Planning

I was laid off a couple of months ago and, needing to get back to work quickly, I accepted a job that wasn't my ideal fit. It was more of a first-come, first-serve situation, and I felt I had to take it to secure income. However, I had already been interviewing for a role at another company that I was much more interested in long term, and I decided to continue that process even after starting my current job. Now, two months later, I've received an offer from that company I actually wanted to work for. The tricky part is that I never disclosed to my current employer that I was interviewing elsewhere, as I didn't want to jeopardize my new position after being laid off. I'm in a bit of a dilemma about how to handle this. Should I inform my current employer before accepting the new offer, or should I wait until everything is finalized and then resign? My instinct is to keep things under wraps until I have the new offer officially in hand. I'm also concerned about whether not mentioning my ongoing interviews could affect me during a background check. Will it show that I was interviewing elsewhere, or will it just reflect my current employment dates? I want to ensure I'm not creating any issues by omitting that information. If everything with the new company checks out, how should I break the news to my current manager? I feel guilty about leaving so soon after just two months, but I took this job as a stopgap after being laid off, and this new opportunity aligns much better with my career goals. I want to leave on good terms and avoid burning any bridges, but I also don’t want to over-explain my situation. If anyone has been in a similar situation — laid off, took a quick job, kept interviewing, and then received a better offer — I would really appreciate your insights, especially from hiring managers and recruiters. Thanks!

I'm considering going back to school to pursue a degree in software or IT, mainly because both programs offer co-op options. The tuition would be around $10,000 for two years, and I could potentially gain up to eight months of co-op experience. However, I'm really worried about the risk involved. I've been unemployed for almost two years now, and my biggest fear is ending up in the same situation after graduation. I'm trying to weigh the benefits of the co-op experience against the possibility of not finding a job afterward.

I recently took a job at a higher education institution as a marketing strategist, thinking it would be a good move for my career and allow me to relocate. While the work environment has been pleasant and my colleagues are great, I've quickly realized that the financial trade-off isn't worth it. The deductions from my paycheck for teacher retirement and parking fees total around $750 each month, which is quite a strain since I relocated to save money. Moreover, I came across a job posting that offers $40,000 more than my current salary, requiring two years less experience than I have. This new role is also located closer to the city, which would be more suitable for someone my age. I've been doing the workload of multiple people, and both my coworkers and supervisors have acknowledged this. If I had known about the heavy workload and low pay, I would have accepted a higher title that would have led to managing my own team with a better salary. I initially thought this niche position would allow me to grow within the institution and utilize my full marketing skill set, but now I feel like I'm losing money each month. The job doesn't pay industry standards, and the lack of excitement in my environment is disappointing. I've only been in this position for 8 months, and I'm torn about whether to stick it out until the one-year mark or start applying for other opportunities now. I appreciate any thoughts or advice on this situation.

I’ve been on the job hunt for the past three years, applying to hundreds of positions with no luck. After taking a break for a few months, I started applying again, but salaries in my field seem to be declining. I recently received a job offer for $50K, which is a tight budget for me. I would need to move cities quickly, and I have a large dog to consider, making it hard to find suitable housing. The job is with a reputable institution and could serve as a good stepping stone, but I’m worried about managing my dog’s needs, especially since he’s not used to a dog walker and has some anxiety around strangers. Currently, I’m living with my parents and studying for an exam to apply to medical school next summer. I feel that living on my own with a job would help me focus better on my studies, but I’m hesitant due to the low pay and the quick move required. I’m really struggling mentally in my current living situation, and while I know I’m fortunate to have housing, it’s not ideal for my well-being. I’m looking for advice on whether I should take this job or hold out for something better, especially given how tough the job market seems right now.

Today, I experienced my second layoff in four years. It feels like I'm developing a callus from the repeated blows. I was leading a talented team, and while I had some inkling that this was coming, it still hit hard. Over the past couple of months, I've been actively applying for new positions, but the thought of receiving rejection emails is weighing heavily on me. I guess I'm just here to share my experience and prepare to dive back into the job market, particularly on LinkedIn, which feels like a daunting task. I appreciate the supportive comments and advice from others who have been in similar situations. It's comforting to know I'm not alone in this journey.

I just landed a job as a Video Game Tester after months of searching for work, and I'm feeling really excited about this opportunity. I know that this role isn't just about playing games all day, and I'm prepared for the challenges it may bring. I'm looking for advice on what to expect from this job and how I can use it as a stepping stone for my career. I hold a bachelor's degree in digital arts, specifically in 3D animation, but the job market in my Latin American country has been tough, especially in the animation industry. I've had some freelance work as a 3D modeler and illustrator, but it's been inconsistent. I also briefly worked at a call center, which was quite draining, and I have some experience as a graphic designer at a marketing agency before I was laid off due to restructuring. Currently, I'm taking an online course in UI/UX design to keep myself engaged during my unemployment. I've heard mixed reviews about working in QA, especially from those who transitioned from video game testing, but I'm hoping to make the most of this role. I want to treat my bug reports as a portfolio to showcase my skills and potentially move up to a QA analyst or lead position. I also see this job as a chance to network within the gaming industry, which could open up more opportunities in the future. Any tips or insights would be greatly appreciated!

I’m currently navigating a tricky situation in my job search. I recently had a few interviews that went well, and one company is moving forward with their hiring process. They’ve requested four references, which seemed manageable at first. However, I’ve hit a snag: one of my references passed away unexpectedly two weeks ago, and another reference was let go just last week. I’ve tried reaching out to them, but haven’t been able to connect. I’m considering explaining this situation to the hiring committee, as I believe they might understand, but I worry it could come off as unprofessional. I’m also thinking about asking some colleagues for a reference, but I’m hesitant because I don’t want my current employer to find out that I’m looking elsewhere. While I’m friendly with my coworkers and doubt there would be any backlash, I’ve heard enough horror stories to be cautious. Has anyone else faced a similar challenge? I’d really appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation.

I recently reached the final round of interviews for a position I was really excited about at a larger corporation. After two weeks of waiting, I followed up twice and was informed that the job had been "put on hold." I expressed my disappointment but made it clear that I would still be very interested if the role became available again. They responded by saying that I would be the "first person contacted based on feedback" if the position reopened. Now, I'm left wondering about the likelihood of this role becoming available again and whether I would need to take time off from my current job to interview again. I'm also curious about what might have led to the job being put on hold. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I just completed three rounds of interviews for a position at a tech company, and I’ve made it to the final round, which is an interview with the CEO. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepare for this important meeting. I've already prepared my questions and reviewed the project I presented, but I'm wondering what else I should focus on. I've heard that CEO interviews often assess cultural fit, so I want to be ready to discuss how I align with the company's values and what unique traits I can bring to the team. Any tips on how to approach this final round would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off in May for the second time in less than three years, and it's been a tough journey since then. I've sent out hundreds of job applications and, thankfully, I'm getting more interviews this time compared to 2024. However, I recently faced a setback with three consecutive denials after final round interviews, which has really taken a toll on my mental health. My benefits are set to expire in November, and I'm feeling scared and anxious. It's hard to explain to those around me who don't quite understand the pressure I'm under. I own a home and have a disabled pet, which adds to my stress. The cost of my medication is already high, and the thought of paying out of pocket for a psychiatric appointment to get my prescriptions refilled is overwhelming. Despite these challenges, I'm still actively applying for jobs on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and FlexJobs. But after last week's rejections, I feel like I'm back at square one, just trying to keep my head above water. It's a lonely feeling, and I wish I could find some reassurance that I'm not alone in this struggle. My background is in client success and account management, and it’s frustrating to see the company that laid me off still hiring like crazy on LinkedIn.

I'm currently in Colorado and feeling really anxious about my unemployment benefits running out at the end of November. I'm actively job searching and have been going on interviews, but the job market is incredibly tough right now, and I keep hitting walls. I'm also on necessary medications and already use discounts, so I can't save any more money than I already am. I'm just looking for any information on whether there are ways to extend my benefits. It's a scary situation, and I appreciate any insights.

I haven't received my salary for the last two months at my current job, and while my employer assures me that the pending dues will be cleared soon, I'm feeling increasingly anxious about the situation. I'm contemplating whether I should start job hunting and resign immediately or wait until my dues are settled. My main concern is that if I resign now, they might delay my pending salary even more or refuse to pay it altogether. I'm also worried about potentially not receiving important documents like my relieving letter and experience certificate, which I know are crucial for background verification with a new employer here in India. It's a tough decision to make.

I was put on paid administrative leave from my job at a local university where I work in student well-being. This situation arose after I confided in my boss about my struggles with burnout, loneliness, and a relapse into sex work. I had been trying to manage a temporary part-time role while also working a side job at a restaurant to make ends meet. The emotional toll from a traumatic relationship earlier this year had left me feeling overwhelmed and isolated. During a particularly tough day, I reached out to my boss, and she suggested we meet to discuss my well-being. I broke down and shared everything, which led to her expressing concern and ultimately placing me on leave as a precautionary measure. While they assured me this wasn’t punitive, I’m left in limbo without any updates on my job status. In the meantime, I’ve been applying for other positions, including a pub job and a few administrative roles that offer better pay. I even had a promising phone interview with a nonprofit that aligns with my experiences. I’m trying to focus on self-care, attending therapy, and managing daily life tasks, but it’s challenging without much support. I’m not sure what the future holds for my current job or the new opportunities, and I’m seeking advice or encouragement during this difficult time.

I'm currently navigating my job search in the compliance/legal field within financial services, and I've been using LinkedIn's new AI search feature. However, I've encountered some challenges. My typical search query includes terms like "remote compliance roles in banks or fintechs posted in the last 24 hours." While the AI does a decent job with the compliance aspect, it often returns a significant number of jobs in health care instead of banking or fintech. Additionally, I'm finding that many of the jobs listed as remote are actually hybrid or on-site, which isn't what I'm looking for. I've also noticed that there's no clear location filter in the AI search, which makes it even harder to find relevant positions. I'm seeking tips to refine my search results and improve my chances of finding suitable remote roles.

Today, I learned that FICO has decided to cut its workforce by 15% as part of a restructuring initiative focused on integrating AI into our operations. As a member of the team, this news is quite unsettling and raises concerns about job security for many of us. I'm currently trying to understand how this will impact my role and what opportunities might arise from these changes.

I'm currently in the process of transitioning to a new job and need some advice on salary expectations. I'm a Team Leader at a nonprofit making around $51k per year, which breaks down to about $24.51 an hour. I've applied for an Admin Assistant position at a community college that offers roughly $35k annually, or $16.87 hourly, based on education and experience. I've been in my current role for 7 years, handling responsibilities that align closely with the Admin Assistant position and I even have a degree from that college. I had a great interview with six people and received a callback just two hours later to interview with one more person this Friday. While I genuinely believe I'd be happier in this new role, I know it would mean taking a pay cut. I'm trying to figure out how much I can reasonably ask for without coming off as unreasonable. I've seen suggestions that a salary increase of 10% to 25% is typical, but given the nature of these roles and their positions in the hierarchy, I'm not sure that's applicable here. I really like the team and the job, but I want to negotiate for at least $20.81 an hour. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently let go from my first post-grad job after just 4 months, and I’m feeling completely devastated. I graduated with a B.S. in electrical engineering and started a consulting position that I had lined up since last October. Unfortunately, I was flagged for underperformance during my performance reviews last week. I take full responsibility for my mistakes; I struggled to adapt and often had to redo my work. Despite putting in a lot of effort, I just didn’t seem to be a good fit for the role. Now, I’m feeling terrified and depressed about what comes next. I’ve just settled into a new apartment on my own and managed to keep my savings intact, which gives me some options. I could either stretch my savings while applying for new jobs in the area or consider terminating my lease and moving back home with my parents. I’m also thinking about reaching out to a local internship from last summer where I received a return offer, but I’m unsure if that’s the right move since I initially turned it down. I really tried to connect with my coworkers and take on my responsibilities, but I kept making errors. This experience has been incredibly tough, and I’m seeking guidance on how to move forward. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am currently facing a challenge with my unemployment benefits while preparing for international travel. I will be away for a few weeks and will miss three certification periods. Although I will be back in the U.S. in time to certify for one week, I will have been traveling the entire previous week. I've tried reaching out to the Department of Labor multiple times to report my travel plans, but I've been disconnected each time due to high call volume. The online messaging system just redirects me back to calling. I understand that I shouldn't certify while abroad, but I'm worried about the potential cancellation of my benefits for not certifying for those weeks. I'm seeking advice on the best steps to take in this situation.

I recently found myself laid off from my position, and I realized that I never updated my LinkedIn or resume to reflect this change. As I started interviewing for new roles, I was faced with a dilemma: I asked potential employers not to contact my current employer, who is actually my previous employer now. I was concerned that they would request my first and last paystub for verification. I even thought about editing the dates on my last paystub to match what I wanted them to see. However, I started to wonder how they would verify those employment dates. Would they reach out to my former employer after I started the new job? I’ve seen advice suggesting that background checks typically reveal employment dates, and that it’s better to be honest about my layoff than risk getting caught in a lie. I’m really trying to navigate this tricky situation without jeopardizing my chances.

I recently received an email regarding a job I applied for, stating that the requisition has been closed. The message clarified that this does not affect any other applications I have with the company. Prior to this, I had received an email saying my application was being forwarded to the hiring manager, so this new notification has left me uncertain about my chances. It seems likely that I didn't get the job, as the position is no longer available. I'm trying to stay positive and focus on my next applications and interviews.