Planning

I'm a 28-year-old who has been navigating my career path and now find myself in a bit of a bind. I've been a freelance videographer and photographer since high school, which I love, but unfortunately, passion doesn't always pay the bills. My first real job was at Amazon as a warehouse worker, where I spent three years until I felt mistreated and overworked. I managed to save enough to leave that job and pursue my passion for photography and videography. For five years, I worked at a social media advertisement agency, but this year things took a turn for the worse. I started getting less work, and now, as of October 2026, I've been completely cut off from gigs. I'm facing the reality of not being able to pay my rent or debts in just two months. At this point, I'm looking for stable income that can cover my expenses and allow me to enjoy life a bit. I graduated high school but have no degree or formal experience beyond what I've mentioned. I'm seeking a job that involves teamwork, ideally in a blue-collar setting, where I can grow and develop my skills. I'm considering options like working at Costco as a stocker, but I'm open to any suggestions for entry-level positions that don’t require a degree, offer training, and allow me to work as part of a crew without heavy customer interaction.

I work at Circle K as a third-shift employee, and I've been facing some serious issues lately. My store has failed the Ecosure inspection twice, and now my general manager is under pressure to improve the store's cleanliness. Unfortunately, this has resulted in me being overloaded with work while my coworkers on first and second shifts seem to do very little. I often find myself cleaning up after them, and despite my efforts, I've just learned that my hours are being cut down to only 16 a week starting on the 23rd. This is incredibly frustrating, especially since I've been a reliable employee for the past 10 months, never late, and always present. It feels like I'm being punished for the failures of others, and now I'm worried about how I'm going to make rent. I'm considering escalating this to HR, but I’ve heard they typically don’t help employees in situations like mine. I really need to find another job quickly before my hours are reduced.

I've been working the overnight shift from 10:30 PM to 6:30 AM for almost a year now. Recently, I was offered a promotion, which I was excited about, but I have some concerns. I mentioned to my employer that I can only work until 7 AM at the latest because I need to take my kids to school right after my shift. My job sometimes requires me to work events, and while I've managed to find childcare for those, they recently posted a notice indicating that all third shift employees are required to attend an event next week starting at 2 PM. This poses a significant problem for me since I would finish my shift at 6:30 AM, then have to return at 2 PM, which gives me very little time to rest and no time to arrange childcare. If I refuse to attend, I risk getting written up, which could jeopardize the promotion that comes with a nearly 30% raise. I'm in a tough spot because I really need that raise, but I can't justify the hours and the lack of childcare.

I just received a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) at my job, and I can't shake off this feeling of embarrassment. I work in a corporate environment where I've been struggling for the past 6-8 months. I've felt completely burnt out and unmotivated, just going through the motions. This lack of enthusiasm stems from a combination of personal issues, dissatisfaction with my role, and constant micromanagement. Deep down, I knew this PIP was coming, and I suspect my employer is looking to replace me. The idea of being let go is daunting, especially since I have friends at the company. I really don’t want to be known for getting fired. However, there’s a part of me that feels relieved. This situation might actually be the push I need to explore a career shift towards something I genuinely want to do. I’m seriously considering resigning instead of enduring this PIP process, as I feel it might just prolong the inevitable. I’m reaching out to share my thoughts and see if anyone has insights or advice on how to navigate this situation.

I'm feeling really lost right now as a junior in college. The job market seems so daunting, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm falling behind. My LinkedIn profile is nothing compared to my classmates who have way more experience, and I can't figure out how they did it. I spent too much time not focusing on my future, and now I feel desperate as I apply for internships but keep getting rejected. I suspect my resume is getting filtered out by AI because I don't have the right buzzwords. It's frustrating to see others seemingly ahead of me, and I'm worried that if I don't secure something by graduation, I won't know what to do next. I really need some encouragement right now. I know I have to put in more effort, but it feels overwhelming. I just want to hear that there's still hope for me in this job market.

I am a 25-year-old female from the US, and I graduated with a civil engineering degree in 2024. Last year, I went missing for 2.5 days, and my name and pictures ended up on the police department's website. Since then, I've been actively job hunting but faced a lot of challenges, including getting ghosted, scammed, and rejected by potential employers. To improve my hireability, I enrolled in extra classes at my local community college. I'm concerned about how my past might affect my chances of getting hired. I’ve been wondering if being reported missing will impact how employers view my qualifications. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I was let go from my job after 6.5 years due to performance issues following a PIP. This happened about a year ago. Recently, I discovered that the director who played a significant role in my termination has moved to a competitor where I'm interested in applying for a role. Despite only having gained three months of experience since my firing, I'm considering whether I should go ahead and apply. I'm curious if it's possible to convince this director to give me another chance in a different environment. I know there are mixed opinions on this, with some saying it's a bad idea since the director might influence the hiring process negatively. However, I feel like I have nothing to lose and want to explore this opportunity.

I recently had an unemployment appeal hearing in Pennsylvania. I received a disqualifying determination from the unemployment office, and I was hoping to challenge it. During the hearing, I was asked to provide details about the circumstances surrounding my termination and any evidence I had to support my case. The comments on my post suggested I should focus on the exact wording of the disqualifying determination to strengthen my appeal. I’m feeling a mix of anxiety and hope as I wait for the decision.

I recently received an offer for a Founding Recruiter role at a Series A startup in the AI sector, which has around $40 million in funding and a valuation of $200 million. They're currently in the process of another fundraising round. I'm currently working at a Series D AI startup that has $200 million in funding and a valuation of $750 million, but unfortunately, it's going under, which is why I'm exploring this new opportunity. The offer includes a base salary of $175,000, with equity valued at $125,000. There's also a bonus that can go up to $175,000, paid as equity once a year based on personal and company performance. The catch is that while 50% of the bonus vests immediately, the remaining portion follows the standard four-year vesting schedule. On the positive side, I see this as a great resume builder. I would have the chance to learn a lot and be hands-on in growing the company, which could allow me to make a significant impact. However, the cons are also notable: the new position offers only $25,000 more than my current salary, and I would face higher healthcare costs, increased risks, and potentially longer hours. I'm trying to determine if the additional $25,000 in cash compensation is worth the trade-offs. I'm generally okay with the base salary, but I would prefer to receive part of the bonus in cash since that would help cover my current living expenses.

I recently received an offer for a founding recruiter role at a Series A startup in the AI space. This opportunity comes as I'm currently at a Series D AI startup that's facing tough times, which is prompting my consideration of this new position. The offer includes a base salary of $175k, along with $125k in equity and a bonus that can amount to $175k, depending on personal and company performance. The bonus is paid in equity once a year, with 50% vesting immediately and the remainder following the standard four-year vesting schedule. On the positive side, I see this as a significant resume builder and an opportunity to learn a lot while being hands-on in growing the company. I believe I could make a large impact there. However, there are some downsides to consider. The new position offers only $25k more than my current salary, but it comes with higher healthcare costs, increased risks, and the expectation of longer hours. I'm debating whether that extra $25k is worth the trade-offs. I feel comfortable with the base salary, but I would prefer to negotiate for some of the bonus to be paid in cash since that would help with my immediate financial needs.

I recently found myself in a bit of a dilemma as I received two job offers at the same time. One is from a tech startup where I would be working as a software engineer, and the other is from a well-established company offering a similar role but with more stability and benefits. I'm currently weighing the pros and cons of each position, considering factors like company culture, growth opportunities, and salary. It's exciting but also a bit stressful trying to make the right decision for my career.

I had a virtual interview with the Hiring Manager recently and was pleasantly surprised to receive an email just 8 minutes later inviting me for an onsite interview. Here’s a quick timeline of my experience so far: On September 21, I applied for the role on LinkedIn, and I believe there were around 40-60 applicants. Fast forward to September 29, I got an email asking for my availability for a screening with the Hiring Manager. The interview took place on October 5, and to my surprise, it was actually the Hiring Manager I spoke with, not a recruiter as I initially thought. The quick turnaround is quite unusual; I didn’t expect to hear back so soon. Now, I have an onsite interview scheduled for next Thursday with the Hiring Manager, a Senior Associate, and an Associate Specialist for a 2-hour session. It's been 3 weeks since the job listing went up, and they haven't reposted it, which makes me wonder about the hiring process and whether this is a good sign for me. This is my first time moving past the first round of interviews, so I’m feeling optimistic but also a bit anxious. I’m trying to stay positive and hope for the best!

I'm currently on FMLA leave from my job and I'm feeling anxious because I think I might be laid off soon. I've heard that being on FMLA should protect me from layoffs, but I'm not entirely sure if that's accurate. I'm looking for advice on what steps I should take to prepare for the possibility of losing my job while I'm out.

I recently accepted a job offer with a start date of October 26. However, I need to pass a background check and a drug test before I can give my two weeks' notice at my current job. I communicated to the hiring manager that I need the background check completed by the end of business on October 9 to be able to submit my resignation first thing on October 12. Ideally, I would prefer to put in my notice on October 9, but I haven't even been contacted to schedule the drug test yet. I'm considering asking the new employer to push back my start date by a week to ensure everything is in order before I leave my current position. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the timeline and whether I should be more proactive in addressing this with the new company.

I recently went through a challenging experience with my unemployment claim after being terminated from my job in Michigan. Initially, my claim was denied because my former employer cited misconduct as the reason for my termination. However, I appealed this decision and was able to win without needing to provide extensive evidence—just my position statement was enough. The situation that led to my termination was a misunderstanding regarding scheduling. I was trying to clarify some confusion in a group chat, and my manager encouraged me to reach out to him directly. I did so, expressing my viewpoint respectfully, but shortly after, I received termination papers—just 24 minutes later, in fact. From my perspective, while my employer has the right to terminate me for various reasons, it seemed unfair to invite further discussion and then fire me for expressing my thoughts. During the appeal, an investigator reviewed the texts exchanged and ruled in my favor, which gave me some hope. Now, I’m in the process of preparing for the next stage of the appeal and wondering if my former employer can change their narrative. They submitted their evidence already, which was ruled in my favor, but can they bring up other issues that occurred previously? I want to be prepared but also don't want to overprepare or stray from the main points relevant to my case. It's a bit nerve-wracking, but I'm trying to stay focused on what matters most.

I recently experienced a whirlwind of job interviews after being laid off last Thursday. In just one week, I secured three interviews: one with a bank and two with real estate companies. I completed two interviews already and have one more scheduled for tomorrow. I felt I did well in the first interview, while the second one went okay. I'm trying not to get too excited since interviews don't guarantee a job offer, but I can't help but wonder if the quick responses from these companies are a red flag. I've been applying to numerous positions, and I know others have gone months without even landing an interview, so I’m trying to stay cautious. I'm eager for any advice on how to navigate this situation as I continue my job search.

I'm 37 years old and feeling quite anxious about my future. I moved to Portugal about ten years ago and have dual citizenship, allowing me to work in both the U.S. and the EU. Unfortunately, my work history is quite sparse and mostly consists of short-term contracts in public relations for video game publishers and some independent content creation, including a YouTube channel with over 20,000 subscribers. Despite this, I've struggled to find stable employment and have sent out thousands of job applications with little success. Most responses I get are from MLM schemes or scams. I'm currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Communications, hoping it will help me secure a better job. However, I was diagnosed with premature coronary artery disease in my mid-30s, which has forced me to reconsider my career plans. I had aspirations to join the Merchant Marine industry, but my health situation made that impossible, and it was a tough blow. On top of that, my family situation is challenging. My parents are elderly, with my mother suffering from Alzheimer's, and I don't have much support. I'm single and haven't had a serious relationship in a long time, which adds to my urgency to find a stable career. I'm not looking to become wealthy; I'd be happy with a stable income of €2,000–€2,500 per month. I'm open to working in Portugal, elsewhere in Europe, or remotely, ideally in an English-speaking environment. I'm not technically inclined, so programming isn't an option, but I'm comfortable with writing, research, and communication. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has successfully started a career later in life, especially after years of inconsistent work. If you have a general degree like Communications, what field did you enter? How did you overcome employment history challenges? Did you achieve financial stability? And how did you cope with the feeling of being behind others? I'm ready to start at the bottom and prove myself; I just need a chance.

I received another rejection today, and I'm starting to feel really frustrated. It's been almost two years since I lost my job, and while I have a part-time position, it's not enough. I'm 28 and watching my peers land full-time roles and advance in their careers makes me feel like I'm falling behind. I've been tailoring my CV and cover letter for each application, and I even send them to my employment counselor for feedback. They say my materials look good, but I've only had two interviews this year, which feels disheartening. My background is in international development and political science, and I'm starting to wonder if that's part of the problem. I've heard that my field is quite niche and perhaps not very marketable. I'm considering exploring entry-level roles in different areas, but it's tough to know where to start. I've also been thinking about networking more and reaching out to people in the industry I want to work in, as I've heard that personal references can make a big difference. I just can't shake the feeling that I'm somehow cursed in this job search.

I have been job searching for about 2-3 weeks now, applying to various positions without much luck. I hold an Associate’s degree in Biology and have experience working in warehouses and restaurants. Currently, I’m located in the Tampa/Brandon area and I’m wondering what jobs are hiring right now that I can quickly get into. I’ve received some suggestions to focus my search on lab-related roles like lab assistant, specimen processor, and research assistant positions, especially since there are openings at companies like Moffitt, Quest, LabCorp, and LabX that require little to no lab experience and offer pay around $17 to $20+ an hour. I’m also considering how my warehouse experience might come in handy for other roles. Any advice on where else I should be applying?

Today, I received some exciting news after interviewing for a production planner position, which is my dream role after years of working on the manufacturing floor. The recruiter called to let me know they want to move forward with an offer, which I should receive between tomorrow and Monday. However, I’m feeling anxious about the background check process. A bit of context: I struggled with drug addiction a while back and made some poor choices, including an attempted theft charge that I just had expunged last Tuesday. I’m worried that the background check databases may not reflect this update yet. I didn’t anticipate that they would conduct a contingency-based offer, and I’m hesitant to put in my two weeks at my current job only to have the offer revoked if something comes up. I’m considering reaching out to the recruiter to see if there’s a way to delay my start until the background check clears without raising any red flags. I genuinely don’t know if my past charge will even be an issue, but I want to be cautious. Any advice on how to approach this would be greatly appreciated.