Planning

I was recently laid off on a Friday from a company where I truly enjoyed working, thanks to my supportive boss and wonderful coworkers. It's hard to find such a pleasant work environment, and I genuinely liked the work I did. Since the layoff, I've been surprised at how mentally challenging the adjustment has been. On the day I was let go, I had an interview lined up with another company, but I didn't perform my best during that interview, which is unusual for me. I'm feeling anxious about the job market and the uncertainty of finding a new position, even though I believe I have a solid job search strategy. I've managed to secure at least six interviews in the past month and a half, including one with a hiring manager. Despite my efforts, I find it difficult to see the silver lining amidst this situation. To cope, I've decided to get out of the house tomorrow and clear my mind, hoping that something positive will come my way soon. I'm curious to hear how others have managed their mental health after a layoff.

I was recently impacted by a layoff at my company, where I worked in a marketing role. Currently, I'm on a non-working notice period, which means I'm still on payroll but my termination date is set for October. I'm navigating my job search and have a few questions about how to approach interviews and background checks during this time. For interviews, I'm unsure how to respond to questions like "Are you still with XYZ?" or "Why are you leaving?" I want to be truthful without sharing too much information that could negatively impact my chances. Regarding background checks, I'm curious about what will show up since I'm still technically employed and receiving paychecks. Additionally, if I receive a job offer that starts before my termination date, do I need to inform my current employer? Can I provide my current pay stubs as proof of employment to the new company? Any insights or advice from those who've been in similar situations would be greatly appreciated!

I recently came across a job listing on Indeed that caught my interest, but shortly after I applied, the listing was taken down. I have an interview scheduled, and I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should still prepare for it or not. I wonder if this means the position has already been filled or if they just have enough candidates. I've heard from others that it's common for employers to remove listings once they feel they have enough applicants, but I still want to make the most of this opportunity. I'm considering reaching out through Indeed to clarify the situation, but I'm not sure if that's the right move. Any advice on how to handle this?

I've been deep into my job search lately, applying to countless positions in my field. At first, I thought the more applications I sent out, the better my chances would be. I tailored my resume for each role, but after sending out dozens of applications with little to no response, I started to feel like I was just playing a numbers game. It became clear that I needed to change my strategy. I began to consider reaching out to my network for referrals instead of just relying on online applications. A friend of mine had success landing a great role through a referral, and it made me realize I should tap into my inner circle for potential leads. I'm now focusing on building connections and seeking advice from people who might help me get my foot in the door.

I was recently laid off from my position in Austin, TX due to a reduction in force, and it was completely out of my control. The severance package offered to me is quite disappointing, and to make matters worse, the company is stating that I will not receive the bonus I earned, even though I was employed for the required period. I'm feeling frustrated and unsure about how to approach this situation. I'm considering my options for recourse and how to effectively negotiate my severance package. If anyone has advice on how to phrase my request or any strategies that might help, I would greatly appreciate it.

I was laid off from my job about a month ago and recently received a severance agreement. However, I haven't signed it yet because my former lead advised me to negotiate for a higher amount. I'm curious if anyone else has successfully asked for more severance and what their experience was like. I understand that severance isn't guaranteed, and I'm aware that I might not have much leverage since I'm already out of the company. Still, I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently accepted a part-time retail position at a local mall after months of struggling to find work. The manager wants to have a quick in-person interview, and I'm excited but also anxious about my situation. I'm due in a few months and plan to go on maternity leave at the end of December. My husband and I haven't decided if I'll return to work after that. Since this job will only be for about four months, I'm torn about whether to disclose my pregnancy to the manager. I haven't mentioned it yet, but it's becoming harder to hide as my bump is noticeable and bending down is getting challenging. Should I be upfront about my temporary status, or is it better to keep it to myself until closer to my leave? I can work through the holiday season, but after Christmas, I won’t be able to continue. I've read that mentioning my pregnancy might affect my hours or scheduling, and I really need the income right now. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I experienced my first layoff at 31 years old. I was let go from my job, and I'm still processing the shock of it all. As I prepare to look for a new position, I'm faced with a decision regarding my 401(k). Should I roll it over after I receive my final PTO check, or should I cash it out and apply for unemployment? I'm leaning towards rolling it over, but I want to make sure I'm making the right choice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this unexpected transition.

Today, I reached a low point in my job search journey. After over 12 years in a specific industry, I've made the tough decision to change careers entirely. I've been pursuing something I'm passionate about, and I've even obtained certifications to support my transition. However, the reality is hitting hard. I applied for a position today and was once again turned down because they chose a candidate with more experience. This isn't the first time; just a few months ago, I lost out to someone who had fewer certifications but more professional experience. It's incredibly frustrating to feel stuck and to wonder how I can advance in this new field without the opportunity to prove myself. I'm really hoping to connect with others who have successfully changed careers later in life and can share some encouraging stories or advice.

I applied to two Target locations on July 30, looking for a second job to work after my main job. One location rejected me quickly, but the other sent me a video interview, which I completed. After a week of silence, I called HR, and the representative told me to be patient and that she would check on my application. I followed up again the next week, and she mentioned there was an issue with my availability since I have another job. She said they might still work with my schedule depending on the hiring manager's decision and promised to email me with an update. Another week has passed, and I still haven’t heard anything. I've made it a routine to call the HR lady every Wednesday after her lunch break, and I haven’t missed a call in August. My hope lies in the fact that the rejected location changed my status to "No longer considered," while the location I interviewed for still shows "In progress." I’m torn between wanting to keep following up and wondering if I should just move on. Should I call again this Wednesday or take the hint and search elsewhere? Does "In progress" mean I still have a chance, or can Target leave applications like that even if they’re no longer considering someone?

I recently learned that my position at my company is being eliminated due to financial difficulties. On August 25, I was informed that my team was next on the chopping block, and by September 1, everyone except for me and a couple of others will be laid off. I was offered another role at the same pay, but it required me to work in the office full-time. Since I had already planned to relocate an hour and a half away next month, I had to decline that offer. The next day, they rescinded the offer and pushed my termination date to next month, suggesting I help clean up the work left behind. Interestingly, they mentioned the possibility of a remote position for me, but they wouldn’t have details until the end of September. The HR representative hinted that they really want me to stay, which makes me wonder if there’s room to negotiate a higher pay rate if they do offer me something. However, I’m unsure if they are just trying to keep me around to finish up the work or if they genuinely want to retain me. Given the company’s financial situation, I’m nervous about asking for more money. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and whether I should start looking for new opportunities.

I am currently seeking job search advice as I look for opportunities in the administrative and customer service industry in Portland, OR. My last contract ended in May 2026, and since then, I have been actively applying to various positions. I've averaged about two interviews a week over the past four months, but I haven't secured a job yet. At 49 years old, I'm eager for any recommendations or leads on where to look for jobs in this field. Thank you!

I recently applied to a fintech company on a Sunday night, sending out around 30 applications that weekend. However, I made a pretty big mistake in my cover letter. I accidentally addressed it to their competitor in the first line and then mentioned my excitement about the competitor's recent Series B in the third paragraph. I realized this blunder at 2am and felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me, lying still in bed and cringing at my mistake. To my surprise, they emailed me on Thursday. The recruiter opened with a comment about my enthusiasm for the competitor, saying they'd take it as market research. I have a phone screen scheduled for Tuesday. I'm not sure if the recruiter found it amusing or if they just don’t read these applications closely. It’s a bit of a learning moment for me, realizing that maybe not everyone pays attention to every detail. Has anyone else managed to get through a broken application process?

I've been working at a wedding venue for three years, and everything was going well until recently. I used to work two days a week, around four hours on slow days and up to ten hours during events. In June, I took on another job, which led me to reduce my hours at the venue to just one day a week. My last scheduled shift was on July 8th, right before my vacation. After returning in early August, I expected to see a new schedule, but when I asked, I found out I wasn’t on it for that week. I didn’t follow up the next week, assuming the same would happen, and now it’s been over a month without any work from them. I can't shake the feeling that they might be trying to let me go quietly since I've already reduced my hours. At this point, I'd prefer to be officially laid off rather than left hanging. I'm considering filing for unemployment but I'm unsure if I qualify since I chose to work fewer hours. Should I reach out to my manager for confirmation about my employment status? Any advice on how to handle this situation would be appreciated.

I've been contemplating resigning from my role as a regulatory compliance specialist at a highly regulated company for a while now, primarily due to personal reasons. The situation has become complicated because I'm currently on a two-person team, and my colleague, who is also my manager, has just submitted their two weeks' notice. We're responsible for critical monthly regulatory work, and with them leaving, I feel overwhelmed and unable to take on their responsibilities, which has pushed me to finally consider resigning. I've been with the company for over a decade and have built a good relationship with my manager's manager, who has made exceptions for me in the past. I want to give them enough time to find a replacement or hire a temporary worker, but I also feel the urge to just resign and not be burdened by the situation. I have over a year's worth of savings and am not worried about finding another job, so my decision isn't based on immediate employment prospects. I've been wrestling with the timing of my resignation, wanting to be considerate but also feeling that I shouldn't be responsible for the company's staffing decisions. After sharing my thoughts with others, I've realized that I shouldn't feel guilty about the management's choices and that I need to prioritize my own well-being. I think I will go ahead and submit my two weeks' notice soon, but I'm still figuring out the best way to approach it.

I recently interviewed for a full-time Lead Cashier position at Lowe's Hardware last Friday afternoon. I felt really good about the interview and am eager to hear back. However, I'm currently facing some tough personal challenges, including being homeless and having to care for my cat. It's now Monday, and I know I probably won't hear back until later in the week, but I'm considering calling to check on the status of my application. I tend to get really anxious about these kinds of calls due to my autism, so I'm looking for advice on how to approach this without feeling too awkward. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I've been working as an assistant in a state job for the past three years, and I'm set to be fully vested in 2028. While the guaranteed money down the line is appealing, my current situation is frustrating. I was promised career development opportunities during my interview, but now, under a new director, I've learned that I don't qualify for a promotion due to my original job description. Despite taking on more responsibilities and successfully managing tasks typically assigned to senior positions, HR doesn't see a difference in my role. My director is supportive and has even mentioned pushing for a title change, but I'm feeling stuck. I've started job searching, initially aiming to stay within the public sector for various reasons, including work-life balance. However, I'm disheartened by the prospect of private sector roles that I might have considered if they weren't outside my preferred sector. I applied for a senior position that recently opened up, but I didn't get an interview due to strong competition from candidates with more experience in that specific role. I'm eager to move on, especially since I'm currently doing the same amount of work as seniors in my department while earning significantly less. A meaningful title would enhance my job prospects, especially as my husband and I plan to relocate closer to a major city in a few years. I'm at a crossroads: should I stay in the public sector for two more years until I'm vested, or should I broaden my search to the private sector to secure a more relevant position sooner? I love my job and the flexibility it offers, but the lack of upward mobility is a significant concern.

Today, I learned that the Canadian plant where I work is facing mass layoffs due to the recent US tariffs, which have been described as a "nuclear bomb" for our operations. As a production supervisor, I’ve been deeply involved in our team’s efforts to adapt to these challenges, but it seems that the financial strain is too great. The management held a meeting to discuss the situation, and it was disheartening to hear that many of my colleagues will be affected. I’m now starting to prepare my resume and look for new opportunities, as the uncertainty of our future here weighs heavily on me.

I have a second round interview scheduled for a position that requires me to travel across the country for an in-person meeting. Unfortunately, due to weather delays, my travel has turned into a grueling 22 hours of layovers and travel time, all happening the day before the interview. I'm concerned that I won't be at my best for the interview after such little sleep. To complicate matters, I actually don't want this job; I was using this second round as a practice opportunity since it's my first interview after college. I'm currently in a layover, just a couple of hours from home, and I'm debating whether to reach out and explain that I won't be an effective interviewee due to the travel fatigue or if I should just rescind my application altogether. I'm feeling a bit lost on what to do next.

I recently had an interview where I felt it went well, but then I got completely ghosted afterward. It was frustrating not to hear anything back. I came across a website called Did They Ghost You, where you can report companies that don't follow up after interviews. I think it's a great resource for job seekers to share their experiences and help others who might be considering applying to those companies. I plan to report my experience there to contribute to the community.