Planning

I received a meeting invite from my manager for a 'Quick Sync-up' tomorrow morning, and I noticed that his manager and an HR representative are optional attendees. Honestly, I'm feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. Work has been overwhelming for the past few months, and after only getting a 2% raise during the annual review, I've been pretty unhappy. I'm hoping that if this meeting is about layoffs, the severance package is decent and includes a few months of paid insurance since my wife and kids are on my plan. I’ve seen some advice from others about being polite and asking for what I want during the meeting, so I’ll try to keep that in mind. I just want to be prepared for whatever happens.

I’m currently in the process of looking for a low-stress job as I recover from an accident at work where I hit my head. I’ve spent a couple of months healing, and now I feel it’s time to get back into the workforce, but my anxiety is really high. My background is quite diverse; I’ve worked in healthcare, fast food, customer service, and recruiting. However, the thought of job searching is overwhelming. I know I can’t stay out of work forever, but I’m not sure where to start. I plan on going back to school eventually, but for now, I need something manageable. Disability isn’t an option for me, so I’m hoping to find a role that won’t exacerbate my anxiety.

I was laid off in January 2023 from my senior marketing VP role after over a decade in the industry, right when I turned 55. It took me a staggering 42 months to secure a stable new position, and I wanted to share my journey in hopes it might help others facing a lengthy job search. In 2023, I started off with a positive outlook since I had severance and bonuses that kept me financially stable until June. I had been saving diligently and had some consulting leads, plus a consistent freelance client that brought in $20-40K annually. By the end of 2023, I had two monthly retainer clients and a couple of project-based gigs, but I made about 30% less than the previous year. I applied to 29 jobs, went through 11 interviews, but unfortunately, no offers came my way. Many of the interviews were through referrals, but I knew they weren't the right fit. In 2024, I lost my retainer clients but managed to get work from my old employer. After my unemployment ended in March, a recruiter reached out from a small Midwestern company, and I landed a new job in July, which came with a 25% pay increase. My income for the year was similar to 2023, but I applied to 48 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer after making it to the final rounds twice. Then in January 2025, I faced another layoff. The new company was disorganized, and the president who hired me had left. I received a small severance and had to restart unemployment. Consulting work became challenging as many companies started relying on AI. Thankfully, I found a maternity leave cover position with a former manager, although it paid significantly less and lacked benefits. My income dropped by 10% compared to 2024, and I applied to 21 jobs, got 9 interviews, but only made it to the final rounds three times. By 2026, my consulting gig ended in January, and I was living off unemployment and savings while in final rounds for two roles that ultimately fell through. In April, I was called back for another consulting role, which recently converted to a W-2 position. While it pays 50% less than my last job, I'm grateful to have it. My income now is less than half of what I earned in 2022. I applied to 34 jobs, had 7 interviews, and received one offer. The job market was tough, especially with the impact of the Iran war affecting many sectors. Despite the challenges, I feel fortunate to have had savings, supportive family, and no major health issues. My emergency fund took a hit, but I haven't touched my retirement savings. The adaptability and resilience required in this new job landscape are overwhelming, especially with AI disrupting my field. I hope to maintain my current position until retirement and wish everyone the best in their own journeys.

I recently realized that I missed filing my weekly unemployment claim for the week of August 15th. I thought I had completed it, but when I logged in today, I saw that it was marked as 'Not filed'. I’m really worried about potentially losing out on that money, even though I’ve been keeping up with all my job search activities. I do have the option to file for the week of August 22nd, but I’m not sure how to handle the missed week. I’ve heard that I might need to speak to an agent to see if I can reopen that week for me. I’m hoping that even if they say no, it won’t affect my overall benefits. I’m definitely going to set an alarm to remind myself to file on time in the future to avoid this stress again.

I recently faced a layoff and I'm on a work visa in the US. I'm trying to figure out the best course of action moving forward. I've heard different suggestions from people who have been through similar situations. Some are recommending that I consider moving to Canada, while others suggest that I should just return to India. A few comments mentioned that it's possible to secure a new job and transfer my visa within the 60-day grace period after being laid off. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has experienced this and what steps they took. I want to make sure I understand my options clearly, especially regarding the timeline and visa regulations.

I am currently facing a tough decision between two job opportunities. The first option is a signed 6-month contract with a local government job in my city, which is only a 10-minute commute. However, it comes with no benefits and slightly lower pay. The schedule is three days on-site, but there’s a potential to convert to a full-time position once it opens up, which could lead to a long-term career there. The second option is a final round interview for a full-time role at a startup. This position offers better pay, a more prestigious title, and a flexible schedule with two days in the office (one-hour commute each way) and three days remote. I plan to inquire about the work/life balance during the interview to get a better understanding of the environment. I feel conflicted because I am married and we are planning to start a family soon, which makes this decision even more significant.

I am a 54-year-old developer with 28 years of professional experience, and I've been long-term unemployed since being laid off about a year ago after 18 years at a small MarTech SaaS company that was acquired and subsequently closed. My team was eliminated during this process. I briefly held a senior developer position for about 10 weeks through a referral before facing another layoff due to workforce reduction. Since exhausting my unemployment benefits in March, I've been relying on my retirement savings and support from my elderly parents. Throughout my career, I've always taken on challenging projects and went above and beyond. My work impacted tens of thousands of global users and generated millions in revenue, requiring high performance and security. After the acquisition, I stepped into the role of the departing founding CTO, resolving critical infrastructure issues and facilitating a successful enterprise platform migration. I have concrete metrics from production systems that validate my contributions. I’ve been applying for jobs on and off, but my family situation has complicated things. I have an autistic child, and my wife has remained out of the workforce to care for her. We all face challenges related to neurodivergence, including depression and anxiety, which have made the job search even more daunting. Additionally, we've dealt with various family crises, including injuries and deaths, which have added to our stress. Despite my extensive experience, I struggle with impostor syndrome. I don’t have a computer science degree and have never worked for a large company, which makes me feel underqualified compared to others in the field. My previous work environment was small, with only three developers for over a decade, and while we focused on fundamentals, I often felt limited by our tech stack and development practices. I’ve attempted to keep my skills sharp by working on solo projects, particularly in AI and software automation, but nothing has gained traction yet. Navigating my professional identity has been challenging. My responsibilities spanned various roles, including software engineering, DevSecOps, and project management, but I lack deep specialization in any one area, making it hard to position myself for new opportunities. I’ve dedicated months to sending tailored applications and preparing for interviews, often making it to the later rounds only to be ghosted. I’ve shifted my focus away from mid-sized companies, which tend to prefer specialized candidates, and am now targeting early-stage startups where my broad experience might be more valuable. I actively search on platforms like YC and Wellfound and network with startup founders and engineers, but I haven’t found the right match yet. I'm feeling frustrated and isolated, but giving up isn’t an option since I have a family to support. I believe there are companies out there that would be a good fit for my skills, but finding them feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’m trying to stay focused on improving our situation and hope something materializes soon before we face losing our home.

I’ve been working at a small company with about 10 employees for a year and a half now, but I’ve finally decided it’s time to move on. My boss has a habit of manipulating the team with flattery and an us-vs-them mentality, making it hard to voice concerns or even think about leaving. There’s no room for growth, no benefits, and I’ve been pressured to stay because there are so few fully trained employees. Recently, I had a great first impression during interviews for a new job that aligns much better with my interests and offers the chance for advancement. I’m feeling optimistic about it, and I know I need to act soon. I’ve been gathering advice on how to resign gracefully, especially since my boss tends to take it personally when someone leaves. I plan to wait until I have a formal job offer in hand before I put in my two weeks. I know I need to remind myself that this is a transactional relationship; I’m not part of their family, and I owe them no loyalty. I’m ready to move on, and I just need to keep reminding myself that if I were to leave, they would find a replacement in no time. I’m not as irreplaceable as my boss likes to think.

I am currently unemployed and feeling quite hopeless. At 20 years old, I finished my A-Level studies in early 2024 and have been applying for jobs since then, even while I was studying. Now, I'm attending university, which requires me to commute over an hour for sometimes just a single hour lecture. With a new semester approaching, I have five days available each week, but they often coincide with busy business days like Fridays and Saturdays. I have over a year of retail experience from volunteering, where I also assisted management in training new volunteers. I passed all my GCSEs on the first attempt, but I do struggle with ADHD and anxiety. I always mention in my applications that I just need a little patience, but I am a dedicated worker. I've applied to over 100 jobs and have only landed six interviews, all of which I didn't pass the first round. One interview even involved a two-hour trial shift where I successfully upsold a customer, leading to multiple purchases. Unfortunately, many places haven't even bothered to respond to my applications. I've tried various methods: handing out my CV, emailing businesses directly, and visiting in person to inquire about job openings. I just needed to vent a bit because I feel so helpless and useless, especially when I see family members who had jobs at 16. I understand times were different then, but that doesn't lessen my feelings of frustration.

I’ve been working as a junior architect at a small local studio for just over a year, and I’m really struggling with the decision to leave. For months, I’ve been contemplating quitting, but I’ve kept pushing it off. My mental health has taken a serious hit; I feel anxious about going to work and even experience physical symptoms like nausea due to the stress. My boss is constantly yelling, which adds to the unbearable environment. I’ve finally reached a breaking point and feel like I can’t stay any longer. I’m wondering if giving two weeks notice is generally acceptable in my situation, especially since I’ve been there for over a year. I feel guilty about leaving, but I know I need to prioritize my well-being. Any advice from those who have been in a similar position would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off on July 1st from Sia Partners, and honestly, I didn't expect to be in this position. Being let go during my probation period was tough to process, especially after I had put in so much effort and commitment to make things work. It's challenging to admit that I'm back in the job market, and I'm dealing with a mix of uncertainty, self-doubt, and frustration. However, I refuse to let this setback define my career. I have a background in data and content operations, metadata management, knowledge management, digital content, data governance, quality checks, and process-driven operations. I've also worked at Amazon and Deloitte in the past. Currently, I'm actively seeking new opportunities where I can leverage my skills in areas such as data/metadata management, data governance, content and knowledge management, digital asset/content operations, data quality, PMO/operations, and AI/content operations. If anyone knows of relevant openings, is hiring, or can refer me to someone in their network, I would greatly appreciate it. Even a lead, introduction, or a simple comment to guide me would mean a lot right now. I understand that getting laid off isn't the end of my career; sometimes, it's just a painful reset before moving on to the next chapter. If you can help with a referral or opportunity, please DM me. Even if you can't, an upvote or share would help me reach someone who might be able to assist. Thank you for your support.

I recently applied for unemployment benefits after being discharged from my job of 5 years. The main reason for my discharge was a general lack of motivation, which I honestly included in my application. The unemployment office has determined that my claim is eligible, but they are still waiting for a response from my former employer regarding a questionnaire they sent out. Today marks the 10th day since that notice was sent, and I'm starting to feel anxious about whether my claim will be approved. I could really use the financial support while I search for a new job, especially since this is my first time navigating the unemployment process. I'm unsure how it all works, and I'm hoping for some clarity soon.

I’m currently on the job hunt and trying to find positions related to Amtelco programming, specifically within call centers or the healthcare sector. I understand this is a very niche area, and I'm feeling a bit lost in my search. If anyone has tips or knows of job boards or companies that might be hiring for these roles, I would greatly appreciate your insights!

I recently made a significant career decision that feels both exciting and a bit overwhelming. After 2.5 years as a physical therapist at a cash-pay clinic, I decided to start looking for new opportunities due to my financial situation and the desire for better work-life balance. I have about $50k in student loans and want to start a family soon, so money has been a major motivator for me. While I love working with athletes, including some Olympic medalists, my current role hasn't provided the salary and benefits I expected. The uncertainty of earnings based on clinic productivity has been stressful. To my surprise, I found a fantastic opportunity within just a week of my job search. This new role offers a salary that's $30k more than my current position, with no evenings, weekends, or holidays—just a standard M-F schedule from 8-4 or 9-5. It also comes with double the PTO, a 401k match, and the stability of a large company. Overall, the total compensation will be about $35k more than what I currently earn. I know it seems quick to make such a big change, but I feel like I would be foolish not to accept this offer. The only downside is that I'll be driving more to visit patients in their homes, but they will reimburse mileage, and I appreciate having some time to myself between appointments. I will miss my current athletic population and the relationships I've built, which is a bit daunting. Still, I've never seen a PT job in my area that pays this well, and I feel ready to take the plunge. It's a big decision, and I plan to put in my notice tomorrow. Am I making the right choice?

I just accepted a job offer at a large manufacturing company in the Midwest, and I couldn't be more excited! I received the offer on July 1st, the same day I resigned from my previous job due to harassment from my boss, which was seriously affecting my mental health. Thankfully, my wife supported my decision to quit and encouraged me to find something better. The new job comes with a $12 an hour raise, it's a union position, and they don't drug test for marijuana, which is a big deal for me since I live in a legal state. I can actually see myself retiring from this company. After accepting the offer, I went in for a physical and drug test, which went smoothly. However, the waiting for the background check was nerve-wracking. I've had jobs that required background checks before, but this one took longer than expected. I was DoorDashing full-time while waiting, which added to my anxiety about whether the offer would still be valid. My car has been through a lot during this time, with two flat tires and a broken door handle! Finally, I received my start date last week, and I’m relieved to know that I’ll be starting in just one week. It’s been a long journey, but I’m ready to leave DoorDash behind and start this new chapter in my career.

I survived the recent mass layoffs at my company, which affected about 5% of the workforce, but my team took a much harder hit. Most of my colleagues are gone, and now I'm left trying to manage the workload of five people with just one person. It's overwhelming. I'm on-call every week instead of just once a month, and I'm dealing with half-finished projects from teammates who were let go mid-sprint. Whenever something goes wrong in production, it's just me scrambling to fix it without any support. I keep hearing that I should feel lucky to still have a job, and while that's true, I'm doing the work of an entire team for the same pay. It's not sustainable, and I'm starting to feel the burnout creeping in. I'm actively looking for new opportunities before I reach that breaking point. I have over three years of experience as a Backend Engineer and I'm skilled in several programming languages and frameworks, including Ruby, Python, and Go. I also have experience with various data and infrastructure tools like PostgreSQL and AWS. I'm open to remote work or relocating for the right position. My notice period is between 45 to 60 days. If you know of any companies hiring or can offer a referral, I would greatly appreciate it.

I was recently made redundant from my senior data/insight and reporting role, and my company offered me a 6-month contract in another team. Currently, I’m on a salary of £95k, but I have about 4 months left on this contract. There’s a possibility of an extension or finding another internal role, but nothing is guaranteed. During the redundancy consultation, I applied for a permanent position elsewhere that was advertised at £60–75k. They ended up offering me £80k, which is a £15k pay cut from my current salary, but I appreciate that it's more than what they initially advertised. This new role would be a slight step down in seniority, yet it allows me to pivot into a growing area that genuinely interests me. I believe I could learn a lot and potentially benefit my career in the long run, but there are no guarantees. My previous role was made redundant as the company is shifting towards AI and automation, which makes me consider if this is the right time to pivot. I’m still getting interviews for similar roles, indicating that there is demand for my existing skill set. Now, I'm at a crossroads: should I take the permanent £80k role and embrace the opportunity to pivot, or should I stay on my current £95k contract for another 4 months while searching for something closer to my salary? The risk with the second option is that I might end up at the end of my contract without a new job and regret not taking the permanent offer. However, I also don’t want to rush into a decision just because the redundancy has made me anxious about job security. What would you do?

I am currently on a mental health leave from my job and feeling much better, but I'm dreading going back in a few weeks. The weight of my previous work environment was overwhelming, and I really don't want to return to that stress. I've started looking for other job opportunities, but it's proving to be quite challenging. To help cope, I'm attending counseling sessions. If anyone has any advice or suggestions on how to navigate this situation, I would greatly appreciate it.

I am currently open to work and actively seeking opportunities as a fresher. I am particularly interested in roles such as Project Coordinator, Back Office Executive, Operations Support, Business Operations, Customer Support, and other similar entry-level positions. I recently graduated with a B.Tech in IT and possess strong communication, coordination, documentation, and problem-solving skills. Although my background is in IT, I am eager to start my career in a non-technical or semi-technical role where I can learn and grow. I am available for immediate employment, so if you know of any job openings or can provide referrals, I would greatly appreciate your help. Please feel free to reach out to me directly or comment below. Thank you!

I just survived a layoff at my company where about 300 people were let go, and unfortunately, over 70% of my team—more than 70 individuals—were among those laid off. I've been in the tech industry for 7 years, and this is the first time I've experienced anything like this, though I know layoffs are common in our field. It's been really disappointing and has left me feeling unmotivated to work. I had a close-knit team, and now all my friends and colleagues have been laid off. I sensed something was coming, but many were caught off guard. I'm not overly worried about my own job at the moment, but the emotional toll of seeing so many talented people let go is weighing heavily on me. The way the layoffs were handled was shocking—just a one-hour meeting scheduled that turned out to be a 2-3 minute notification with no empathy shown. Some of those laid off had been with the company for 9 years and had consistently performed well. There were no explanations or justifications given, making it feel even more cold-hearted. Now, I'm struggling to find the motivation to work like I used to. I'm considering whether I should start looking for a new job and leave this company as soon as possible. If anyone has gone through a similar experience and can offer advice on how to regain motivation or how to navigate this situation, I would really appreciate it.