Planning

I recently faced a tough situation where I was let go from my previous role due to performance reasons. I genuinely believe the decision was not handled correctly and that I didn't deserve it, but I know I need to address this in upcoming interviews. I'm currently applying for positions at a large-scale company, and I'm struggling to find the right way to explain my departure without raising red flags. I've drafted a response that I plan to use: "I was let go because I wasn’t meeting the expectations of the role. Looking back, one thing I’ve taken from it is around my independence. I valued stakeholder input a lot, especially on work that touched a broader group. While I ensure I get input from stakeholders at the beginning of a project to gain direction, I’ve gotten much better at owning the smaller decisions and only bringing things forward once I’m confident they’re fully thought through. That’s actually the same strength I built at [First Job], where I used consumer insights and data to give leadership clear, targeted recommendations instead of generic ones. That’s exactly the kind of work I’m energized by, and why I’m excited about this [Position], I’d get to keep building on that strength, and expand it with data-driven, targeted strategy at [New Company]." I’m worried about being too honest but also don’t want to risk lying and getting caught later. I’ve seen mixed advice online about how to handle this, and I'm looking for feedback on my approach.

I recently faced a tough situation after being denied unemployment benefits in California. I’ve been working at UCLA for about three years, and this summer was the first time I was put on furlough with zero hours. Previously, I had worked through the summers without any issues. The university informed us about the furlough before the summer started and assured us that we would have our jobs back afterward. However, the Employment Development Department (EDD) denied my claim, citing that I have 'reasonable assurance' of returning to work, which makes me ineligible for benefits during this period. I understand their reasoning, but it feels different this time since I’ve never been completely cut off from hours before. Going three months without any pay is really challenging. I’m trying to figure out my next steps—has anyone else been in a similar situation? Should I consider appealing the decision, or is it likely a lost cause due to the 'reasonable assurance' rule?

I’m currently feeling overwhelmed at my job and need some perspective. At 42, I’ve found myself crying multiple times this past week due to the stress and toxicity of my workplace. I earn a good salary for my age and background, but the thought of leaving without another job lined up terrifies me. I have about 40 months of savings set aside, but the fear of depleting that while searching for a new position is weighing heavily on me. I live in Gurgaon and my rent is included in my monthly expenses. I’m looking for genuine advice on whether leaving a job without another lined up reflects on my success or value as a person. I’ve considered starting my job search while still employed, but the current job market seems tough, especially with the focus on AI leading to layoffs. Any insights or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

I've been actively job hunting lately, and I've really felt the strain of the tough job market, especially in tech. Securing interviews has proven to be quite challenging, and the expectations seem to be incredibly high. To help myself stay grounded during this process, I've adopted a few strategies that I wanted to share, hoping they might resonate with others in similar situations. First off, I've made a commitment to keep exercising. I've always enjoyed sports, and I find that the endorphin boost from working out significantly improves my mood. I've been increasing my workout frequency since the job search has been more stressful than usual. Simple activities like jogging, walking, or even just a 20-30 minute stroll outside have genuinely helped me feel better. I've also started incorporating meditation into my routine. This is a relatively new practice for me, and I usually opt for guided sessions. Even though I'm still getting the hang of it, I've found that just a few sessions have helped clear my mind more than I expected. It’s amazing how letting go of cluttered thoughts can reset my mental state. Additionally, I've been listening to podcasts during small breaks in my day. This helps me step away from stress and offers new perspectives, which is refreshing. Lastly, I've been reflecting on the bigger picture. While landing a job is important, it's just a small part of our lives. What truly matters is our health and happiness. I’d love to hear how others stay positive during their job searches. I hope we can all navigate this challenging time and find something great soon!

I recently completed 4 days of training as a receptionist at a nail salon in Texas, working 10-hour shifts at $12 an hour. However, I just found out that they operate under the table, which has left me feeling confused and concerned. I asked the owner if I could be paid as a W2 employee, but she refused, despite my willingness to comply with all tax requirements. During my training, I was primarily responsible for checking clients out using the POS system. While it was light work overall, there was one day when I was really pushed to my limits due to being understaffed. I ended up walking around 20,000 steps, cleaning 34 pedicure chairs, changing tub covers, and serving drinks without any help. I feel that I deserve to be compensated for those 4 days of work, especially considering the effort I put in. Now, I'm planning to quit and am preparing for a call with the owner. I'm trying to think of strong arguments to convince her to pay me for the hours I worked. I don’t care how I receive the payment—whether it’s a personal check, Zelle, or another method, I just want to be paid. I’m feeling overwhelmed and intimidated by the owner, and I’m not sure if I’m entitled to those wages or what my options are if she refuses to pay me. I would appreciate any advice or insights on how to approach this situation.

I'm currently a manager in SAP Consulting at a Big4 firm, and honestly, I can't stand it anymore. I'm actively trying to transition out of this role but haven't found the right fit yet. I've interviewed for a Technical Account Manager position at Google and a Senior Technical Program Manager role at Amazon, but I didn't make it through Amazon's process because they wanted more software development experience and coding skills. I've also interviewed at two AI Native Accounting ERP startups, but I lack the deep accounting experience they're looking for. My background is primarily in data migration for SAP implementations. I'm applying for jobs through LinkedIn, but I'm wondering if there are commission-based recruiters or headhunters who could help me find suitable roles. My mental health is really suffering, and I feel desperate to leave this situation. Any advice on how to navigate this transition would be greatly appreciated.

I currently work as a back office coordinator in a large healthcare organization, and I'm facing an incredibly toxic situation. Despite having the highest performance ratings in my role—rooming, checking out EKGs, and managing in-basket messages—my back office coordinator has been verbally abusive towards me. She often snatches items from my hands and belittles me multiple times a day. I've reported this behavior to leadership and even escalated it to HR, but nothing has changed. On top of this, I've been dealing with personal trauma; my ex-husband committed suicide in May, and I’m trying to support my three teenage boys through this while maintaining my job. The stress from this toxic environment is affecting my mental health significantly, to the point where I feel nauseous every time I walk into the office. I've applied for jobs everywhere to escape this situation, but the thought of quitting is becoming more tempting every day. I try to remain professional and kind, but the constant attacks from my coordinator are exhausting. I’ve considered going out on short-term disability for my mental health, but I'm unsure if that's the right move. There’s also been talk of transferring me to another office, but I’ve heard she has driven off several good employees before. I just want to go to work, do my job, and feel safe while doing it. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I recently started my job search for my first networking position after completing my degree in computer networking. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as I navigate this new territory. I've been updating my resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight my skills and projects from school. I've also begun reaching out to connections in the industry for informational interviews to learn more about potential opportunities and get advice on how to stand out. Any tips or resources for someone just starting out in the networking field would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently feeling really frustrated with my job search. I graduated in 2025 with a BS in Marketing and Supply Chain Management from a great school, and I've been working in Sales for a large company. While I'm grateful to have a salaried position, the job is draining me. The customers can be really difficult, and the expectations from management are unrealistic. Over the past year, I've seen numerous benefits cut, which has only added to the stress. Living in this city has also been tough for me, and I'm dreading the thought of renewing my lease soon. I feel stuck, both in my job and my location. I've had several final round interviews for different roles within my company, but I keep getting passed over for candidates with more experience and connections. Applying for jobs outside of my company feels hopeless too. I dream of moving to San Diego, but honestly, I'd settle for just leaving my current city and finding a new job anywhere else. I know I'm lucky to have a job when so many are struggling, and I appreciate that, but it's becoming increasingly hard to stay motivated. I just want to find something that makes me happy again.

I've been working at a school for three and a half years, Monday through Friday, but my soon-to-be former boss just cut my hours down to two days a week. This is simply not enough for me to make ends meet, especially with bills piling up. While I know the administration appreciates our efforts for the students, I often feel undervalued despite my contributions. My two coworkers have always shown appreciation, but it seems the higher-ups do not. My boss claims this reduction is to accommodate my college schedule, but I've successfully managed full-time work alongside classes before. It feels like they might have someone else in mind for my position, and I can't shake the feeling that my well-being isn't a priority for them. I refuse to be the next one let go without warning. In the meantime, I've been actively job hunting and have already had three interviews lined up. I have another one tomorrow and one next Wednesday. I also inquired about any full-time positions available, but was told they only have the two-day option. I can't help but feel left out, even though I participate in meetings and contribute to discussions. Additionally, I've noticed some concerning behavior from a coworker towards the children, which has added to my frustration. I just needed to vent a little about my situation.

I was just fired from my hospital job where I worked for nearly three years. The termination was unexpected and entirely my fault; I thought I would just receive a write-up instead. Now, I have two months' worth of bills saved up, which isn't much, and I'm feeling the pressure. I'm considering taking a weekend trip to Austin, which is about three hours away, and I would spend no more than $300. I feel like I need a break after this abrupt change, but I also struggle with the idea of treating myself when I know the situation is my responsibility. I had planned a vacation for September with 100 hours of PTO, but now I’m torn between staying home to apply for new jobs or taking the trip to clear my head. I could really use some advice on whether this would be a wise decision.

I recently received an unexpected opportunity from a local organization where I've volunteered for over a year. I have accumulated more than 100 hours of service and even earned some awards, so I've built a good rapport with the staff. Last month, I noticed they had an opening for a position through Americorps. However, I hesitated to apply because the qualifications seemed to require a college degree, and I just graduated from high school at 18. I figured I wasn't qualified enough and abandoned the idea. To my surprise, the director of the department reached out to me via email after the application deadline had passed. She noticed that I had started the application but didn't complete it. She kindly offered to extend the deadline for me if I was still interested in applying. I was thrilled and immediately accepted her offer. She mentioned that once I submit my application, we could schedule an interview. I've met her a few times, and she has always been very supportive, which makes me wonder if she genuinely believes I might be a good fit for the position despite my lack of formal job experience. I am supposed to start college in the fall, but I would consider postponing it for this six-month program that aligns perfectly with my career interests. However, I’m trying to manage my expectations and not get too hopeful. I would love to know if others think her reaching out is a sign that I might have a real chance at this position.

I recently started my job search in the tech industry and have been feeling quite discouraged. My name is Rohit, and despite applying through various channels like LinkedIn and Naukri, I haven't been able to secure any interviews. Most of the responses I get are automated or vague, leaving me in the dark about my applications. I've had two entrepreneurial ventures, and I'm starting to wonder if that experience is hindering my chances. I've been looking into startups as well, but many are either not hiring or require specific AI skills that I'm currently working on. The challenge is that while I'm learning, I lack practical projects to demonstrate my abilities. I would much rather face rejection in interviews than not get shortlisted at all. This whole process has made me question my career choices, especially my time as an entrepreneur. I'm seeking honest feedback and would appreciate insights from anyone with significant experience in the tech field.

I’ve been struggling to land a retail job for the past two years, and it’s been incredibly frustrating. Despite applying endlessly, I haven’t received a single job offer. I see my friends getting hired, while my applications seem to vanish into thin air. I've had less than 10 interviews, and even those didn’t lead anywhere. I’ve tried everything I can think of to improve my chances. I tweaked my resume, removed my university to avoid being seen as someone who would leave for a better opportunity, and emphasized my open availability. I even targeted busy seasonal positions during holidays and summer, but nothing has worked out. The stress is mounting because if I don’t secure a job soon, I won’t be able to pay my university fees, which are piling up with late charges, and I won’t be able to afford my textbooks and homework materials for the semester. I keep applying, but deep down, I feel like my applications will just be ignored again. I knew the job market was tough, but I honestly thought I would have found something by now.

I recently moved to the U.S. and I'm 20 years old, currently balancing part-time work at a gym while starting college. My hours are quite limited, so I'm on the lookout for additional job opportunities that can accommodate my college schedule. Ideally, I would prefer remote or online positions since I don't have a car or auto insurance, which rules out options like DoorDash or Uber for me. I'm eager to learn new skills and would greatly appreciate any recommendations for companies, websites, or job types that are friendly to students or those just beginning their careers. Thank you!

I'm currently in a tricky situation as my division is being shut down, and we are all set to be laid off with severance starting October 1. I've been in advanced talks with another company for a new position, and if everything goes smoothly, I could potentially start on September 15. They were the ones who preferred a later start date. Given that my current role is winding down, I won't have much to do by that time, and I'm considering starting the new job without informing my old employer to continue receiving my severance. My boss likely won't mind since I'm working remotely and there's not much left to manage. However, I'm concerned about whether my current company could find out about my new job. I’m based in the US, so I’m unsure if there are any legal implications. I’ve heard that discretion is key, and I plan to keep this under wraps. I also wonder about any potential rules regarding using my PTO during this transition. If the new company is okay with a September 15 start, would they consider pushing it to October 1 instead? I know there could be paperwork that prohibits overlapping jobs, so I want to tread carefully.

I'm currently working in the public sector and have been in my role for just under a year. I'm due for my first annual performance review in a few weeks, and I have a great relationship with my boss who is very supportive. However, I tend to be a bit idealistic and naive at times. I recently found a job posting that feels like a perfect fit for me, but I'm conflicted about whether to apply without informing my boss first. My husband has cautioned me that mentioning my job search could negatively impact my performance review if my boss feels upset about it. Ideally, I want to wait until after the review to apply and use my boss as a reference, but I'm worried about missing out on this opportunity. Should I apply without my boss as a reference, have a conversation with them before the review, or hold off on applying altogether?

I recently got fired from my first job after just three weeks, and I'm feeling pretty lost about the job search ahead. I got the position at a restaurant thanks to my dad's girlfriend, who is a manager there. It seemed like a great opportunity to gain some work experience. However, after a few weeks, it turned out that my hiring was against company policy due to the relationship between my dad and the manager. Her boss found out and said I had to go. Both my dad and his girlfriend are really upset about the situation, and they’re even considering quitting their own jobs because of it. My manager said I was doing well, so it’s frustrating to be let go for reasons beyond my control. Now, I'm worried about how this will look on my resume or if it will come up in background checks when I start applying for new jobs. I'm not sure if I should mention this experience at all or just act like I have no prior work history. I feel like I might be at a disadvantage, but I’ve received some advice suggesting that since it wasn't performance-related, it shouldn't hurt my chances too much. Still, I can't shake the feeling of being in a tough spot.

I recently declined my first job interview while searching for new opportunities. Currently, I have two jobs — a part-time position and a casual gig — but both come with low pay and terrible hours. A couple of days ago, I applied for a job that had been posted for two weeks, and I was excited when I received a call to schedule an interview the next day. Initially, I accepted the invitation, but after reflecting on it for an hour, I decided to call back and cancel. I felt really bad about canceling, but I realized I had misunderstood the job duties. I had initially thought I was applying for a coordinator role, but after digging deeper into the company, I discovered it was actually a door-to-door entry-level sales position. I take full responsibility for misreading the job posting, but I knew that a commission-based sales job, especially one that involves going door-to-door, wasn't a good fit for me. I struggle with anxiety and don't consider myself outgoing or charismatic enough to succeed in sales, particularly in that kind of environment. Plus, I don’t have reliable transportation, which would make it even more challenging. Although I felt guilty about canceling, I didn't want to waste the hiring manager's time or mine. Now, I'm second-guessing myself since this was my first interview opportunity since I began my job search in May. The quick callback from the company also raised some red flags for me, but I can't help but feel uncertain about my decision.

I’m feeling really concerned about my brother, who is 25 and has never held a steady job. He dropped out of college after just one semester and has only worked a seasonal job during the holidays. Since then, he’s been doing DoorDash occasionally but mostly spends his time watching YouTube and playing video games. I’ve tried to talk to him about what might be holding him back, but he doesn’t open up much. I suspect it could be a mix of lack of motivation, laziness, or maybe some neurodivergence. Our parents are pushing him to find a job now, but he’s been focusing on retail and food service positions without much luck. I know the job market is tough right now, and his lack of experience makes it even harder. He seems reluctant to apply for jobs that don’t pay well, but he really needs to start supporting himself instead of relying on our family. I’m looking for advice on what kind of positions he could apply for or how he could improve his chances of finding a job. Some suggestions I’ve seen include looking into warehouses or manufacturing jobs, which might be more open to hiring someone with little experience. There’s also the idea of enrolling in a technical college or getting a forklift ticket, which could lead to better pay and make him more employable. I just hope he can find the drive to make a change.