Planning

I’m a 25-year-old man currently working in retail sales, and I've been in this field since early 2023 after losing my previous marketing job. I've switched jobs four times since then, but my current position is the only one that pays significantly more than most in my city. However, this job comes with a heavy toll on my health—both physically and mentally. I work long hours on my feet, often from 3 PM to midnight, and I feel like a walking zombie. The constant rotation between different branches every couple of weeks makes it hard to build any community or relationships at work. Despite the decent pay, my well-being is suffering, and I’ve been feeling exhausted and isolated. I recently expressed my desire to switch to a more stable 9-5 office job to regain some balance in my life, but my family reacted negatively. They see my current job as a golden opportunity, and they don’t understand how detrimental it is to my health. They think I should be grateful for the pay and the job security, but I just want to feel like a normal person again. I’m torn between wanting to prioritize my health and the pressure I feel from my family to stay in a high-paying job.

I had my first job interview three months ago, and it was a complete disaster. I was so nervous that I ended up stuttering my own name and completely blanking out, despite having prepared extensively. Since then, every time I try to apply for a job, I get overwhelmed with anxiety and start shaking, fearing that I will embarrass myself again. I'm really at a loss for what to do next. I've been seeking advice on how to manage this interview anxiety. Some suggestions I've received include practicing with a friend to get more comfortable, trying out role-play scenarios for interviews, and even considering magnesium supplements to help with stress. Additionally, I've been told that beta blockers could be useful for performance anxiety during interviews. I'm just hoping to find a way to overcome this hurdle so I can feel confident when applying for jobs.

I recently put in my two-week notice at my corporate job, where I've been working fully remote for several years. However, about nine months ago, the company mandated that we return to the office five days a week without any flexibility. I officially submitted my notice on July 1, with my last day being July 15, and I'm set to start a new job on July 16. Given the brutal commute and some personal issues I’m dealing with at home, I'm considering asking if I can work from home during my final week and a half. I did ask my manager if I could have my last day on the 10th, but she requested that I stay until the 15th. Now I'm wondering if it's reasonable to request to work from home during this time. I know I didn't have that option for the past nine months, so I’m unsure if I should even bring it up. If I do decide to ask, how should I phrase it? I’m aware that two weeks' notice is more of a courtesy and that they could let me go immediately if they wanted to, so I’m weighing my options carefully.

I recently applied for what I believe is my dream job at a small company with about 20 employees. I found the position on LinkedIn last Wednesday and was thrilled to see it was exactly what I had been searching for. Just days before discovering the job, I had a conversation with a friend about this very type of role, which made me even more excited. Since I was one of the first applicants and there are only around 30 people in the pool, I'm hopeful that the feedback timeframe will be shorter. I’m considering reaching out to the co-founder, who I believe is the hiring manager, via LinkedIn if I don’t hear back in about a week. I want to express my enthusiasm for the position, but I'm unsure if that would come off as too forward. I really want to stand out, but I’m also cautious about how to approach this.

I am thrilled to share that I have finally completed my time as an Amazon Delivery Driver after three long years. It feels surreal to be free from a job that many people leave within a month. I only recognized a handful of colleagues out of the 70 drivers at my station, which shows how transient this position can be. I often thought I would be stuck in this role forever, feeling hopeless as if this was the best I could do. What was meant to be a short-term gig turned into a long three years. Now, I can say goodbye to the frustrations of pissing in bottles, getting reprimanded for taking breaks, and the pressure of delivering 50 packages to a single apartment complex. I won’t miss the unrealistic expectations, the constant threat of being chased by dogs, or delivering in rough neighborhoods. The best part is that I’ve secured an internship related to my field of study, which I hope will lead to a job offer in the future. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up too high, but this feels like a significant step forward. I just wanted to share this moment of joy!

I recently had to leave my full-time job due to changes in our childcare situation. My wife and I welcomed our first baby, and we had initially planned for my mother-in-law to help with childcare. Unfortunately, she's been dealing with health issues and can no longer assist us. Since my wife earns significantly more, it made sense for me to step back from my job. Now, I'm on the hunt for a part-time position that fits around my wife's schedule, which is from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. I’ve been considering early morning shifts, ideally starting around 6 AM and wrapping up by 10 AM. I also have a second interview lined up for a part-time night position, but I’m hesitant because my daughter is starting to sleep through the night, and I worry about functioning on just a few hours of sleep during the day. I’m 38, and I feel like age is catching up with me, making the thought of working overnight shifts a bit daunting. I’ve looked into grocery stores for early morning positions, but I’d appreciate any other suggestions that might not be listed on job boards like Indeed. I live upstate, so while it’s not completely rural, it’s not as dense as NYC either. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently pursuing my bachelor's degree full-time while working at a small habitat restoration company where I've been a lead for the past four years. Although I enjoy my coworkers and the pay for our projects is great, my boss is incredibly difficult to work for. He bought the company a few years ago and is clearly overwhelmed, refusing to hire or promote anyone to help manage the workload. He often lies to cover up his mistakes and dismisses serious safety concerns, which has led to numerous OSHA violations. I'm feeling really trapped in this situation. I want to quit my job because my boss's management style is taking a toll on my mental health, but I can't just leave since my hours are flexible and allow me to focus on school. I only work about 10 hours a week when classes are in session, and I'm struggling to find a new job that fits this schedule. I've applied to retail positions but haven't heard back, and many local cafes require more experience than I have. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward without burning bridges in my industry.

I was out of work for over two years after I was let go from my previous job. During that time, I couldn't just sit around waiting for interviews, so I took on part-time jobs and side gigs to keep some money coming in and to stay busy. It was tough, but I wanted to keep my mind off the uncertainty of job searching. I applied to numerous roles, hoping to find a better fit.

I recently returned from a planned vacation in South Carolina and faced a bit of anxiety regarding my unemployment benefits. When I got back, I answered 'no' to the question about being available for work because I was out of state. Now, my claim is under review, and I'm really nervous about what this means for my benefits. I've heard mixed things from others—some say that I likely won't be eligible for that week, while others think it's just a routine review. I'm hoping to get some clarity on what happens next, as this whole process is quite stressful for me.

I was laid off today after a brief meeting that felt surreal. Just yesterday, I was focused on meeting deadlines, and now my role as a Java Backend Developer has been eliminated. It’s astonishing how months of hard work can come to an end in just a ten-minute conversation. The tech industry keeps pushing us to keep grinding, learning, and networking, yet here I am, facing a layoff despite my efforts. I'm not sharing this for sympathy; I'm actively looking for my next opportunity. I have experience in Java, Spring Boot, Microservices, SQL, Azure, and REST APIs, and I'm ready to join a new team immediately. If anyone is hiring or can refer me, I would greatly appreciate it. To anyone else who has been laid off recently, remember that you're not alone, and I hope we all find better roles soon. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

I recently interviewed for a part-time job that I'm really passionate about, and the interview went well. However, I'm currently feeling anxious because they're conducting a background check on me. When I was a juvenile, I had a deferred judgment and was on probation for a year, but I never went to juvie and completed my community service without any further issues. My court date is at the end of July, and after that, this will be removed from my record. I'm worried that since my court date hasn't happened yet, this might still show up in the background check. I'm not sure if they'll see just the deferred judgment or the specifics of what happened. I really want this job because it would give me valuable experience in my field and help me when I transfer from community college to a four-year university. Plus, I’d much rather work in a fun environment than be stuck at McDonald's. I'm just feeling paranoid about how this might affect my chances.

I’m currently preparing for my graduation in December 2026 with a degree and a double minor. At 24 years old, I'm eager to start my career soon after finishing school. I live in Quebec, Canada, but I'm open to relocating for my first job, whether that's in another province, somewhere in the U.S., Europe, or even Asia. I've been proactive about networking and have compiled a list of over 100 companies, brands, and teams that I'm interested in. I'm seeking advice on a few key questions: 1. What’s the ideal time to start applying for jobs since I’ll be graduating in December? 2. Have any of you moved to a different city, province, or country for your first job? 3. What strategies worked for you in landing your first job—was it through applications, networking, connections, internships, or something else? I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences you can share!

I’m a 27-year-old female currently working in aerospace manufacturing, where I operate CNC machines. I initially took trade school classes with the belief that machining would be a fulfilling career. However, after spending time in the field, I’ve come to realize that it’s not the right fit for me. The noise, coolant, and overall shop environment have taken a toll on my mental health, and I find myself dreading work every week. I'm now looking to transition into something more suited to my interests, like office work, administrative roles, or even medical receptionist positions. I’m quite anxious about how my manufacturing background might hinder this shift. Has anyone successfully moved from manufacturing to a completely different career? I’d love to hear your experiences and any advice you might have.

I've been actively looking to relocate from Atlanta to Tampa, and recently I landed three interviews with a company that seems promising. However, I'm having trouble finding any solid information about them online, which has me concerned. I'm trying to figure out if this could be a scam or if it's a legitimate opportunity. I had a Zoom interview and a couple of phone calls, and during the second call, I was told I might be a good fit for a leadership position due to my coaching experience from my previous job. I'm hoping to get some insights on how to verify if this company is real or if I should be cautious.

I’ve been feeling a lot of guilt lately about looking for a new job. I’ve been with my current company for about four years now, and while I’m paid decently and my work-life balance is okay, I’ve hit a wall in terms of growth. I’ve been told that to get promoted, I need to do the job for six months before a pay bump can even be considered, and when it does come, it’s capped at just 10%. Meanwhile, I’ve started exploring external opportunities and the salaries being offered are significantly higher—around 12-20% more than what I’m making now. I like my job, but I’m not passionate about it, and the constant small raises of about 2.5% each year have left me feeling pretty drained. I know I shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to improve my situation, but it’s hard to shake off that feeling.

I've been employed for the past several years in an administrative role at a major company, but for the last 8 to 9 months, I've been actively seeking a new job. Despite my efforts in submitting numerous applications, optimizing my resume and cover letters, and networking extensively, I haven't had much success. I'm feeling a bit defeated and am now looking for resources to aid in my job search, particularly in the NY/NJ area. I'm interested in any free or affordable options, such as certifications, staffing agencies, or general job-hunting resources. My background is in film, and my work history primarily revolves around administrative assistance and community coordination, so I'm looking for opportunities in that field.

I was laid off after suffering a life-changing injury at work in March 2025. I went through two surgeries and had to attend rehab three days a week for 16 months, all while on Workers' Compensation. Finally, I received my full medical release and was eager to return to work, only to find out that my company had not budgeted for my full-time position. Instead, they offered me the exact number of hours I was working in a different department at the time of my injury—just 5 hours a week. This was frustrating because I had been a regular part of the team before my injury. To make matters worse, during my absence, all the managers who had hired and trained me were let go, and the new management had no idea who I was. They even rehired a former coworker who had quit, but at a salary that was double what everyone else was making. Now, I’m left with just those 5 hours a week, which is all they are legally required to give me. I’m now in the process of applying for jobs everywhere I can, despite dealing with the residual effects of my injuries and having to explain the 16-month gap in my employment history, along with visible scarring. It’s a tough situation, but I’m determined to find something new. Wish me luck!

I'm currently a Physical Therapist at a Level One Trauma hospital, and I genuinely love my job, my coworkers, and the work-life balance I have. However, as my wife and I plan for our future and consider having kids in the next couple of years, I've been facing a significant concern regarding parental leave. Our hospital's policy offers very little in terms of support for new parents. My wife would need to use 40 hours of PTO just to qualify for 6 weeks of short-term disability at only 60% pay, followed by more PTO to cover additional time off. For me, I'd have to exhaust all my PTO just to be there for her and our baby, and our shared FMLA bank complicates things further, as my time off would reduce her available leave. I'm exploring a potential new job in an outpatient PT setting that offers 8 weeks of fully paid parental leave, which is incredibly rare in healthcare. Although it comes with a pay cut of about $1,500 a year and I would be leaving a job I love, the benefits of better healthcare insurance and parental leave are tempting. I've got an interview lined up, but I'm torn between staying where I am, where I feel fulfilled, or moving for better family support. In my current role, I earn $105k/year with a decent benefits package, including a student loan stipend and a 403b match. The new role would pay $103.5k/year, offer BCBS insurance, and a slightly better PTO accrual rate, but I would lose the student loan stipend and might not have the same work schedule as my wife. I'm really weighing the pros and cons and trying to figure out what would be best for my family in the long run.

I'm currently working at Grocery Outlet, which is set to open soon, but I'm really struggling with the chaos of getting everything ready. As a 28-year-old with autism, the lack of clarity about my final role is really stressful for me. My manager keeps assigning me various tasks without any clear direction, and it's overwhelming. Last Friday, I even had an emotional breakdown at work due to the pressure. I had been unemployed for a year before landing this job, and while I appreciate having a position, I don't like it at all. My Bachelor's degree in English hasn't helped me find better opportunities, and I'm feeling stuck with little chance of finding something else in my area. I'm considering reaching out to my manager or HR for support, but I'm not sure if that will help. I really want to find a job that suits me better.

I was recently laid off from my job at a firm without any prior notice, which was quite frustrating. This isn't the first time the company has made decisions without considering the impact on employees. Given my student status, I really wish they had given me a heads-up so I could have started my job search earlier. I've put together a review outlining my experiences, keeping it anonymous and avoiding any specific names. Now, I'm looking for suggestions on where to post this review to make sure it reaches the right audience and has a meaningful impact. I've heard that platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed are good options for anonymous reviews. I want to ensure that my feedback is professional and factual so it resonates with others and encourages the company to think twice before treating employees this way in the future.