Planning

I’ve been job hunting for the past few months and have about 3 years of experience as a full-stack engineer. I have a solid skill set and production experience, but I’m facing a frustrating pattern in my job search. I often get through the initial screening calls where recruiters seem genuinely interested and shortlist me for the next round, which usually involves a take-home assignment or coding test. I put a lot of effort into these assignments, often working late into the night since I’m currently employed full-time. I utilize AI tools as encouraged, documenting everything as requested. However, after I submit my work, I hear nothing back from the companies. It’s disheartening because I’ve been told there would be further technical rounds, yet after submitting my assignments, I receive no acknowledgment or feedback, even after I follow up. This has happened multiple times, and I’m starting to wonder if the assignments I completed aren’t what they were looking for, but without any feedback, I can’t improve. I’ve done my research on these companies, and they are all well-funded and established, which makes the silence even more perplexing. It feels like I’m putting in all this effort for nothing, and I can't help but feel like luck isn’t on my side right now.

I recently left my job after nearly two years due to overwhelming stress. Now, I'm on the lookout for low-entry jobs that pay around $17 an hour, and I only have a high school diploma. I’m hoping to find something that doesn’t require extensive qualifications. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! I’ve heard housekeeping might be an option since it seems they hire frequently due to high turnover, but I’m open to other suggestions as well. Thanks in advance for your help!

I feel really stuck right now in my job search. I live in a large midwestern city and am currently working in fine dining, but it's barely enough to get by. I have a master's degree in international development from a top 25 university in the US and two years of teaching experience abroad, along with two years managing a fine dining restaurant and two years fundraising for a nonprofit. Additionally, I spent a year doing field research in Asia, which gave me valuable insights into different cultures. Despite my background, I've sent out hundreds of applications without any luck. Most of my applications have been to companies like Ipsos for consumer insights roles, where my skills in qualitative data collection and analysis would be relevant. I'm aiming for a starting salary of around $75k and have a long-term goal of working for 12 years and retiring overseas. I'm considering whether I should pivot to sales or some kind of business role, as I'm currently in the running for a federal job but want to have alternatives ready just in case it doesn't work out. Has anyone else experienced this kind of situation and found a way out? I would appreciate any advice or insights.

I'm currently an Electrical Engineer looking to move away from the manufacturing floor. I have an interview scheduled for a Project Manager (IPT Lead) role at Boeing in their space systems division. I'm 33 years old and have a degree in Electrical Engineering, with most of my career spent in manufacturing, operations, and production support. I've worked at companies like Lockheed, Medtronic, and I'm currently at Abbott. I've also faced layoffs in test roles from both Boeing and Raytheon. To be honest, I'm feeling burnt out on the manufacturing floor and lab environments. The physical restrictions of cleanrooms and the anxiety of potentially damaging expensive equipment are really weighing on me. I don't feel like I have the deep technical skills for R&D or Project Engineering roles, as I've mostly just executed tasks given to me rather than innovating solutions. The opportunity at Boeing involves managing schedules, running IPT reviews, tracking action items, and presenting updates to leadership. I do have some experience with this from my time at Lockheed, where I managed production bottlenecks and hosted IPT reviews, but I've never officially held the title of Project Manager. However, I have some hesitations. I'm trying to weigh whether the administrative stress of Project Management—like herding cats and dealing with delayed schedules—is better than the physical anxiety I experience in the lab. I have a strong need for structure and predictability, and I'm concerned that PM roles can be chaotic due to unpredictable human factors. Additionally, I have past trauma from being put on a PIP at Lockheed due to a supplier delay that was out of my control, which has left me wary of being held accountable for others' failures. I'm also considering a pivot into Systems Engineering, as it seems more structured and rule-based, but I don't currently have an interview lined up for that. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has made the transition from hands-on engineering to Project Management. Is the trade-off worth it for a desk job? Is it easier to leave work stress at the office compared to dealing with broken devices? Should I fully commit to preparing for the Boeing interview, or should I hold out for a Systems Engineering opportunity? Any advice on how to prepare for a non-technical interview would also be appreciated, as the recruiter hasn't been very helpful. I also have a hiring event with Northrop coming up on September 1st that could lead to other opportunities, and I'm waiting to hear back from a Boeing space test design role.

I recently got selected for a government accountant position at a school that teaches up to 12th grade. This role is currently not temporary, and I’m supposed to receive my appointment letter after 7 days of joining as a trainee, which aligns with the final date of the previous accountant. I've been at the school for 3 days, but I've only been on leave for the next 3 days. I'm going back on Monday, and on Tuesday, they are expected to give me the appointment letter. However, I'm not learning much because the only other accountant is too busy to train me. Before this job opportunity arose, I had already taken an exam for another accountant position at a college-level community campus that teaches bachelor's degrees, and I passed. My interview for that position is scheduled for Friday. I'm torn about whether to pursue this second opportunity or stick with the first job, especially if I get the appointment letter. If I do receive the letter, would it be acceptable to leave shortly after? I’m really trying to weigh my options here.

I'm currently working in a SaaS onboarding and implementation role, earning a mid/high five-figure salary. I've been with the company for over a year, and while the job has decent pay, benefits, and flexibility, the management changes have made me increasingly unhappy. Initially, I was hired for customer onboarding, but my role has shifted significantly towards project and implementation management, which comes with added stress and responsibilities. I feel like there's no clear path for progression or compensation growth, and I've lost the mentorship and support I once had. The stress has affected my mental health to the point where I recently had to take time off work. I've started interviewing and have received interest from several companies, but I don't have another offer yet. I have some savings that could sustain me for a while, but I don't want to deplete my resources unnecessarily. Right now, I'm weighing my options: I could return to work, try to emotionally detach while continuing my job search, or I could resign and focus on finding a new job full-time. There's also the option of staying longer to see if things improve, though I'm not optimistic about that. I'm torn between the security of my current paycheck and the toll this job is taking on my mental health. For anyone who's faced a similar situation, what would you recommend? Is it wise to hold on for the income, or is there a point where it's reasonable to leave without another job lined up?

I work at a call center and recently, my workplace initiated an AI assistant to screen calls. They claim they’re not trying to replace us, but I can’t shake the feeling that my job is at risk. The AI is designed to handle basic inquiries and direct customers to other resources, which means we’re only left with the more complex issues. It feels like they’re gradually phasing us out. On top of that, we just had a manager swap; our previous manager moved to another team, and the new one is hard to read. I’m trying to figure out how to gauge the possibility of layoffs. Am I overreacting, or is it reasonable to be concerned about my position?

I recently found out that I have to repay $1,000 due to a court decision, and I'm feeling really overwhelmed because I'm still unemployed. All my savings are gone, and I've been using what little I had left to cover bills and rent. I'm not sure how to approach this repayment situation. I've heard that I should contact the court or agency about setting up a repayment plan, but I'm unsure about the next steps. I'm worried that if I can't pay, it could go to collections and affect my tax returns. Any advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

I've been on the job hunt for about three months now, and I've noticed a frustrating trend in the job market. When I first started my career six years ago, job descriptions were straightforward—usually just a page with a few bullet points outlining the role and requirements. But now, it seems like every posting has turned into a lengthy novella. I'm seeing listings that demand 15 required skills and 10 preferred ones, along with extensive sections about company culture and values. What really gets me is that despite these inflated expectations, the salaries haven't budged much. I'm looking at roles that require knowledge of multiple software platforms, social media expertise, light graphic design skills, and even some management experience, yet the pay remains the same as it was years ago. Just last week, I had an interview where they took 20 minutes to explain all the different responsibilities I would have. At the end, they casually mentioned that the salary was actually at the lower end of the range they posted because I would be 'growing into' some of those responsibilities. It left me wondering why they included those skills as requirements in the first place. I’m starting to question if I'm applying for the right positions or if this is just the new normal. Some friends suggest I should apply anyway and negotiate later, but I feel like I'm wasting my time on roles that aren't upfront about their compensation.

I got laid off about a week ago, and it was a tough experience, but I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have one week left until my final day at the company. Fortunately, just two days before I was laid off, I had a call with a recruiter. This call came right after a long 24-hour flight, and I was exhausted, but it turned out to be a blessing. The recruiter mentioned that the role they were hiring for is perfectly aligned with my experience, and they said I was the strongest candidate they had interviewed. Now, I'm just waiting to hear back from them, fingers crossed! If everything goes well, I’ll be doing almost the exact same work as I did before, just at a different company in the healthcare industry. I have five years of experience as a senior accountant, and I'm hopeful about this opportunity.

I was recently separated from my position at a local gym/community center where I was still in training. It was a pretty upscale place with a predominantly white and South Asian membership, and I felt out of place from the start. During the welcome meeting, I sensed that I was going to be let go; everyone else seemed younger, wealthier, and had grown up in the area. My only training partner shared my skin tone, but it felt like we were the odd ones out. I tried to ask a lot of behind-the-scenes questions and submitted multiple schedule changes because the other managers kept suggesting I find a second job or adjust my availability. When I had a meeting with my boss to clarify my schedule, she was vague and unhelpful, only saying I needed to be available on weekends without explaining what that meant. Things took a turn when I caught the flu from an older member and missed an emergency training session. They used that as a reason to separate me, even though I had communicated with another manager about my situation and was waiting for my boss's response. It felt like I was being bullied into finishing my training without any clear guidance. At least I wasn't outright fired, but I can't shake the feeling that I exposed some serious issues within the management.

I've been working as a bookkeeper for about a year now and have a bachelor's degree in Accounting. Currently, I'm pursuing my MBA to fulfill the 150 credit hours needed for the CPA. My goal is to transition into a more specialized role in accounting or finance that offers better career and salary growth. I've been applying for positions in financial analysis, FP&A, audit, and other accounting roles, but I've had little success so far. I've made numerous adjustments to my resume, followed advice from various sources, and even utilized AI tools to enhance it. I've tailored my resume for different job postings and sought feedback on platforms dedicated to resumes and accounting, but despite these efforts, I still find myself stuck in the same type of role. I'm reaching out to see if anyone who has successfully moved on from bookkeeping can share what worked for them. Are there specific roles I should consider as stepping stones instead of aiming directly for FP&A or financial analyst positions? Also, is one year of experience too little to make this kind of transition, or is there something else I could do to improve my competitiveness? I'm willing to put in the effort; I just want to ensure I'm on the right path and not trapped in bookkeeping for the long haul.

I've been unemployed since April and it's been really tough. I've applied to every job I can find, but even for entry-level positions, I keep getting ghosted or told they'll get back to me and then nothing happens. I recently had an interview at Sonic, where I've worked before, so I thought my experience would give me an edge. However, the interview ended with the usual, 'We'll talk to the team and get back to you,' but I never hear back. I'm 19, I don't have a driver's license or a degree, and I'm not in great shape to join the military, so I'm feeling pretty stuck. I know not having a license can be a dealbreaker for many employers, especially in my area, but I'm trying to figure out how to improve my chances of getting hired.

I recently wrote a short book sharing my journey through job searching and how I managed to secure higher roles and salaries in accounting. After spending about 7 years in the field, I reached the Corporate Controller position at a billion-dollar restaurant group. Each time I returned to the workforce after being unemployed for over 4 years, I landed a higher role and significantly increased my pay. For example, I transitioned from a Senior Accountant earning $72k to an Assistant Controller at $115k, and just three months later, I was promoted to Controller with a salary of $150k. I believe that while job hunting, it's crucial to keep learning. I suggest using job listings as a guide to identify areas where you can improve. Embrace the learning process, and you'll not only enhance your skills but also increase your chances of landing the job you want. This approach can also lead to promotions once you're hired. I discuss these strategies in my ebook, which is a quick read. Although I'm not supposed to promote it here, I'm open to sharing it with anyone interested. If finances are tight, feel free to reach out for a free copy or to ask any questions. Good luck to everyone in their job search!

I had a short informal interview with a friend’s friend who is helping a parent find a tutor for their child. Even though I don't have any tutoring experience, I have a solid grasp of the subject. The conversation went well, and the guy seemed somewhat interested, but he mentioned needing to discuss it with the parent first. It's been a week since then, and I haven't heard back, not even a rejection. I'm contemplating whether I should send a follow-up message to check in or just wait it out. I'm worried about coming across as annoying or desperate, especially since we might run into each other at social events. This is my first job search, so I'm unsure about the proper etiquette in this situation. Should I reach out or hold off?

I recently got laid off and found a great community in the Bay Area for people in similar situations. This Monday, August 31, I’m joining a hiking group at the Stanford Dish loop, which is a 3.7-mile hike with a 534 ft elevation gain. It’s a chance to clear my head and connect with others who are navigating their job searches. The group splits into smaller ones based on pace, which is nice since it keeps the trail less crowded. I appreciate that they host these hikes on Mondays when trail traffic is low. It’s not just about hiking; the community, known as (un)PTO, also engages in co-working, job search help, and social events like coffee hangs and bike rides. I’m looking forward to meeting others who understand what I’m going through. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this job transition journey.

I’m currently helping my husband in his job search after he was laid off from his role as a Director of Product Marketing. He has extensive experience in B2B SaaS and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science along with an MBA. We’re focusing on opportunities in Chicago or remote positions. He’s genuinely one of the hardest-working individuals I know, and his previous coworkers even compiled a book of farewell notes for him when he left his last job, which speaks volumes about his character and leadership. Unfortunately, after many years at his last company, he was part of a recent layoff. Since then, he’s been actively searching for his next role and has had a few interviews, but like many others, he’s faced ghosting from potential employers. There was one opportunity that seemed promising when an old manager reached out, but ultimately, the position went to another laid-off coworker. While we’re happy for that person, it was tough for my husband after waiting and hoping for a positive outcome. I don’t have a large professional network in his field, so I’m reaching out here in hopes of finding leads or connections. If anyone knows of companies hiring for a Director of Product Marketing, especially in the B2B SaaS space, I would greatly appreciate any introductions or suggestions. It would mean a lot to see him get a break after this challenging period.

I recently found myself in a strange situation regarding a job offer at my current company. About two months ago, I interviewed for an internal promotion but was ultimately rejected. I was told I was the second choice and encouraged to look for similar roles. This was disappointing, especially since I received positive feedback from the panel after my interviews. However, just a few days ago, one of the hiring managers from that panel reached out to me with an unexpected offer for a different position on a new team they were forming. They mentioned that they had already spoken to my current boss about the move and just needed my approval to proceed. I was thrilled, especially since it came with a substantial raise. But then, I received an update that HR couldn't approve the offer letter until they posted the position internally for at least five days and interviewed other candidates. They assured me that this was just a formality and that I was still the chosen candidate. Despite their reassurances, I'm feeling nervous about the whole process. Is it common for companies to handle things this way? Should I be worried they might choose someone else after all this?

I’m currently working at a bank where I cover domestic markets, but the environment has become increasingly toxic due to a recent restructuring. My department has been merged with another that is unpopular and has shown little regard for our concerns. As a result, we’ve seen attrition rates soar, with our team size shrinking from 28 to just 13 over the past year. Many of my colleagues, including my VP Managers, have transferred to other teams because they couldn’t handle the situation any longer. Despite being promoted a couple of months ago, the overall team morale is quite low. We often joke about who is leaving next, and it’s disheartening. I’ve received an offer from another company that matches my current pay but involves covering overseas markets, which I consider an inferior role compared to my current position. The exposure would be less since most of the stakeholders are onshore. However, the commute would decrease significantly from an hour to just 20 minutes, and the work-life balance would improve by nearly 50%. The culture at the new place seems much better, though I anticipate that future pay hikes won’t be as substantial as what I currently receive. I’m at a crossroads and wondering if it would be wise to take this new job despite the perceived downgrade in role. If anyone has been in a similar situation, I’d appreciate your thoughts on whether I should make the switch.

I’m currently in a bit of a tricky situation with my job search. For the past couple of months, I’ve been trying to break into a new industry within my field. I have an offer in hand from a company in a less-than-ideal location, and the job is mostly aligned with what I’m looking for. However, I also have my sights set on a perfect position at a major company, and I’m currently shortlisted for it. The boss is supposed to get back to me on Monday, which adds to the pressure. I spoke with the supervisor at the big company, and he mentioned that he can’t speed up the decision-making process without the boss’s input. We have a good rapport, and he told me to do what’s best for me, which I appreciated. The pay for both positions is quite similar, but I’m feeling a bit stuck. I’m leaning towards accepting the offer I have because it would allow me to finally break into the industry. However, I’m worried that if I take this offer, the juggernaut company might think I’m no longer interested and not consider me further. I’ve already informed them about the other offer, so I feel like I’m in a tough spot. I’m feeling disappointed and frustrated about the situation, and I’m not sure if I should just go for the offer in hand or wait it out for the potential opportunity at the bigger company. I could really use some advice or just a place to vent about this dilemma.