and helping them feel beautiful on one of the most important days of their lives. My friends suggested that if I receive an official offer for the receptionist position, I could potentially use it to negotiate a raise at my current job. But considering I've only been a stylist for about a month and a half, I doubt they'd be willing to accommodate that. This brings me to a tough decision: should I prioritize a job that offers better financial stability or stick with a career that I truly love? It's a dilemma that weighs heavily on my mind.