Planning

I just found out that I will be laid off in about 2.5 hours along with 12 others from the creative team at my current job. I'm feeling super nervous about it, but I've been through this before, so I made sure to have all my important information saved on my personal computer and my portfolio is fully updated. I'm wondering if there's anything else I might be missing as I prepare for this transition. It's tough to be 27 and facing unemployment in today's economy, but I'm also looking forward to exploring opportunities outside of corporate creative work. I'm considering going back to part-time work while attending school full-time again, but I'm still figuring things out.

I woke up this morning to a cold email informing me that I was laid off from my position at ServiceNow. I had worked late into the night, trying to resolve an urgent issue, and thought my dedication would be recognized. Instead, I received the news at 7 AM, just hours after I had put in all that extra effort. It feels incredibly disheartening to be let go after working so hard, especially when it seems like my commitment didn't matter in the end. This experience has made me reflect on the value of my contributions and the company's priorities. I guess it's a harsh reminder that no matter how much you give, it may not be enough for the organization. Now, I need to figure out my next steps and start searching for new opportunities.

I recently passed my initial probation as a government union worker, or so I thought. Just three weeks later, during a one-on-one meeting with my manager, I was informed that my probation would be extended by three months due to some performance issues that I had previously acknowledged. I was shocked because I had been told in a team meeting that I had passed probation, and even received positive feedback shortly after. My manager expressed his belief in my potential but cited the need to clear up the performance concerns before fully moving forward. After doing some research, I discovered that this extension seems to violate our union contract, as the mechanisms for extending probation should have already passed. I reached out to my union, and they were taken aback by the situation, advising me to let them handle it formally. Now, I'm in a dilemma about whether to give my manager a heads-up about the union's involvement. On one hand, I want to maintain a good relationship with him, but on the other hand, I'm concerned that he might use this situation against me if he collects evidence of my past performance issues. It's a tricky situation, and I'm trying to navigate it carefully.

I've been on the job hunt since I was terminated from my IT role back in December, and it's been a tough road. I've only made it to two final interviews, both of which I didn't get. The lack of income is driving me a bit crazy, especially since my food stamps were recently canceled due to my unemployment. I need at least 20 hours of work per week to qualify for assistance, and I'm really feeling the pressure. I signed up for Amazon Flex, but I'm on a waitlist that could take up to six months. I'm looking for any flexible temp work that would allow me to set my own schedule. I've been applying to all sorts of part-time and full-time jobs, but I haven't heard back from any of them. My resume is heavily IT-focused, which makes it challenging to apply for non-IT positions. I know I have a solid work ethic and a diverse skill set in IT, but it feels like my background is hurting my chances of getting interviews. I'm exploring options like Fiverr for freelance work, but I know building a reputation takes time. Ideally, I'd prefer something in the real world rather than digital gigs, but I'm open to anything at this point. I'm also considering local volunteer opportunities to keep myself engaged. If anyone has suggestions for temp work or ways to leverage my IT skills, I would greatly appreciate it.

I've been on quite the job-hopping spree this year, and I'm feeling a bit lost about my next steps. I relocated from Florida to South Carolina to work as a research assistant for 3.5 years, focusing on geriatrics, which I genuinely enjoyed. However, my ultimate goal was to pursue a PhD, and despite my strong academic background and research experience, I applied for three cycles without success. After realizing that the PhD route wasn't for me, I decided to seek new opportunities, especially since my experience at the university was becoming increasingly negative due to administrative changes and funding issues. I felt it was time to move on. I'm excited to start a part-time, online MSW program soon, but my previous job was taking a toll on my mental health, even though I was making $22 an hour. I spent months searching for new roles while juggling my 8-4:30 job, which made it difficult to schedule interviews. Eventually, I accepted a receptionist position at a spine and back clinic, but it turned out to be less than ideal. The training was discouraging, the pay dropped to $17 an hour, and the commute to two different locations was exhausting. While working there, I landed a job in the ER as a registration clerk, which I’ve been doing for the past three months. The hours are tough—12-hour shifts on weekends—but the pay is $19 an hour. I feel like I perform well, but the job is draining, especially with the short staffing. Recently, I received an offer for a memory care coordinator position at an assisted living facility. The job sounds like a lot of fun and aligns with my interests, but it pays the same as my current role. I’m also considering my future internship for my MSW program, which many in my cohort do through their jobs. My current job offers flexibility during the week, which is beneficial for interviews and schoolwork. I really don’t want to continue job hopping, as I feel guilty about leaving roles shortly after being trained. I'm conflicted about whether to take the new opportunity or stick with my current role in hopes of finding something more aligned with my long-term goals in social work and palliative care.

I was recently wrongfully dismissed from my job, and I’m feeling completely hopeless and anxious. Just a few days ago, I was called into an unexpected meeting with HR and a company director. I had no idea what it was about, and to my shock, I was told that my employment was ending immediately because it had come to their attention that I was exploring another job opportunity. This opportunity was informal and came from a colleague who plans to leave later this year to start his own business. We had a casual chat about the possibility of me working with him, but nothing was set in stone. Unfortunately, I shared this conversation with a couple of trusted colleagues, and it spread like wildfire. Now, after my dismissal, the colleague who initially approached me called to say I could still apply for the position, but it wouldn’t be a guaranteed offer anymore. He mentioned that my situation almost cost him his job, which makes me feel even worse. I’m devastated about losing my job and the security it provided. I’m dealing with severe anxiety and feeling like a failure. I just graduated from university, and this was my first real job. I was laughed at during the meeting, and I currently have a case open with the fair work department because I believe my dismissal was unlawful. I’m struggling to cope with this situation and don’t know how to move forward. Any advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

I just accepted an offer for a mid-level fashion role in London, and I start next week. It's been a long journey since I moved to the UK six months ago, primarily searching for a job in fashion. I relocated to London a month ago, realizing that most opportunities are centered here. Despite having seven years of experience back in India, including running my own clothing brand, I often feel like an imposter. During the job search, I faced discouragement with suggestions to pursue courses or internships due to the competitive nature of the UK market and the emphasis on local experience. So, landing this role feels surreal, especially since the company is known for employee retention. However, I can’t shake the feeling of self-doubt. I've gained some weight recently, and adjusting to the UK culture has made me self-conscious. I’m worried about making a good impression and not coming off as timid or unapproachable because of my introverted nature. I’m reaching out for advice or resources that could help me navigate this transition. I want to feel confident and stop second-guessing myself. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I attended a job fair today for the first time, and I was really anxious about it. I wasn't sure what to expect and felt overwhelmed by the idea of presenting myself to potential employers. My anxiety often gets the best of me, especially in crowded environments, which made me worry about how I would handle the noise and the pressure. I was looking for advice on how to stand out and make a good impression despite my nerves. I wanted to know if there were specific strategies or tips that could help me navigate the event and feel more confident.

I've been on the job hunt for several months now and have been considering different strategies to land a position. My family suggested that I try walking into businesses to hand in my resume directly and ask for a job. However, I've come across mixed opinions on whether this approach is still effective in today's job market. Some people say it's outdated and that most companies prefer online applications. I'm curious if anyone has had success with this method recently or if it's better to stick to online applications.

I was laid off yesterday afternoon after nearly 4 years at my company in the learning and development department. I had a feeling this was coming, as I had survived several rounds of layoffs before, but being the only person in my function area made me realize I would likely be next on the list. The company has been struggling for a while now, and I had already started applying for jobs, even reaching the final round in one interview. Now that I have more time to focus on my job search, I'm trying to stay positive about the situation. I know it might be harder to maintain this outlook in a few months, but I'm hopeful. Wish me luck!

I’m currently stuck in a retail job making about $25k a year after taxes, which is tough to manage in my high cost of living area. I graduated with a computer science degree two years ago, but since then, I’ve been living with my parents and struggling to find a better job. It feels like I’m trapped; I can’t support myself, can’t move out, and can’t even afford a car or have any fun. I feel like a disappointment to my family and to myself. Despite my efforts to tailor my resume and apply for jobs, I haven’t been able to land any interviews. I’ve been stuck in this retail position for two years without gaining any new skills or experience that would help me advance my career. I’ve tried applying for entry-level tech roles, leveraging my customer service experience, but I still get no responses. It’s frustrating to see younger candidates with no experience getting hired while I struggle to even get noticed. I’m at a loss for what to do next. I feel like I’ve exhausted my options for improving my skills or finding a better job. I can’t go back to school for more education, and I don’t know how to gain the experience needed to move up. The only reason I’m still working this retail job is to support my brother, who really needs me. Without him, I honestly don’t know where I’d be right now. This whole situation is pushing me to the brink, and I’m just trying to figure out how to make it work.

I quit my job at Costco 21 years ago when I was just 20 years old. Looking back, I realize how foolish I was for just stopping showing up and not even calling to explain. I’m now wondering about my chances of getting hired back there after all this time. Do companies like Costco blacklist former employees for situations like mine? Is it even worth applying again, or should I just move on?

I’m excited to share that I’m starting a new job on Monday after more than a year of searching! This past year has been the toughest job search experience of my life, and I'm 51 years old. I left my job of over 21 years in September 2024 for long-term disability, and it wasn't until last year that I felt ready to re-enter the workforce. That gap on my resume was a major hurdle. For over a year, I applied to countless positions, tailored my resumes, went through interviews, and often got ghosted. I submitted hundreds of applications. At the start of this year, I briefly worked for a terrible company that paid poorly and laid me off after three months because I was overwhelmed. This new job feels different already. They provided a structured 90-day onboarding plan that can adapt based on my progress. The offer letter was clear about expectations, and I recently had a Teams meeting where I met the small team of about 13 people. They seem very close-knit, which is a bit intimidating, but I’m genuinely optimistic about fitting in. I used to roll my eyes at all the “Don’t Give Up” posts, but here I am writing one myself. If you’re in the midst of your job search, even when it feels hopeless, don’t lose faith. Things can change. My wife and I were down to our last two months of savings, so this journey has truly tested us. I know many can relate to that pressure. There wasn’t any magic formula, but I found that using ChatGPT to tailor my resumes made a huge difference. It learned my style and helped me customize my applications more efficiently. Just remember to proofread everything to ensure accuracy. I believe if companies are using AI to evaluate candidates, we should use it to present ourselves better, as long as it’s truthful. Once I started leveraging AI, my interview opportunities increased significantly, and interestingly, I don’t even need it for every application anymore because it has improved my writing skills. Thank you to this community for being a supportive space where I could vent and find useful tips. It reminded me that even in a tough job market, there’s still hope. If anyone has questions about my job search, resume strategies, or how I used AI, feel free to reach out. Sharing is caring! 🙂

I recently came across a job offer for a tech professional position that requires a minimum of 3 years of experience, but the salary offered is only 26K. I find this quite disappointing, as it seems low for someone with that level of experience in the tech industry. I'm currently evaluating my options and considering whether to apply or continue my job search for better opportunities.

I recently got laid off from my security job at a local company after it was bought out. I had been working in security for several years, including a role at a university where I hosted events. Before that, I was a car salesman and have experience in customer service from various jobs, including fast food and restaurants. Now, I'm considering a career change to become a server. I’m not sure if I can start as a server despite my experience in related fields. I'm hoping to find a position that offers 40 hours a week or more, as my current pay of $15 an hour isn't enough to make ends meet. Any advice or insights into transitioning into the serving industry would be greatly appreciated!

I have a compliance assistant interview coming up in the UK, and I’m feeling quite nervous about it. As a recent law graduate, I want to make a good impression and showcase my knowledge effectively. I’m reaching out for any tips or recommendations that could help me prepare for the interview. I would really appreciate any advice from those who have experience in this field. Thank you!

I worked at a company for 4 and a half years, starting in an entry-level position. After two years, I was promoted to a management role, which was my first experience in management. Unfortunately, due to multiple layoffs, I was let go. Now that I'm searching for new opportunities, I've noticed that many leadership positions require 3 to 5 years of management experience, which I don't quite meet. I'm considering adjusting my resume to reflect my management role starting earlier in my tenure at the company. I'm wondering if potential employers typically fact-check the specific dates for each role or if they only verify the total length of employment. Has anyone else faced this situation and have any advice?

I'm currently planning a move to New York to live with my aunt in search of better job opportunities. As a 21-year-old black male, I've been feeling overwhelmed by the job market lately, and it's been affecting my mental health. I've worked in various kitchen roles, including cook, dishwasher, busboy, server, host, and prep cook, but Atlanta just isn't cutting it for me anymore. My fiancée and I are eager to start our life together, and we believe moving to New York could help us achieve that. We're hoping I can secure a job there, save up some money, and eventually bring her along to begin building our future. I'm tired of the constant rejections and being ghosted, and while I know I'm young and have time, I have specific goals I want to pursue. Thank you for reading my story.

I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) about a month ago at my current job, and I genuinely felt like I had made significant improvements during this period. However, in a recent meeting two weeks ago, my manager's feedback contradicted my perception of progress. They mentioned that they don’t expect perfection, but something about that statement felt off to me. Last week, I experienced a panic attack, and my anxiety and depression have been worsened by this situation. It feels like no matter how much I improve, my efforts go unnoticed, and even the smallest mistakes are being highlighted. I’ve also noticed that my manager has been reviewing my work from several months ago—well before the PIP started—but didn’t address any issues back then. This has led me to question whether the company is trying to push me out or if I should just start looking for a new job.

I came across a project focused on the impact of AI on jobs and income, and it really resonated with me. I'm considering sharing my own experience, as I believe AI has significantly affected my role as a freelance graphic designer. Since the rise of AI tools, I've noticed a decline in client inquiries and projects, which I suspect is due to businesses opting for AI-generated designs over hiring human designers like myself. I'm intrigued by the opportunity to share my story on camera for a short documentary. The project aims to showcase real experiences of people affected by AI, and I think my situation could contribute to a broader understanding of this issue. I’m based in Southern California, so I might have a chance to participate in person. I appreciate that the initial conversation is casual and doesn’t commit me to anything right away. I’m hopeful that by sharing my story, I can help shed light on the challenges we face in adapting to these technological changes.