Planning

I've been unemployed for almost 10 months now, and it's been a tough journey. I moved to this country as a last resort, hoping to find better opportunities, but I've only managed to land a few interviews without any success. The pressure from my family to find a job is mounting, and I've started preparing my documents to return to my old job at a wiring harness factory. I spent three years there, but I remember why I left: the long 12-hour workdays and a grueling 55km (about 33 miles) commute each way. The pay isn't great, and I feel the strain of waking up at 3 AM just to catch the company's bus. While I need an income, I feel rushed to accept this job without considering my well-being. I would prefer to find something, even if it's low-paying, that doesn't involve such a harsh commute or hard labor. I'm looking for any insights or advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently received a job offer from a new company, but I'm facing a dilemma regarding my start date. During the interview, I mentioned that I could potentially start ASAP, but I also expressed my preference for a two-week notice period at my current job. After I was offered the position, I tried to clarify that I would like to honor my current employer by giving them two weeks' notice. However, the HR representative from the new company responded by threatening to rescind the offer if I didn't start immediately. This situation feels really uncomfortable, especially since my current employer has treated me well, and I don't want to burn any bridges. I'm now questioning how serious of a red flag this behavior is from the new company. It seems unprofessional to me, and I’m starting to wonder if I made a mistake by indicating my availability too early. I’m considering reaching out to the hiring manager to clarify my stance and ensure that my current employer is respected.

I’m currently facing a tough situation as I prepare for an interview tomorrow. I’ve been out of the traditional job market for a while, having spent the last 10 years at a small company that recently closed down after my boss retired and the CEO left. Since then, I’ve only worked at a few small places, including a church where the pastor has moved across the country and the staff were often at odds, leading me to resign. Now, I’m in a bind because the job I’m applying for requires three professional references, and I genuinely don’t have anyone to provide. Most of my previous colleagues have retired or relocated, and my last job in security was challenging, especially as a woman in that field. I feel stuck because I know my qualifications should speak for themselves, but the lack of references is a significant hurdle. I’m considering reaching out to friends to pose as references, but I know that could backfire. I’ve thought about explaining my situation to HR, mentioning that my previous company is no longer in operation and that my last supervisor has moved away. I’m hoping they might accept alternative references or understand my unique circumstances. I just need some advice on how to navigate this without compromising my integrity.

I am currently navigating my job search after being informed by my employer, **P**, that he will be retiring and closing his law firm at the end of 2026. I have spent the last ten years as a legal assistant and office administrator for him, and prior to that, I worked for another sole practitioner, **B**, who moved his practice to **P**. My career in the legal field spans nearly thirty years, starting as a senior bilingual paralegal's assistant and progressing through various roles, including bilingual legal assistant and office management. I've been fortunate to work with three great lawyers who have mentored me, but now I find myself feeling overwhelmed and discouraged as I enter the job market for the first time since 1996. At 55, I am concerned about age discrimination and the challenges of the modern job search, including AI resume screenings and the expectation of multiple interviews for even entry-level positions. Networking has never been my strong suit, and the job application processes I’ve encountered seem overly complicated and micromanaged, which is frustrating given my extensive experience. I’m reaching out for advice and any insights on how to approach this daunting task. Any honest feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently looking to transition into remote Healthcare Business/Data Analyst roles. I have a background in cybersecurity and health tech, but I'm finding it challenging to get responses from hospital systems like Sentara. I'm reaching out to see if anyone knows of companies that are actively hiring in this space. Also, I'm curious if obtaining an Epic certification is necessary for these positions. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I spent some time helping my husband with his job search. He’s a senior-level operations professional, and we've been at it for months without much luck. I’ve been wondering if part of the issue could be that he hasn’t been calling hiring managers after applying for positions. I’ve always been told that calling isn’t appropriate anymore, but lately, I’ve seen some recruiters mention that they actually appreciate those calls. I’m curious if anyone here has had success with calling hiring managers after submitting an application. I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to improve his chances. Just to clarify, I’m the one looking into this for him; he won’t be the one making the calls. I’ve seen mixed opinions on this topic. Some people argue that calling can be intrusive and might even hurt an applicant's chances. Others suggest that following up with an email could be a better approach. I’m trying to navigate this landscape and figure out the best way to support him.

I have a job interview tomorrow at Burger King for a temporary position that will last about three months. I'm curious to hear about others' experiences working there. I've seen mixed feedback, but since it's only for a short time, I'm hoping it will be manageable. Given the current job market, I feel like I might not have many options, so I just want to know if anyone thinks it's worth it.

I’ve been working at a gas station that also serves fast food for about two months now, and it's been a rough experience. The job itself isn't difficult, but the company policies and my coworkers are making it unbearable. Most of my colleagues are consistently rude, and it feels like I'm constantly being criticized for every little thing I do. This happens even in front of customers, which is incredibly embarrassing. I tried addressing these issues with management, but they haven't taken any action and seem to side with my rude coworkers instead. Recently, I got in trouble for attendance despite having medical excuses for being sick. The stress from this job is really affecting my mental health; I've had to increase my anxiety medication because of it. I'm seriously considering looking for a new job, but I'm torn about whether I should quit outright or give a two-week notice. I do have some savings, but I'm unsure of the best way to handle this situation.

I've been on a job search recently and have been inundated with random phone calls, most of which turn out to be scams. It's frustrating because I can't distinguish which calls are legitimate and which ones I should ignore. I reached out to the community to ask if I should expect voicemails from companies calling about interviews. The consensus seems to be that most recruiters will leave a voicemail with their contact information if they can't reach me directly. Some also mentioned that they prefer to send an email first to schedule a call, which makes sense given the current spam situation. It's definitely a challenge navigating through all the noise while trying to find a real opportunity.

I've been working at my current company for 4 years in a role where I've consistently exceeded expectations. Despite my manager advocating for my promotion to the leadership team, I've faced repeated pushbacks with vague reasons. They keep saying they want to wait for new salary bands and other team changes before promoting me, even though others have been promoted during this time. My manager has even gone to HR, who agrees I should be promoted, but leadership seems unresponsive and possibly indifferent to my situation. Recently, my manager mentioned a competitor that had reached out to him about a role, and I jokingly mentioned another company that had contacted me. This seemed to alarm leadership, and I worry they think I'm looking to leave, even though I've not pursued any offers. I took a bereavement day recently, and I found it inappropriate that my manager's boss questioned whether I was interviewing during that time. It feels like they are scrutinizing my time off, even when it's legitimate. Additionally, I've noticed my manager's boss scheduling meetings during my blocked time for appointments, which makes me feel like they are trying to undermine my commitments. They have suggested additional projects and paying for my continuing education, but I feel overwhelmed with my current workload and don't think this is the right approach to keep me engaged. It's confusing because part of me thinks they might want to keep me until I train someone else, yet they haven't formally assigned me to do that. I've been interviewing outside of work hours, but I don't think they are aware of it. I genuinely enjoy my job and my team, but the lack of a clear career path and the mixed messages I'm receiving from leadership are disheartening. I love what I do, but I feel like I'm being pushed to explore other opportunities.

I recently found myself contemplating a job at Walgreens as I'm looking for something simpler. I have an associate's degree in network engineering, but I realized after graduation that it wasn't the right path for me. I've had various roles involving internet and networking, but I never really used the skills I learned in college. My last position involved installing networking equipment and running lines for businesses, which I enjoyed, but it was too physically demanding due to a heart condition I have. I was actually relieved when I got fired from that job. For the past few months, I've been focusing on my mental health, as I have bipolar disorder. Now that I'm feeling better, I've decided I want a less complicated job. I remembered my time working at CVS before college, where I enjoyed the simplicity of the work, the lack of physical strain, and the camaraderie with coworkers. I'm considering applying for a photo specialist position at Walgreens, aiming for a part-time role of three days a week. I don't see this as a step down; rather, I value a good work/life balance and a healthy mental state. However, I'm concerned about how to explain my desire for a simpler job during interviews, especially since I have a background that might seem overqualified for this role. I've heard that candidates who appear overqualified can be overlooked because employers think they're just settling for something while searching for better opportunities.

I recently started a part-time job at a franchise eye care office about a month ago, and my first day was two weeks ago. I’m a 20-year-old female and my schedule has been a bit concerning. Since I have classes, I can only work half shifts, and my manager was supposed to manage my schedule accordingly. However, after my first week, I noticed I wasn’t scheduled for the following week and had to ask my manager to put me on the schedule. Now, as the new week starts, I keep checking our scheduling app, but I still haven’t been scheduled at all. I was trained for two positions, so I’m confused about why it’s so hard to get me scheduled. In my previous job, schedules were released three weeks in advance, and I realize now how much I took that for granted. I don’t want to keep bothering my manager about getting scheduled, but it feels like it should be their responsibility to include me. As a new hire, this experience is making me feel less welcomed than I expected. I’m considering looking for a different job, ideally at a smaller private practice that aligns more with my values. I’ve learned the basics here, and I’ve even had a few other places reach out for interviews.

I'm currently working as a shift manager at a large company, earning $68,000 a year. While it seems like decent money, the reality is that I often work 45 to 60 hours a week, and the stress has become overwhelming. I'm the only manager in my department, which means all the responsibility falls on me, and if something goes wrong, I'm the one who gets blamed. Recently, the management situation at my company has deteriorated, with five supervisors let go in the past two weeks and others resigning. To make matters worse, I'm on a final write-up for performance issues, which has left me feeling insecure about my job stability. I've been offered a new position at another company that pays $26 an hour. It's an hourly job, and while it pays less, I would have the chance to work overtime and, importantly, I would actually be allowed to take breaks—something I can't do in my current salaried role. The main thing holding me back is the financial aspect. I have bills to pay, including a hefty student loan payment of $905 a month, and I'm trying to get ahead financially. However, I'm also exhausted and worried about the long-term sustainability of my current job, especially since I'm the last manager standing in my department. I'm torn between sticking it out for the salary and the perceived stability, or making the leap to a potentially less stressful job that would allow me more time and energy for my studies. I'm reaching out for advice from anyone who's faced a similar decision—would you take the lower-paying job for a better work-life balance, or stay at the higher-paying job and hope for improvement?

I’m in my early thirties and currently facing a career crisis after spending over a decade in journalism, editorial, and digital media. I had a successful stint at a major tech company where I led a team and felt proud of my contributions, all without a degree. However, now that I’m unemployed, I can’t shake the feeling that my lack of formal education might hinder my future job prospects. Originally from the Middle East, I’m contemplating my future here, especially with the geopolitical climate and the possibility of needing to relocate. As I explore international job opportunities and immigration pathways, I worry that not having a degree could limit my chances before I even get to showcase my abilities. It’s frustrating because I know I have the skills and experience to excel in my field. I was even offered a spot for a Master’s program in the UK based solely on my professional background, yet I still lack that crucial degree that seems to hold so much weight in hiring decisions. Now, I’m considering whether going back to school is the right move. Is it worth the time and financial investment at this point in my life? Will it genuinely enhance my career prospects, or am I just reacting to the uncertainty I’m feeling? On top of this, I’m dealing with the grief of losing a parent, which adds to the pressure of finding my footing again. I’m not looking for platitudes about how degrees don’t matter; I want real advice from those who have faced similar challenges. If you’ve built a career without a degree, did it ever become a barrier for you? Did you choose to go back to university later in life? And for those who have relocated internationally without a bachelor’s degree, how challenging was it to secure employment and obtain a visa? I’d really appreciate any insights as I navigate these tough decisions about my future.

I accidentally entered the wrong end date for my previous employment in Workday, putting November 2026 instead of November 2024. I submitted the e-signed form about 20 days ago and have since messaged HR but haven’t heard back yet. I’m set to start my new job next week and have already received my joining instructions. I’m really anxious about whether HR can correct the e-signed form and if this mistake will delay my start date or affect my job offer. I’ve also made a few other errors in my onboarding forms, and I’m worried about the potential consequences. Has anyone else faced a similar situation?

I currently work as a junior product manager at a small startup with around 50 employees. Recently, we experienced a significant layoff, and the mood is quite tense as our investors are unhappy with our product's performance given the size of our team. The founders remain optimistic and have urged us to dedicate ourselves to improving the product. However, despite my efforts to suggest a new direction that could potentially boost sales, my ideas have been consistently dismissed. While I appreciate that the founders chose to keep me and a few other juniors during the layoffs, I can't shake the feeling of hopelessness. I often feel unheard and question whether it's worth my energy to continue trying to fix the product. The investors have set a deadline for us to show improvement by the end of Q4, which adds to the pressure. As the main PM for our app, I find it strange to be in this position as a junior, especially since my senior is the one making the high-level decisions. I'm at a crossroads, wondering if I should continue to invest my time here or start looking for new opportunities elsewhere.

I recently found myself in a challenging situation as the sports editor at The Detroit News. After months of pursuing my dream job, which included applying and going through three interviews, I received a disappointing call saying they loved me but decided not to hire me. Throughout this process, my current employer was supportive, encouraging me to chase my passion for sports journalism. However, I was recently informed that my position might be eliminated in the spring due to circumstances beyond my control. This news has shifted my focus from pursuing my dream job to ensuring I have employment in the near future. I’m reaching out to my network for help. If anyone knows of opportunities in communications, content strategy, digital media, marketing, or sports journalism, I would greatly appreciate any connections or leads. I have decades of experience in journalism and digital content, including leadership roles, website development, research storytelling, and I even hold two Emmy awards. I've successfully built teams and launched digital initiatives, and I'm eager to apply my skills in new environments. While my dream of running a sports desk is still alive, I'm also open to exploring new challenges and industries. Sometimes plans change, and it's important to adapt and lean on the support of others. Thank you in advance for any assistance or introductions you can provide.

I recently hit the 3-month mark at my new job, and I'm already feeling that "daily dread" creeping in. I left a stable 8-5 position where I was well-respected, but I couldn't stand the CEO and a couple of colleagues. My new role offered a 20% salary increase and is fully remote, plus I get to work with people I know from my previous job. Despite these positives, I'm starting to doubt my decision. This is a hardcore startup environment, and the atmosphere is intense. Everyone seems to have a sense of desperation, treating every task like a life-or-death situation. There's also a lot of overlap in responsibilities, with people jumping in on tasks that others are already handling. The travel requirements are exhausting and weren't mentioned in my offer. I typically experience Sunday dread with every job, but now it's turned into a daily feeling of anxiety. By 8 PM, after putting my kids to bed, I find myself trying hard not to think about work. I knew this startup wouldn't be my forever home, but I'm already considering when my 1-year anniversary is so I can start looking for my next opportunity. I really don't want to return to my old job, but starting a job search now could jeopardize my current relationships. I know I need to stick it out for at least a year, but I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation.

I've been with my current company for nearly three years, and prior to that, I spent two years on a different team without any issues or negative reviews. Recently, I got promoted and moved to a new two-person team that collaborates with a larger team, and suddenly, I've been facing severe concerns about my performance. It feels like I'm being set up to fail, as my manager seems to be using me as a scapegoat. My VP mentioned that I would have two weeks to improve before being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), but today I was unexpectedly called into a meeting with HR and my VP, which has left me feeling even more uncertain about my position. I'm seriously considering submitting my two-week notice because I can't handle the stress of the situation anymore. On a positive note, I have four upcoming interviews lined up, which gives me a glimmer of hope. However, I'm torn about whether I should resign now or stick it out a bit longer while I continue to interview. I've received advice from others suggesting that I should not resign until I have a job offer in hand, as leaving without another position could jeopardize my eligibility for unemployment benefits. I'm feeling frustrated and anxious about the whole situation, and I'm unsure of the best course of action. Should I continue to fight through this challenging environment or take the leap and gamble on myself?

I'm currently in a tough spot in my career as a 23-year-old Performance Test Engineer with two years of experience. About three months ago, I was assigned to a project that has been incredibly challenging. There’s no manager or team lead, and I’m left to navigate the execution on my own without any experienced teammates to guide me. I don’t feel technically strong enough to handle this level of responsibility, and the stress is taking a toll on my mental health. I've been dealing with chronic depression and insomnia, and despite undergoing therapy and taking medication, I haven't seen much improvement. For the past three months, I've been trying to switch jobs and have gone through 4-5 interviews, but unfortunately, I haven't received any offers. I'm seriously considering quitting my job without another offer in hand. My mental health is a priority, and I want to focus on preparing for government exams while continuing my job search. However, I’m really worried that this decision might ruin my career in the long run. I’m just an average performer academically and I fear making a choice that I might regret later. I’m reaching out for honest advice on what to do next. If anyone has any leads or can refer me for a Performance Testing role, I would greatly appreciate it.