Planning

I have been working in a seasonal hospitality role for the past two years, and I’ve finally reached my breaking point. I’m currently waiting for my paycheck, which should arrive in about nine days, but I know I need to leave this job. My coworkers consistently dump their responsibilities on me, and when they do contribute, they act like they’ve done something monumental. It’s exhausting and has taken a toll on my health; I feel tired all the time and my anxiety has worsened. Recently, a situation escalated when the head chef entered my car without my permission and took my floor mats out to embarrass me in front of everyone. I honestly don’t understand what I did to deserve that kind of treatment. I do my job and often take on extra tasks that others avoid. Just the other day, during a busy shift, a waitress nearly hit me with a potato because she was eating from a plate while I was trying to work. I also got burned on my foot because a coworker rushed me while I was cleaning silverware in boiling water. I work 51 hours a week for only $2 an hour, which is beyond disrespectful. My body is suffering, and it’s affecting my education as well. My boss expects me to work weddings and come in 30 minutes early without pay, which is just unacceptable. I can’t continue in this environment any longer; it’s time for me to move on.

I recently applied for a job I found on Indeed, and things have taken a strange turn. After submitting my application, I received an email with a link to complete an interview by answering some questions. Once I finished that, I was instructed to send a confirmation email to another person. A few days later, I got a response with an "onboarding form" attached, which raised some red flags for me. I really need a job right now, but I can't shake the feeling that this might be a scam. I’ve been close to being scammed before, and I’m worried about the legitimacy of this process. The comments I’ve seen suggest that it looks pretty scammy—especially since there was no actual interview and they want personal information to send me a computer setup. Some people pointed out that this could be a check scam, where they send a fake check and expect me to buy equipment from their 'approved vendor.' I’m feeling desperate, but the risk of identity theft or fraud is making me hesitate. I’m considering providing minimal personal details if I proceed, but I’m really unsure about what to do next.

I worked as a consultant at a consulting firm for 11 months before I was let go due to what was described as 'performance reasons.' I graduated with my bachelor's degree in May of last year, so I'm still quite new to the job market. As I prepare for upcoming interviews, I'm trying to figure out the best way to explain my departure without raising red flags. My former company has a strict policy that prevents current employees from providing references or confirming employment, which complicates things further. I've been considering saying that I was laid off, but I'm concerned about how that might be perceived. I want to focus on the skills I gained during my time there and how they relate to the new opportunities I'm pursuing. I'm looking for advice on how to frame my story positively and what to emphasize in interviews.

I'm currently stuck in a survival job after completing my Master's degree, and I honestly thought finding a job would be easier. I've applied to numerous positions, but so far, I've only landed two interviews, both with government agencies. The waiting game is tough; you either hear back quickly or receive a rejection email out of the blue. At this point, I'm applying to jobs outside my field just to increase my chances. It's disheartening to still be in the same job that helped me get through my last two years of school, and it's really taking a toll on my mental health. I've even had to take a leave of absence because my depression has worsened. I'm looking for any words of encouragement or advice to help me through this challenging time.

I recently graduated and found myself lost in my career path. Last summer, I interned at a third-party logistics company where I supervised operations for four months, earning $30 an hour with plenty of overtime. They offered me a full-time position as an inventory technician at $20 an hour, promising a promotion once I graduated. Unfortunately, the plant closed in December, affecting over 100 employees, including me. I graduated around the same time as the layoff, and it took me four months to secure a new position. Now, I’m working as a line leader at a pharmaceutical company, but I'm only making $21 an hour. I feel really defeated; all the hard work I put into my degree seems wasted. I'm actively searching for new job opportunities, but I'm not seeing many postings. The current company won't consider me for advancement until I've been in my role for a year, and I really don't want to stay in this position for long. I'm interested in transitioning into purchasing or planning, but I haven't found any openings in my area. I'm feeling pretty lost and would appreciate any advice on what to look for in my next role.

I’m currently in a tough spot with my job situation. I’m just about two weeks away from finishing a summer class that will lead to my degree in Communications. I recently got promoted to a government job, where I’ve been for almost six months, but I’m still on probation for the next seven months. I’ve come to realize that this job feels more like a placeholder until I can find something that aligns with my field of study. I’m really anxious about the idea of leaving this government position to pursue internships or job opportunities in Communications, like a Technical Writer or a Social Media Specialist. The thought of wasting away in a role that drains me daily is really weighing on me. I have mixed feelings about whether I should stick it out in this government job or take the risk to search for a better fit elsewhere, especially given the current job market. It’s frustrating because I can’t apply for roles that match my degree until it’s officially conferred. I feel trapped in this position just to survive until my degree is recognized, and it’s taking a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. I’m starting to question if I’m even cut out for the workforce. I’m also worried that if I stay in this government role after I graduate, there won’t be any opportunities for advancement, which could lead to wasted time and getting stuck in a job I don’t want. I’m really at a crossroads, and I’d love to hear what others would do if they were in my shoes.

I recently applied for a job at a company where I had previously interviewed for a similar position earlier this year. I made it to the final round but unfortunately received a thoughtful rejection from the hiring manager, who encouraged me to keep an eye out for future openings. Now that another position has opened up, I decided to reapply. I'm considering reaching out to the hiring manager to let her know that I've reapplied, as I think it could help my chances. Based on advice I've received, reminding her of my previous application might jog her memory and show my continued interest in the company.

I've been in a bit of a frustrating cycle with temporary jobs over the past two years. My journey started as a customer service representative at an insurance company where I signed a six-month contract, which was extended for another six months. When that role ended, I was moved to a Benefits Specialist position on another six-month contract. I was assured multiple times that my role would eventually become permanent, especially since my performance reviews were positive and my supervisors praised my work. However, just two weeks before my contract ended, I was informed that there was an issue with the paperwork, and HR needed to sort it out before I could be made permanent. Instead of converting my role, they let my contract end and encouraged me to reapply for the position when it was reposted. I did apply, but ultimately, I was rejected in favor of another internal candidate. Currently, I'm working as a Compliance Officer in another company on a temporary basis. Initially, my contract was for three months, but after some discussions with my manager and director, I agreed to extend it for another three months with the option to work from home occasionally. I asked about the possibility of becoming a permanent employee, but was told that they needed to extend my contract first before discussing permanency. I'm starting to feel like there might be something wrong with me. I get positive feedback and my contracts keep getting extended, yet I never seem to land a permanent position. Has anyone else gone through something similar? Is this just the nature of contract work, or am I missing something? It's disheartening to give my best effort and still not see a permanent offer come through.

I was recently wrongfully terminated from my job in New York, and it’s been a challenging experience. About three weeks ago, I needed to take a weekend off to attend a family funeral. My employer only granted me one day of bereavement leave without notifying me that my request for an additional day was denied. I had accrued sick time that I believed I could use for this purpose, as it’s allowed under New York law. I reached out to HR to clarify my situation, hoping they would understand my need for the extra day off. However, they later counted my absence as a no-call no-show and terminated my employment a month later. To make matters worse, I discovered that they had stopped deducting union dues from my paychecks months prior and were not compensating many employees for training unless they specifically asked for it. I had completed eight hours of training and took a test on the day I was terminated, but I was not paid for that time. Additionally, they often promised bonuses but would shortchange them by $50 or $100. Now, I’m left wondering if this constitutes wrongful termination. I haven’t applied for unemployment benefits yet because I’m unsure if I qualify. I’m considering reaching out to my union representative and possibly a labor lawyer to discuss my options. It just feels strange to be out of work after putting in so much effort to communicate my needs.

I recently applied for a job in Virginia and, in a moment of desperation, I lied on my resume about having a degree that I actually don't possess. Now that I'm going through the background check phase, I'm feeling incredibly anxious about the situation. I'm not sure how to proceed, and I know that if this lie is discovered, it could cost me the job. I'm considering whether I should withdraw my application altogether to avoid the potential fallout. It's a tough lesson learned, and I realize I need to be more honest in my future job searches.

I recently received an invitation for a screening call after applying for a cleaning position at a hotel through Indeed. They reached out to me fairly quickly to discuss my previous experience, why I think I'm a good fit for the role, and a bit about myself. During this initial contact, they asked if I would be available for a screening call to go over the role further and to answer any questions I might have. However, they didn't provide much detail about the interview process itself. I'm unsure if this screening call is just a preliminary step to determine if I'm suitable for the role or if it could lead to an in-person interview if all goes well. From what I've gathered, screening calls are typically brief, lasting around 10 to 20 minutes, focusing on basic compatibility questions like availability, pay expectations, and whether I'm comfortable with the physical demands of the job. I'm preparing for questions about my schedule and experience, hoping to make a good impression.

I recently put in my two weeks' notice at my hosting job at a local restaurant where I've worked for almost three years. As a college student, this job has been perfect for me; I could work 30-40 hours over just a few days, and my managers were incredibly supportive, even letting me study or read during slow times. However, I’ve been feeling stagnant and wanted to explore new opportunities, which led me to accept a position at a coffee shop closer to my new home. But after just three days at the new job, I felt overwhelmed and exhausted, working nearly 39 hours and struggling to keep up. The environment was much more hectic, and I was reminded to monitor my blood sugar levels due to my type 1 diabetes. This added stress made me question my decision. I found myself missing my old coworkers deeply, especially my managers, who have become like family to me. Now, I'm anxious about whether my old boss will take me back if I ask. I feel sick to my stomach and can’t sleep, constantly worrying about how I left and if I made the right choice. I realize that my attachment to my old job and the people there might not be typical, but it’s hard to shake off these feelings. I just want to feel secure again.

I’m currently in my third month of unemployment and have been struggling to find a clear direction for my job search. At first, I thought the solution was simply to apply to more positions, but that only made things more chaotic. I found myself applying for project management roles one day, then operations, customer success, and even random analyst jobs the next. My resume became a jumbled mess, and I realized that recruiter calls were going nowhere because I couldn’t articulate my career path clearly. After a frustrating week of no progress, I decided to take a step back and simplify my approach. I narrowed my focus down to just two types of jobs and committed to ignoring everything else. Initially, it felt wrong, like I was closing off opportunities I couldn’t afford to lose. However, after a few days, I found that I could confidently answer the question, "What kind of role are you looking for?" without hesitating or listing multiple options. During this time, I also reflected on whether I truly wanted to pursue the same type of job I had just lost. I struggled to sleep and decided to try a coached career assessment, which helped me realize that I had been chasing titles rather than the work itself. This was a significant wake-up call for me. I’m still unemployed and actively applying for jobs, but at least now I feel like I’m telling a coherent story instead of trying to hit multiple targets at once. I hope sharing this experience helps other job seekers, and I’m also open to any tips or advice from others.

I've been in my current role as a project coordinator for a year at my company, and I've really enjoyed the remote work and my team. However, my role is shifting back to its original focus, which involves a lot of travel—something I had concerns about during my interview. At that time, my manager assured me that travel wouldn't be frequent, but now it seems like I might be on the road every other week. With a new baby at home, that's just not feasible for me. I've noticed an internal opening that aligns much better with my interests and strengths, and I know the hiring manager from previous meetings. My dilemma is whether to reach out to her for an informational chat without my current manager finding out. I don't want to jeopardize my current position, especially since my job pays well and I genuinely like it here. I'm contemplating whether to take the risk and explore this opportunity or to stay put and look for external options. I'm curious if anyone has faced a similar situation and how they managed it. Should I ask the hiring manager to keep it confidential, or is that unrealistic given their relationship with my boss?

I was laid off about four months ago due to my company's decision to centralize the executive staff in another country. Since then, I've found the job market at the executive level to be quite "interesting." Initially, I was skeptical about the advice I received regarding networking being crucial for job opportunities, but I've come to realize that around 85% of the traction I've gotten has indeed come from recommendations. I have a strong background in technology, ranking in the top 5% of my field, and while I don't have experience at major companies like Google or Microsoft, my extensive experience is valuable to many organizations. However, I’ve faced significant challenges with applying through LinkedIn. In the past four months, I've only had one serious opportunity from there, and most of my applications are met with quick rejections, often within hours or days, despite being a perfect match for the job descriptions. Reaching out to recruiters has also been largely ineffective; I suspect they are overwhelmed with candidates. Occasionally, I do get contacted by recruiters who express that my resume stands out, but then there’s often silence after that initial interest. On a positive note, I currently have two opportunities where I am a late-stage candidate, and I’m hopeful to land one of them. However, I can't help but wonder if I'm missing something in my job search strategy. The job market feels more than just "crazy" right now.

I've been on the job hunt since I was laid off from my software position in April 2025. To make ends meet, I took a part-time warehouse job for a few months while also trying to build my own app. Now, my resume shows a gap of over a year, and I'm worried about how that will be perceived by potential employers. I'm wondering if I should include the app project on my resume to fill that gap, or if hiring managers are more understanding of the current job market and the lengthy gap won't be a huge issue. I've seen advice suggesting that if I actually worked on a project, it's not just padding, but I'm still unsure about how to present this in my applications.

I recently received an amazing job offer for a remote position that I'm really excited about. However, I have a DUI on my record and will need to rent a car quarterly for work-related travel. Today, the HR contact reached out to me for more context regarding my DUI. I’ve never had any issues with my personal insurance or renting cars in the past, but I can’t help but worry if they might rescind my offer. I'm trying to prepare for any potential fallout from this situation.

I am currently searching for job opportunities as a fresher with my BCA degree. I am open to any location and would greatly appreciate any referrals or suggestions for job openings. Thank you in advance for your help!

I recently received a job offer that has a start date two weeks earlier than my layoff date. I'm considering whether I should request an adjustment to the start date to align it with my current job's end. I've been advised that unless my severance package provides full pay and benefits for an extended period, I should prioritize the new job. I might ask the new employer if I can start the day after my current job ends, but I worry they might want me to begin sooner. I'm weighing my options carefully.

I recently faced a layoff from my job on July 2, 2026, after working from June to December 2025. Prior to that, I had a temp job in April 2025 and was mostly unemployed throughout 2024 and half of 2025. I applied for unemployment right after my layoff on January 2, 2026, and I believe my benefit year ends on that date. I started a new job on January 19, 2026, but now I'm concerned about what happens next. I’m thinking about reopening my unemployment case if I can’t find a new job and I want to know if I can file for a new claim in 2027 after my current benefits run out. Also, I’m curious if having a Roth IRA and a 401k will impact my unemployment benefits in any way. I’ve heard that as long as I earned $1300 in a quarter during my benefit year, I should be able to file a new claim, but I want to make sure I understand all the details.