Planning

I recently found myself in an unexpected situation where I have a potential opportunity for a Fintech Technical Program Manager (TPM) role at a major bank, despite having no background in software engineering or project management. I currently work in the service industry in Toronto and have only dabbled in areas like JavaScript and e-commerce without any substantial projects to show for it. This opportunity came about after I had two lengthy conversations with a VP of AI at the bank, who encouraged me to pursue the TPM path instead of a traditional computer science route, which I had been considering. He advised me against going back to school for a CS degree, suggesting that it wouldn't be a good use of my time, especially with the rise of AI in entry-level development roles. I was relieved to hear this and felt a sense of direction for my career. Now, I have an in-person meeting scheduled with him, but I'm unsure whether it's a mentorship chat or an actual interview, so I'm preparing as if it’s the latter. I want to make the most of this meeting and am seeking advice on several fronts: 1. How to approach the meeting if it could be either informal or formal. 2. How to present my transferable skills from the service industry without overselling myself, especially since I lack direct experience. 3. What core TPM skills I should focus on learning quickly, such as APIs, system design, agile methodologies, and prioritization frameworks, and what resources might be helpful. 4. What specific knowledge about fintech and banking would be impressive in this context, like payments, risk management, compliance, or the application of AI in financial services. 5. What insightful questions I could ask during the meeting to demonstrate curiosity and good judgment. 6. Common pitfalls to avoid when someone senior is willing to take a chance on me. 7. Whether it would be beneficial to create a small project or a one-page teardown of a banking app to bring along as a demonstration of my initiative. I feel incredibly fortunate to have this chance and want to ensure I make the most of it. Any honest feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I just got a job offer starting Monday after being unemployed for over a year, and I’m feeling really scared about it. A friend referred me, and I honestly exaggerated my skills during the interview process. I even used AI to create a PDF roadmap of my potential contributions to the company, which now feels like a huge gamble. Looking at my offer letter, the roles and responsibilities outlined are intimidating, and I can’t shake the feeling that I might get laid off once they realize I’m not as qualified as I claimed to be. Has anyone else felt this way before starting a new job?

I just got fired from my job as a Computer Technician. Surprisingly, I'm not feeling too down about it. For some time now, I had been contemplating whether working with computers was truly what I wanted to do. Despite having pursued education and certification in the field, I found that the job wasn't bringing me the joy I expected. My interest in computers waned, and now that I've been let go, I feel a sense of freedom. This is my opportunity to start fresh and explore new career paths that might actually excite me. I'm ready to see what else is out there!

I'm currently navigating a complicated employment situation. Over the past five years, I've experienced three layoffs, which has been quite challenging. Last September, I joined a small to midsize family-owned company in the energy sector, taking on a highly technical role. Unfortunately, the pay was significantly lower than the market rate—around 40-50% less. I went from earning about $150-160k per year to just under $85k. After six months, it became clear that my contributions were more aligned with a VP or Sr. Director level, but the organizational structure didn't reflect that. I had a formal discussion with the owner and CFO about my concerns, and they acknowledged the situation. Now, I've received two job offers from employers who actively sought me out. These offers are much more suitable for my experience and skills, at an executive level, and significantly higher than my current salary. I'm at a crossroads: should I inform my current employer about these offers, or should I wait to see what they propose regarding a raise and promotion? I don't dislike my job or employer, but I feel underpaid given my responsibilities. I'm looking for constructive advice on how to proceed.

I’m currently navigating a tough situation with my employment status. At 19, I’ve dealt with a range of mental health challenges, primarily autism and hypersomnia, which have made finding and maintaining a job quite difficult. After leaving college at 18, I took a night shift at a factory, but it was overwhelming at first. I managed to adapt a bit, but ultimately, I left for another factory job that turned out to be a nightmare. I was overworked, didn’t get proper breaks, and ended up spraining my ankle, which led me to quit after just two days. Now, I find myself unemployed and struggling financially. I’ve exhausted my emergency fund and am even selling off some investments just to get by. I live with my girlfriend and mother, and my monthly expenses are around £850, which includes rent, car insurance, and other necessities. I receive £400 in PIP, which goes to my mum for rent, so I really need to find a job that pays at least £450 a month to feel secure. I’ve thought about delivery driving, but the options are limited due to age restrictions for insurance. I applied to Domino’s for a delivery position but haven’t heard back. I’ve also submitted applications for various warehouse jobs, which I think I could handle better since they involve more solitary work, but I haven’t received any responses. Factory work is the only job I know I can get, but after my last experience, I really don’t want to go back. I’m feeling a lot of pressure to find something soon, but my mental health is suffering. I sleep around 12 hours a night, and if I don’t get enough rest, I struggle to function. Social interactions are tough for me, and I have anxiety that makes being away from home stressful. I did have an interview for a photo assistant position with a fashion brand, which felt like a dream job for me. It would involve working alone, taking photos, and editing, and it was just a short walk from home. They promised to get back to me by Friday, but I haven’t heard anything yet. I’m considering applying for Universal Credit, but I’m torn. I want to work and feel a sense of purpose, but I also feel incapable of holding down a job right now. I worry that claiming UC might make me feel worse about my situation. I’m open to visiting the job center for guidance, but I’m afraid that if I take a job and it doesn’t work out, I’ll lose benefits. I really want to make my dreams come true, especially in photography, but the competition is fierce, and I’m feeling lost. Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently navigating a tough situation after leaving my job at a factory. I started working nights there after finishing college, but it was a struggle from the beginning. I eventually switched to another factory, but the environment was toxic, leading to me quitting on just my second day due to being overworked and even injuring my ankle. Now, I'm unemployed and feeling the pressure as I've exhausted my emergency fund and am selling off investments to make ends meet. My monthly expenses are quite manageable, with £400 for rent to my mum, £350 for car insurance and tax, and about £100 for fuel and food. I receive £400 in personal independence payment (PIP), which I give to my mum as rent, so ideally, I need a job that pays over £450 a month to feel comfortable. I dream of becoming a photographer, particularly in music or late-night photography, but I struggle with traditional 9-5 jobs due to my autism and hypersomnia. I've applied to various positions, including delivery driving and warehouse jobs, but haven't had much luck. The only jobs I feel I could secure are in factories, but the thought of returning to that environment is daunting. Recently, I interviewed for a photo assistant role with a fashion brand that seemed perfect—working alone, doing what I love, and just a short walk from home. They promised to get back to me by Friday, but I haven't heard anything yet, which is adding to my anxiety. I'm considering applying for universal credit, but I'm hesitant. I want to work and feel a sense of purpose, but I'm also worried about the implications of claiming benefits and how it might affect my motivation. I feel stuck between wanting to work and feeling incapable of doing so. I know the job market is competitive, especially in photography, and I'm trying to hold onto hope for the future, but the uncertainty is overwhelming. Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated.

I recently found myself in a tough situation at my job as a therapist at a private practice where I’ve been working for almost two months. I graduated from university not long ago and this is my first office job, so I'm still getting the hang of things. My role involves working with children and their families, and I’m supposed to be supervised since I’m just starting out. However, my boss, who is also my clinical supervisor, has made it difficult for me to be open about my concerns. A week ago, during a meeting, my supervisor told me that it’s a disadvantage for them to have to train me so much, despite the fact that they hired me on a reduced salary specifically for that purpose. They had initially offered me a position but then reduced my salary by $10,000 due to bad references, which felt really shady. They claimed they would trust their gut and keep me on, but my employment was contingent on getting a better reference. I managed to get that, but the whole experience has left me feeling uneasy. Just yesterday, another supervisor brought me in to discuss my performance during client consultations. I explained that it made sense for the more experienced therapist to retain clients, but she took my comment the wrong way and suggested that I was implying I should be fired. The conversation escalated, and she accused me of being cold and lacking compassion, despite never having seen me interact with clients. To top it off, all our meetings are transcribed, which feels invasive and adds to my stress. Now I’m at a crossroads, wondering if I should quit or stick it out. I’m worried that if I stay longer, they might write a negative note about me to my regulatory body, which could jeopardize my career. I’ve been advised by some to wait until I have another job offer before quitting, as leaving without another position could mean I won’t qualify for unemployment benefits. I feel like I’m being taken advantage of, and I’m not sure what to do next.

I recently interviewed for a scientist position and felt confident about my performance. I have several years of relevant experience, but I’m still finishing my degree, which I will complete this spring. During the interview, I mentioned that I’ve been balancing work and school, and I’m capable of managing both responsibilities effectively. Now, I’ve received a request for additional information for HR, and I noticed an update in my profile indicating that an offer is pending, but it’s for a technician role instead of the scientist position I applied for. The job description and working conditions are the same, but the title has changed, along with the educational requirements, PTO structure, and compensation model. I’m a bit puzzled and concerned about this change. I’m wondering if this technician role is a temporary position while I finish my degree, and if I would transition to the scientist role automatically upon graduation. I’ve prepared a list of questions to ask when they contact me about the offer, particularly about the specifics of the transition and how it affects pay and benefits. Has anyone experienced something similar? I’d appreciate any insights or advice.

I recently found myself reflecting on my job search journey after a significant gap in my employment. I had been out of the workforce for about two years due to personal reasons, and I was really worried about how this would affect my chances of finding a comparable job in my field, which is marketing. During my time off, I focused on self-improvement and took online courses to stay updated with industry trends. I also volunteered for a local nonprofit, which helped me gain some relevant experience and keep my skills sharp. When I decided to start applying for jobs again, I sent out around 100 applications over the course of three months. I tailored my resume and cover letter for each position, highlighting my skills and the experience I gained during my gap. I faced a lot of rejections, but I stayed persistent. Eventually, I landed a marketing coordinator position that, while slightly lower in pay than my previous role, felt like a great fit. I wanted to share this to encourage others who might be in a similar situation. It is possible to find a job after a long gap, especially if you focus on continuous learning and networking. Don't lose hope!

I just received an email from leadership at Microsoft Vietnam regarding an "Important Business Update". The meeting is scheduled to include HR, and I'm feeling really anxious about it. I haven't experienced a meeting like this before, and I'm worried it might be bad news. I’m unsure how to prepare for it or what to expect. It's strange because we have plans to move to a new office at the end of this month, so I'm confused about why this meeting is happening now. The invitation was sent to the entire company and requires in-person attendance, with no recording allowed. I'm just hoping for the best but feeling really stressed.

Today, I found myself frustrated with the New York unemployment system. I've only collected two weeks of benefits, but suddenly I'm being told I owe $1500. I'm completely baffled and can't figure out why this is happening. I've been actively applying for jobs, and I don't think I earned any income during those weeks that I didn't report. I'm planning to call them to get some clarity, but right now, I just need to vent about this situation.

I recently gave my two-week notice after nearly four years at my company, excited to start a new role with a better salary. I genuinely liked my team and wanted to leave on good terms, so I spent the weekend preparing detailed documentation and handover notes for my ongoing projects. On Monday, I scheduled a one-on-one with my manager to hand in my notice. I presented the transition document, hoping to ensure a smooth handover. To my shock, my manager reacted with silence, looking deeply offended, and accused me of trying to ruin the team during a critical launch. Before I could explain, he hung up on me. Within fifteen minutes, my Slack and email access were revoked, and HR called my personal phone to inform me that my resignation was effective immediately. They treated me like I was trying to steal company secrets, leaving me with no chance to say goodbye to my team or complete the handover. This experience has taught me that I will never give two weeks' notice again.

I have an upcoming interview for a fully remote legal assistant position at a small immigration law firm based in NYC. I hold an LL.B. from abroad and an LL.M. from a U.S. law school, along with experience in legal research, drafting, and administrative work at diplomatic missions. I'm bilingual in Arabic and English and currently preparing for the NY Bar Exam. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the salary discussion because I've faced rejections for two previous positions. I want to ensure I ask for a reasonable salary that won't discourage the employer from hiring me. I'm looking for advice on what a reasonable monthly salary would be for this role, considering my qualifications and the fact that the position is remote. Any insights, especially from those in the legal field, would be greatly appreciated!

I have an upcoming interview for a fully remote legal assistant position at a small immigration law firm based in NYC. I hold an LL.B. from abroad and an LL.M. from a U.S. law school, along with experience in legal research, drafting, and administrative tasks at diplomatic missions. I'm also bilingual in Arabic and English and currently preparing for the NY Bar Exam. I'm feeling quite nervous about the salary discussion since I've already faced rejections for two previous positions. I want to ensure I ask for a reasonable monthly salary that won't deter the employer from hiring me. I’m looking for advice on what a fair salary would be for this role, especially from those familiar with the immigration law field. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off two weeks ago from my role and currently on a 60-day garden leave. My manager has been supportive and we continue to meet weekly, as he’s advocating for me to find another role within the company before my time is up. Reflecting on my situation, I remembered my next-to-last layoff was 21 years ago, and during that time, I didn’t utilize my time well. My manager shared that he experienced a nine-month layoff and regretted not making better use of that time. He wished he had traveled or engaged in fulfilling activities instead of just hunkering down and saving money. Now, I’m pondering how to maximize this time outside of job searching. I’ve started taking care of personal matters I had neglected, like scheduling doctor appointments before my insurance runs out. I also want to focus on my mental health, exercise, and reconnect with nature. I’m considering how to balance enjoying life with the uncertainty of my job search. I’d love to hear how others have made the most of their time during layoffs.

I've been feeling really desperate lately as I've been trying to transition out of freelancing after my last contract ended early. For the past three years, I've taken on various odd jobs, but I've had zero luck in finding a full-time position. It's been incredibly frustrating. I've revamped my resume countless times and have gone through numerous interviews, including several final rounds and take-home projects, but it always seems like I'm just falling short. I even tried applying to places like Starbucks and Target in the meantime, but that hasn't worked out either. I'm reaching out for any advice on how to break into social media or marketing roles. If anyone has any tips or suggestions, I would really appreciate it. I'm feeling like I'm at my wit's end.

I've been working at a family-owned company for just over 10 years, and I recently faced a frustrating situation regarding a promised promotion to a manager position. After years of being told that I was next in line for the role and even undergoing training, I was informed that they hired someone else for the position—someone who is a friend of the owners and had been previously fired from another job. This left me feeling undervalued and disheartened, especially since I was led to believe that I was the obvious choice for the promotion. Now, my spouse has given me the green light to quit and seek other opportunities, but I'm hesitant because the job market in my area isn't great and I currently earn a decent salary of around $80k per year. Part of me wants to stay and show them that they made a mistake by overlooking my contributions, especially since my boss mentioned that my role would be hard to fill due to the workload I manage. However, I'm also aware that I might be stuck in a dead-end situation without a clear path for advancement. I'm currently weighing my options: should I leave this job and let them figure out the consequences of their decision, or should I stick it out while searching for something better?

I've been job searching for the past three months, but it feels like I'm stuck in a loop of applying to scams and temp positions. Currently, I'm working a temporary job, but I'm really hoping to land something permanent. I've tried revamping my resume and cover letter multiple times, even adjusting it to highlight my experience as if I’ve been in one steady role instead of several short-term ones. Despite my efforts, I still haven't heard back from any employers. It’s incredibly disheartening, and I’m starting to feel like I might be stuck in this cycle forever.

I recently quit my part-time server job at a small restaurant without giving any notice, and now I'm feeling a bit panicked about my decision. I've been a nursing student for a while, and I found this job about two months ago. The restaurant is so small that there isn't much management, and I didn’t even sign a contract. They pay below minimum wage here in Ontario, which is concerning. There was a particularly stressful incident where I thought I hadn’t received my tips, and when I asked my boss about it, he became defensive and raised his voice. He made it uncomfortable, and I felt like I was working two jobs—serving and managing my anxiety. He often got irritated and would yell, which made me dread going to work. I had been wanting to quit for a while but was hoping to secure another job first. As a mature student, I have bills to pay, but I do have some savings. The thought of relying on those savings is a bit scary. After my last shift, I texted my coworker to let them know I had to quit due to other commitments in my life, apologizing for the short notice. I felt relieved after sending that message, but now I’m anxious about not providing a two-week notice. I worry it might come back to haunt me in terms of references, even though I wouldn’t use this boss as a reference. I did include this job on my CV, and I'm hoping it won't negatively impact my job search.

I'm currently in the reference check stage for a job offer, and I'm feeling really anxious about it. As a new grad from the class of 2026, I provided two references: my former internship manager and the president of my college club. The company said both of them spoke highly of me, which is great, but now they want to speak to someone more senior, and I'm at a loss. I don't have any other senior connections to turn to. My college experience was large lectures with over 2,000 students, so I never really got to know any professors well. Plus, I didn't end on good terms with my first internship manager, so that's not an option either. All my clubs were student-run without any faculty advisors, so I'm really stuck. I'm terrified of losing this opportunity because I can't provide another senior reference. I just wish I had more connections to help me out right now.