Planning

I'm currently going through a department restructure at my company, and it's got me really anxious. They've announced the changes, but there's been no mention of layoffs or cost-saving measures, which makes it even more confusing. Instead, they keep saying there will be 'plenty of opportunities for this team.' However, I can't shake the feeling that there will be fewer roles available after this is all said and done. I've been laid off before, and that experience still haunts me. I feel like I can sense when something is off, and right now, everything feels uncertain. I’ve started to think about looking for new opportunities, just in case. I've read that when you have a gut feeling about a layoff, it’s often a sign that something might be brewing behind the scenes. I’ve also noticed some signs that others have mentioned: declining revenues, changes in leadership, and a general sense of unease among my colleagues. I’m trying to stay positive, but it’s hard not to think about what might happen in the coming months. I guess I’ll just have to keep my options open and be prepared for anything.

I am currently facing a tough decision about my job situation. I have two part-time jobs right now. My first job pays me $38.69 an hour plus 14% in lieu of benefits, which brings my hourly rate to about $44.14. My second job, however, pays only $30 an hour, and I found out after I was hired that I would be classified as an independent contractor. This means I have to pay back 25-30% of my income in taxes, and I also have to pay $20 a month for insurance to work there. The payment process for the second job has been frustrating as well. I have to submit my hours worked, and they pay via mail, which means I don’t get paid consistently. I last worked a shift on August 19, and it’s now September 1, and I still haven’t received my pay for that shift. This lack of payment is really demotivating, making me feel like I'm working for free. Both of my jobs require 12-hour shifts, but my first job has a lot more tasks to keep me busy, and I get 2-3 hour breaks. In contrast, my second job is overnight and involves sitting around doing nothing, except for documenting every 15 minutes and occasionally serving patients tea and crackers. I dread going to this second job tonight, especially since my first job has a shift available that I would prefer to cover for extra income. I initially took the second job thinking it would help me build references, but it’s turning out to be more trouble than it’s worth. I feel like I'm earning less than I did before I graduated, which is really disheartening. I’m seriously considering quitting now because I don’t want to chase after anyone for my paycheck, and I want to take the shift at my first job instead. I’m looking for advice before I send my resignation email.

I was fired in January 2025 and have been struggling to find stable employment ever since. After four months of unemployment, I landed a contract job, but they didn't renew my contract due to financial issues, leaving me unemployed again since May. Now, at 26, I feel like my engineering degree is worthless. I've been applying to jobs and going through phone interviews, but all I get are rejection emails, including one from a position I applied to back in April of last year. It's disheartening, especially with the rising cost of living and no income coming in. To make ends meet, I'm currently working in a warehouse, which is tough on my body, especially since it feels like I'm doing all the work myself. I never imagined I'd be in this position, and I still remember the day I was let go; that feeling of dread has lingered. I'm starting to doubt my career choice from eight years ago.

I am currently in a reduced role at my company and feeling quite stuck. Despite my efforts to explore new opportunities, I haven't been able to find a way out. It's frustrating to feel limited in my current position, and I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and potentially transition to a more fulfilling role.

I recently went through the second interview process for a state government job that I applied for about three months ago. The hiring timeline has been slower than expected, but things picked up quickly after my interview when they asked for my references and a background check. This sudden acceleration has thrown me off a bit, especially since I have a surgery scheduled for mid-October. The surgery is important for my quality of life, and I need to have it done before the end of the year due to my health insurance deductible. I'm supposed to be out of work for about six weeks, but I’m hoping to return after four weeks since it’s a hybrid desk job. I’ve put my name on a cancellation list with my doctor's office, but there's no guarantee I can get in earlier. I'm feeling uncertain about how to handle this situation. At what point should I bring this up to the potential employer? I’ve never faced a situation like this before, where I might not be able to give the typical two weeks' notice. I'm just trying to navigate this uncharted territory.

I was fired yesterday from my job at Tesco for theft. I'm 16 and made some poor choices by stealing food after closing hours. I got caught, and now I'm feeling lost about what to do next. I had listed my manager as a reference for another job I applied for, but I'm worried that if I get accepted and they do a background check, it will come back to haunt me. I know I messed up, and I’m hearing that I should probably remove that job from my resume entirely. It feels like my options are limited, but I’m trying to figure out how to move forward. I’ve been advised to volunteer to build up some goodwill and connections for future job opportunities. I just hope I can learn from this and not repeat the same mistakes.

Today, I felt the weight of increasing pressure at my job as a member of the operations team at my company. Management has been pushing us to automate as many of our daily tasks as possible, which is starting to feel like a threat to our positions. My manager explicitly stated that he wants to eliminate our routine responsibilities, but he hasn't provided any clarity on what our roles will look like post-automation. This uncertainty is unsettling, especially since when we struggle to automate certain tasks, we get placed on Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) as a consequence. It feels like the management is gearing up to replace us with automation, AI, and potentially outsourced help. Many of us have been with the company for years without seeing any promotions or raises, while our manager has received two promotions in just two years. It feels incredibly unfair and demotivating. Despite enjoying my work environment, I can't shake the feeling that I need to start looking for new opportunities elsewhere, as the situation seems dire. I'm also seeking advice on how to navigate this toxic atmosphere while still trying to contribute positively.

I got laid off yesterday from my tech job after four years of working with different teams. It’s been a tough blow, especially since I had just pushed myself to work over 12 hours a day last month. This was my first job, and now I feel completely lost about what to do next. People around me have been really supportive, offering to refer me to their contacts, but I’m struggling with my confidence and fear that I won’t be able to break back into the industry. I had so many plans, especially with my husband. We were planning to start a family soon, and his 30th birthday is next month. I wanted to surprise him with something special, but now everything feels uncertain. On top of that, I have retired parents living with us, and I’m responsible for their care. Looking back, I regret not planning for a baby last year; maybe it would have been easier to handle if I had. I just feel overwhelmed right now.

I was laid off at the end of June when my role in client retention became redundant due to AI advancements. This was my first real job after entering the workforce, and I had been with the company for almost two years. The pay was great, allowing me to cover all my expenses and enjoy some leisure activities. Since losing my job, I've felt like my life is on a downward spiral. I've been searching for another permanent junior role, but the job market is tough, especially for someone who's still new to it. Recently, I received an offer from an American company that I've always dreamed of working for, but it’s for an internship with no guarantee of a full-time position afterward. As a South African, the pay fluctuates with the exchange rate, and it’s nearly half of what I was earning before. I desperately want to feel happy about this opportunity, but the pay cut and lack of job security after the internship leave me feeling anxious instead. I’m genuinely grateful for the offer, but it’s exhausting to balance that gratitude with my struggles to adjust. To make matters worse, when I share this news with others, they don’t seem excited for me. It feels like no one understands how hard this has been, which adds to my frustration. I know it could be worse, but I just needed to vent about my situation.

I'm a 23-year-old female actively seeking an opportunity to join a startup, small business, or individual who is working on something innovative. I feel that the traditional 9-5 corporate environment isn't a good fit for me; instead, I thrive in settings where I can learn, experiment, and contribute meaningfully. I'm open to exploring various roles and am eager to apply my skills wherever they can be useful. My goal is to connect with someone who is building something exciting and is looking for a passionate individual to grow alongside them. I'm specifically looking for genuine opportunities and conversations, not just random offers or scams. If you think I might be a good fit for your project or business, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

I recently decided to quit my job at a lumber mill where I was working through a staffing agency. I was hired to sort plywood sheets on the graveyard shift, and while I thought I could handle the physical labor, the experience was far from what I expected. The job was incredibly fast-paced, and my trainer was not helpful at all. Instead of providing proper guidance, he often scolded me for mistakes that were not entirely my fault. For instance, I quickly caught a jam in the machine, but when I tried to resolve it, he blamed me for not paying attention, even though I had alerted a more experienced coworker to shut down the machine. After just one week, I felt like I was causing more issues than I was helping with. I don’t want to return for another shift, so I need to contact the staffing agency to let them know I won’t be coming back. I’m worried about how this will affect my relationship with them, especially since this was my first job through the agency. I’m hoping they’ll understand my situation, but I’m also considering looking for opportunities with a different staffing agency in town. I’m not sure what to expect from them after I reach out, but I know I need to be honest about my experience.

I recently landed a new role after several months of searching, and I wanted to share some insights that really helped me throughout the process. One key takeaway is the importance of networking effectively to secure interviews. I learned that while referrals can get you in the door, they don't guarantee a job; the interview performance and relevant experience often play a much larger role. I realized that having an edge in my applications was crucial. This could mean having direct experience in a similar industry or a job description that perfectly matched my skills. However, even the best match doesn't always lead to success, especially when internal candidates are involved. To enhance my chances, I made a list of companies where my previous experience as a business analyst in healthcare would be valuable. I focused on competitors and similar firms that would appreciate my insights. Then, I reached out to professionals in those roles, engaging with their posts and starting conversations, regardless of current job openings. This way, when positions did arise, I had established connections rather than cold messaging someone who had no idea who I was. I also noted that keeping the list of target companies manageable—around 15-20—was essential to avoid spreading myself too thin. It can be exhausting to maintain multiple conversations, but it's worth the effort to stay connected. I keep a note on my phone for companies I want to target, which has been incredibly helpful.

I recently found myself at a crossroads in my career. I have accepted a remote position at a midsize company that offers a 22% raise. I genuinely enjoyed meeting everyone during the interview process and felt a great vibe with the team. However, I also have a serious interview lined up with CapitalOne for a hybrid role that would require me to commute 45 minutes to the office three days a week. This position comes with a significant pay increase of 46-60%, but I have concerns about the company culture. They conduct ranked performance reviews biannually, and I know from past experiences how stressful office politics can be. I’ve struggled with severe migraines and IBS, and working from home for the past five years has been a blessing for my health. The thought of returning to an office environment is daunting, especially since I have faced significant bullying in previous roles, which took a toll on my mental and physical well-being. While the financial incentive of the CapitalOne role is tempting, the potential impact on my daily life and health is a major factor in my decision-making process. I could really use some outside perspectives on whether to stick with the remote offer or pursue the interview.

I recently received an invitation for a virtual interview with Apple for a retail store position that I applied for two months ago. This is my first time going through this process with such a well-known company, and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The email didn’t specify whether the interview will focus on sales or other aspects of the role, which has left me a bit uncertain about how to prepare. I'm currently researching common interview questions for retail positions, especially at Apple, and trying to understand their company culture and values to better align my responses. Any tips or insights from those who have gone through a similar experience would be greatly appreciated!

I’m an 18-year-old looking to gain work experience and explore new places, and Alaska has always intrigued me. Recently, I learned about job opportunities where you can fly to specific regions and work there for a while. I found several positions in Juneau and Girdwood that I might be qualified for, but I’m feeling uncertain about the logistics of living there and whether I’m biting off more than I can chew. Currently, I’m making $10 an hour at Wendy's, which is my first job ever, and I’m struggling with getting my community college to accept my FAFSA. My family doesn’t have a car, and they want me to focus solely on school, so they wouldn’t be thrilled about me going to Alaska. I know I might sound naive, but I really need some advice on how to navigate this situation.

I was recently let go from Dollar Tree, where I worked, due to allegations of theft. They claimed I stole money, but I never took anything unauthorized, and they even have video footage that supports my innocence. I was pressured into signing a document admitting to the allegations, which I regret. Now, I'm facing an unemployment claim that the employer is appealing, even though it seems unjust since I didn't actually take anything. I've been waiting for someone to contact me regarding the appeal process, but no one has reached out yet, even after I stayed an extra hour at work to ensure I didn't miss any calls. I'm feeling quite lost about what steps I should take next.

I recently took on an administrative assistant role at a tech company in Seattle, thinking it would be a good entry-level position to get my foot in the door. However, it's turned out to be quite different from what I expected. The job pays $25 an hour through an agency, but there’s no possibility for conversion, which adds to my frustration. Most of my time is spent on my feet, stocking fridges, pantries, and bathrooms across three floors, while also trying to manage administrative tasks. Just three weeks in, the office manager is going on vacation for two weeks and expects me to take over her responsibilities, despite my limited time in the role. I’m feeling really anxious about this. Today, she decided to come in late to see how I would handle things on my own. I dealt with a badge access issue for several employees and managed to resolve it, but when she arrived, she was furious that I hadn't notified her while she was out. She also expressed disappointment that I hadn’t filled the snacks on the main floor, despite my efforts to juggle multiple tasks. I discussed my concerns with my agency, and they suggested I propose hiring a dedicated facilities person to handle the stocking and cleaning, allowing me to focus more on administrative duties. When I brought this up to my manager, she laughed and said, "that's why I have you here." Additionally, I was told to clean up a spill myself instead of contacting the janitorial service. I feel like I'm doing mostly facilities work rather than actual administrative tasks, and my manager's lack of faith in my abilities is affecting my mental health. My agency plans to talk to the company about finding a role better suited to my skills, and they’re also looking for other placements for me. I’m torn about leaving, especially since my manager is going on vacation soon, but I’m struggling to cope with the stress and feeling like a servant. I'm waiting to hear back from my agency on Thursday, and in the meantime, I'm trying to keep my head down and work through it.

I’m a 26-year-old who has been job hunting for the past 1.5 years after completing my master's degree. Despite applying for numerous positions in my field, I've only managed to secure one job, which I was unfortunately laid off from after just six months. I graduated from a university that’s about three hours away from my hometown, where all my professional connections are located. Recently, I've come across several promising job opportunities back in that area and I'm seriously considering relocating to enhance my career prospects. However, I’m facing a dilemma. My father has Parkinson’s disease, and I worry about leaving him and my mom behind, especially since I currently live with them. On one hand, I want to pursue my independence and career growth, but on the other hand, I feel a strong obligation to support my family. I would love to hear about others' experiences with relocating for work. Did it help your career? How did you manage family obligations during the transition?

I'm currently on a job search to find a better position that pays at least $25 an hour and isn't physically demanding by my next birthday. I'm feeling a bit lost on what job titles I should be aiming for, especially since I want to avoid sales and basic warehouse roles. I really want to set my goals high to get as close to my target as possible within the year. I also have anxiety and ADHD, which makes it challenging to find something I would excel at without feeling overwhelmed. I'm reaching out for advice on potential job titles I could consider and any resources for improving my resume layout would be greatly appreciated.

I was recently laid off from my position where I was earning $115k, up from a previous salary of $99k. Now, I'm weighing two job offers: one for a remote Business Analyst/Scrum Master role at $90k and another for an onsite Record Manager position at $100k. The remote job has a lot of appeal for me, especially since it offers clear career progression and will cover certification costs. However, the salary feels like a significant drop from what I was making before. On the other hand, the onsite role would only require a 20-minute commute and seems to offer a more relaxed work environment, along with similar benefits for certifications and internal mobility. I have three days to make a decision on the remote role, and I'm feeling the pressure. I appreciate any insights or advice on how to approach this decision!