Planning

I've been on the job hunt for about four months now, applying to numerous positions without much luck. Recently, I started discussions with a potential employer who has yet to make a formal offer because I'm asking for more than they initially proposed. They mentioned they are 'crunching the numbers,' which has me a bit worried about their ability to provide consistent hours in the future. The main concern I have is that if I accept this job, the pay would be lower than my current unemployment benefits. I've learned that I might be eligible for partial unemployment benefits if I take a job that pays less than what I'm receiving now. Currently, I'm getting $738 a week from unemployment, while this job would pay around $690 gross a week, potentially even less if hours are limited. I'm trying to figure out how the transition from full unemployment benefits to partial benefits works. Specifically, would I receive the difference between my unemployment and the job's pay? And what steps do I need to take to make this transition smoothly? On the bright side, the position seems to offer a lot of growth opportunities, so I'm hopeful that this could be a stepping stone rather than a setback. I just need to make sure I can manage my finances in the meantime.

Today I had an interview with Company B for a role that aligns much better with my degrees and long-term goals. I've been working at Company A, which I've always felt embarrassed about since it doesn't utilize my skills. My boss at Company A gave me a strong recommendation, and I was hopeful about the opportunity at Company B. However, the interview was a complete disaster. I didn't like the location, the smell was off-putting, and the interviewer made me feel extremely uncomfortable. It was clear to me that this would not be a good fit. Reflecting on my past experiences, I once took a job that turned out to be a nightmare, and I still carry the emotional weight from that. After today's experience, my gut is telling me to walk away from this opportunity if offered. I left the interview feeling empty and lonely, which was shocking after I had so much hope for Company B. I really thought this could be a turning point for me, but now I'm back to feeling stuck at Company A. Has anyone else gone through something similar? Any advice would be appreciated.

I had an interview today at Steak n Shake for a position, and they informed me that I have two more rounds of interviews scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. However, I just realized that I have a road trip planned starting this Sunday, and I forgot to mention it during the interview. I'm unsure about how to handle this situation now.

I just wrapped up my second interview for a position and I'm heading into the final round. I've connected really well with both the recruiter and the hiring manager, which gives me hope. However, I made a mistake during the salary expectation discussion. The job listing had a salary range of 60k to 120k, and I panicked when the recruiter asked about my expectations. I mentioned that I currently make around 70k and said I'd like a bit more, around 72k. Now, I'm regretting that decision. I’ve realized that if they offered me 72k, I wouldn’t accept it because I’d be giving up my current benefits and work-from-home flexibility for a small increase. Honestly, to make the switch, I’d want something closer to 90k, which is in the middle of their range but significantly higher than what I initially stated. I’m not desperate for this job since I’m comfortable in my current role, but I’m worried if I should reach out to the recruiter to adjust my salary expectations or just wait until I receive an offer. I don't want to raise any red flags, but I also don’t want to end up with an offer that doesn’t meet my needs. Should I take the risk of losing the opportunity or try to negotiate now?

I recently decided to leave my job after two exhausting years working under the CFO, where I was consistently putting in 65-70 hour weeks. The toxic environment has taken a toll on my health, and at this point, I feel I can’t continue. Fortunately, I have a six-month severance package, but I’m unsure about the best way to exit without being terminated for cause. I’m in my late 50s, and while I’m considering applying for new jobs, I’m also contemplating whether I truly need to work at this stage in my life. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation.

I interviewed for a position at a bank two weeks ago, where they were planning to hire multiple people for the role. My interview lasted over an hour, and I felt it went really well. They mentioned they would call me back, which I took as a good sign for a potential offer. However, my coworker interviewed the day after me and received an offer before I did. Now, it's been a week since they got their offer, and I'm starting to feel uncertain about my chances. The bank's website still shows that the decision is pending, but I can't help but worry that I might not get an offer.

I've been working in sales for the past five years, primarily in debt settlement sales where I usually earn around $120k a year. However, I've been feeling the burnout that comes with it, especially as the momentum tends to slow down after a year. Currently, I have three job offers on the table and I'm trying to decide which one to take. 1. The first is a home care marketer position that pays $26 an hour plus commission. It's an in-office role with a 10-minute commute, paid lunch hours, and benefits after 90 days. There's also potential for a pay bump to $28 an hour after the probation period. 2. The second option is to stay in debt settlement as a sales rep for a remote position with the fourth largest company in the industry. It offers $15 an hour plus commission, weekends off, and my preferred schedule, along with what is said to be the best commission structure in the industry. 3. The third offer is for a financial services call center rep, which pays $25 an hour plus bonuses. It's with a well-known company that would look great on my resume, but I'd need to pass three FINRA licenses to keep the job. The downside is that it has a one-hour commute and I worry about the risk of being let go if I can't meet their expectations. I have a tendency to avoid startup companies, but the pay for the home care marketer role is tempting. Although I signed the offer for the financial services job, I'm starting to rethink my decision. I’m always a top rep wherever I go, but the fear of failure is creeping in.

I'm currently navigating a challenging job search while on probation for a theft charge from Fall 2024. It's been nearly two years since the incident, but the stigma of my past continues to haunt me. I have a solid educational background, including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, along with various internships and strong references. Yet, I'm hesitant to apply for jobs in my network because I fear burning bridges due to my probation status. I've tailored my resume to be ATS-friendly and sought professional help, but I keep facing auto-denials from companies like Kroger, Michaels, and local non-profits. My county has a notoriously competitive job market, and despite my qualifications, I feel stuck. Recently, I applied for a position that I believe I have a good chance at due to a referral, but the application asked if I had ever been arrested, which threw me into a panic. I participated in a town-hall meeting advocating for 'Ban the Box' policies, but it felt futile as the mayor dismissed our efforts. Now, I'm unsure how to approach the question on the application without jeopardizing my chances. My court-appointed attorney didn't provide much guidance during my case, and I'm left feeling overwhelmed. I'm considering reaching out to the county clerk about possibly waiving some fees or community service requirements due to my disabilities, but completing community service is already a challenge. I feel trapped in this cycle where I can't find a job because of my probation, and I can't complete my probation without a job. My probation officer is supportive and trying to help, but time is running out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I have a diverse work background, currently managing in retail with over 5 years of experience. Previously, I spent 2 years at General Motors as a water quality technician and over a year at Coca-Cola as a Lab QA Tech. Additionally, I've been managing social media and website ads for myself and others for more than 8 years. I ventured into the manufacturing sector, which offered great pay, but the environment was not a good fit for me. I really enjoy retail management and backend operations, but the pay isn't satisfying. I'm looking to transition into retail corporate roles or social media management, but I've been struggling to land interviews despite applying for the past 2 months. I'm feeling stuck and could use some guidance on the next steps to take.

I was recently informed that my role at the company is being eliminated in a few months, and I will receive a severance package. While I appreciate the advance notice, I’m currently applying for other positions both internally and externally. The situation is particularly challenging because they are rescoping my role to include qualifications that I don’t meet, specifically requiring external financial consulting experience. I was aware that a new role would be created, but I didn’t expect it to be so closely aligned with my current responsibilities. It was really disheartening to see the new position posted on our internal job board, and I’m now anxious about how to respond to questions from colleagues who might be curious about the changes. Management assured me that this decision was not performance-related but rather a shift in business priorities. Despite this, it’s difficult not to take it personally. Has anyone else experienced something similar? I would appreciate any advice on managing the emotional aspect and communicating with coworkers during this transition.

I’ve been reflecting on my current job situation and wondering if it's too soon to give up on my career after just one year. I was forced into a new role as a night auditor for a large hotel chain after spending 11 years in a management position at my previous job. My old boss let me go in a rather unprofessional way, which led to a stressful few months of job hunting where I almost faced homelessness due to financial strain. When I accepted the night auditor position, I took a significant pay cut of about $5, but I was promised stability and opportunities for promotion based on my management experience. Initially, things seemed to be going well, but after a couple of months, the company closed a nearby location and absorbed the staff, including another night auditor with more seniority. This drastically changed my schedule, leaving me with only 1-2 nights a week to work in my actual role. I’ve tried to stay flexible, expressing my willingness to work day shifts, but the established schedules of the day staff have made that impossible. I’ve been eager to get cross-trained in other areas of the hotel, as I was told this was crucial for advancement, but it feels like pulling teeth. The management is restricted by an hourly budget, which they use as an excuse to deny my requests for training or additional hours. To top it off, the pay schedule is inconsistent, making it hard to manage my bills. This month, I’m facing the reality of being late on multiple payments due to the unpredictable pay dates. Now, I’m at a crossroads: should I continue to tough it out in hopes of eventually receiving the opportunities I was promised, or is it time to cut my losses and move on after just a year? The feedback from others has leaned towards moving on, but I’m still torn.

I was recently terminated from my job in Pennsylvania and have some questions regarding my final paycheck and unused PTO. My final paycheck isn't due until September 10, 2026, but I assume I can file for unemployment today since the paychecks are for the month prior. Additionally, I should be receiving a payout for my unused PTO, but I'm unsure of the exact amount. The filing page asks if I'm getting severance, and I'm confused about how to answer that. I know that the payout for accrued unused PTO is not considered severance or dismissal pay, but I want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly.

Today was supposed to be my interview for a new position, but I had to miss it due to a family emergency. My current job is facing potential layoffs, and I was really hoping to secure this new role. Just as I was getting ready for the interview, my grandmother called in a panic. My grandfather had fallen and hurt himself badly, so I rushed over to help him. He ended up needing stitches in his arm and has a mild concussion. I managed to text the interviewer to let them know I couldn't make it, but my message shows as delivered and I haven't heard back. I'm really worried that I've ruined my chances for this opportunity, and I'm not sure what to do next. I hope they understand the situation, but I'm feeling pretty discouraged right now.

Today, I reflected on my situation as a Gastronomy and Culinary Arts student in Cyprus. I have accumulated about $7,000 in university debt, and returning to Iran isn't an option for me due to my escape from military service. My family is unable to provide any financial support, which adds to the pressure. Currently, I work at a good restaurant, but my pay is around $700 a month, which is essentially minimum wage or even less. I put in 8-hour shifts where I handle various tasks—washing dishes, carrying heavy items, cooking, and preparing ingredients. I'm also considering getting my motorcycle certificate to take on delivery driving to supplement my income. Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful for the future. I believe that these tough times are shaping me into a stronger person, and I look forward to a day when I can look back and laugh at my struggles. To anyone else facing similar hardships, I encourage you to stay strong and keep pushing forward.

I recently hit the three-month mark at my first job out of college, where I work in marketing. I genuinely enjoy my coworkers and the work environment, which makes this situation a bit tricky. However, I've heard concerning things from a colleague who's been here for three years. They mentioned that management is disorganized and that people often get thrown under the bus. The turnover rate is alarming—three people have left since I started, and almost nine have left in the past two years. It seems like everyone in the office, which consists of 12 of us (excluding higher-ups), is currently job hunting due to the poor pay and work conditions. Despite not having experienced any issues with management myself, I'm feeling lost about what to do next. Should I start looking for a new job while I still can, or should I stay put and gain more experience? I worry that if I leave for a job with better pay, I might end up in a worse coworker situation. I'm torn and could really use some advice.

I'm currently living in California but I'm eager to move up north to places like Washington or Oregon. I'm trying to figure out how to interview for jobs in those areas, especially since I'm not looking for corporate roles. I assume corporate jobs might allow for Zoom interviews, but I'm more interested in basic full-time positions at places like Walmart or Target. I'm wondering if there's a way to interview for these types of jobs without having to physically go there. I've heard that some people get a job where they currently live and then request a transfer after a few months, which is something I might consider.

I just got fired from my training at a new job I had recently started. A few weeks ago, I interviewed for a minimum wage full-time position and was excited when they hired me. I put in my two weeks' notice at my old part-time job, which ends this Sunday. However, after a meeting with my new manager, I learned that my training performance was deemed unsatisfactory. He said I was asking questions that were outside the scope of my training and labeled me as untrainable, which really hurt because I had been actively trying to do the opposite. I was juggling both jobs and the schedule was exhausting. I was barely getting four hours of sleep a night, not eating properly, and constantly traveling between the two workplaces. Ultimately, they let me go, and my last day at the new job was yesterday. I still have two days left at my old job. Last night was tough; I had a breakdown and cried. Now, I'm trying to figure out my next steps. I needed to vent and would appreciate any suggestions or support. If this isn't the right place for this post, please let me know.

I’m currently navigating a challenging situation at my job as a project coordinator at a mid-sized tech company in Canada. Recently, I requested workplace accommodations due to my ADHD, which I had kept private until now. After going off my medication for a surgery last year, my performance suffered, leading to disciplinary actions. I was told that if I provided an accommodation letter, those actions could be removed from my record. I complied, but now they claim my documentation is insufficient, insisting I need a psychiatrist's assessment, which I can't afford right now. Things escalated when I discovered my workplace contacted my old psychiatrist without my permission, which is a serious breach of confidentiality. I’m considering filing a complaint with my union about this. Just this week, I was pulled into another disciplinary meeting where I felt the actions taken against me were retaliatory for pushing back on their demands. They offered me a severance package that seems more like a way to push me out rather than a genuine offer. I really enjoy my job and my immediate team, but I'm worried about the implications of all this and the current job market. I’m in talks with my union to figure out my next steps. I’m also about to go on a long-planned vacation, but with all this stress, I’m not sure how I’ll enjoy it. I just hope I still have a job when I return.

I recently had an interview for a software developer position that I felt went really well. The company requested a code sample about a week after our meeting, which I promptly sent. Initially, I received a reassuring response to my thank you note, and even got a quick reply when I first submitted my code sample. However, I realized I had included an outdated file in the folder, so I resent it. Now, it’s been almost a week since I sent the updated code sample, and despite following up, I haven’t heard anything back. I'm starting to worry that the lack of communication might mean I’m not their first choice and they could be waiting on another candidate. I can’t help but wonder if having to send my code sample twice reflects poorly on me, especially since the data they work with is crucial.

I recently completed a detailed analysis of 1.65 million job postings over a two-month period, focusing on listings directly from employer career pages instead of job aggregators. I found that half of the postings disappear by day 28, with a significant drop occurring in just one week. My data set included postings from 23,857 employers, primarily in the US, with many listings lacking specific location information. Initially, I noticed that the first two weeks were relatively stable, with 86% of postings still active by day 7 and 75% by day 14. However, there was a dramatic decline between day 24 and day 30, where about a third of the remaining postings vanished. This pattern seemed consistent across most job functions, suggesting that many listings are removed due to administrative cycles rather than actual hiring activity. After the first month, only 29% of postings remained active by day 45, indicating that those that survive are either genuine long-term needs or what some refer to as 'ghost jobs.' I discovered that the most critical time to apply is during the fourth week, as many listings tend to expire around the 30-day mark. Unfortunately, the challenge lies in identifying which week a posting is in, especially since aggregator sites often refresh dates and can obscure the timeline. Overall, this analysis has provided me with valuable insights into the job market dynamics and the timing of job postings, which I plan to use to refine my job search strategy.