Planning

I've been unemployed for about a year now and I'm feeling stuck in my job search. My last job was at a grocery chain where I worked for only about a month before being let go for not working fast enough. The job before that was also short-lived, and I was fired for not passing a driving test due to a policy change that I wasn't aware of until after I was terminated. I'm considering whether I should just leave these short experiences off my resume since they were both under a month. However, I'm worried that omitting them might make it look like I haven't had any job experience at all, which is a concern since I know how important that is for getting hired. I live about 30 minutes away from the nearest job opportunities, and I'm not sure if that distance is affecting my chances. I've only had one interview in this whole year, and it didn't lead to anything. I really want to contribute to my household expenses, and it's frustrating to feel so helpless in this situation.

I’ve been reflecting on my career timeline during this tough job market, especially as I’ve been out of work for a while now. I used to work as a Project Manager for three years after starting as a PM assistant for two years. However, I’ve been searching for a new PM role for over a year now without any luck. I’m considering whether it would be better to take a job outside my field, like working as a grocery clerk, just to fill the gap on my resume. I wonder if future employers would view that negatively or if they would prefer to see that I stayed active in some capacity rather than having a long break. I’ve seen mixed opinions on this, and it really depends on the company, but I’m feeling uncertain about the best approach.

I wanted to share my experience with using a reverse recruiter during my job search. I found a service through an online talent hire site that has been a game changer for me. Essentially, they apply to jobs on my behalf, optimize my resume and LinkedIn profile, and even reach out to hiring managers directly. I know this approach isn't for everyone, especially since money can be tight when you're looking for a job, but the cost is typically around $120 to $200 per week. For me, it has been worth the investment because it saves me a lot of time and effort in the job hunt. I hope this insight helps someone else out there. Good luck to everyone looking for work!

I applied for a job in a small town through Indeed about a month and a half ago. The company mentioned they would respond within 14 days, but here I am, still waiting. After the initial two weeks, I started calling them weekly, and each time I was told they were behind due to an update on their computer system. They've been saying they would review applications by the end of the week for over a month now. The pay for the position is on the lower side, but it's comparable to other local jobs, so I doubt there are many applicants still waiting. I find it odd that Indeed removed the job listing just two days after I applied, which makes me wonder if they’ve already filled the position without notifying anyone. I'm planning to give them one more week before I move on and apply to other companies. This whole situation feels off.

I've been in a tough spot at my job as a Financial Analyst for the past two months, really feeling the weight of a toxic work environment. I've been with the company for 7 years, but about a year and a half ago, I was involuntarily moved to a new role that is drastically different from what I was doing before. Despite being in the same department, the work has piled up and I've been assigned tasks that I have no training for and that don't align with my job description. Instead of focusing on financial analysis, I'm now doing more developer/programmer work, which is not something I'm interested in at all. I had a candid conversation with my manager about my concerns, but there haven't been any solutions offered. The company has gone through significant cutbacks, including layoffs, and there's currently a hiring freeze, so moving to another role isn't an option. I'm at a crossroads, contemplating whether to stick it out in this miserable situation or finally hand in my resignation. I have about five years' worth of living expenses saved up, so financially, I'm okay. However, this job is seriously affecting my mental health, and I'm worried it will only get worse. I don't want to quit in a fit of rage and leave on bad terms. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has quit without another job lined up—how did you know it was time to leave?

I received an email from Dollar Tree inviting me to set up an interview. They provided a contact number and asked me to share my availability. Now I'm debating whether to call or text the person. Additionally, they mentioned open interviews happening soon. I'm unsure if I should coordinate my schedule with the contact or just show up during the open interview times without making a phone call. I'm leaning towards calling since they specifically gave me a number to reach out to.

I have 7.5 years of experience as an Android Developer and I'm currently facing challenges in my job search. I previously worked at Infosys for over three years, and my last day there was in March 2026. Since then, I've been actively applying for Android roles but have received very few interview calls and often get ghosted after initial discussions. My main skills include Kotlin, Java, Jetpack Compose, MVVM, Clean Architecture, Coroutines, Flow, StateFlow, Live Data, Hilt, Retrofit, Room, BLE/Beacon integrations, POS device and printer integrations, Android Services, CI/CD, Jenkins, and SonarQube. I also have about a year of experience with Flutter. I've worked on various projects across OTT, insurance, food-tech, taxi/mobility, and POS applications. Recently, I've been building my own Android apps to enhance my skills in Compose and Android architecture. I'm not looking for sympathy but rather genuine advice on what I might be doing wrong in my job search. If anyone here is an Android hiring manager, senior Android engineer, recruiter, or has recently switched jobs, I would greatly appreciate it if you could review my profile or resume. Additionally, if your company has a Senior Android Developer opening that aligns with my experience, I would be thankful for a referral. I'm happy to share my resume, LinkedIn, and project details via direct message.

I’m currently on the hunt for a part-time job, but it’s been years since I’ve received any offers. I’ve been seeking feedback on my CV to improve my chances. A friend pointed out that my resume needs work, especially in the heading where I should specify the target role title. They also suggested that my profile paragraph should be more tailored to the specific job I’m applying for, avoiding phrases like 'full availability' and 'available to start immediately,' which can feel outdated. Additionally, my skills section has been described as vague, so I need to make it more concise and impactful, customizing it for each application to highlight the most relevant skills. I’m really hoping to turn things around soon!

I’m a 20-year-old male from the UK and I’m feeling completely lost in the job market. Currently, I’m NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and it’s really taking a toll on my mental health. I’ve applied to countless jobs without receiving any responses, which has left me feeling helpless and trapped. I’ve attended numerous workshops and conferences aimed at improving my job search skills, but still, I haven’t received any feedback or offers. It’s incredibly frustrating to see my friends and partner getting job responses while I’m left in the dark. I had a job that went on furlough, and since then, I’ve been working hard to enhance my CV and gain experience, but nothing seems to be working. I genuinely don’t want to rely on benefits; I want to earn my own money and contribute positively to society. I’m reaching out for advice because I’m feeling really low and even contemplating suicide due to this situation. I just want to find a way to move forward.

I am currently seeking a part-time job in Norcross, GA 30093. Despite my efforts in searching and applying to various local businesses, I have not had any luck securing a position. I'm reaching out for suggestions on places that might be hiring, as I am in urgent need of income. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I recently found myself in a tough situation regarding unemployment benefits after being fired from my job. I had been unemployed for about a month and a half when I accepted a new position with Employer B, which required me to leave my previous job at Employer A. I filed for unemployment benefits in early June, and initially, I received a notice stating I was not disqualified because Employer B had not given me prior notice of my termination. However, I was still waiting for a determination regarding my situation with Employer A. Today, I received the disappointing news that I am disqualified from receiving benefits due to a 'voluntary quit' for 'personal reasons.' While it's technically accurate, it means that all the weeks I certified for benefits while waiting for the determination are now disqualified. I plan to contact the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency on the next business day, but I’m worried because my previous attempts to reach them ended in automatic hang-ups due to high call volumes. I’m feeling a bit panicked since I barely have enough funds to last for two more months and haven’t received any responses to the job applications I've submitted. I'm seeking advice on what steps I can take next. Is there any hope for appealing this decision, or am I just out of luck?

I recently found myself in a tough situation. I was working at a company where I felt I wasn't performing as well as I could, and I was actively looking for a change to improve my mental health. I had applied to a few positions while still employed, but I was selective since I had a job. Unfortunately, I was let go due to performance issues right after submitting those applications. Now, I'm in the job search process and I'm really unsure about how to explain my situation to potential employers. I worry that saying I was let go for performance will immediately disqualify me from consideration. I've read advice suggesting I should frame it as the role just wasn't the right fit or that there was a skill mismatch. When I go through screenings, I plan to keep my explanation simple, saying that I'm looking for opportunities that align better with my skills and interests. If asked directly about why I left, I intend to mention that the expectations and the role didn't align, and that I've learned from the experience. I'm hoping this approach will help me move forward without too much baggage.

I recently interviewed for an entry-level bookseller position at Barnes & Noble and was thrilled to get hired on the spot. I completed all my pre-hire requirements by the next day, and my start date was set for this upcoming Tuesday. However, I faced a sudden personal tragedy with a death in the family late last night. This has prompted me to reach out to HR to see if I can delay my start date to allow time for grieving and to be with my family across the state. I'm hoping to push my start date to Monday the 20th, but I'm feeling anxious about asking for this adjustment, especially since I just got hired and there are multiple new hires coming in for the season. I emailed HR early this morning and am waiting for a response, but it’s 4 AM, and I’m feeling stressed about the whole situation. I'm curious if anyone else has had similar experiences with new employers and how accommodating they were during tough times.

I was informed last week that my last day at the IT consulting firm will be August 8th due to a client's decision to cut costs. Since then, I've started job hunting. However, I received an email yesterday offering me a new project with a different client that starts in August. Now I'm faced with a dilemma: should I accept this new project or continue searching for a more stable job? I have a few interviews lined up, but I'm uncertain about the stability of this new client. Given that I work in consulting, I know that client relationships can be unpredictable, and I want to make sure I'm making the right choice for my career.

I was recently laid off from my job as a Technical Artist, and now I'm in the tough position of job hunting. It's really daunting for me, as I feel a lot of pressure to find something before my savings run out. I have some financial cushion, but the thought of running out of money is terrifying. The job market feels overwhelming because I notice that many of the positions I see don't align perfectly with my skills. I have experience working with Unity, but most roles seem to require Unreal Engine knowledge. Additionally, I’m proficient in Autodesk 3DS Max, while many listings ask for expertise in Maya or Blender. I know C#, but I'm not familiar with other programming languages, which further narrows my options. Living in the UK adds another layer of stress since I have a mortgage, making relocation difficult. Remote work is also intimidating for me, as I’m not used to it. I worry that if I do land a job, it might not be a good fit, and I could end up failing my probation or being unhappy. Today, I took the first step and submitted five job applications in just two hours, but I already feel overwhelmed. I’m really scared about the possibility of not finding a job and potentially facing homelessness. I’m looking for advice on how to cope with this anxiety and navigate the job search process effectively.

I am currently job hunting and urgently seeking a remote position due to my challenging financial situation. I will be moving to Germany soon and need to secure a job as quickly as possible. I have nearly 4 years of experience in IT, specifically with Angular, TypeScript, .NET, and SQL, but I'm open to various roles that can be done remotely, not limited to software development. I'm considering positions in Customer Support, Technical Support, Manual QA/Software Testing (which I have experience in), Virtual Assistant, Data Entry, or any other legitimate remote job opportunities. I am fluent in English and have basic German skills (A2 level). I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for the fastest way to land a legitimate remote job. If you have found success with specific websites, companies, or strategies, please share your insights. I'm not interested in any 'get rich quick' schemes—just honest work that I can start as soon as possible. Thank you for your help!

I graduated with a BA in Economics in 2024 and completed a Data Science certification in May 2025. After preparing for my Master's entrance exams, I faced disappointment when I didn’t get into my desired college. Instead of settling for a less appealing option, I decided to hold off on further studies and focus on job applications. However, I've been searching for a job for almost a year now with little success, and I believe my lack of formal work experience is a significant hurdle. During this time, I've been actively involved in my father's business, where I've taken on responsibilities like supervising daily operations. Additionally, I did some part-time work for a logistics company, but it was entirely informal—no contracts or paperwork to show for it. Now, I'm contemplating whether I can include these experiences on my CV. I'm unsure if recruiters will view them as valid experience, and I'm also concerned about the possibility of being asked for employment documents if I manage to get hired. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation or from recruiters who can provide insight. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

I recently came across a job opportunity with Ascent Capital Group for an insurance position that seemed almost too good to be true. The recruitment process was incredibly fast, and before I knew it, I had already paid a total of $460 in onboarding fees, which included $200 for training, $130 for my license, and another $130 because I had to retake the test due to a computer issue. On top of that, I had to pay $60 for fingerprinting and $80 for my application. Now that I’m officially licensed, I have to pay an additional $35 for a continuing education course to get appointed with insurance companies. The job is commission-based, and I have to find my own clients, which is daunting. The commission starts at a low 35%, and promotions depend on recruiting others and accumulating points, which I find confusing. They are also pushing for a $200 registration fee for a convention in Vegas, claiming it will change my life as a financial professional. There are mandatory training sessions every Tuesday and Saturday, and if I miss them, my trainer is constantly checking in on me. I was excited about this opportunity as a stay-at-home mom looking to contribute financially, but now I’m feeling uneasy about the whole situation. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has experience with Ascent Capital Group or similar companies.

I graduated with a BA in history in 2022 and completed my Master of Public Administration in 2023, all while dealing with health issues. I was focused on getting a full-time job during grad school, but I couldn't manage any internships, only part-time work at my university. Once I earned my MPA, I realized it didn’t hold much weight without relevant experience. Last year, I moved back in with my parents and shifted my career focus to the legal field. In December, I landed a job doing administrative work at a law firm. Initially, I thought this role would provide stability, benefits, and a decent paycheck. However, I now feel disheartened and believe I’ve wasted my potential. Despite having a master's degree, I'm earning $15 an hour less than I should be, and I feel like I’m stuck in a position that doesn’t utilize my skills. I’ve considered going back to school, but as a full-time employee, I can't commit to internships to gain experience. My current job is so specialized that it doesn’t translate to other fields, and I'm told to stay and gain experience, but I don’t see a future here. I’m feeling really down about my situation and unsure of what my next steps should be.

I recently left my consulting job in January at the age of 27 to launch a private equity fund. While I can't share too many details due to confidentiality, I can say that the fund is now operational with all investors onboarded and capital deployed. My involvement is mostly passive, taking up my evenings and weekends. When I apply for new roles, I tell potential employers that I left consulting to join an entrepreneurial venture, which seems to resonate better than saying I co-founded a fund and am now searching for a full-time position in health tech. I’m starting to question if this narrative sounds normal or if it raises any red flags. I’ve faced some setbacks in interviews recently, particularly in the third round with companies like Anduril, Lyra Health, Slalom Consulting, and even Google. I suspect that having 'cofounder of the fund' on my resume might have made me seem overqualified or confused interviewers. I feel pretty embarrassed about how these interviews went and I'm wondering if my story is too unconventional for employers to grasp. Any advice on how to present my experience better would be greatly appreciated.