Planning

I recently started a freelance role in tech design with a large company, but things have taken a strange turn. After my interview with the hiring manager and another tech designer, HR asked for my salary expectations, and I mentioned a range of $115-125k given my 8 years of experience. After a week of silence, I reached out, offering flexibility in negotiations. That night, HR contacted me to confirm a start date, saying the team was excited to have me on board and that I would be paid $55/hour. However, the start date got pushed back by a few days, and I felt like I was constantly chasing HR for information. On my first day, I arrived at the office but was left waiting for 20 minutes before meeting the tech designer, who seemed preoccupied with personal issues. I learned that the manager rarely comes into the office as she works from home, and I wasn't set up on a computer until the end of the day because IT had no prior notice of my arrival. The next day, I was asked to work from home but received little direction or work to do. When I reached out to the manager for access to the cloud drive, her response was delayed and curt, which felt off given the initial excitement about my hiring. After two days, I still hadn’t received any onboarding information, and when I inquired about payroll and timesheets, HR mentioned a recruitment agency would contact me, but I’ve heard nothing since. I’m feeling undervalued and am seriously considering quitting. I have another full-time job offer for $110k that has a responsive manager and HR. Although the freelance position offers hybrid work and flexible hours, the work seems boring, and I feel I could learn more in the other role. I’m torn between the two opportunities and would appreciate any advice.

I just found out that my dad got laid off from his job after over 20 years of service. He worked in a business admin role, earning around $80-90K with decent benefits. The company was recently acquired, and while he sensed changes coming, the layoff still hit us hard. I'm back home for summer vacation, and now I feel a lot of pressure since I'm the only child and my mom hasn't worked since I was born. I just returned from a semester abroad and spent most of my savings, which makes me feel guilty now. I was planning to study for the LSAT this summer, but I might have to find a job to help out financially. My dad is nearly a decade away from retirement, and I'm worried about his job prospects at his age. He only received a 6-month severance, which seems unfair given his long tenure. We're also facing a mortgage and some upcoming medical expenses that won't be covered soon. I’m really anxious about how we’re going to manage everything. My dad is trying to stay calm, but my mom is understandably upset. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation and support my family during this tough time.

I recently graduated with a degree in Customs & Logistics and after sending out about 100 job applications, I finally landed my first job as an Export Operations staff at a small company. The pay is reasonable for an entry-level position, but the schedule is really tough. I have to work a 24-hour shift from 1:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by 24 hours off, and there are no weekends. I took the job out of desperation, thinking I could handle the crazy schedule, but after just three shifts, I'm feeling miserable. The workload is overwhelming, and I often come home exhausted, spending most of my off time just sleeping. My coworkers say that it’s just a matter of adapting to the workflow, but I'm not sure if that's true. I'm still applying for other positions, but I'm torn about whether I should quit this job if I don't find something else in the next three months. I would appreciate any advice from those who have worked similar schedules. Should I stick it out or move on?

I recently started a new job in the trades, where I have previous experience. My employment contract states that my initial wage will be significantly lower for the first 30 days, with an adjustment based on my experience and knowledge level. However, it doesn't specify what that adjustment will be, and I'm worried about being lowballed since I didn't clearly state my expected pay during the interview process. I have a feeling that I might have to quit next week if the adjustment isn't what I anticipate. I expect to earn about $9 per hour more than my current temp rate, which was advertised as a potential wage. I realize I made a mistake by not establishing my hourly rate after the probation period during hiring. I'm prepared to walk away from this job if necessary, but I'm seeking advice from anyone who has experience with similar hiring practices and what I should expect.

I'm currently working as a summer temp in an admin department and I'm applying for a job with the state that starts in the fall after my current position ends. I'm really excited about this opportunity because it's something I would love to do and the pay is great at $58k a year! However, the application asks if they can contact my current employer, and I'm unsure if that's a good idea. Even though my role is administrative, I have some important responsibilities, and I'm worried they might think I'm trying to leave before my contract is up. I also don't want the new job to see me as dodgy. Should I mark 'no' on that question? I've heard from others that it might be fine to do so since temp positions typically end.

I recently passed the initial recruiter screening and a technical test for a promising role at a company. Just yesterday, I received an email from HR to schedule the final round of interviews, but they have a requirement that is making me uneasy. They want three professional references, and one of them has to be my current supervisor. I expressed my concerns about the risk of jeopardizing my current job by letting my boss know I'm looking for new opportunities. HR responded that this is standard procedure for them to verify active employment before moving forward. I can't help but feel that this is a risky move. Is it common practice for companies to contact current employers at this stage? It feels like a big gamble to agree to this, especially since I have no guarantee of getting the job. I'm seriously considering whether I should proceed with this opportunity or walk away.

I was recently let go from my position as the head baker at a well-known local bakery where I had worked for about seven years. I ran the kitchen, created and refined recipes, trained staff, and managed ordering and suppliers—all of which was in my head, as we never documented anything. Last spring, the owner decided to cut costs and, since I was the highest paid, I was the one who got laid off. It hurt, but I understood it was a financial decision, so I left quietly. After taking some time off to recover from years of early mornings and physical strain, I heard that the bakery was struggling. The two bakers I had trained were unable to keep up, leading to a disaster with the holiday menu. Eventually, the owner called me, asking if I would consider coming back. I initially declined her first offer, as it was barely more than my previous salary. After some negotiation, I agreed to return for twelve weeks, working three days a week, and I asked for nearly double my previous pay. To my surprise, she accepted immediately, which indicated just how dire the situation was for them. During my time back, I finally documented all the recipes, supplier contacts, and processes, and I trained a new hire. However, she struggled to grasp everything, still asking basic questions even on her last day of training. I suggested a consulting arrangement for future help, but the owner never followed up. I guess she got what she needed and moved on.

I just spent the last eight days training my replacement at the company where I've worked for nearly three years. Last Monday, my manager introduced this new employee and asked me to train him on 'backup coverage' for my position. I handle a variety of tasks like client reports, internal scheduling, and billing corrections, none of which are documented anywhere. My manager mentioned that cross-training was necessary because I had become a 'single point of failure,' which I initially thought made sense. As the training progressed, I noticed that the new guy was given the same access to systems as I had, including folders that a backup wouldn't typically need. He asked detailed questions about my responsibilities, including how I managed complaints from our largest client. When I confronted my manager about why he needed such extensive knowledge, she claimed they wanted him to understand the 'complete workflow.' Yesterday, I accidentally saw an email on my manager's screen with the subject 'Transition timeline,' which had my name and a date two weeks away. When I asked her directly if my position was being eliminated, she finally admitted that the company was 'restructuring' and that the new employee would be taking over my responsibilities. Now, they want me to continue training him until my last day, and they’re offering two weeks of severance if I remain 'professional' during the transition. I need the money, so I’ll probably go through with it, but it feels humiliating to teach someone how to take over the job that pays my rent. I’m torn between cooperating for the severance or just doing the bare minimum.

I’ve been working nonstop since I was 18, dedicating myself fully to my job as a project manager at a mid-sized tech company. I never took a sick day unless it was absolutely necessary and never used my PTO. I was always the first one in and the last one out, believing that this was the way to succeed. For the last ten years, I had a stable job, decent pay, and I never missed a deadline. However, about two years ago, my body started sending me warning signs. I was experiencing persistent headaches, worsening back pain, and trouble sleeping. I ignored these symptoms, thinking I could push through like I always had. Then, six months ago, everything changed. My body finally gave out, and I ended up in the hospital for a week. The doctor told me I needed to take at least three months off to recover. I informed my employer, and they were understanding at first, but as the weeks passed, their patience wore thin. By week four, they started asking when I would return, and by week eight, I was let go. After twenty years of dedication, it took just eight weeks for them to replace me. Fortunately, my wife had been urging me for years to build an emergency fund, and I finally listened about three years ago. We had saved up about eight months' worth of expenses, which helped us survive financially during this tough time. My advice to anyone reading this is to take care of your health. Use your PTO and don’t wait until you’re forced to stop working. Your job won’t wait for you, no matter how loyal you’ve been. Also, save your money. Cut back on unnecessary expenses and put something away every paycheck. You never know when you might not be able to work, and having a financial cushion can make all the difference.

I was laid off a couple of months ago from my role as a Senior at a tech company where I had worked for nearly a decade. Recently, I noticed that they are hiring for the same position but at a lower level, which has me contemplating whether I should apply. While I was in the middle of the salary range for my previous role, I know they typically pay less for this associate position. I have some familiarity with the team, but I’ve come to realize that I don’t actually know them as well as I thought. I remember the high-stress environment from my previous team, and while my coworkers generally liked my work, I worry about how it would feel to return after being laid off, especially at a lower level. Financially, I’m okay for now thanks to my husband’s salary and my severance, but I’m anxious about how long it might take to secure another offer. On top of that, I’m almost five months pregnant with our second child, which adds to the pressure. I’m torn between wanting to apply due to my familiarity with the company and the potential for easier interviews, and the fear of low-balling myself or appearing desperate. I’ve received mixed advice, with some suggesting I should reach out to my old manager for support, while others recommend looking elsewhere to maintain self-respect. Ultimately, I’m just trying to navigate this challenging situation.

I lost my job yesterday after just three weeks of being hired in an IT role. I had worked in various companies for two years before this, but this new position ended abruptly without any warnings or disciplinary actions. I was told in a meeting, "Reese, I am sorry but we are going to have to terminate you during your probation period. We don’t think you’re a fit." It was disheartening, especially since I was still learning the ropes and had been picking up the skills quickly. I can't help but feel that the corporate environment is set up to fail people like me, especially as a neurodivergent adult. The probation system feels like a scam, and the corporate world often seems to prioritize vibes and favoritism over actual skill. I’ve seen firsthand how toxic office politics can overshadow genuine talent, and it frustrates me. It’s not just about the companies like Microsoft or Google; it’s about the culture that allows incompetent management to thrive while capable employees struggle to find their footing. I believe that many roles, especially in HR and administration, could be streamlined or even eliminated with the help of AI, as they often create more problems than they solve. I’m now left to reconsider my options and navigate this challenging job market.

I am currently facing a challenging situation at my job as an administrative assistant. In 2025, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PiP) due to mistakes I made while handling customer service tickets. Some of these mistakes were related to our manual, while others were more about miscommunication, like sending the wrong email template or closing cases too quickly. I handle around 50 tickets a week, and while I know I should aim for zero mistakes, I typically make 2-4 errors per week. Last year, my manager reprimanded me for these issues, even though I have made efforts to correct them. The latest PiP I received is particularly frustrating because it stems from a problem that no one on my team has been trained on, and I had involved my team lead in the process. I felt humiliated when project managers insulted my manager about my work, which only added to my stress. I've been trying to follow our manual closely, but updates are often unclear, and I rely heavily on it for guidance. Unfortunately, it seems that my manager and team lead have a negative perception of me, which affects how they view my performance compared to my coworkers. I’ve noticed that the other two administrative assistants make similar mistakes, yet they haven’t faced the same level of scrutiny or disciplinary action. My boss has finally decided to terminate me, with my PiP set to end in August 2026. I consulted a lawyer who mentioned that since I may not fall into a protected ethnic category, I might not have a strong case against my employer. However, they suggested I go to HR and report that I feel I am being unlawfully targeted. I have evidence, including our manual and possibly videos of my boss's harsh feedback. Still, I worry that approaching HR could lead to my termination happening sooner. I feel trapped in this situation, especially since I consistently find mistakes in my coworkers' work, yet I am the one being held accountable. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this difficult situation.

I recently received my green card and am currently applying for jobs from abroad in the EU. Although I have lived in the US before, I am only finding entry-level positions available on-site. My goal is to secure a senior role that offers a clear career path, but despite applying for a year, I haven't seen any progress. I'm feeling frustrated and am wondering if there are any strategies or tips to expedite this job search process.

Today, I’m feeling a mix of emotions as my partner just received a job offer in the Netherlands, starting in 11 weeks. However, he was laid off back in January, and the past few months have been really tough on him. To make matters more complicated, his passport expired two years ago, and he’s feeling overwhelmed with the idea of navigating the renewal process on his own. I’ve had some experience with document prep services in the past, and they were quite helpful. I’m considering whether to use a service like Passport Visa Rush or It’s Easy for a standard passport renewal, or if it would be better for him to just tackle it himself through USPS. I’m leaning towards getting some professional help, as he really doesn’t have the mental bandwidth right now to deal with government paperwork.

I'm currently contemplating quitting my job at a tech company where I work as a software engineer. The environment has become increasingly stressful, and I feel like my team lead and boss are trying to push me out. They've been assigning me tasks that make my work unbearable, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm being treated unfairly. I'm seriously considering going to HR before making any decisions, as I want to voice my concerns about the toxic atmosphere and the politics at play. However, I'm also aware that HR is generally more aligned with the company's interests, which makes me hesitant. I'm torn between two options: should I quit without a backup plan, or should I approach HR with my grievances? I know that quitting without another job lined up is risky, but the stress is taking a toll on my mental health. I really need to figure out the best course of action.

I'm currently facing a performance review at Asda, where I work in retail. My management has expressed concerns about my speed and initiative, which has led to me being put under supervision. I'm feeling quite anxious about this situation, especially since I've heard rumors that Asda is planning to lay off around 1,000 employees in the coming months. Given my current performance review status, I'm worried that I might be among those who are let go. I've received some advice suggesting that I should start looking for a new job now, as being on a performance review could put me at a disadvantage if layoffs occur. It's a tough spot to be in.

I'm currently working in an internal support role at a service-based company, and it's not what I expected. My salary is ₹13k, but most of it goes to daily travel expenses. The money isn't my biggest concern; I feel like I'm wasting my time here. There's minimal learning, and I'm not gaining the experience I need for future job applications. I only have 2–3 hours each evening to prepare for interviews, and I spend my weekends building projects to improve my skills. I’m under a 1-year bond and currently assigned to a project expected to last over 3 years, but I don’t see any growth opportunities for myself. As a result, I've started actively looking for a new job. My main concern is the 90-day notice period. I’m unsure whether I should secure another offer before resigning or resign first and use those 90 days to search for a new job full-time. I’d love to hear from anyone who has successfully switched jobs with a 90-day notice period. How did you manage it? Also, how do people juggle interviews and job hunting while working full-time? With office hours, commuting, and interview preparation, it feels nearly impossible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was selected for a tech support role at a major service company during campus placements, but they have delayed sending out my offer letter for two months past the expected date. This uncertainty has made me reconsider my options. I'm now thinking about preparing for a more technical role, especially since I'm not well-prepared for data structures and algorithms (DSA) rounds in off-campus interviews. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the situation and wondering if I should shift my focus to enhance my technical skills.

I recently started a job at Tesco, but I'm finding that it's not a good fit for me for various reasons. I'm feeling uncertain about whether to stay or leave. I have an interview scheduled with VUE cinema next week, and I have previous experience in the cinema industry, which makes me feel more comfortable about the role. Plus, I know there would be opportunities for more overtime there. I'm weighing my options and would appreciate any advice on whether I should pursue the cinema job if the interview goes well.

I have an interview next week for a Compliance Specialist position at a company that is working towards obtaining ISO certifications. I'm considering creating a presentation to outline my approach to achieving these certifications. Additionally, I thought about including some sample documents based on a fictional company in the same industry. I'm wondering if this would be seen as too much or if it would be appreciated by the interviewers.