Today is a tough day for my family as my dad is divorcing my mom. I'm feeling the weight of responsibility because it's just me, my mom, my grandma, and my brother at home. I need to find a high-paying job to support everyone, but I have zero experience beyond working construction, which I really disliked, and stocking shelves at Walmart. My brother gets a monthly check from the VA, but he spends it quickly on drinking and smoking, leaving us in a tight spot. My mom is disabled and can't work, and my grandma is 85 years old. I'm lost on what to do next. Are there online jobs that pay well or any free classes to help me get an education? I just don't see how we can survive on my brother's check alone.

I’m currently navigating a tricky situation with my job history and need some guidance. My background is primarily in accounting and administrative roles, where I’ve excelled. However, I recently attempted to transition into the insurance industry, and it has been a poor fit for me due to my learning disability, which makes analytical tasks and the licensing exam particularly challenging. Here’s a brief overview of my job timeline: - In October 2025, my last stable job ended. - Late 2025 to early 2026, I took on two short-term insurance roles, each lasting less than a month, but they didn’t work out. - Currently, I’m in a new insurance position that I’ve held for about a month, but I must pass the licensing exam soon or face termination. Given my disability, I’m not optimistic about passing. I’m actively looking to return to a more structured accounting or administrative role before my current job ends. I have a few questions: 1. How should I present my recent job history on my resume? Should I just list my last stable job from October 2025 and claim I’ve been selective about my next role, or should I combine my current and past short-term jobs into a single entry labeled "Temporary/Contract Assignments"? 2. When applying for new jobs, should I include my current employer? If I leave them off, would that be considered dishonest? 3. I’m worried about background checks. If a potential employer uses a screening service and checks my payroll records, will omitting my short-term positions jeopardize my chances of getting hired? Do background checks just verify what I list on my resume, or do they check everything? I’m trying to maintain my employment while searching for a more stable position, but I’m concerned that my impending termination and short job stints could hinder my chances of getting back into a solid administrative role. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I volunteered at a charity shop for 8 months, hoping it would lead to a job opportunity. Initially, I was just looking for something to do to improve my mental health while job searching. I enjoyed the work and the social aspect of it. A few months in, I learned that a paid position was opening up due to an employee leaving, so I applied, thinking my experience would give me an edge. I had been doing many of the tasks already, like cashing up and handling admin duties, and I emphasized this during the interview. However, after the interview, I was rejected by the manager's manager. They cited my lack of questions at the end of the interview as a sign of curiosity deficiency, which baffled me since I had been volunteering there for months and had no questions left to ask. I also struggled to provide a specific example for one of their questions about excellent customer service. I'm feeling really down about this. I thought I had a good chance at the job, and it was a blow to my self-esteem to be turned down after all that time and effort. It feels like my dedication meant nothing to them, and I'm struggling to understand why they would choose someone else over a current volunteer who knows the ropes.

I recently hit a staggering milestone of submitting 6,700 job applications without receiving a single response. It feels like the job market is completely dead for me. I've been questioning whether my application materials are the issue or if I'm applying for positions that I'm not actually qualified for. Despite the overwhelming number of applications, not even a single interview request has come my way. I’ve considered sharing my resume for feedback, but I’m skeptical about the responses I might receive. It’s disheartening to hear that some people think it’s a personal problem rather than a market issue. I'm starting to wonder if I need to rethink my strategy or even consider temporary work just to get by.

I recently found myself unemployed in Massachusetts and was selected for the RESEA program. I completed the initial Career Center Seminar, which turned out to be manageable; it mainly involved watching a few videos. However, I'm feeling quite anxious about my upcoming 1:1 meeting with a RESEA specialist. I received an email with the date of the meeting, but it stated that I would get the specific time on the same day, which is frustrating. I need to arrange childcare, and not having a clear time means I have to block off the entire day, potentially wasting my time. Additionally, I was given instructions to print my job search history, but the option they mentioned doesn't seem to exist, making the paperwork feel pointless. I'm really annoyed because this process seems to be taking away from the time I could be using to actively search and apply for jobs. Has anyone else gone through this? I'm curious about how long the RESEA meetings typically last and what time they usually schedule them.

I was working as a 1099 contractor while also being employed full-time as a W2 employee. Recently, I lost my W2 job and haven't done any work as a 1099 since I have no clients. I’m wondering if I should reach out to the Employment Security Department (ESD) to inform them about my 1099 status, even though I haven't earned anything from it. Additionally, I've been offered two 1099 gigs while receiving unemployment benefits, but I wouldn't be able to start earning from them for a couple of months and there's no guarantee of consistent work. I'm concerned about whether declining these offers will affect my unemployment benefits and if I need to report that I turned them down. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently won my initial unemployment insurance hearing, which felt like a huge relief. However, I just received another notice for a second hearing, and I'm not quite sure why this is happening. I'm feeling a mix of emotions—confusion and anxiety about what to expect next. I hope this second hearing goes as well as the first one did.

I recently found out that I have a balance of $2000 in my unemployment claim, but I was never paid anything. Currently, my claim status is open, and it shows an effective date of 11/02/2025, with a maximum benefit of $2839 and a weekly benefit amount of $179. However, the amount paid so far is $0. I'm now employed, but I'm still struggling financially. I’m trying to understand what steps I need to take to actually receive this balance, if possible. I’ve read some comments suggesting that this amount isn’t really mine unless I go back on unemployment before the claim expires. I’m just looking for clarity on what I can do next.

I recently worked for a food business in Illinois for about six months, and during that time, the establishment had a significant mouse problem for most of my tenure. Initially, the issue seemed minor, but it escalated to a point where it should have warranted closure. The management addressed the problem minimally, and despite my attempts to report it to the health inspector, the situation didn't improve. Eventually, I decided to leave the job without notice because I felt there was no viable solution in sight. Now, I've received a determination from unemployment stating that I stayed long enough and accepted the risk associated with the job, which I believe is unfair. I only reported the mouse issue, but there were other significant problems as well. My appeal is set for a phone hearing next Thursday, and I'm seeking advice on how to prepare. I want to effectively argue that I didn't just sit idly by for five months; I was hopeful for a resolution during the first few months, but after the health report and my inquiries to management, I felt compelled to leave. I'm unsure if I need to gather more information or submit additional documentation beyond my statement to counter their claim. Any guidance on the next steps would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently working in Pennsylvania and have been experiencing a toxic workplace that is severely impacting my mental health. I've been considering how to navigate this situation without jeopardizing my unemployment eligibility if I were to leave my job. I've heard that getting fired intentionally isn't a viable option, but I'm looking for advice on how to document any illegalities and communicate with HR effectively. I want to ensure that if I do resign, I can still qualify for unemployment benefits. I'm trying to find the best way to handle this while protecting myself.

I recently completed my final round interviews for an admin role at a company, and I've been in touch with the recruiter throughout the process. They've been really consistent with communication, which I appreciated. Last week, I received a vague email from the recruiter asking to set up a time to discuss feedback and next steps. I took this as a positive sign. During our call, I expressed how much I enjoyed meeting the team and learning about the role. However, the recruiter informed me that he had no feedback yet from the team and that the panel would be meeting next week to make their decision. He assured me that I would have an update by the end of next week. While I appreciate the transparency, I can't help but feel a bit thrown off by the lack of concrete feedback. I’m grateful for the communication, but I’m also a little confused about where I stand in the process.

I have a friend from way back in 2005 when we both started our careers in IT. While I’ve progressed through various roles and am currently earning $96K a year, he has remained in a QA Tech position and now works as a security guard making $18/hr. He believes he has job security and prefers consistent income over seeking advancement, despite being just one paycheck away from financial trouble. He occasionally borrows small amounts from me, which shows he’s not as secure as he thinks. I've tried to encourage him to pursue IT certifications and move into a help desk role, but he’s resistant to change. Now, I’m facing my own transition as my company is closing in less than two months, but I feel prepared for the job market. I’ve been upskilling and am set to take my AZ-900 certification test next week. Interestingly, my friend suggested I go back to school for a Master’s degree, which I find impractical at 45 years old. I believe investing in certifications is a better path for me. This experience has taught me that giving advice is easy, but it’s important to practice what you preach.

I recently learned about a workforce reduction at Centene, where I work as a nurse. It's confusing because while there are voluntary separation programs (VSP) and the possibility of involuntary layoffs, my specific health plan is still hiring new nurses. I’m trying to understand how this is possible and what it means for current employees like myself. It feels like a strange situation where the company is letting some of us go while bringing in new staff. A commenter suggested that this might be a strategy to cut costs on benefits and avoid the obligations that come with long-term employees. It’s disheartening to think about how companies might prioritize new hires over their existing workforce.

I recently found myself in a tough situation after quitting my job in the city I had always dreamed of working in. I had gone to grad school and started off well, but over time, things took a turn for the worse. My coworker, who did the same job as me, was more charismatic and ended up getting promoted, which meant I would have been stuck doing all the work without any recognition. I approached a regional manager about my own promotion, but I later discovered she laughed off the idea, telling my coworker I came across as 'aggressive' in an email chat. Frustrated, I made the impulsive decision to quit without notice. Things escalated further when, in a drunken state, I sent her a highly inappropriate email that got me banned from the company premises and made it difficult to secure references. Since then, I've been out of work, struggling with alcoholism and even facing a DUI that cost me my license. I'm now trying to figure out how to move forward and find a new job despite these setbacks.

I just got fired today from my job as a paralegal at a nonprofit legal services organization. Honestly, I'm in shock and didn't see this coming. I've been anxious for the past week since I had a meeting with HR about some disciplinary action, and now it’s all over. They didn’t even have the decency to tell me in person; it was a Zoom call with cameras off where they just emailed me the termination letter and asked if I had questions. My role mainly involved answering calls from people seeking legal help, which can be really draining since many callers are upset or argumentative. I got in trouble for inadvertently giving legal advice, but honestly, I didn't realize it was legal advice rather than just providing information. Our training from three years ago didn’t cover that specific nuance, so I feel like the lack of proper training contributed to this issue. I'm feeling pretty low and spiraling a bit, but I’m hoping it will only last a day or two. The thought of job hunting again is daunting, but I do have some savings to fall back on for a while. Maybe I’ll finally take that vacation I’ve been wanting! Thanks for listening.

I started my job as a part-time associate at a retail store about a month ago, and I feel completely lost. When I was hired, I was promised comprehensive training that included cash handling and sizing, but the reality has been far from that. My training consisted of just shadowing one coworker for a short time and a brief introduction to the fitting rooms. Since then, I've been trying my best to help customers and meet sales goals with almost no guidance. Currently, I'm only scheduled for 3 hours a week, which makes it really challenging to improve my sales skills. To make matters worse, I’ve noticed that two new employees have been hired and they’re getting scheduled for shifts 2-3 times a week, while I can barely manage one shift. Recently, I offered to cover a shift for a coworker to show my eagerness for more hours, but the manager decided to give it to someone else without even mentioning my offer to me. This has left me feeling like I’m not valued at all. I can’t help but wonder if I’m doing something wrong or if I just don’t fit in with the team. I’ve never felt this way before; after two years of job searching, I thought I had finally found a position. Now, I feel worthless and question my self-worth, especially since I’m not conventionally attractive. I just want to be treated like a human being. I know that part-time shifts are generally 3-5 hours long, and while I’ve worked a 5-hour shift before, the fact that I’m only getting scheduled once a week since day one is really disheartening. I was supposed to receive proper training in-store, but instead, I was told to do it at home. I’m really struggling with this situation and hope to find a way to feel valued again.

I’m feeling really stuck in my current retail job. I work full-time closing shifts and it's starting to take a toll on my health. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 2025, but I feel like that degree is worthless when it comes to finding better opportunities. I didn’t focus much in school and now I realize I have no real skills to show for it. At 30 years old, I just want a better life for myself, but it seems like the job market is incredibly tough. It feels like you need to be exceptionally smart or hardworking to get anywhere, and I’m neither. I dream of having a stable M-F 9-5 schedule, but even that seems out of reach. After ten years in retail, I worry that I’m branded for life, especially since I haven’t gained any real skills during that time. I’m not particularly passionate about any career field, except maybe the trades, but getting into that field is nearly impossible due to the competitive nature of apprenticeships in the SF Bay Area. Trade schools seem like a scam too. Honestly, I’m feeling pretty hopeless about my situation and I’m not sure where to turn next.

I recently completed my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and have been actively applying for jobs for about a month now. So far, I've submitted over 500 applications, but the process has been incredibly challenging. I've only landed 3 interviews—two companies ghosted me, and one is a large distribution center that found my resume on LinkedIn. They mentioned they need a few weeks to interview other candidates since I was the first one they spoke to. I received a letter of verification from my school confirming my completion of courses, but I won't officially have my degree conferred until August due to the summer semester schedule. This has led me to wonder about a couple of things: 1. If I've applied for a position and haven't heard back in over two weeks, should I send a follow-up email expressing my continued interest and attaching my resume again? I want to ensure they have my information for any other suitable roles if I’m not a fit for the one I applied for. 2. Since I have a letter of completion, can I claim that I have my Bachelor's degree even though it hasn't been conferred yet? I’m 30 years old and a late graduate, having worked as a cashier for 19 months, a data entry temp for 3 months, and a secretary for 25 months. I’m also planning to start my master's degree in business analytics (MSBA) this August, aiming for a role in supply chain analytics. Any advice from seasoned professionals would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently on the hunt for a remote data entry job, but I have no prior experience in this field. I'm feeling a bit lost on where to start my search and would appreciate any guidance or resources that could help me find opportunities. It seems like there are a lot of discussions about this topic, but I'm not sure which direction to take. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently in a tough spot at my job as a social media manager for a real estate firm. It seems like I'm on the verge of being let go because my boss is unhappy with the lack of new agent sign-ups from my content. To make matters worse, I've noticed she's reopened the hiring post for my position, which feels like a clear sign that I'm not meeting expectations. I've been working in social media for a while now, handling ad campaigns for various industries like food and beverage, healthcare, and retail. However, my experience in real estate has been challenging. I’ve always felt a natural affinity for social media, having been deeply involved online since childhood, running fan clubs for K-pop groups on platforms like Tumblr and Twitter. One of my proudest moments was collaborating with a promotion company for a K-pop tour in the U.S. That experience brought me so much joy and fulfillment, far more than my current role. Now, I find myself questioning my skills and what I truly want to do. I used to have aspirations of becoming a lawyer, a writer, or even a marine biologist, but now I feel lost. I know my passion for running fan clubs doesn't translate into corporate success, and it's disheartening to see others excel while I struggle. I just don't know what my next steps should be or what I'm really good at anymore.