Planning

I’ve been struggling to find a job since I left my last position last November due to a toxic work environment. Living in Fort Myers, Florida, where the job market is limited and mostly seasonal, has made things even harder. I’m 25, jobless, and facing the possibility of homelessness since I have no savings and I’m falling behind on bills. I’ve submitted hundreds of applications and have faced countless rejections and ghostings. To make ends meet, I’ve been doing Uber Eats and DoorDash, but with gas prices, it feels like I’m losing money instead of earning it. Recently, I thought I found the perfect job that offered great pay, weekly payments, good benefits, and independence. I had a group interview via Google Meets, but after waiting for a response, I received a generic rejection email after following up for two and a half days. I’ve rescheduled another interview with them for next week, and I plan to be proactive this time, asking more direct questions about what they’re looking for. I’m feeling lost and overwhelmed, especially since it’s the offseason here and my savings have been depleted for months. Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated.

I recently accepted a job offer as a medical receptionist at a small clinic in Arizona. They want me to work for 90 days as a 1099 employee during a trial period before transitioning to a W-2. This setup raises some red flags for me, as I have a dictated schedule from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break, and I'm required to purchase my own navy scrubs. I'll be shadowing the other receptionist for an hour on Monday, which they'll pay me in cash. My official start date is Wednesday, and that's when they'll begin counting my hours for my paycheck. I can't shake the feeling that I might be misclassified as a 1099 employee when I should actually be a W-2. It seems odd to me that they would use a 1099 for a trial period unless they're trying to avoid paying taxes. I liked the team during my interview and really want this job, so I'm planning to accept it. However, after the 90 days, I intend to bring up the classification issue with them. If they don't correct it, I'm considering reporting it to the IRS, but I'm unsure about that process. I would appreciate any advice on what paperwork I should keep track of, what business expenses I can write off while acting as a 1099, and how to gather evidence of misclassification if it comes to that. Can I write off gas or mileage for my leased car? I'm a broke college student trying to make ends meet, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I received a call from a temp agency regarding one of the many jobs I applied for. They mentioned that I might not be the best fit because I lack experience in the field, and the client is looking for someone more seasoned. However, they mentioned that I could potentially still get an interview. I found it a bit strange that they would call me if they already felt I wasn't a good match. Since then, I noticed they posted another job that aligns better with my skills, so I plan to tailor my CV for that position. I'm curious if I would be speaking to the same agent if they call me for that job, as I didn't appreciate the tone he used during our conversation. He even questioned why I wanted to work in the field, to which I explained that I'm pursuing a relevant degree. A friend of mine landed a similar job without any experience, so I believe anything is possible. However, I'm unsure if I should even attend the interview if they already know I'm not their preferred candidate and won't provide training. Should I go for it?

I’m currently in a tough spot at my job. I’ve been managing a store and warehouse for a company that was recently bought out, and my new boss is unbearable. Think of every bad boss you’ve ever had, and that’s him—micromanaging, disorganized, and just plain difficult to work with. It's gotten to the point where my coworkers and I can’t stand him, and I know that if I leave, the place will probably fall apart. The good news is that I’m interviewing for a new position at a great company with a significant pay increase and excellent benefits. A close friend of mine works there, and I feel pretty confident about getting an offer. Now I'm torn about whether to give my current employer a two-week notice or just resign immediately once I secure the new job. I’m leaning towards the immediate resignation because I really want to avoid any further stress from my current boss. However, I’m also aware that giving notice is the professional thing to do, even if my current work environment is toxic. I’ve seen mixed opinions on this. Some say to always give two weeks, as burning bridges can come back to haunt you, while others suggest that with my situation, it might not matter as much. I want to make the right choice, but I’m also ready to take a break and enjoy some time off after leaving this job. I’m just waiting to finalize the new position before making any moves.

I’ve been working as a graphic designer at a small business for about 1.5 years now. Last year, the owners sold the company, and since then, I've been dealing with new bosses who lack experience in our field. Recently, they fired my coworker due to financial concerns, which has made the work environment even more stressful. I was supposed to get a raise in February, but I didn’t even ask for it because I’ve been feeling uncertain about my job security. Every payday, I wake up to a negative bank account balance, and while they promised to issue me a paper check today, the unpredictability is really wearing on me. The job market in Western Pennsylvania for graphic designers isn’t great right now, so I’m torn between staying and looking for something new. I’m seeking advice or encouragement on whether I should stick it out or start searching for a new opportunity.

I was just let go from my contract position at a factory in Ontario, Canada, where I had been working for 11 months. I was called into the office by my supervisor and his boss, and they informed me that my contract was being terminated because there wasn’t a position available. This was incredibly frustrating because I had been doing my job well, rarely making mistakes, and I was even told multiple times that I deserved a full-time position, which was supposed to happen in July. Instead, they ended my contract two weeks early without any warning or reason other than the lack of a position. I feel completely blindsided and desperate. I’ve been through a long job search process before, applying to over 10 jobs a day for seven months just to land this contract. Now, I’m in a tough spot with rent, bills, and groceries to pay for. I’ve already contacted temp agencies and started updating my resume, but I don’t have a reference from this job since they didn’t provide one. I’m reaching out for any advice on what to do next. I’m not sure how to navigate this situation, and I’m feeling lost.

I am currently an FP&A professional with 2 years of experience, working at an Indian MNC. Lately, I've been feeling frustrated with my job due to my manager's micromanagement and the lack of career and monetary growth opportunities in my organization. I've been trying to switch jobs for the past 2 months, but it's been tough. I've sent out countless cold emails, reached out to people on LinkedIn, and applied to hundreds of positions on Naukri, yet I haven't received a single response or interview invitation. It's disheartening to see others on LinkedIn announcing their job changes while I feel stuck. I'm reaching out in hopes of finding someone who can provide guidance on a more effective job search strategy, as my current approach isn't yielding any results.

I recently graduated from high school and I'm on the hunt for my first part-time job. I've got interviews lined up with Nordstrom Rack for a position in the back of the store and with an eyeglasses store as a sales associate. I'm feeling a bit unsure about how to make a strong impression during these interviews. While I've participated in extracurricular activities, I don't have any standout achievements to highlight. I'm hoping to gather some tips on how to stand out as a candidate. One suggestion I received was to research the eyeglasses and the history of the store, which I plan to do.

I applied for a higher-level sales position at a larger company about six days ago. After submitting my application, I followed up with a phone call and left a voicemail since no one answered. I'm considering whether I should send a follow-up email, as I know voicemails can easily get overlooked. I also reached out to the HR department, but I suspect that either the CEO or the Sales Manager is handling the hiring process based on my research. I'm trying to balance being proactive without coming off as annoying, especially since this is a local headquarters. I appreciate any advice on the timing for a follow-up email!

I'm currently in a project management consulting role that has turned out to be a nightmare. After a series of unfortunate events in the past few years, I recently reconnected with a Director from a previous job who offered me a position on his lean team. He mentioned a secondment into a client role, which I was familiar with in my industry. However, upon starting, I discovered that this was not a secondment at all; the company seems to be acting as a shadow employer for the client. My contracted hours are supposed to be 37.5 per week, but the client is expecting me to work 10-12 hours a day, five days a week, even though they don’t require their own employees to be present as often. The Director who brought me in is no longer at the client office, and I've noticed many colleagues leaving. My employer insists that we only log 37.5 hours, despite the overwhelming workload. This situation is taking a serious toll on my mental health. I have a history of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder, which I managed well until this job. Now, I'm struggling to sleep, exercise, or maintain any semblance of a healthy lifestyle because I'm working so many hours. I've reached out to my network to find another role, but I feel like a failure for having made this move in the first place. I'm worried about my health and how long it will take to recover from this experience. I've considered speaking to my GP about the stress, as I know they can sign me off for medical leave, but I'm hesitant to do so because I can't afford to be out of work with a mortgage and debt hanging over me. I'm at a loss and would appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation. What should I do next?

I'm looking for recommendations for credible employment lawyers in the SF/Bay Area. I need someone who can provide a one-off counsel session to review my severance agreement. I've been trying to do some research, but the information out there is overwhelming and filled with ads, making it tough to identify trustworthy options. My case isn't complicated, but I want to ensure I get a solid review of my agreement. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I've been in technology leadership roles at the Director level for about 10 years, and I'm starting to feel like I've been misled by two different employers in similar ways. Recently, I've been searching for a new job because I believe it's easier to find new opportunities while still employed. As I've reviewed VP-level job descriptions, I've noticed that they align closely with what I've been doing in my previous roles—about 80% of the responsibilities match. The only differences seem to be regular meetings with the C-suite and board, which I have had some exposure to, and top-level decisions where my input was significant. To make matters worse, I recently checked the LinkedIn profile of a former CIO I reported to, and it reads like a summary of my daily responsibilities at that company. I had previously asked the CEO if I would be considered for the CIO position when they were hiring, and he told me no without providing a reason. At the time, I assumed it was due to a lack of experience, but now I'm starting to doubt that explanation.

I recently left school at 16 and have been struggling to find a job. It's been incredibly frustrating because I've applied to around 200 entry-level positions, including seasonal jobs like caravan cleaning, but I haven't received any responses or interviews. I had my uncle, who works in recruitment, help me with my CV, so I don't think that's the issue. My parents are pressuring me to find a job, and I'm feeling overwhelmed. I've been considering whether I should call local cafes or fish and chip shops to inquire about openings, or if that would just annoy the staff. I'm open to any job, whether it's housekeeping or something else. I'm really looking for advice on how to improve my chances of getting hired.

I have an upcoming interview with a company I was laid off from a few years ago. Back in 2023, I worked there but unfortunately didn't meet their productivity expectations, which led to my layoff. Recently, I applied for a position at the same company because I believe I've improved significantly since then. I really want to handle the conversation about my past layoff carefully. It's a large organization with over 2,000 employees, and I want to express how I've sharpened my tech skills and grown as a professional. I plan to be honest about my previous challenges but keep it simple, focusing on how I've used that experience as a learning opportunity. I'm hoping to convey my commitment to growth and how I'm now a better fit for the role.

I recently interviewed for two positions at a local grocery store: one as a cashier and another in the fresh department. I found out that the cashier position is already filled, but the fresh department manager asked me to check if another related department still needs staff. The system manager also inquired about my interest in the fresh department, which left me feeling a bit confused since I haven't received a clear indication from the fresh manager about my candidacy. After the interview, the fresh manager messaged me to confirm if I was the right person she interviewed, which added to my uncertainty. I don't want to come off as desperate, even though I feel that way, but I really just want some closure on the situation. I've been messaging back and forth with customer service regarding my application, and I'm considering reaching out for an update. It seems like a mixed bag after interviews; sometimes they follow up, but other times you have to take the initiative. I just want to know where I stand.

I just graduated high school and I'm on the hunt for a part-time job. I have two interviews lined up next week—one for a stock position at Nordstrom Rack and another as a sales associate at an eyeglasses store. I filled out the applications stating that I was 18, even though I turn 18 just 11 days after the interviews. I’m a bit unsure if I should mention this during the interviews or if it will even come up. I’ve received some advice saying that as long as I turn 18 before starting work, I should be fine. I plan to focus on showcasing my skills and fit for the roles instead of worrying too much about my age. Fingers crossed for the interviews!

I’m a 23-year-old female based in Southern California, currently working part-time at Panera. While I appreciate the over $20 an hour I earn, I feel unfulfilled and can't imagine staying here for another year. I’m studying Art and Design in college, with a background in animation and visual effects, and I’m eager to find a job that allows me to express my creativity. I'm specifically looking for an artistic role—any type of art will do—as long as it doesn’t involve food. I want to avoid cleaning tasks like bathrooms and prep areas, and I’m tired of carrying heavy items or making food for customers. My ideal job would offer a higher pay rate, a creative environment where I can work collaboratively with others, and the opportunity to build genuine friendships. I prefer in-person work over remote positions and am hoping for a relaxed and unified atmosphere. I know this may sound unrealistic, but I’m open to any suggestions or ideas that could help me transition into a more fulfilling role.

I'm currently employed but have been casually looking for a new job as I'm planning to move 6 states away. It's just now hitting me that I'll need to create a new cover letter for every job I apply for, which feels overwhelming. Previously, I would send out a few applications a day without much thought, but now I realize the importance of tailoring each cover letter. It's definitely time-consuming, but I hope it pays off in the end.

I have over 6 years of experience in marketing and community management, but I'm currently facing challenges in securing interviews in Los Angeles. I'm looking for feedback on my resume to improve my chances. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

I had a call with a temp agency regarding a potential job opportunity. The agent didn't introduce himself and immediately questioned why I was interested in the position since I lack experience in the field. I explained that I'm currently pursuing a relevant degree and thought it was worth applying, especially since a friend of mine landed a similar role without prior experience. The agent seemed dismissive and mentioned that they don't believe I'm the best fit because the client prefers someone more seasoned. Despite this, they scheduled an interview for next week. I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should even attend, especially since I received no details about the company or the interview logistics. The whole interaction felt somewhat condescending, making me question the value of this opportunity.