Thinking

I recently learned from a current employee at HNI that the company is planning to cut 50% of its workforce. While there is one area that will be excluded from these layoffs, this news has prompted me to take action. I’m updating my resume and starting to look for a backup plan to ensure I'm not caught off guard. If you're working there, I highly recommend you do the same and start preparing for potential job searching.

I’ve been on the job hunt lately, and it feels like I'm searching for a unicorn. I'm currently on dialysis four days a week from about 2 PM to 5 or 6 PM, which limits my ability to work full-time. I have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, which isn't exactly the most marketable degree, and my work experience is mostly in part-time food service and tutoring kids. I'm specifically looking for an entry-level, part-time job that requires minimal experience and offers training, ideally in a field that won't be automated or outsourced. However, from what I've seen, these types of positions are hard to come by. It seems like many employers want candidates who check every box, which makes it even more challenging for someone like me.

I'm currently facing a tough decision about whether to stay at my job or leave after returning from a three-month medical leave. I've been with my company, a Fortune 100 firm, for about two years now, and on paper, it seems like a great position: remote work, good pay, excellent benefits, and a sense of stability. However, I've been feeling guilty about wanting to leave, especially given how fortunate I am. My medical leave was largely due to the negative impact my job had on my mental health. The changes in management, lack of training and support, and a shift in the company culture have made it increasingly difficult for me. The environment feels like an 'old boys club,' and I don't see myself thriving there long-term. I've tried to make things work by applying for internal positions and discussing my desire to transfer teams, but nothing has panned out. Now, I'm in the final stages of interviews with a couple of external companies, and I'm being selective because I want to ensure my next role is a better fit. As I prepare to return from my leave, I'm torn between wanting to give my two weeks' notice right away and waiting until I have a signed offer. I feel guilty for even considering leaving such a stable job, but I know it hasn't been good for my well-being. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has been in a similar situation: Did you resign immediately after returning from medical leave? Did you wait for an offer? Was it awkward knowing you were planning to leave? Did you struggle with feelings of being ungrateful for leaving a good job? Looking back, are you glad you made the leap?

I’ve been reflecting on the challenges faced by individuals who have recently been laid off, especially with the rising number of layoffs in India. I’m considering developing a side project aimed at providing support to those in this situation. While there is a wealth of information available online about resumes, job applications, and interview preparation, I believe the real issue lies in the immediate aftermath of losing a job. Many people may feel lost and overwhelmed, unsure of what steps to take next while grappling with anxiety, financial stress, and a sudden lack of routine. I envision creating a structured plan that guides individuals through their first week after a layoff, detailing specific tasks for each day, such as checking their financial situation, organizing documents, updating their CV, identifying job targets, reaching out to their network, and applying for jobs. Additionally, I think incorporating emotional support, like daily check-ins and advice on managing isolation, could be beneficial. My goal is not to replace professional therapists or career coaches but to offer a supportive companion that helps people navigate this challenging period. I’m considering starting small, perhaps offering my services for free to a handful of individuals to gauge interest and usefulness before expanding further. I’m genuinely seeking feedback from those who have experienced layoffs or significant career transitions. What was the hardest part for you right after losing your job? Did you struggle more with knowing what to do or with taking action? Would a structured plan have been helpful? Would emotional support alongside career guidance have made a difference? I’m eager to hear your thoughts and whether you think a resource like this would be valuable.

I was laid off about a month ago and jumped into job hunting right away, applying to nearly every position within an hour's commute in my mid-sized city. Fortunately, I secured a full-time role pretty quickly, though it was contract-to-hire and didn't pay very well. Still, it was in my field of study, with a reputable company, and I thought I could manage the long commute. However, not long into this new job, I received a callback for a position I had interviewed for earlier. This new opportunity offers a much shorter commute, a significant pay increase of around $20k per year, and is permanent. It's also in a field I'm passionate about and comes with more responsibilities. It's with a non-profit organization, which raises some concerns about stability and advancement, but I got some reassurances from the department leader. After two days of careful consideration and discussions with family and friends who have experience in similar roles, I decided to accept the new offer. I’m waiting to officially resign until I pass the background check and receive a firm offer, which my future employer has agreed to. I feel guilty about leaving my current role so soon, especially since I like the team and find the work engaging. I worry that I might be burning bridges with this big company and that I won’t be in a position to ask for a promotion later on. However, I really feel like I couldn't let this new opportunity slip away. I hope I'm making the right choice.

I'm currently job searching and considering applying for an entry-level position as a claims processor at a bank. My background is as a teacher's aide, and I don't have a degree, but I'm eager to transition into a completely different field. I have about 7 months of clerical experience from a previous job at a pediatric office. I'm looking for an office job that doesn't involve being a receptionist or constantly interacting with the public, as I'm really looking for a quieter environment. I'm particularly interested in backend office roles focused on clerical work like data entry or operations at banks, medical offices, or insurance companies. Given my experience, I'm wondering if claims processing would be a good fit for me or if the environment might be too fast-paced or stressful. I'm open to any honest feedback on whether this role is worth applying for.

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at my job in a mega corporation within the building controls sector. I was on a temporary assignment to help another part of the company when I learned that I was being let go due to poor sales in my area. This news came during a Teams meeting with HR and my manager, who encouraged me to apply for a position in the department I was assisting. I did so, but since the transition, I haven't received any pay for a month. Initially, I wasn't too worried after missing the first paycheck, thinking delays happen. However, as the weeks went by and I continued to miss payments, I started to reach out to various HR contacts for help. The process for tracking hours changed from an online system to a simple Excel spreadsheet emailed to my new manager, which added to the confusion. I drive five hours each week to my job site, and while the company covers my hotel and meals, the whole situation has become stressful. My expenses are still being routed through my former manager, leading to late approvals and fees that I have to cover. I feel like I'm living off my savings with no clear resolution in sight, and it's causing me significant anxiety. I'm scheduled to work at another client site next week, but I'm seriously considering not going until this payment issue is resolved. I've been advised to contact the state department of labor and to be more assertive with HR, but it's disheartening that no one seems to take responsibility for fixing this mess. I’m at a crossroads, unsure if I should continue working under these circumstances.

I filed for unemployment on August 26, 2026, after my last day of work at my previous job on August 25, 2026. Recently, I received a wage questionnaire in the mail, and I'm unsure how to answer one of the questions. It asks if I have performed any services or received wages from my employer after August 25, 2026. I did not work after that date, but I didn't receive my final paycheck for the last week until September 2, 2026. The questionnaire doesn’t provide an option for indicating that I received a paycheck after my last day of work. I’m worried about answering incorrectly, as I don’t want to lie. I consulted AI for advice, and it suggested I check 'No', but I still feel conflicted about it.

I have been unemployed for the past 8 months due to family issues, including several hospital visits. This extended break from the workforce has left me feeling uncertain about how to approach my job search. I’m contemplating whether I should settle for a lower salary to get back into the job market or if I should still aim for a pay increase based on my previous experience. It’s tough to gauge my bargaining power right now, especially after such a long time away from work.

I applied for a part-time job yesterday morning and was pleasantly surprised to receive an email just a few hours later allowing me to schedule an interview. I wasn't expecting such a quick response, and it made me wonder if this is a good sign about my application. Some people have mentioned that it could indicate the company is desperate for hires, but I'm just excited to have this opportunity. I'm preparing for the interview and hoping for the best!

I’ve been dealing with a tough situation regarding my unemployment benefits. For the past four weeks, I’ve been inaccurately reporting my job search activities, and now I've been randomly audited. I need to submit my information in just a few days, and I’m feeling overwhelmed. To summarize, I received about $1.2k in benefits, but I messed up the dates on my job applications. For instance, I reported applying for a job on the 25th when I actually submitted it on the 31st. I have genuinely been looking for jobs daily, but I didn’t apply to as many as I claimed, and there are even some jobs I said I applied for that I never did. I didn’t realize that just searching for jobs counted as a work search activity, so I made up dates to fill in the blanks. Now, with the audit coming up, I’m terrified. They will reach out to some of the employers I listed to verify my claims. I’m only 24 and have never faced anything like this before. I’m really worried about the potential consequences, including being taken to court or having this on my criminal record. I’m just looking for advice or clarification on what might happen next. It’s been a stressful time, especially since I’m also a caregiver for my dad, and things have been slipping through the cracks. I regret my actions and just want to figure out how to handle this situation.

I have been working at Amazon for 10 years, starting as an L1 Fulfillment Center associate and currently holding the position of L4 Program Manager. Despite my long tenure, I haven't received good job offers in the last 7 years. Most of my colleagues who left Amazon ended up at unknown startups or married into wealth, while many of us feel stuck here. I'm looking for options as a non-tech professional and genuinely want to move on. Additionally, I’ve noticed that Indian companies don’t match US equity compensation, so a 30% salary hike here effectively feels like a 0% increase. My current total compensation is 10.2 LPA plus 4 shares a year, and I graduated from a Tier 3 government college with an HR degree in Bangalore.

I had a job interview on Friday for a position as a stock clerk, and I can't shake off the anxiety. I really need this job and felt that I did well during the interview. I talked about myself and my experiences, and they mentioned they need someone for the grocery store. However, I'm struggling to stay calm while waiting for their response, which I expect on Monday. One thing that’s bothering me is that when I was leaving, they said "await contact," while other candidates were told "good luck." I'm wondering if that means anything. Am I being too anxious for no reason?

I recently applied for a position and went through several rounds of interviews. The hiring team expressed that they really liked me and considered me a great candidate. However, after I followed up on my application status, I received a rejection email that left me feeling quite frustrated. They mentioned all the positive feedback but still decided to go in another direction. Honestly, I'm still annoyed by the way they handled the rejection. I'm even considering applying again just to prove a point, but I can't help but feel that the rejection email was poorly worded and quite disappointing.

I was recently approached by a senior leader at my company about an internal strategic role that would require relocating to a different part of the country. I didn’t apply for this position; the leader reached out informally and asked if I would consider it. He mentioned that the role comes with higher compensation and that relocation costs would be covered, but we haven't discussed specific numbers yet. I was surprised to be considered for this role since a few years ago, I applied for a different position in that region and wasn’t selected due to my lack of direct experience. The leader explained that he was reaching out to people he knows and trusts, which is why he approached me. While the opportunity sounds interesting and could be a significant career move, I really don’t want to relocate. My spouse and I have established our lives here, with both of us having careers and family nearby. We don’t have children, so relocating is technically possible, but it’s not something we’ve been considering. I also lack established customer relationships and knowledge of the market in the new region, which makes me even more curious about why I was approached. I told the leader I would think about it and get back to him. Now, I'm considering expressing my interest in learning more about the role while also mentioning that permanent relocation would be quite difficult for me. I’m thinking of asking if there’s any flexibility around the location before diving into compensation and other details. For anyone who has faced a similar situation, how did you handle it? Would you continue the conversation even if you’re leaning towards not relocating?

I recently faced a layoff from my position as a full stack .NET developer, where I had about 2 years of experience. It's been a tough time for me, and I feel deeply disappointed with how things turned out. I've been actively applying for fresher roles, but unfortunately, I haven't received any responses yet. This situation has left me feeling quite lost and a bit depressed about my next steps. It's frustrating to compete against candidates with much more experience and also those who are just starting out of college. I know two years isn't a lot, but it feels like I'm stuck in a tough spot. I'm trying to stay hopeful and keep pushing forward.

I’m feeling really hopeless right now and just need to vent. It seems like I've been on a losing streak for years. Four years ago, I was doing well, but after going through a divorce, I lost almost everything and hit rock bottom. Since then, it feels like I can't catch a break. I've been applying for jobs that I'm highly qualified for, and while I often get phone screens, I never hear back. This has been going on for over a year. Getting ghosted feels like another slap in the face. I've even had in-person interviews where I felt prepared and did well, but still didn't get the job. I’m really hard on myself and it’s tough to even get out of bed some days. A job that pays $60k would change my life dramatically, but it feels impossible to achieve that right now despite my experience. I just don’t understand why companies aren’t hiring me. I feel so defeated.

I’m feeling really anxious about my job security as my company is in the midst of an acquisition that’s set to close in about six weeks. I’m currently an accountant and if I make it through the transaction, I’m expecting around $20K in severance. However, my manager's behavior has changed drastically, and I can't shake the feeling that I might get fired before the acquisition closes. I admit I haven’t been at my best lately due to stress, and I’ve made a few mistakes that she has caught. But up until recently, my performance was solid. Now, she’s been short with me, avoids my questions, and doesn’t respond to my emails like she used to. Last week during revenue close, my manager disappeared for hours without informing me and left me waiting for approvals I needed to finish my work. I even offered to work on my day off to get things done, but she never replied and ended up completing the close herself. This situation has left me feeling like she either doesn’t trust me anymore or is actively trying to push me out. With the acquisition looming, I’m paranoid they might fire me to save on severance costs. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has been in a similar situation—especially during an acquisition— and what I should do to protect myself in these next few weeks. How bad is it for my accounting career if I get fired? I have solid experience but I’m terrified of explaining a termination in future interviews. Plus, how do you mentally cope after being fired? It feels overwhelming right now, even though I know people do recover and move on.

I'm currently feeling really frustrated with my job search. I'm 20 years old and have worked a few retail jobs during my teenage years. Right now, I'm at Sheetz in North Carolina, but I'm only getting about 3 hours a week, which isn't enough to save for college next fall. I've applied to tons of places—grocery stores, restaurants, ammo stores, farmers markets, auto parts stores, and even receptionist jobs. I've followed advice to check in on my applications, but I still haven't heard back from anyone. It seems like nobody is hiring, despite many places having job openings. I'm starting to wonder what I'm missing in my applications. I feel like I'm doing everything I can, but nothing is working out. It's really discouraging.

I applied to two roles at a tech company and was invited for an informal chat for one of them, right after having an interview for the other. I'm feeling a bit confused about how to navigate this situation. It feels like a test; if I express interest in the informal chat with the hiring manager, I worry it might signal that I'm not interested in the role I just interviewed for, which I actually am. I'm not entirely sure what an informal chat entails—there was no mention of it being an interview. Is this just a screening to see if I'm suitable for a formal interview, or could it be a substitute for one? I've read that informal chats usually happen after interviews, so I'm really unsure about how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!