Planning

I'm a 16-year-old living in London and I've been trying to find a job for a while now. I've looked at various places like Costa, Tesco, and Morrisons, but it seems like most of the positions available are for managers or delivery drivers. I've applied to a few jobs, but unfortunately, I've been declined every time. I'm considering looking for work at smaller businesses, maybe a record store in central London. I'm not sure how to approach applying to these smaller places, so any advice would be really appreciated.

I was terminated yesterday from my role in a private company owned by one of the top 10 private equity firms in the U.S. My previous manager had been sending adjusting journal entries (AJEs) at month-end for bucketing purposes, which I was following diligently. However, my new manager, who started about two months ago, didn't understand the reasoning behind these AJEs and criticized my professionalism on a couple of occasions. I stood my ground respectfully, but it seemed to upset them significantly. After a formal warning following a meeting, I was let go two weeks later, seemingly due to the AJEs that my previous manager had requested. I’ve been doing some research and it looks like this could potentially be retaliation, especially considering the context of possible whistleblowing regarding the AJEs. Additionally, I've learned that the firm has been pushing all divisions to improve their Google review ratings, even suggesting that employees should review their own divisions, which I believe could be illegal. I'm consulting with a friend who is an attorney to explore my options, as I think there might be grounds for a legal case regarding my termination. I'm open to any thoughts or questions on this situation.

I've been on a job search for the last two months, applying to over 700 positions, but I've only managed to land interviews with two companies. It's been incredibly frustrating, and I'm starting to wonder what I'm doing wrong. I update my resume daily and ensure that my ATS keyword match is around 80% for most of the jobs I apply to. I've tried to be proactive by applying to new listings within hours of them being posted. I've also reached out to people on LinkedIn for referrals, but it seems like I'm not getting much traction there either. Some people have been kind enough to refer me, but I haven't heard back from anyone. I'm reaching out to see if anyone who has successfully landed a job could share their experiences and any tips on what I might be missing in my approach.

I had an interview yesterday for a position that had a salary listed in the job posting. The conversation started off with the usual questions, and when I confirmed that I was okay with the stated salary, the interviewer surprised me by asking about my previous salary. I was caught off guard since I’ve never been asked this before in an interview. Feeling pressured, I answered honestly, revealing that my previous salary was about $20,000 less than what this new job is offering. Now, I can’t stop thinking about that question and whether I should have responded differently. If I don’t get the job, it’s not the end of the world, but I want to be better prepared for future interviews.

I'm currently in a tough spot after losing my job and my car breaking down. I'm considering options that provide housing, like working at a summer camp, joining the merchant marines, or even working on a fishing boat. With public transit being unreliable in my area, I'm hesitant to apply for jobs that I can't easily reach. I'm at a pivotal moment in my life and need to find a new job to move forward.

I recently learned that my company is implementing a hiring freeze and may be considering layoffs. I started my job a few months ago and am currently in my probationary period, which has me feeling anxious about my job security. Until now, I felt pretty safe as I've received consistent praise for my work from both coworkers and managers. I’m the only one on my team who hasn’t called out sick, and my presence is valued. However, with the company facing financial difficulties, I can’t shake the worry that I might be among those let go when my probation ends. I’ve heard that the last in, first out policy is common during layoffs, and while I hope my performance will keep me safe, I know I need to prepare for the worst and possibly start looking for new opportunities.

I've always envisioned myself as a career woman, but I haven't quite found the right path yet. I graduated with a communications degree, but I've never really utilized it to its full potential. I'm quite skilled with social media, especially TikTok, and I've been volunteering at a cat shelter where I've successfully helped many cats get adopted through my videos, some even reaching tens of thousands of views. For income, I worked as a stripper/exotic dancer, and while the money was fantastic at first, it dwindled as people started spending less at clubs. I left that job earlier this year and am now bartending at a family restaurant, which is a stark contrast, and honestly, the pay isn't great either. I also tried my hand at running my own electrolysis business. It was a niche market, but starting a business opened my eyes to how risky and costly it can be. Paying rent is no joke! I realized I want a business that can operate without my constant presence. I even attempted to go back to school for Dental Hygiene, got accepted into the program, but quickly realized it wasn't for me. So here I am, feeling a bit lost and wondering what my next steps should be. Any advice on how to move forward?

Today, I received a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my consulting job after three years of employment. This came as a shock since I was not given any prior coaching or written warnings about my performance issues. I acknowledged my mistakes, particularly around time management, but I only learned about previous performance concerns from earlier this year in June. These issues included poor communication and technical writing, which I wasn't made aware of until recently. The PIP outlines expectations for my performance, including a requirement to be in the office five days a week. This is particularly challenging for me as I have two young children in daycare and my commute to the office is at least 1.5 to 2 hours each way due to public transportation. My husband already works four days a week in the office, making it difficult to manage childcare effectively. I feel that the PIP is set up for me to fail, and I have started considering my options for finding new employment. I’m conflicted about whether to stay and complete the PIP or resign, as quitting would mean losing unemployment benefits. However, I worry that my performance will suffer further if I can't meet the new office requirements, potentially leading to termination. I'm seeking advice on the best course of action.

I'm currently working a summer job at a water park, which has been great due to its good pay, flexibility, and supportive management. However, this position will end in October, and I'm actively looking for a more permanent role. I've got interviews lined up for two jobs that pay well, but I'm concerned about my availability since I won't be fully free until my summer job wraps up. I really want to secure a long-term position that can help me with moving out and covering tuition costs. During the interviews, I'm planning to be honest about my current job and the limited availability I have until October. I hope that by emphasizing my dedication and willingness to work hard once I'm free, the employers will understand my situation. One of the positions I'm particularly interested in is at Sam's Club, which is conveniently located near my college and home. It's a part-time role, but I've heard they might have stricter scheduling policies, which makes me a bit anxious. I'm hoping to navigate this job search successfully while maintaining a balance in my personal life.

I recently received a job offer for $12.00 per hour, but the catch is that it involves a 36-mile round trip commute. I'm torn about whether it's worth it. On one hand, I really need a job, and something is better than nothing. On the other hand, I'm unsure if the low wage justifies the long commute. I've been considering the advice from others: if the job isn't relevant to my field or if it doesn't help me avoid homelessness, maybe I should keep looking. Some comments suggest that the commute isn't too bad if I have a car or access to public transit, and that the experience could be valuable in the long run. However, I also need to factor in gas costs and the time spent commuting, which could diminish my earnings significantly. I'm in a bit of a dilemma and would appreciate any further thoughts on whether I should take this offer while continuing my job search.

Today, I want to document my worries about my mom's job situation. I'm 17 and my mom is 58, a single parent who was recently laid off from her long-term job at a car dealership. We had just moved into a two-bedroom apartment less than a year ago, and I'm really concerned about how we're going to keep up with the rent. She's applied to hundreds of jobs but has only heard back from low-paying part-time positions. Since the summer started, she's been struggling to find a full-time job. She worked part-time as a tutor during the school year, but now that it's summer, she needs something more stable. I know she prefers remote work now, especially since we live in LA County (specifically the 626 area). She has a master's degree in ESL and a bachelor's degree, though I can't recall her major. I'm reaching out for advice or any job opportunities that might be available for her. I don't want to sound like I'm guilt-tripping, but we're genuinely in a tough financial situation, and I'm scared of eviction. I’ve considered selling my art online to contribute, but I’m also busy with summer classes and college applications, which makes it hard for me to take on a job myself. If anyone has suggestions or knows of any resources that could help my mom find work, I would greatly appreciate it.

I recently signed up with a staffing agency for a potential job opportunity. After I completed all the onboarding paperwork and signed everything, I was told I would start two days ago. The recruiter assured me she would reach out with further details, but I haven't heard from her since. I've tried calling and emailing multiple times, but no response. It's frustrating to go through the hassle of onboarding only to be ghosted like this. I'm considering reaching out again, but I'm also thinking about exploring other job opportunities in the meantime.

Last week, I was unexpectedly laid off from my position as a game designer at a small game division within a larger company. The news hit hard, as 10% of the workforce was cut across the company without any prior warning to supervisors or team leaders. It seemed like they targeted newer employees with higher salaries, which was disheartening. Notably, some of the top programmers, our project manager who had extensive AI knowledge, and the only 3D and UI/UX artists were all let go. Just a few days after the layoffs, I attended a post-layoff meeting where the division president shared plans to implement AI throughout the company. They had even purchased Claude for the entire team. Interestingly, our creative director pointed out that we had been using AI to assist in asset creation for nearly two years, but Claude wouldn't be useful for the art team since it doesn't generate images. The president's response was vague, simply urging us to 'just use AI wherever you can.' It feels frustrating to see such a lack of understanding about the tools we actually need.

I'm navigating a surprising turn in my job search after being laid off from a company I'll refer to as "Red" about a year ago. Recently, I interviewed for a W2 role at a company called "Blue" through a contracting firm. My recruiter believes feedback and possibly an offer are on the horizon. The pay is lower than what I earned at Red, but it's still a decent rate, albeit without benefits. Interestingly, I've received outreach from recruiters at Red regarding a W2 role that offers significantly less than my previous salary. Given my feelings about the layoff, I initially declined. However, I did mention that I would consider returning for a rate about 40% higher than my last salary. To my surprise, they countered with an offer that was around 33% more, with the possibility of remote or hybrid work, which I didn't expect. I've been weighing my options between Blue and Red: **Blue:** - Good hourly rate, with potential for negotiation after a year. - No benefits. - Fully in-office, which means a longer commute, but the office looks appealing. - Reportedly stable for a contract role. - Would enhance my resume significantly. **Red:** - Substantial pay increase. - Basic benefits available. - Likely remote or hybrid work. - Less stability, as Red often cuts contractors when budgets tighten. - The emotional baggage from my previous experience there is heavy, but the pay is tempting. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to proceed. I want to be transparent with my recruiter at Blue about the new offer from Red, but I'm worried about jeopardizing my chances with Blue. Should I reach out to my recruiter now, wait until I receive an offer from Blue, or just accept Blue's offer at the current rate and only mention Red's offer if it comes through later? If anyone has experience in contractor roles, I would appreciate your insights on how to handle this situation.

I'm feeling really frustrated with my job situation. I've been working in the trades for years, managing chronic knee pain that I deal with daily. Recently, I tried to join a union but faced discrimination due to my use of cannabis for pain relief, which is legal in my state. This has led me to consider nursing school, but I'm worried about facing the same issues there. It's disheartening to see colleagues who are open alcoholics getting promotions while I'm being overlooked because I refuse to lie on drug tests. I just want to find a decent job where I can earn a living without compromising my health or integrity. I can't keep taking prescription painkillers due to their severe side effects, and it feels like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm currently back in school, trying to figure out my next career move, but the options seem limited.

I recently applied for a new job within my government role, hoping for more remote days since my current position has become unbearable. I've been here for three years, and on my non-remote days, I often find myself with nothing to do, facing a terrible office environment and a frustrating commute. Thankfully, my boss is wonderful and supportive, especially regarding my health issues, but I feel stuck in a position that's not helping me grow. After two interviews, I received an email asking for references, but I don't have anyone from previous jobs I can reach out to. This puts me in a tough spot with two choices: I could put in my notice and ask my current boss for a reference, risking everything since I haven't been officially offered the new position yet. Alternatively, I could tell them I've changed my mind and stay in my current role, which feels stagnant and unfulfilling. I'm really torn. I fear that if I stay, I might be in the same situation three years down the line, exhausted and unfulfilled. I don’t have friends or family to discuss this with, so I’m looking for any advice on how to navigate this challenging decision.

I just learned that Cisco is planning to lay off over 400 workers in California. It's disheartening to see such a large number of employees affected by this decision. There are also concerns about the company potentially offshoring jobs, which adds to the uncertainty for those of us still employed. I'm trying to stay positive and keep my options open as I navigate this situation.

I’m currently preparing for a potential layoff after spending over 15 years with my employer. Throughout my career, I've survived multiple rounds of layoffs, but I’ve also faced a demotion from manager track to individual contributor. I’ve always maintained a positive attitude, which I believe has helped me keep my job during tough times. Now, after 25 years in the workforce, I find it challenging to stay vigilant about job searching and interviewing, especially since I haven’t updated my resume or interviewed since the pandemic. While my industry is experiencing a temporary upturn driven by AI, I know that downturns often follow. Financially, I’m in a good position with a portfolio of $4.1 million, including $350,000 in liquid cash, and $2 million in home equity, although I still have a mortgage. This means I wouldn’t be in immediate need of a job if I were laid off, especially with a likely severance of over six months. I’m contemplating whether to continue in my current role or explore opportunities that have come my way from recruiters and startups. However, I really value the flexibility I have due to my long tenure, which might be hard to replicate elsewhere. Given my financial situation, I’m wondering if it’s worth it to stay put or to start looking for something new.

I currently work at a warehouse where I'm physically overworked, and it's taking a toll on my health. My role involves loading trucks by hand, often lifting boxes that weigh around 80 pounds. Unfortunately, the company has been cutting back on staff, so I'm frequently left to handle the workload of two or three people. This has become increasingly difficult as the demand for orders rises while the number of employees decreases. My boss is not supportive at all; she tends to ignore me and is unapproachable when I try to make suggestions to improve my work conditions. She micromanages me but doesn't do the same with my colleagues, which feels really unfair. I've lost a significant amount of weight, going from 315 pounds to 250 pounds, but I wake up sore every day. Despite having over 15 years of warehouse experience, I've been struggling to find other types of work. I've applied for positions in sales, customer service, and office roles, emphasizing my transferable skills, but I keep getting rejected. My coworkers often belittle me and make fun of my pace, which is slow due to exhaustion and soreness. I know I can't stay in this job much longer, as it's affecting my well-being and financial situation. I earn $19 an hour, which isn't enough to cover my bills while living alone. I'm considering whether to look for another warehouse job on a different shift while going back to school or to keep trying for jobs outside of warehouse work. I need to make a change, but I'm unsure of the best path forward.

I am currently a scientist with a PhD in organic synthesis, working at a pharmaceutical company in Oregon since 2025. I got involved in an internal organic synthesis research project with a Senior scientist, which was not part of my main job but was necessary for my promotion. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that the team's scientific knowledge was lacking, and they seemed more focused on networking than conducting proper research. As I contributed to designing reactions, I grew increasingly concerned that we were misrepresenting our findings to global leadership, which could mislead shareholders. My alarm heightened when I experienced a disturbing incident where the Senior scientist forcibly took a pen from me during documentation, then complained about my skills to the director. I decided to leave the project due to ethical concerns and poor leadership. My manager attempted to mediate, but it only escalated tensions. When I proposed to stay for a few more weeks, the Senior scientist threatened to pull our poster presentation if I left, which I viewed as retaliation. Eventually, I left the project, and the poster was indeed pulled due to 'insufficient data.' To ensure I could still work on research for my promotion, I proposed my own project, but during the review, the Senior scientist and another colleague attacked my idea, humiliating me for half an hour. This experience felt targeted and was described by others as typical harassment from the research group. Realizing I had no future at the company, I began applying for new jobs and recently had an interview. However, I face a dilemma: if I leave now, I will owe $7,000 for relocation costs due to the package I accepted when I joined. I’m considering asking my manager to waive this fee given the circumstances, but I'm unsure about the legal options I might have regarding workplace harassment. I know that the EEOC guidelines focus on protected classes, but harassment can also be unlawful if it’s pervasive and hostile. I am hesitant to threaten legal action as I want to avoid burning bridges. I’m reaching out for advice on how to navigate this situation without incurring relocation costs and while maintaining professional relationships.