Planning

I recently faced a layoff from a well-paying full-time job that utilized my master's degree. While the position was a good fit on paper, the toxic environment made it unbearable, and I believe this change is ultimately for the best. Now, as I navigate unemployment, I'm feeling uncertain about my next steps. I have a couple of options in mind: I could focus on enhancing my resume through training and volunteer work while applying for new positions, which would allow me to appreciate my free time, albeit with less income. Alternatively, I could return to waitressing part-time to generate some income while I continue my job search, but that would likely leave me with less free time and potentially put me back in a draining environment. I'm open to any advice on how to approach this situation.

I'm 24 years old and graduated two years ago. I started my first job in 2024, but after just 8 months, I realized it wasn't the right career path for me and left. Following a 3-month period of unemployment, I found a job that aligned more closely with my career goals. Unfortunately, after 4 months, the work environment became toxic, which severely impacted my mental health. I made the tough decision to quit and have been unemployed for about 8 months since then. Recently, I accepted a new job out of desperation, though I know it's not the ideal position for me. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate my current situation and what steps I should take next. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm 18 and recently dropped out of sixth form after just one month. Since then, I've been struggling to find a job and have applied to over 600 positions, but I got a bit lazy and haven't been proactive lately. I'm realizing that I need to turn things around and explore my options. I'm considering whether volunteering would be beneficial, if I should reach out to companies for internships, or if pursuing an apprenticeship could be a good route—though I’m not interested in trade jobs or the army. I know I’m still young, and I want to make the right choices before it's too late.

I recently experienced a layoff from my position as a marketing specialist at a tech startup. I'm currently contemplating whether to keep my LinkedIn profile displaying my previous job or to switch it to 'Open to Work.' I want to present myself in the best light to potential employers, but I'm unsure if showing my last role is beneficial or if I should be more transparent about my job search status. Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated!

I've been struggling with my job search this summer. Despite applying to several positions and attending a few interviews, I haven't had any luck getting hired. Last week, I went to a job fair for a new grocery store that was opening up. I handed in my resume and discussed my experience, and they mentioned they would call me back. However, when the week went by without a call, I decided to follow up. I called them twice, and finally, they told me to come in on Saturday at 10 AM to meet with the hiring manager. I arrived on Saturday and waited for 45 minutes, only to be told that they were not hiring anymore and that they were already full. I was really frustrated, especially after being made to wait so long. It's disheartening because I've had multiple interviews, but no one seems willing to hire me, and I can't help but feel that my disability is a factor in this. I'm feeling pretty down about the whole situation and just wish things would turn around for me and everyone else in a similar position.

I was laid off recently from my role as a clinical research professional due to redundancy, which has left me feeling exhausted after experiencing unemployment for the third time. My original plan was to transition into a contractor role while moving to Spain in July with my partner, but now I find myself without a job and no offers lined up. I'm determined to make this move happen and continue learning Spanish in the meantime. With US/EU citizenship, I have no work restrictions, and I'm actively looking for opportunities in clinical project management or clinical trial management. I'm reaching out for help—if anyone has a referral that could lead to a job offer, I'd be more than willing to compensate for it. The job search process has been draining, with countless tailored applications and interviews that often lead to rejection. If you know of any companies hiring in Europe or Spain, or if someone is open to contracting a Spanish resident, please let me know. I appreciate any support, and as a token of gratitude, here’s a picture of my dog who keeps me motivated during this tough time.

I recently quit my retail job impulsively and have been on the hunt for another entry-level position for what feels like forever. The job market is really taking a toll on me. I spend hours each day sifting through job descriptions, only to find that the salary and benefits listed often don't apply to hourly workers like me. It’s frustrating to put my information out there, only to get ghosted or feel like my data is just being sold off. When I do manage to land an interview, it’s even worse. I get so anxious preparing and commuting, only to find myself in a group interview where I feel overshadowed by more outgoing candidates. As an undergraduate student, I’m struggling to find a decent job that fits my schedule since I can’t work full-time. It’s disheartening that I can’t even secure internships in my field due to lack of experience and availability. Finding a job that respects me and my time seems impossible.

I recently had a job offer rescinded just two days before I was supposed to start. The position was in NYC and offered a great salary, but I sensed some toxicity from the bosses during the interview process. I've been unemployed for a year after being laid off last year, so I really needed this opportunity. The offer was pulled because I mentioned that I would be commuting from Philly for a month or two while I searched for an apartment in NYC. I was upfront about it because they asked me to fill out W2 forms for onboarding, and I didn't want to mislead them. Now, I'm back on the job hunt and have several interviews lined up in NYC, which is promising since the pay is better than what I can find in Philly. However, I'm conflicted about whether to disclose my temporary Philly residency to potential employers. In the past, when I mentioned my situation, one employer lost interest, which makes me hesitant to be honest this time around. I have a friend in NYC who has offered to let me use her address for the W2 until I secure my own place, which could help me navigate this situation. I'm torn between telling the truth and risking another job offer or bending the truth to improve my chances. I really need the money and would appreciate any advice on how to handle this.

I am currently seeking new opportunities as a Cost & Commercial Analyst in Auckland, and I'm also open to roles in accounting or administration. I have nearly seven years of experience in project costing, cost control, and commercial reporting, primarily in the telecommunications and engineering sectors. My most recent position was as a Senior Cost Analyst. My expertise includes preparing project costings and commercial bid proposals, monitoring budgets and project profitability, analyzing cost variances, and supporting cost control decisions. I have experience negotiating pricing and commercial terms with suppliers, presenting cost and profitability reports to senior leadership, and managing accounts payable and receivable. Additionally, I handle sales invoicing, account reconciliations, petty cash administration, and tax documentation, while also supporting payroll and procurement functions. I hold Xero certification, including Xero Payroll for New Zealand, and have advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. I'm currently enhancing my skills in Power BI and SQL. I am looking for remote opportunities or positions based in or near Auckland CBD or Sandringham. I have full working rights in New Zealand and can start promptly once I secure a suitable position. If you know of any openings in cost analysis, commercial analysis, cost control, or accounting, or if you have any insights about the current job market, please reach out. Thank you!

I've been applying for non-academic jobs after earning my PhD in biology, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck landing interviews. I've come across advice suggesting that education should always be placed at the bottom of a resume, and I'm trying to understand if this is a universal rule or if it varies by field. I'm feeling a bit lost in the job search process, especially since I haven't secured a single interview yet. One commenter mentioned that they prioritize skills and work experience at the top of their resume, which led to four interviews in just a month. I'm considering revising my approach based on this feedback.

I recently had a door-to-door salesperson from Power Home Remodeling visit my home, and while they were primarily offering window services, they also mentioned a job opportunity. Excited by the prospect of a new job in the city, I agreed to fill out my information and set up the first of three interviews. Now, I've completed two of those interviews and have an in-person interview scheduled for next Thursday (06/25). However, I realized I haven't done much research on the company beyond their sales pitch. I have a few questions that I'm hoping to get some insight on. First, what's the base pay like? I've heard mixed reviews, with some saying it's strictly commission-based at the start, while others claim there's a good base salary. I've also read that the company has a very intense, almost cult-like culture, and I'm curious how true that is. Am I going to face actual cultic behavior, or is it just some unnecessary team-building exercises? Additionally, I initially wanted to start in an office role, but it seems like starting in sales is more likely based on what I've gathered from the interviews and other posts. I'm particularly interested in the Columbus department. Has anyone experienced negativity towards being different there? I know they have empowerment groups for women and the LGBT community, but I'm wondering if that's enough to foster an inclusive environment. Lastly, I'm concerned about the dress code. I had removed my piercings for the Zoom interview, but I plan to keep them in for the in-person meeting. I have multiple piercings and visible tattoos, including one on my middle finger that matches with my mom. I made it clear to the sales rep that I wouldn't take a job that requires me to hide my jewelry or tattoos, and he assured me that wouldn't be an issue. Any advice or answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated!

I recently applied for several internships and now I'm in the waiting phase, hoping to hear back soon. I'm curious about how long I should expect to wait for an interview call after submitting my applications. I've read that it can take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on the company's hiring cycle. I’m feeling a bit anxious about the silence, and I wonder if there’s a way to know if my resume has been rejected. I've heard that many companies don’t respond at all if they decide not to move forward, which can be frustrating. I plan to wait about two weeks before sending a follow-up email to check on the status of my applications.

I had an interview three weeks ago for a position I really wanted, where I spoke with multiple supervisors. They mentioned I should hear back within two weeks, but that time came and went without any news. Last Wednesday, I reached out to the recruiter who set up my interview for an update. She directed me to the senior recruiter, so I emailed them for an update. By last Friday, I still hadn’t heard back, so I contacted the original recruiter again, who reassured me that the senior recruiter was the best person to talk to and promised to follow up on my behalf. This Tuesday, I emailed the original recruiter again to let her know I hadn’t received any response from the senior recruiter. She confirmed she had reminded them to reach out to me. I also sent another email to the senior recruiter asking for an update. Now it’s Thursday night, and I'm still waiting. I’m starting to wonder if the senior recruiter is ghosting me. Is there a chance they’re just slow, or should I take this as a sign that I didn’t get the job? It’s frustrating, especially since it took a month for the original recruiter to contact me after I applied.

I’ve been working as a technical support representative in customer service for the past two years, and I’m really struggling to transition out of this role. I’ve applied for positions within my current company but haven’t had any luck, even though I consider myself a good employee. Currently, I’m studying accounting and trying to apply for any jobs that can help me pay the bills and build some skills. It’s frustrating because I can’t even land a sales job. I just want to escape customer service. I’m feeling really stuck and unsure of what to do next.

I received an unexpected email inviting me for an interview for a job I never applied for. I had previously applied for other positions at the same company, so I don't think it's a scam. My experience with them hasn't been great; I interviewed for a senior CM role that went poorly and I was rejected within hours, while I felt the RTW interview went well but still got a rejection after four days. I'm curious if this new opportunity is related to my past interviews or if it's just a mix-up on their part. I decided to email the recruiter back and we have the interview scheduled for Wednesday. I didn't mention that I hadn't applied, but I was feeling anxious about it. After some thought, I ended up telling her that I hadn't applied, which relieved some of my anxiety. She assured me that the interview is still on and mentioned they might have found my resume on Seek. I'm going to approach the interview as if it is a genuine opportunity and see how it goes.

I got laid off today from my first job after grad school. I spent six months applying to land this position, and I had only been in the role for six months. In the first three months, I began to notice some troubling signs in leadership. The direction was unclear, expectations were vague, and decisions were made impulsively without proper consideration. It made my time there increasingly uncomfortable, and I was actively seeking a way out. Today, I was called into a meeting where they informed me that they were dissolving my role because it wasn't functioning as they had hoped, and they no longer had the capacity for it. So, as of today, I'm officially laid off. Initially, I felt a sense of relief at being freed from such a toxic environment, but now anxiety is creeping in. I can't shake the feeling that I should have done something differently, and I'm worried about finding another job since I've been passively applying since March. I'm struggling with feelings of regret and self-blame while also trying to figure out how to make the most of my time while unemployed.

I recently received a job offer from a new company that comes with a base salary increase of about 10% compared to my current salary. When factoring in the bonus, the total compensation could be 28-32% higher than what I currently make. They are also offering a $3,000 sign-on bonus, which is tempting. I've been with my current employer for a couple of years now, and I've really enjoyed the stability. I get yearly merit increases and an annual bonus of about 3-5% of my salary. The work-life balance is excellent, as I work fully remote with flexible hours. There are no rigid 9-5 requirements, and I don't have to worry about overtime. The company culture is great, and I love the people I work with. I have a four-month-old newborn, and I was fortunate to have 3.5 months of fully paid parental leave. The new company only offers one week of paid leave and six weeks of FMLA, which is a significant downgrade in terms of family support. While the new offer is enticing, especially with the ESOP and year-end bonus, I'm hesitant about the work-from-home policy. My current job allows me to be home with my baby, which I value immensely. If I switch to the new role, I would have a 1.5-hour commute each way, totaling three hours daily. This means I would get home around 6:30 PM, just in time for my baby’s bedtime at 8 PM. Financially, the new job would give me an extra $1,000 monthly, but I am torn about whether that is worth sacrificing precious time with my newborn. I worry about missing out on moments that I can never get back. Plus, I think about the future and how things might change if I have more kids. I’m really struggling to decide if I should take the new job for the higher pay or stay where I am for the time with my family. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I recently received an entry-level job offer for a tech consulting role at a Big 4 company based in New York City. However, I'm feeling quite frustrated because the salary is significantly lower than I anticipated. To make matters worse, the company has given me less than 48 hours to accept the offer, and my start date is just three weeks away. They informed me that there would be no possibility for salary negotiation, no relocation support, and no sign-on bonus. This means I have to find housing in a completely different state within the next two weeks, which feels overwhelming. Given the current job market, I'm unsure how to proceed and would appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation.

I'm currently transitioning from a research background to public librarianship and am studying for a Graduate Diploma of Information Sciences, which will take me the next 1-2 years to complete. To support myself during this period, I've been applying for part-time and casual roles in Australia. However, I've yet to receive any calls or interviews. I'm seeking honest feedback on my resume/CV to improve my chances of landing a job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I lost my job earlier this week and I'm currently navigating the challenges of applying for unemployment, WIC, SNAP benefits, and healthcare. On top of that, I'm 12 weeks pregnant and actively working on my resume to find a new position. I've had a few people reach out to discuss potential job opportunities, but I'm uncertain about when to disclose my pregnancy. I want to be transparent and build trust, but I'm also concerned that revealing this information too early might jeopardize my chances of being hired. I’ve received some advice suggesting that I might not need to mention it at all since employers can't legally discriminate based on pregnancy, but I'm still weighing my options.