Planning

I'm a 24-year-old on F-1 OPT, feeling incredibly frustrated with my job search. I hold a bachelor's degree in accounting and auditing and a master's degree in finance. I have about a year of experience in risk advisory at a Big 4 firm in my home country, along with a 10-month internal audit internship at a Fortune 500 company in the US. I'm specifically targeting internal audit roles that require 0-5 years of experience, but I'm facing constant rejections. I rarely even get to the HR phone screen, and when I do, it often doesn't progress because companies either don't want to hire someone without citizenship or a green card or they prefer candidates with more specialized experience. I'm currently preparing for my CIA part-1 exam, hoping that will improve my chances. It’s exhausting to feel like I’m stuck in a loop of applying for positions I know I can excel in, only to be auto-filtered out for internships since I'm no longer a student. Even entry-level roles (0-2/3 years of experience) are rejecting me, leaving me confused about whether I'm seen as underqualified or overqualified. I've also tried branching out into Financial Analyst and FP&A roles, as I noticed some of my peers landing these positions with no experience, but I'm not having any luck there either. I've tailored my resumes for each job application, and sometimes I even indicate that I don't need sponsorship just to see if it helps me get an HR phone screen, but it rarely leads to anything. The feedback I get is often vague, stating they've found candidates that better align with the role, even when I feel I meet the job description perfectly. I’m hesitant to spend a lot on consultancy services that promise to optimize my resume with keywords, especially when they take a large percentage of my first-year salary without guaranteeing a job. I'm open to any suggestions or advice on how to navigate this challenging job market.

Today, I faced a heartbreaking situation regarding my job at a local company where I recently started as a temporary employee. I was thrilled to join this team just two months ago, as the pay was great, the hours were flexible, and the work environment was fantastic. I genuinely loved going to work every day and felt a strong connection with my bosses and colleagues. However, I received some devastating news from my doctor yesterday. After some tests, it turns out that I am very unwell and will need to be hospitalized for an extended period due to my condition. This news has left me feeling completely devastated, as I had hoped to work through the summer while finishing my studies. Now, I find myself in the difficult position of needing to quit a job that I truly love, and the thought of disappointing my bosses is weighing heavily on me. I want to handle this situation professionally and communicate to them that this decision is entirely out of my control. I plan to request a private meeting to explain my circumstances honestly and respectfully. I am reaching out for advice on how to approach this conversation and ensure I leave on good terms, as I would hate to burn any bridges. Any suggestions on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated.

I was laid off today after just four hours of work, receiving the news via email. The paperwork they sent was dated for yesterday, which feels a bit ridiculous. To add insult to injury, they shorted me a day of PTO but claimed they processed a severance check 'in good faith.' However, they also want me to sign a non-sue agreement to release the severance. This company is Canadian and is shutting down their US operations, specifically in California. I’m tempted to ask for that missing day of PTO and the hours I worked this morning, but I’m worried that it might jeopardize the severance offer since they’ve made it clear I can’t pursue them legally. I’m also debating whether to apply for unemployment benefits today or wait until Sunday, as I’ve heard mixed opinions on the timing. I’m considering consulting an employment lawyer to get some clarity on my situation and to ensure I have documented evidence of my layoff and the hours I worked.

I’ve learned a tough lesson about loyalty in the workplace. After dedicating three years to my role as a senior developer at my company, I found out that my manager decided to hire three new employees to replace me and another senior dev. It feels disheartening to realize that we’re seen as not 'sexy' enough anymore. One of the new hires is particularly toxic, being rude and micromanaging our work, yet the manager seems to support this behavior, placing the blame on us instead. Now, it seems like they want us to resign. I've spent countless sleepless nights working hard for this company, and this is the reward I get. I’m considering my options, especially after seeing advice about not resigning and pushing for a layoff instead to secure severance and unemployment.

I recently had two interviews with a company that seemed to go really well. After the second interview, the CEO even reached out to me, expressing that they felt positive about my fit for the role and asked when I could start. I responded by saying that I would need to give my current employer a two weeks' notice, but that this was contingent on receiving a formal offer letter first. I mentioned that mid-July would be the earliest I could start, as we are nearing July. Interestingly, we hadn't even discussed compensation yet, and I can't just leave my current job without knowing if the new position would offer at least what I currently make. To be honest, I don't have a strong attachment to my current job; it's not a career maker for me. However, I'm left wondering if my straightforward approach was off-putting to them. I feel like I was just being honest about my situation, but I can't help but think that maybe they were turned off by my need for an offer before resigning. It's ironic how employers expect a two weeks' notice when resigning, yet they often want candidates to leave their current jobs without any notice when hiring.

I’ve been helping my boyfriend with his job search for finance roles in New York, but it's been tough. He’s been applying for months and hasn’t landed a single interview. I reached out for feedback on his resume, hoping to get some insights on how to improve it. A lot of the comments suggested that his resume is too lengthy and reads more like an essay than a concise summary of his qualifications. One commenter pointed out that his opening line about identifying a $70 million misclassification was too detailed and should be simplified. They recommended shortening every bullet point to make it easier for hiring managers to read. Another piece of advice was to include a skills section at the top that matches the job descriptions he’s applying for. It seems like he needs to focus on using buzzwords and phrases that are relevant to the positions to get past the initial screening. Some commenters also mentioned that his state school background might be a disadvantage in the competitive NYC finance scene, emphasizing the importance of networking and presenting a polished image. I’m hoping to take this feedback and help him refine his resume so he can finally get some interviews.

I just received an invitation for an in-person interview and they are flying me out from the east coast to the west coast. This is my first time going through this process, so I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. I have a general idea of what to expect during the interview, but I want to make sure I'm fully prepared. I'm looking for any recommendations on questions I should ask during the interview or any tips that could help me navigate this experience successfully.

I'm currently a university student studying Computer Science, and I've been struggling to find a job that fits my schedule. Employers seem to prefer candidates who are available without any restrictions, which has made my search really challenging. As a result, I decided to take a serving job at Olive Garden, but the pay is really low compared to the effort I put in. Now, I'm actively looking for another job that would allow me to transfer to a location closer to my school, Illinois State University (ISU). I'm hoping to find something better soon!

I was laid off in March 2024 and have been on the job hunt ever since. I've submitted hundreds of applications for Software Engineering, DevOps, and Cloud Technology roles, but the response has been disheartening. Most of the interviews I've managed to get have been brief, lasting only 4 to 5 minutes, and they rarely lead anywhere meaningful. I have nearly 3 years of experience in fintech, working with technologies like Java, XML, Spring Boot, Kubernetes, Azure, and Groovy. My full-stack experience includes JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, and Express. To stay sharp, I've been using AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT, and I've even deployed a React application on Netlify and full-stack apps on Heroku while contributing to open source projects. Back in 2021, I was frequently approached by recruiters, and interviews were abundant. However, the job market has changed dramatically since then, and I know I’m not the only one facing this challenge. I’ve been networking actively, attending local tech events, and posting on LinkedIn. I'm also considering opportunities in other states, including North Carolina and Texas. I'm reaching out to the community for advice. What strategies or platforms are working for you in the 2026 tech job market? Any recommendations for roles to explore or connections that could help would be greatly appreciated.

I had a really unsettling experience at my job recently. I'm currently in my probationary period as staff at an academic institution, and I received a performance appraisal that I thought was supposed to be a straightforward review. However, my manager asked me to rewrite it before she sends it to HR, which feels like it's turning into a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). During our annual review meeting, I expected to discuss my performance, especially areas where I might need improvement. Instead, my manager went through my appraisal and, even for the sections where I was rated highly, she insisted that I come up with ways to improve. For example, I was praised for processing reimbursements efficiently, but she wanted me to list actions to push beyond that, which felt absurd since it's a straightforward task. She also instructed me to remove the context I had provided about my work and her own positive feedback, which was concerning. It felt like she was trying to reframe my performance to highlight deficiencies rather than acknowledge my contributions. I'm worried that what will be sent to HR will look like a list of my shortcomings, even though I had received no negative feedback prior to this. To make matters worse, I have a meeting with the ombuds office scheduled for the afternoon after I need to submit the revised appraisal. I’m feeling anxious about whether I'm being overly paranoid or if this is genuinely a strange situation. I want to remain professional, but I'm concerned this is being used to build a case against me before my probation review.

I recently applied for unemployment benefits after being let go from my job in May. I filled out the necessary forms for my most recent employer, and their statement about my termination seemed accurate. I was let go due to poor performance, but I didn’t break any rules. Now, I’ve received another claimant form from a previous employer where I worked from February to April 2025. Their statement about my termination is quite harsh and includes some inaccuracies. They claim I was hired for a temporary position and that I lacked urgency, skill, and knowledge, often played on my phone, and was not suitable for any permanent role due to my work ethic. They also stated that my negligence could have caused significant issues with clients' tax returns, which I find misleading since I only passed them off for review and didn’t file them myself. I was never warned about my phone usage or my performance; I only received some pointers for improvement. I accidentally agreed to their statements while submitting the form, but I plan to contact the unemployment office to correct my answers. I'm worried that these statements might disqualify me from receiving unemployment benefits. If that’s the case, would I need to file an appeal? Also, is their claim about potential harm accurate, given my actual role in the process?

I worked at a non-profit organization for nearly three years and was consistently praised and promoted during that time. However, in August 2025, I faced a significant relapse in my mental health, which led me to enter a day program to adjust my medications. I took two weeks off work for this, but HR repeatedly denied my requests for FMLA. When I returned, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Shortly thereafter, my dad and grandpa were diagnosed with cancer, and I was ultimately fired in December 2025. My dad passed away in January, which hit me hard. In February, I started working part-time to make ends meet, but my grandpa's health worsened due to heart failure and complications from a fall. I struggled with my mental health and often called in sick to my part-time job, sometimes unable to even get out of bed. Eventually, I stopped going to that job altogether. Now, I'm worried about losing my benefits and feel like I'm at a breaking point. I’m unsure about what my next steps should be.

Today, I was forced to resign from my job as a daycare teacher after 2.5 years. My original resignation date was set for July 31, 2026, as I have a new position lined up with the local school system starting in August. However, on June 29, 2026, I had a particularly overwhelming day in the classroom and communicated to my manager that I might not be able to finish the week without proper support. This morning, before I even clocked in, I was called into the office and told that due to complaints about the lack of support, my resignation was being moved to today, July 1, 2026. My manager insisted that she didn't want me coming to work upset and presented me with a resignation form that I felt I had no choice but to sign, with a higher-up present on a video call to validate the process. I did not receive a copy of the resignation form, so I followed up with an email requesting a copy. Now, I'm left wondering if I'm eligible for unemployment benefits.

I was recently made redundant from my job as a General Manager (Vice President) in Australia, where I was earning about 155K USD. Unfortunately, my work visa was also pulled. I managed to secure a new position in the USA that offers the same salary, along with a full relocation package, but it's for a Director role, which is a step down. Just last week, I received an offer from a company in Australia that wants to sponsor me to stay as a General Manager (Vice President), but the salary is lower at 138K USD. The job in the USA comes with unlimited PTO, which I see as a negative since it can sometimes lead to pressure to not take time off. It also has a 5% 401K match, cheap PPO insurance, and is located in a great mid-sized city. On the other hand, the Australian job offers the standard 4 weeks of PTO and a 12% superannuation contribution, plus I wouldn't need to relocate. However, I would have to fly regularly to remote areas to manage different venues. I'm weighing my options and wondering if there are compelling reasons to choose the job in Australia over the new opportunity in the USA.

I recently had an experience while interviewing for a new role that left me feeling uncertain about the process. I was invited to schedule an in-person interview for a position similar to my current job but with slightly better pay. Given that I’m feeling burned out in my current role, I was eager to explore this opportunity. I scheduled the interview for a day when I was leaving work early, which meant I wouldn’t need to take PTO. However, the next morning, I received a text from the interviewer saying she needed to reschedule because she was taking the day off. She sent me another scheduling link, but unfortunately, none of the available times worked for me without conflicting with my job. I explained my situation and asked if there was a possibility for a later time or a virtual option, but I didn’t hear back that day. Trying to stay proactive, I booked one of the later slots anyway, but still received no response. Eventually, I decided to cancel the interview, expressing my gratitude for the opportunity but stating that I needed to withdraw. Almost a week later, I got another text from the interviewer asking if I was still interested in the role and offering to coordinate a time that works for everyone. This left me confused because I had already shared my availability, and it felt like the scheduling process had stalled and then suddenly restarted. Now, I'm left wondering if this disorganization is a red flag or if I'm just overthinking the situation.

I recently left my job due to an extremely disrespectful and unprofessional work environment. My boss was a bully, and I knew I had to remove myself from that situation for my own well-being. Now, I'm facing the challenge of explaining my departure in interviews without badmouthing my previous employer. I want to frame it positively, highlighting my desire for a work environment that aligns with my values of respect and professionalism. Currently, I'm unemployed and have only had one interview, but I haven't heard back yet. It's nerve-wracking to think that finding a new job might take months. I also need to address the gap in my work history during interviews. I want to convey that I’ve been intentional about finding the right fit instead of rushing into another negative situation. I've been upskilling and networking, and I'm eager to contribute to a team where I can thrive. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate these discussions in interviews.

Today, I wanted to share my experience regarding a job offer I received from Waste Management in Pennsylvania. After an exhausting eight-month job search, which included three months of helping my dad through a health scare, I finally got an offer in sales. However, there's a catch: I need to complete a drug screening and background check. As a licensed medical marijuana patient in Pennsylvania, I'm feeling a bit anxious about how this might affect my offer. I'm unsure if I should bring up my medical marijuana card with the recruiter or hiring manager proactively, or just wait to see the results of the drug screening. I've heard mixed opinions about the protections offered under Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act. Some people have suggested that organizations with federal contracts may not recognize state laws, which adds to my stress. I’m really excited about the opportunity but worried that I could lose it over this issue. If anyone has navigated a similar situation, your advice would be greatly appreciated!

I have an interview for a job that is about 30 minutes away by car, but it would take me 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus. I'm really unsure if this commute is worth it, especially since the work hours are from 9 to 5, meaning I wouldn't get home until around 7 PM. I can't drive yet, and taking an Uber would be way too expensive for me. I've been considering the impact this long commute would have on my quality of life. Some people have suggested that I should think about other job options or even moving closer in the future. Others pointed out that this commute adds three hours to my workday without pay, which could significantly reduce my effective wage. I remember how exhausting it was to commute to university for 1 hour and 15 minutes before everything went online during COVID. It really drained me. I started my job search in October and bought a car in February, which has made a huge difference in my commuting experience.

I’m reaching out for some real-world advice on finding a job as someone with a felony record. I’ve been sober for over three years and have stayed out of trouble since my last arrest in 2022. Currently, I’m employed, but I’m looking to build a career rather than just get a quick paycheck. I have solid work references and a strong work ethic, and I’m eager to learn a trade or start in an industry where I can grow. I know my extensive criminal history can close a lot of doors, but I’m hoping to connect with people who have been in similar situations, especially those in recovery or who own businesses that genuinely give second chances. If you know of any companies that actually hire individuals with serious records and offer decent pay and growth opportunities, I would really appreciate your input. I’m based in Florida but am open to hearing about suggestions from anywhere. It would be great if you could share why you recommend the company, especially if you’ve worked there or know someone who has. I’m ready to work hard and continue building the life I’ve fought so hard to create. Thanks for any help!

I'm currently in a challenging situation as I navigate my first Outside Sales Representative (OSR) role at a Managed Service Provider (MSP) in Central New York. I've been in this position for about six months, and to be honest, I'm feeling overwhelmed and anxious about my performance and future here. I came from a data analyst background, so I lack formal sales experience, which has made this transition particularly tough. The owner of the company hired me primarily because he liked my technical skills and personality, rather than my sales history. Unfortunately, I've found myself struggling with a lack of clear management and direction. The previous sales manager, who was against my hiring due to my lack of MSP experience, was let go shortly after I started. Since then, I've had no direct sales manager, and the owner, who openly admits he doesn't enjoy managing sales, has left me to figure things out on my own. I have fallen into a pattern of analysis paralysis, spending too much time on backend research instead of actively reaching out to potential clients. I know I need to change this and improve my daily activity metrics, but it's been a steep learning curve. To complicate matters, the owner has relied heavily on outsourced consultants for training, which has led to confusion about my role. I was initially expected to juggle both OSR responsibilities and full-time SDR prospecting, which proved to be unmanageable. We've since decided to hire a dedicated SDR, allowing me to refocus on OSR tasks. Additionally, there seems to be a disconnect between our sales and marketing efforts. Our marketing person, who has potential, is overwhelmed with dual responsibilities and unable to execute effective marketing strategies. As a result, we're stuck using generic materials that don't resonate with our audience. Currently, I'm feeling the pressure to generate new sales as both the owner and I are anxious about the lack of new Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). I've worked hard on several proposals for significant deals, but none have closed because the prospects couldn't afford our services. This has left me feeling undervalued, especially since my efforts have gone largely unrecognized. Now, I've been given a clear directive: I need to sign a new client this month and take the owner on visits to potential clients. I'm worried about my job security and whether my boss still believes in my ability to succeed. The pay structure is also a concern; I have a base salary of $35k with uncapped commission for new clients, but there are no residuals or commissions for special projects I've contributed to. Given all of this, I'm reaching out for advice from anyone with experience in sales or MSPs. Is this environment fixable, or should I start considering other opportunities?