Planning

I've been feeling overwhelmed with my current situation at work. I’m in software testing, and it seems like every year my department faces layoffs. I've been searching for a new job for over a year now, but it feels hopeless. The tech industry is flooded with layoffs, and every position I find has hundreds of applicants. Most companies are only offering short-term contracts, which makes the competition even tougher. I'm really worried that I might be next on the chopping block. I don’t have family to fall back on, and I rely on my job to support myself and pay for my medications. It’s frustrating to see people going on vacations while so many of us are struggling. I’m considering taking out a loan to study something in the medical field, as I've heard there are more stable job opportunities there. It seems like a lot of people are making similar moves. Is anyone else finding it hard to maintain stability in their job and life right now, or is it just me?

I recently graduated from a civil engineering program in Canada and also hold master's degrees in construction management and urban planning from the US. I'm currently looking for entry-level positions in construction management and urban planning. I've applied to around 300-400 jobs but haven't received any callbacks or interviews yet. I'm starting to wonder if the entry-level job market is really that tough right now. Some job descriptions even ask for 2-3 years of experience for roles that are labeled as entry-level or for new grads, which confuses me since I have no experience at all. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this challenging job market.

I was recently placed on a final warning that doubles as a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my current job. While some of the feedback I received was valid, I couldn't help but notice some nitpicky points and even a few inaccuracies in what was presented. The goals outlined in the PIP seem achievable, but it's been a week since I was assigned any work. Just now, I've been given two critical tasks, and my manager mentioned I could reach out to specific people for support if needed. I transitioned to this role from another position, and as part of that switch, I received an ‘employee and arbitration’ agreement, which was given to me a month after I changed roles. Interestingly, this new agreement includes a clause allowing the company to collect and analyze biometric data, which was not in my original agreement. I received the arbitration agreement 12 days before the PIP was issued, and after taking a week of vacation, I came back to find myself on the PIP. My manager set up weekly one-on-ones, but the last one was canceled since I hadn't been assigned any tasks. I have a feeling that this might be the end of my journey here, but I'm hoping for some feedback on whether I should interpret this situation differently.

I just finished an interview yesterday for a position at Walmart, and I felt it went really well. I made sure to be as pleasant and outgoing as possible during the interview. The manager mentioned that I should expect a call around 2 PM, but that time has passed, and I’m starting to feel a bit anxious about it. This is my first time applying to Walmart, and I’m unsure about the right time to follow up. I remember the manager said I could call back the next day if I didn’t hear anything, but I’m worried about coming off as too pushy. I’d appreciate any advice on when it would be appropriate to reach out.

I've been unemployed for a year now, and I'm really struggling to understand what I'm doing wrong in my job search. I've applied to various positions, but nothing seems to stick. I've received some feedback on my resume, suggesting that I should highlight specific technical skills like Survey Development and Microsoft Excel. It was also pointed out that my summary is too long and filled with vague language. I need to clarify my qualifications as a political scientist and make it clear why I'm a good fit for the roles I’m applying for. Additionally, I’ve been told that my skills section isn't strong enough and doesn't effectively showcase my accomplishments. I'm feeling quite lost and would appreciate any advice or insights.

I’m a 23-year-old who has been unemployed for two years since graduating. Despite my efforts to set up a LinkedIn profile and apply to numerous jobs, I haven’t received any responses. I did manage to get one interview from a phone call, but I never heard back after that. It’s been disheartening to see my friends and family getting responses and interviews while I feel stuck in this endless job search. I’m starting to feel like I might have to return to help with my dad's business, which I really don’t want to do. I’m unsure how to improve my situation or manage the mental toll of this job search. I would appreciate any advice on how to make this process easier or more effective.

I was recently laid off from my role and found myself in a bit of a frenzy trying to gather my work history from company-owned systems to build a proper CV. This experience made me realize how much valuable work information is lost when you no longer have access to those systems. To address this, I've been working on creating a "work passport" app that allows users to document their achievements. The idea is simple: you input details of your work, which gets formatted into a clear Work Card. You can even request confirmation from a manager or peer who witnessed your work. I'm nearing the completion of the app and would love some help testing it before I promote it more widely. I'm looking for a few people who could provide honest feedback on its usability and effectiveness. If anyone is interested, I can send links via DM to avoid spamming here.

I am currently on the job hunt after an 8-year break from the workforce. I'm seeking advice on how to secure a job as quickly as possible. I've seen some suggestions, like tailoring my resume and using tools like ChatGPT for interview prep. I also heard that going directly to businesses and handing in a resume can be effective. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and would appreciate any tips or strategies that could help me navigate this process.

I’ve been on the job hunt for about six months now, and it’s been really tough. I’m 21 and just starting college, but I’ve had a hard time finding a job since I quit my last position as a line cook after nine months. The experience was so stressful and damaging to my mental health that I never want to work in a restaurant again. I struggled with the job, made a lot of mistakes, and faced harassment that really affected my performance. Now, it’s been two years since I’ve had a steady job, and I’m unsure how to explain my employment gap. I usually just say I had health issues that are now resolved, but I worry that might not be the best approach. I updated my resume to include some volunteer work from high school, and I always send a cover letter, but I’m not confident in my writing skills and wonder if that’s hurting my chances. I’d prefer part-time work to balance with my college schedule, but I’ve been so desperate that I’ve told employers I could do full-time. I live about 20 miles from a World Cup stadium, which I hope will create more job opportunities, but commuting is a challenge. I can take public transport, but it’s unreliable and stressful. I’ve considered applying for jobs at the nearby mall since it’s busy right now, and that might be a good option. I’m feeling pretty hopeless and would appreciate any advice or encouragement. It’s hard to stay motivated when it feels like I’m not making any progress.

I’m currently feeling lost in my job search. I have a strong interest in the criminal justice field, particularly in roles related to detective work or family and victim support. However, I’m struggling to figure out how to find the right opportunities since I’m not entirely sure what specific positions to look for. I’m eager to attend a job fair to explore options, but unfortunately, there aren’t any scheduled near me for several months. I’m really tired of endlessly scrolling through job listings on Indeed and seeing the same postings repeatedly. Any advice on how to navigate this uncertainty would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently facing a tough decision regarding my job situation. I started a new position about two months ago, and while it initially seemed like a great opportunity, I've come to realize that it's just not the right fit for me. The work environment has been much more isolated than I anticipated, and I really miss the collaborative atmosphere I thrive in. Before I accepted this job, I had been interviewing with another company, but their hiring process took longer than expected, and I didn't think I would actually get the position. Recently, they made me an offer, and after careful consideration, I’ve decided to accept it because it aligns much better with my long-term career goals. My new job starts in a little over two weeks, which adds to the urgency of my decision. Here's where I'm stuck: my current employment agreement states that I'm an at-will employee and requests, but does not require, that I give two weeks' notice. If I resign now and provide the full two weeks, I'm concerned that my employer could terminate my employment immediately, which would mean losing out on almost two weeks of pay. Since my role is client-facing, I know this is a possibility. My husband thinks it might be safer to wait another week and only give one week's notice to protect our family's income. I've only been with this company for a short time, and I genuinely appreciate the opportunity they've given me. I don’t want to burn any bridges, but at the same time, I have to consider the financial impact on my family, especially with young kids. We have unlimited PTO, so there won't be any vacation payout to help cover the transition. If anyone has been in a similar situation or has advice, especially from managers or HR professionals, I would really appreciate your thoughts on whether I should give the full two weeks or opt for one week instead.

I received a meeting invite for an interactive session with my Business Unit Head, and there are 32 other people included in the invite. The HR team is the one organizing this meeting. I'm starting to feel anxious about it, as it seems like a potential sign of layoffs. The comments from others I've spoken to suggest that they share my concerns. I'm trying to prepare myself for whatever news might come out of this meeting.

I had an interview on Friday for a position that seemed promising. The interviewer even asked me to text him my email and phone number to move forward in the process, which made me feel optimistic. We discussed the dress code and everything, so I thought I was in a good place. However, now it's Monday, and I haven't heard back yet. I reached out yesterday and spoke to another employee who mentioned that the interviewer would get back to me, but I'm starting to worry that I might be misinterpreting the situation and that I don't actually have a job lined up. I know I might sound impatient, especially after a frustrating two-year job search, but I'm torn about whether to follow up again or just wait it out. Should I text him again, call the location, or just hold off for a bit?

I recently interviewed for a position at a bank, and the interviewer initially offered me the salary I requested. However, when I asked for a higher amount, he informed me that HR wouldn't approve it. He suggested that I take my time to think about it and let him know by tomorrow. Later that same day, he reached out to let me know that he had scheduled an interview for me at another bank where his friend works, as he was impressed with my CV. Now I'm feeling a bit confused about the situation and what it means for my prospects at both banks.

Four months ago, I was laid off from my role as a Cloud Infrastructure Engineer. The job search was tough; I submitted over 100 applications and faced countless rejections. Each day was a struggle, filled with self-doubt and frustration as I experienced ghosting and interviews that led nowhere. There were moments I questioned whether I would ever return to the tech industry. Instead of giving up, I decided to double down on my efforts. I focused on learning new skills, built personal projects, practiced my interview techniques, and continued applying for positions, even when it felt like nothing would come of it. Today, I am thrilled to share that I signed an offer for a position as a DevOps Engineer. While the salary isn't extravagant, this opportunity is a testament to the power of persistence. To anyone out there who is unemployed or struggling in their job search, remember that it only takes one opportunity to turn things around. Keep pushing forward!

I've been working at Tropical Smoothie for about 3 months now, since March 2026, and I'm currently making $9.50 an hour. At 19 years old, I don't have many bills to pay since I still rely on my mom financially. I'm thinking about asking my general manager for a raise, but I spoke with the assistant general manager who mentioned that the most I could expect is a 50 cent increase to $10.00. I feel like I'm the only crew member earning less than everyone else, and it frustrates me because my pay was based on what I made at my last job, despite having communicated my desired wage upfront. I took this job out of necessity, but now I'm contemplating leaving if I can't get at least a $1 or $2 raise. Sometimes I think about quitting before even asking, but I feel like I should at least give it a shot. While $400 per paycheck isn't terrible, I want to contribute more to my household and ease some financial burdens on my mom.

I recently received a very negative performance evaluation after only 2.5 months in my role as a marketing associate at a mid-sized tech company. I'm starting to feel anxious about my job security and wondering if I'm on the road to termination. Most probationary reviews I've heard about tend to be neutral, so this feedback really caught me off guard. It seems like there are some clear issues that my manager has pointed out, and I'm worried that I might not be a good fit for the position. I've been trying to accept the feedback and improve, but it's tough when I feel like I'm being set up for failure. I've also heard from others that similar critiques led to their termination, which adds to my stress. I'm considering documenting everything and possibly having a conversation with my manager to express my desire to improve and stay with the company. It's a challenging situation, and I'm just hoping to find a way to turn things around.

I worked as a server at a restaurant from May 16 to May 30, totaling 75 hours, but I have yet to receive an official paycheck. I was able to take home cash tips, but all my credit card tips were supposed to go on my paycheck. The restaurant closed down on June 3, and I was told payments would be sent via Zelle once everything was settled. I did receive $168.64 through Zelle on June 3, but since then, I haven't seen any other payments. I'm owed over $600 in hourly wages and hundreds more in credit card tips. I've tried reaching out to the owner, but I haven't gotten any response. I've documented all my hours and tips, and I've submitted an inquiry to my state's Department of Labor to see if there's a case, but I've heard that since the restaurant has closed, I might not see that money at all.

Today, I faced a challenging situation at my current job. Just before I was about to clock in, one of my immediate supervisors accused me of stealing. I was taken aback and asked for clarification, but he repeated the accusation. This really threw me off, and I realized I couldn't focus on my work in that state of mind. I decided to report the incident and left the workplace. This isn't the first time I've had a negative encounter with this boss, and I feel like it needs to be the last. Now, I'm in the process of searching for new job opportunities while also figuring out if I qualify for unemployment benefits. To be honest, I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed and emotional about the whole situation. I know I need to pull myself together, but it's tough right now. I appreciate any advice or support as I navigate this job search and deal with the fallout from today.

I stopped working on March 20th and I’m feeling really stressed about my situation. I’ve never had to deal with unemployment insurance before, so I’m a bit lost. I didn’t file a claim right away because I was told I wouldn’t qualify, but after some research and talking to my employer, I found out that I was laid off through no fault of my own. Now, I’m worried about my finances as I won’t have work for another month while I wait for a hiring opportunity with my union. I’m wondering if it’s too late to file for unemployment and if back pay is an option. I really need some guidance on what steps to take next.