Planning

Today marks a significant milestone for me as I started my new job after being unemployed for almost exactly a month. I was laid off from my previous company on July 20th, and it was a challenging time for me. I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their support during my job search journey. I created a Sankey chart to visualize my job search stats, which I hope might be helpful for others in a similar situation. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a new position so quickly, and I recognize that my hard work played a role, but luck was also on my side when a company decided to take an interest in me. For those of you who are still job hunting, I understand how scary and difficult it can be, especially when the timeline for finding a new role is uncertain. Please keep pushing through and submitting those applications, even when it feels discouraging. I'm here to help if anyone has questions or needs advice. We’re all in this together.

I recently rescinded my resignation at my job in the news industry. I signed a contract two years ago with a well-known company in a major market, but it has been a challenging experience. My schedule has been miserable, with three different start times each week initially, and then I was moved to all overnight shifts, working from 11 PM to 7 AM five nights a week. During this time, I faced personal tragedy when my younger brother passed away unexpectedly. My request for extended leave was denied, and I had to use all my vacation time to support my family. Additionally, my requests for vacation were often ignored, leaving me to find out I was still scheduled without any notification. I had expressed my desire to move to a better shift multiple times, but it fell on deaf ears. Recently, they hired two new employees for the dayside role I had been wanting, and I was told they wished they had known about my interest. I was ready to quit when my contract ended, but on the same day I submitted my resignation, I took it back. I felt trapped by a kind of corporate Stockholm syndrome and the fear of not having another job lined up. My mental and physical health have taken a toll; I'm only 27, my hair is falling out, and I rarely see my partner. I've been applying for jobs like crazy, but nothing has come through yet. I’m struggling to decide what’s worse: staying in a job that’s damaging my health or quitting without a safety net.

I recently found myself in an interesting situation while job hunting. I was contacted by both a recruiter and the company itself for the same position. The role is appealing, but I have to decide whether to go through the agency, which would likely mean a contract position, or apply directly to the company for a full-time role. I definitely prefer the direct hire option since I would be leaving my current full-time job for this opportunity. Now, I'm wondering if I need to disclose to either party that I learned about the job from both sources. I've heard that if I let the recruiter present me, the company might not consider me since they already reached out directly. It's a bit of a dilemma!

Feeling really overwhelmed right now. I'm a 21-year-old female and since March, I've been on the job hunt, applying to around 100 positions and attending several interviews. I've been putting in the effort to learn data analysis and have been working on projects to improve my skills, especially in Python. Despite all my hard work, I haven't landed a job yet, and it's starting to take a toll on me. I received my provisional certificate in May, but the unemployment has been really tough on my mental health and my family. I just wish I could contribute more and make things easier for us. It's frustrating and I’m honestly at a loss for what to do next. I just need a break from all this stress.

I’m currently preparing for an unemployment appeal hearing in Washington regarding my separation from my previous job. I accepted a PEP (separation agreement) after being placed on a final written warning, and I’m worried that my case will be seen as a simple voluntary quit without considering the serious circumstances that led to my departure. I started my job in May 2022 after being recruited for the position. However, from November to December 2023, my husband suffered a severe medical crisis, and I became his sole caregiver. This involved taking him to numerous appointments, coordinating his care, and managing crises when he was disconnected from reality. I took FMLA leave during this time but returned to work afterward. Despite my efforts to balance work and caregiving, my husband's ongoing medical issues took a toll on my physical and emotional health. I was under significant stress and was seeing a therapist throughout this period. In August 2025, I received my first written warning for performance issues, which I discussed with HR, explaining my situation and my commitment to improving. I continued to work hard until I received a final written warning in March 2026, at which point I was offered a PEP due to my manager's belief that my strengths didn’t align with the role. I accepted the PEP on April 3, and my employment ended on April 17. I moved to Michigan shortly after and started a new job in July. I know that accepting the PEP makes this a voluntary separation issue, but I’m hoping to argue that my circumstances qualify as good cause under Washington law. I have documentation to support my case, including the PEP, written warnings, and a statement from my therapist. I’m seeking advice on several points: how the acceptance of the PEP affects the good-cause analysis, whether my FMLA leave and caregiving responsibilities support my argument, how to present these circumstances at the hearing, and how to address my previous statement of being 'laid off.' Additionally, I want to know what questions I should be prepared for from the OAH judge. I’m not looking for validation; I just want to understand my position and how to present my facts accurately.

I'm currently seeking advice on how to secure a Senior Game Designer role at a reputable game company. With over 10 years of experience in game design, primarily focused on F2P casual and hyper-casual mobile games, I hold a senior position in India. However, I'm feeling the need for a change due to limited growth opportunities, lower monetary benefits, and the repetitive nature of our games that mostly follow existing market trends. I've been actively improving my skills and integrating AI tools to enhance my design workflow, but my job search has been quite discouraging. I've faced numerous rejections and instances of ghosting throughout the process, even after multiple interview rounds and technical/design tests. LinkedIn and job portals haven't yielded much success either, as finding relevant Senior Game Designer roles has proven to be a challenge. I'm beginning to wonder if there's something missing in my profile or approach, or if the current job market is simply tough. I'm looking for insights on how to improve my resume and portfolio, what types of case studies or skills are expected at the Senior level, and whether I should prioritize networking and referrals over traditional job portals. Additionally, I'm curious about specific skills, companies, or regions I should target. I'm determined to make this career transition, but after facing repeated rejections without much feedback, I'm struggling to identify what I need to change. I really want to stay hopeful, but I also want to ensure I'm focusing on the right areas.

I've been diving into my job search lately and it's turned into a lot of administrative work. I spent last weekend timing how long it takes me to apply for jobs, and it averages about 15 minutes per application. This includes logging into various portals, re-typing my work history, and answering the same screener questions over and over again. I'm curious if others are experiencing the same thing and how they handle it. Do you just power through the tedious process, or have you found ways to cut corners?

I recently received an offer for a hybrid engineering position that requires me to be in the office three days a week. The job is located about five hours away from where I ultimately want to settle down, which is closer to my family. Currently, I work on-site in an engineering role about four hours from my desired city. The offer does include some relocation assistance, which is great, but I’m considering negotiating for a different arrangement. My plan is to propose that for the first year, I relocate to the job's city and work on-site as required. After that first year, I would like to transition to a schedule where I only need to be in the office two days a week. This would allow me to move closer to my family while still fulfilling my job requirements. The reason for this request is quite personal; my parents are aging and facing some medical issues, so being nearer to them is important to me. I believe that a two-day-per-week arrangement is feasible since I interviewed with another company during my job search that offered a similar schedule. I’m reaching out for advice from anyone who has experience negotiating hybrid work arrangements after receiving an offer. What concerns should I be aware of? Should I negotiate the two-day schedule after the first year or ask for the entire arrangement upfront? Is there anything I could offer to make my proposal more appealing? I’m also worried about the risk of jeopardizing the offer by making this request. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently a 5th-year architecture student, set to graduate in July 2027, and I am actively seeking part-time remote design or drafting work starting immediately. My goal is to transition into a full-time in-person role with relocation after graduation. I'm open to opportunities in Europe, Australia, and the USA. In terms of experience, I have hands-on involvement in leading both interior and architectural projects, which includes everything from creating initial mood boards and selecting materials to producing 2D technical drawings and coordinating on-site activities. I also have a background in project and operations management, where I've handled property operations, vendor coordination, and design workflows with cross-functional teams. My core competencies include technical drafting, 3D visualization, spatial planning, and material specifications. Currently, I am available for remote architectural drafting, 3D rendering, or interior design assistance while I finish my final academic year. After graduation, I am eligible for the J-1 Intern/Trainee visa program in the USA, and I plan to utilize the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa pathway in Australia. For Europe, I am open to full-time junior design roles or contract positions that offer visa support or sponsorship. If your studio is in need of immediate remote drafting support or is looking to pipeline junior talent for mid-2027, I would love to connect! My portfolio and CV are available upon request.

I applied for an internal position at my company on June 11, which had been posted the day before. After completing two rounds of interviews with the manager and team by June 29, I sent out thank you emails and followed up with both the manager and the recruiter on July 20. While the manager didn't respond, the recruiter mentioned they would reach out to the team for an update. On July 28, I checked my application status on Workday, and it changed from "screening" to "offer," but I still hadn't received any communication. I reached out to the recruiter again on August 10, but they provided the same vague response. I'm feeling anxious because this position is my dream job, and I'm unsure of what to do next besides just waiting.

I recently made the difficult decision to leave my fully remote job after a couple of years. I had reached a point where there was no room for advancement, and despite my love for my team and the flexibility of working from home, the increasing workload without any corresponding increase in pay or title became frustrating. I thought a new opportunity would be the solution: a higher-paying, in-office position with a better title at a reputable company. After discussing my situation with my previous employer and receiving no effort to retain me, I felt compelled to make the switch. Now, one month into this new role, I find myself regretting the decision. I miss the autonomy and freedom I had in my previous job, and I feel overwhelmed by the demands of the corporate environment. My personal time for creative projects and family has diminished, and I’m struggling to find interest in my work. My husband reassures me that the gains will come, but right now, it feels like I’ve lost so much. I wake up each day questioning why I left a situation that offered me so much flexibility. Friends and family are dealing with tougher situations, so I feel embarrassed to express my frustrations. I know this is a transition period, and I’ve been advised to wait a few months before making any rash decisions, but I can’t shake the feeling of regret. I’m torn between the fear of quitting after only a month and the desire to find a role that aligns more with my previous work-life balance. I’m reaching out for advice on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I graduated from college in 2016 and spent nearly 10 months searching for my first job, going through countless interviews and facing numerous rejections before finally landing a position at Walmart. I worked there for a year while continuing to look for a role in my field. After a year, I secured an entry-level position related to my studies. I was able to move up in that role, but unfortunately lost it in 2020 due to the pandemic. It took me a whole year to find another job during that tough time. Fast forward to 2026, I’ve gained more experience and was able to find a new remote position after about 5 months of job searching. Reflecting on my journey, I feel like the job market was more competitive back when I first graduated compared to today. I understand that the job market is complex and competitive now, but I wonder if others have experienced something similar. I’ve heard that it can be easier to find 'a' job now, but the quality of those jobs may have declined. I’m curious about how others perceive the changes in the job market over the years.

I was laid off from my position in Product Management at a UK-based MNC in India back in December 2025, as my role was made redundant along with several others. After over 12 years of stable work, I had hoped to take my time finding a new role, especially since my husband and I were trying to conceive. Unfortunately, in February of this year, my husband lost his job due to internal politics, just as our IVF treatment finally succeeded after two previous failed attempts. While we do have some financial runway for the year, the impending arrival of our baby has made me anxious about our financial situation. My husband has been searching for jobs in Supply Chain and FMCG, where he has over 16 years of experience, but he hasn't had much luck yet. We haven't shared this news with anyone in our circle, and it's been six months since he lost his job, which adds to my anxiety. I won't be able to actively look for a job until at least early next year. We both hold MBAs and have worked with reputable MNCs, so I’m curious if anyone else has faced a similar situation of job loss while starting a family. How long did your job search take, and what strategies helped you cope during that time? I would also appreciate insights from women on how to discuss gaps in employment.

I have been working remotely for the past three years, focusing on marketing analytics, which includes attribution, reporting, performance analysis, and marketing mix modeling (MMM). However, I've hit a wall in my job search and it's been really tough. I’m legally established as an independent contractor and have been working with clients on projects that typically last between six to nine months. Unfortunately, that flow of work has dried up recently. For the last two months, I've been actively looking for full-time remote positions based in the US, but I haven't received any responses. I’ve always relied on clients reaching out to me, and I’ve never had to do outbound or cold outreach before, so this is a new challenge for me. I customize my CV for each application and selectively apply to jobs that fit my skills, but I’m not sure what else I could be doing wrong. I’m fluent in English and my rates are reasonable given that I’m offshore. I’m feeling frustrated and would appreciate any tips or advice on how to improve my chances of landing a remote job.

I'm currently on the hunt for a fully remote job, specifically in the field of translation or document work. I have experience in translating various documents and I'm eager to find opportunities that allow me to work from home. If anyone has leads or suggestions on where to look, I would greatly appreciate it!

I recently made the tough decision to resign from my internship at a big4 company after just three days. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in June and was thrilled to land this internship in July, especially since I also accepted a fully-funded master's program in the same month. I thought I could manage both commitments since my work hours were during the day and classes were in the evening. However, I quickly realized that I was overwhelmed, even before my master's classes had started. On my first day, I was so sick that I couldn't even show up. After asking for a different start date, I returned to work on Monday, but I was still unwell. I pushed through the day, meeting the team and starting my tasks, but I was nauseous and unable to eat properly. After a rough night of vomiting and feeling weak, I called in sick the next day. My health deteriorated to the point where my family called an ambulance for me, and I ended up needing IV fluids due to starvation. After discussing my situation with my family, they suggested I quit the internship since my master's classes were starting soon and I wouldn't be able to handle both effectively. I felt guilty about leaving such a great opportunity, especially since the team was supportive and welcoming. However, I knew that prioritizing my health and education was essential. I sent my resignation email quickly, feeling embarrassed and guilty for not discussing it with anyone first. The HR representative was understanding, but I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment in myself. I had hoped to manage everything, but it became clear that I couldn't even make it through the probation period. Now, as I reflect on my decision, I feel a mix of relief and emptiness, unsure of how to move forward. I know I made the right choice for my well-being, but I can't help but feel like I've failed at adulting.

I am currently in a tough situation at my apprenticeship where I've been for the past three years. I'm 19 years old and have been working as a Level 4 Improvement Specialist, but my company just informed me that by the end of September, they will be transitioning me to a full-time shift role that doesn't utilize any of my qualifications. This new position is something that anyone could easily step into, and I feel like my potential is being completely wasted. Additionally, I'm not fond of the job or the team I would be working with. I'm actively searching for another job, but I'm anxious about not finding something in time. I’m faced with the difficult choice of whether to stay in a role that I dislike or leave without having another job lined up. The shift pattern they’ve proposed is 2 days of 12-hour shifts followed by 2 nights, which I struggled with last year during a project, affecting my sleep and overall well-being.

I recently graduated and am diving into the job search, but I have a question about my previous work experience. I only had one job before university, which was about seven years ago at a home furnishing store. I worked there for around seven months before quitting to focus on my studies. The job had nothing to do with my degree, and I took it mainly for some extra cash while in school. The work environment was tough; I felt unsafe due to a coworker who made a threatening remark after I reported some unprofessional behavior to management. I ended up leaving because I didn’t feel supported, and I was about to start university anyway. Now, I'm worried about how this past job might impact my chances of getting hired. Will potential employers contact them for a reference? What if they find a record of my experience and it reflects poorly on me? I don't remember the names or contact information of the managers I worked with, and I’m concerned that a gap in my employment history might raise questions. Should I include this job on my applications, or is it better to leave it off and explain my focus on education instead?

I’m 30 years old and have been navigating the job market for about 5 years now. I graduated with a master’s in linguistics and landed my first job right after. I stayed there for 2.5 years, but the commute was unbearable—spending 4 to 4.5 hours daily on the road took a serious toll on my life and well-being. I eventually resigned when I found a temporary position closer to home. Since then, I’ve had two more jobs, both temporary roles covering for maternity and sick leave. My current job is at a garden center, but I took it despite having severe allergies. Now, my contract is ending, and I’ve been sending out applications, but I haven’t received any responses. I’m really worried about how my job history will look to potential employers. I’ve changed jobs quite a bit in a short span, and while I’ve had good relationships and experiences in each role, I fear that my resume might raise red flags. I’m concerned that employers will think I’m problematic because of the frequent changes, even though most of my jobs were temporary contracts that ended as expected. I’m seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. Have you had issues with changing jobs frequently? How did you handle it? I really want to secure a permanent position and am feeling anxious about the possibility of going on unemployment.

I just received my offer letter for a Trainee Software Engineer role, and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. As a fresher graduating in 2026, this is my first real opportunity after facing numerous rejections. However, the offer comes with a 24-month service commitment, which has me worried. The letter states that if I leave before the two years are up, I would have to pay back my gross salary for the unfulfilled period. This could be a significant amount, and I'm unsure about the implications if I break this bond. The salary offered is 3.25, and I can't shake the feeling that it's lowballing me, especially if I were to receive a better offer from another company down the line. I'm reaching out for advice on how to navigate this situation. Should I negotiate the terms, or is it a lost cause with this company? I'm eager to start my career in software, but I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!