Planning

I started a new job as a software engineer about two months ago, and I'm already feeling the pressure. My manager, who is 15 hours ahead of me, recently told me that my progress on a task is 'way too slow.' I’ve been working hard to understand a challenging codebase and have been using AI tools to assist me, but I feel like I'm not meeting expectations. My manager has scheduled daily meetings at 8:30 AM my time and sometimes checks in again at 5:30 PM. After a week of training that the company provided, I thought I was on the right track, but now I’m anxious about my performance. I've been hyper-focused on this task for a couple of weeks, and I thought I was making progress, but the lack of timely feedback from my manager and his recent comments have left me feeling stressed and unsure of my capabilities. I’m worried about the possibility of being let go, especially since the job market isn’t great right now. I’m trying to figure out if I’m a bad fit for this role or if the time zone difference is affecting my work. I’m considering adjusting my hours to better align with my manager’s schedule, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about my future here.

I'm currently a junior in college and I've been struggling with my job search. I have no prior job experience, which makes me feel like I'm at a disadvantage. I've been applying to positions since July and have updated my resume multiple times to highlight my skills and achievements, but I've only received rejections so far. I have a career fair coming up in two weeks, and while I've found the list of companies attending, I haven't prepared as much as I should have. I'm starting to feel like I need experience to get experience, and I'm wondering if cold applying is even worth it at this stage. I also have concerns about what to do if I don't land an internship next summer, especially since I don't have a car. I'm considering whether I need to network more extensively to improve my chances.

I am currently in the final interview stages for a fully remote position with a company located halfway across the country. Most of their employees are also remote but live in the metropolitan area where the company is based, which makes me an outlier. One of the main attractions of this job is the health insurance benefits, as they are associated with a large, well-known hospital. However, since I will be living far away, I likely won't be able to utilize these benefits. I'm wondering if it's possible to negotiate my salary or other benefits since I won't be using their health insurance. I've heard mixed opinions on this; some say it's unlikely, while others suggest it might be worth asking if they offer any compensation for declining the health insurance. I'm also curious about whether certain out-of-state insurances could still work for me locally, as I've heard that some national networks can cover local doctors.

I was laid off in July 2026 after over a year at my last job, which ended abruptly and without any severance. It's been a tough month since then, especially with my son just turning 5 months old. I've been actively applying and have managed to secure a few interviews, but I've faced disappointment each time, receiving the same feedback: "At this time we decided to move forward with another candidate." This has happened four times already this month. I hold an MBA and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, along with a drafting certificate in AutoCAD, so I feel qualified for many roles. Despite my efforts, the job market feels brutal. I filed for unemployment and WIC benefits to support my family during this challenging time. Today, I have an interview for an Entitlements Manager position with a homebuilder, and I'm hopeful about another interview next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying for a breakthrough soon. Wish me luck!

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at work. Back in November, our senior operations manager unexpectedly resigned, and instead of hiring someone new, my director pulled me aside and encouraged me to step up. He said this was my chance to demonstrate leadership and operate at the senior level. I took on the challenge and worked tirelessly for the past eight months, often clocking in fifty-hour weeks. I managed all client logistics accounts, took over her direct reports, and handled our regional budget spreadsheets, all while maintaining my regular workload. I even helped boost our quarterly performance metrics by twelve percent. Yesterday, during my mid-year compensation review, my director handed me a promotion to Senior Operations Lead. I was excited until I noticed the compensation section was completely blank. When I inquired about a salary adjustment for taking on the additional responsibilities, he informed me that the budget for merit raises was frozen. He insisted that the title change was a significant career investment that would enhance my internal record. Reflecting on this, I realize I should have stopped doing the extra tasks once my contract hours ended in December. It’s disheartening that companies expect employees to pay their bills with fancy job titles rather than fair compensation.

I was laid off from my job about a month ago and filed a claim for New York unemployment benefits on August 4. Unfortunately, my claim is still processing, and I keep seeing the message "We are continuing to work on your application" on my benefit payment history. I can't even certify my claim online or over the phone because of this issue. I have a trip planned outside the US starting on September 13, and I won't return until sometime in October. I'm worried that by the time my claim is processed and I need to start certifying, I’ll be abroad, which means I won't be able to certify or access the Department of Labor website. I really can't change my travel plans since this vacation has been in the works with friends for months. I've tried reaching out to both the New York claims office and the claims advocacy office for help. The claims office was too busy to assist, and although the advocacy office did respond, they just transferred me back to the claims office where I ended up waiting for over an hour before giving up. I also can't send a secure message because I don't have the "Messages" button on my DOL account page. Since I can't get a clear answer from official channels, I'm hoping to get some advice from the community.

I recently received an offer for a door-to-door sales position that pays a base of $375 a week plus commission. I'm currently working at a grocery store, earning about $19 an hour, but the management is terrible and there's no room for growth. I live with my girlfriend's family and pay $500 a month in rent, so I'm feeling a bit stuck. The challenge is that I would need to quit my stable job to take this sales position, and I'm worried about the high turnover rates in sales roles. I'm anxious about the possibility of being fired and ending up without any income. I've been seeking advice on whether I should make this leap or stick with my current job, which, while frustrating, provides a steady paycheck.

I'm currently on Day 3 of an unpaid 5-day trial at a retail stocking job. If I pass, I’ll get paid for all the days, but if I don’t, I walk away with nothing. Today, my supervisor told me I’m ‘too slow and not suitable’ for the role. I arrived at 9:05 AM, even though he claimed I came at 9:30, and I worked hard all day without breaks, stocking multiple aisles and helping unload a truck full of products. I feel like I did more than some of my coworkers, but I’m starting to doubt myself. On Day 2, a coworker made some inappropriate jokes and asked if I’d buy them ice cream, which felt like a test of sorts. I didn’t vibe with him, especially after hearing him curse customers. I’ve had a mix of experiences in the past; I was once told I was ‘too slow’ in house cleaning because I was too thorough, but I was praised in a factory job. I’m detail-oriented and not very social at work, which might not fit well in this environment. Now I’m wondering if I should push through the last two days to see if I can pass or if I should just cut my losses and look for something else. I’ve heard a lot of people say that this unpaid trial is ridiculous and possibly illegal, and I’m starting to think they might be right.

Today, I was laid off from my position at Uber India, and the pain of losing my job is compounded by the unfair treatment we are receiving compared to our colleagues in the US. While they are being offered two months of garden leave and two months of stock vesting, we in India are only getting one month. This means we are effectively losing out on a month of salary and equity, and I fear our severance package will be less generous as well. It feels incredibly unjust, especially considering the sacrifices we make to accommodate US time zones. Just yesterday, I pulled an all-nighter for work, went to the office after finally getting some sleep at 7:30 AM, only to be laid off a few hours later. It's frustrating that we are not receiving the same exit benefits as our US counterparts. I’ve connected with someone who was laid off during the 2020 round and learned that they successfully negotiated better exit terms by banding together and hiring an employment lawyer. They managed to secure 2-3 months of garden leave, one month of salary for every six months of tenure, continued insurance until the end of the year, and even kept their laptops. I believe we can do the same here in India. We need to act quickly, as we only have a few days before the separation agreements are handed out. If we can team up and send a joint legal notice, we might be able to pause the deadline and push for better terms. Companies like Uber do not like collective legal action, and we deserve to fight for what we have earned. If anyone else in India was impacted by the layoffs today, please DM me. Let’s connect and strategize for an urgent consultation with a lawyer. We deserve the same treatment as our colleagues in the US, and we shouldn’t leave anything on the table. I understand this is a stressful time, so I kindly ask that you only reach out if you are serious about taking action or can help connect us with a strong employment lawyer.

I have been working for the same employer since 2016, but my roles have all been short-term contracts of varying lengths. My most recent contract lasted only three weeks, and now I am applying for unemployment benefits. I'm unsure about what start date to list for my employment. Should I include the start date from 2016, or just the most recent contract from the last 18 months? I'm worried that this could impact my benefits, so I appreciate any guidance on how to accurately report my employment history.

I got laid off from Legalzoom about a month ago after nearly 6 years with the company. Just yesterday, my wife, who worked at Blue Apron for the same duration, was also laid off. We’re both feeling terrified about how we’re going to make it through this tough time. I've signed up for unemployment and received my severance, but the job search has been brutal. I've submitted over 110 applications and only heard back from about 5 of them. We both earned around $23 an hour, but for some reason, my wife is getting significantly less in unemployment benefits than I am here in Texas, which is adding to our stress. I’m trying to find a remote job due to my disability and the fact that I don’t have a car. I’ve been updating my resume, doing daily job searches, and applying to 3-10 jobs each day. I’m constantly anxious about our situation, worrying about how to pay our bills and fearing that my wife, our two dogs, and I might end up homeless. Losing our health insurance is also a huge concern since we can’t afford our medications or even basic healthcare like flu and COVID shots. I’m reaching out for any advice or strategies that could help us navigate this difficult time. We’re doing everything we can to stay afloat, but it feels overwhelming and I’m scared that I’m letting my wife down.

I'm considering leaving my job at See’s Candies after 14 years, and I'm feeling a mix of emotions about it. I'm a 36-year-old female currently making around $20 an hour in Oklahoma. I started my journey at See’s when I was just 22, and it was my first job. Over the years, I worked my way up from being an associate to an assistant manager, and I’ve spent about 10-11 years working closely with my shop manager, who recently left. I was hoping to step up and take over her position, but the company decided to bring in a manager from another state instead. This feels like a major setback for my career growth, especially since I’ve invested so much time and effort into this role. I love the company and the environment, but the customer service expectations are incredibly high, leading to burnout. Although I have long-term customers I enjoy working with, I feel snubbed and see no future benefits in staying. The potential quarterly bonuses are minimal, and raises are rare, usually only around 1-3% every few years. I’m contemplating quitting without having another job lined up, which feels risky. I’ve been burnt out and think I might need a break before jumping into something new. I have about 5-6 months of savings to support me while I figure out my next steps, possibly taking on part-time work in the meantime. Is it crazy to consider quitting now, or should I hold on until I secure another position? I’d appreciate any advice on this!

I recently faced a tough situation at my first full-time job after graduating college two years ago. I was already on the verge of being laid off from my role when I made a mistake by sending my study notes on programming languages and certificates from my work laptop to my personal email. This action was flagged as a security violation, which added stress to an already difficult situation. Now, I'm contemplating whether to include this job on my resume. I have two years of experience that directly relates to my degree, and I feel it would be valuable to potential employers. However, I'm concerned about how this might reflect on my record, especially if a future employer asks about my departure or wants to contact my previous employer for a reference. Should I avoid using anyone from this job as a reference? I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation.

I just received a meeting invite from my VP, and I have a sinking feeling it's about layoffs. This is my first time facing a potential layoff, so I'm feeling pretty anxious about it. I'm trying to prepare myself for the meeting by thinking of the right questions to ask. I've seen some good suggestions online, like asking about severance amounts, whether it's negotiable, how long my insurance will last, and if they can confirm a neutral reference for future job applications. I've also been advised not to sign any paperwork on the spot and to take time to review everything before making any decisions. I plan to gather all my personal documents from my computer as a precaution. I want to stay calm during the meeting, even if they expect a strong reaction from me. I’ll make sure to listen carefully and take notes. I’ve also started compiling my work samples and reference materials for my resume just in case. I’m going to prepare a list of questions to ask, like what factors led to this decision, if they will approve unemployment payments, and if they offer any job assistance. I really hope I can navigate this situation as smoothly as possible.

I recently found myself in a unique situation where I received three job offers simultaneously, which I initially thought would be a great problem to have. However, it quickly became overwhelming as I tried to compare them. Each offer has its own strengths: one offers the highest salary, another has the most appealing role, and the third seems to have the best company culture and people. As I started to evaluate them, I created a detailed spreadsheet to track various factors like bonuses, equity, commute times, remote work days, insurance benefits, leave policies, and opportunities for growth. But soon, the spreadsheet became too complex and hard to manage. To simplify the decision-making process, I’m considering creating a one-page comparison using Gamma or Notion, so I can visualize everything side by side without being overwhelmed by numerous columns. I’m also curious about how others have navigated similar situations. What key factors did you focus on when choosing between multiple offers?

I graduated with my bachelor's degree at the end of 2022, thinking that would open doors for me. However, the job search has been incredibly frustrating. The field I studied for has become increasingly unstable, and the broader economy feels hostile to job seekers, especially those just starting out. I find myself paralyzed by choice, unsure of where to go next. I’ve considered going back to school for a master's degree, but I’m hesitant. My bachelor’s hasn’t led to a job yet, so I worry about accumulating more debt without a clear path forward. I’m also unsure what to study, and I fear that I might end up overqualified or that the job market could shift again by the time I graduate. Entrepreneurship doesn’t appeal to me either; I don’t have the drive to be my own boss, and I struggle to even think of a viable business idea or how to market myself. I’ve thought about pursuing certifications, but they seem like a gamble too—more time and money spent without any guarantee they’d help me land a job. What I really want is some guidance from others who have felt lost in their job search but managed to find their way. I’m looking for safety and stability in my career, but I’m not sure where to focus my efforts right now.

I recently accepted a contract-to-hire position because I was in urgent need of a job and income. I started onboarding for this role, which pays $22/hr, and my first day is just two days away. However, I also received a call from another company where I had applied over a month ago, inviting me for a final interview with their Regional Director. They haven't disclosed the pay yet, but I mentioned I was looking for $31/hr, which falls within their range. The catch is that the contract-to-hire job is located 1.5 hours away, while the potential new job is slightly closer at 1.25 hours. I'm feeling quite conflicted about this situation. If I were to quit the contract job for the new opportunity, would I risk damaging my relationship with the staffing agency or the company I'm currently working for? I'm unsure of the best path forward and would appreciate any advice.

I'm currently an assistant manager at Erac, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by my work schedule. I'm clocking in around 47 hours a week, mostly from 7 AM to 6 PM, and it feels like I have no time for anything else in my life. I'm considering switching jobs, but I'm worried about taking a pay cut, especially since there aren't many job opportunities in my town of about 100,000 people that match my skill set. I've thought about going back to school, but the only fields that seem worthwhile are healthcare or teaching, neither of which really interests me. I'm feeling lost and know I need to make a change soon because this schedule is draining me.

I recently started a new role as a Senior Analyst in the Health Informatics division of a large MedTech company, and I’ve been here for about 2 months. I really enjoy the work and the team, focusing on improving patient clinical outcomes and using our analytics suite for risk adjustment. However, just a few weeks in, senior leadership announced plans to separate our division, which could happen through a spinoff, merger, or acquisition within the next 12-15 months. This decision seems to stem from pressure from an investment group, despite our division being the most profitable part of the company. While there’s no hiring freeze and the company is currently profitable, I’m feeling uncertain about my future here since I’m so new, and the average tenure on my team is around 7-8 years. I have a manager from a previous job who has expressed interest in bringing me back, but the logistics of relocating are complicated due to my fiancé's job. I really don’t want to leave this position unless absolutely necessary, but I’m also aware that if layoffs occur, my short tenure might put me at risk. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation and whether I should consider the backup job seriously or stay put for now.

I am preparing to return to an office for the first time since 2019, which feels quite daunting. My work history has been quite a journey: I transitioned to remote work in 2020, got laid off in 2021 and spent a year searching for a new role. In 2022, I landed a fully remote job, and that continued through 2023 and 2024. However, I faced another layoff in October 2025. Now, I'm starting a fully in-office role in just two weeks, and I’m feeling a bit lost. I’m curious about what has changed since I last worked in an office. What do people typically wear these days? I’m worried I might have forgotten how to interact with colleagues in person. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!