Planning

I recently got laid off and have been unemployed for over two months now. I've gone through more than 10 interviews but haven't received a single offer, which has been really disheartening. I have over 8 years of software development experience, primarily at small to mid-sized companies. This is my third time job hunting, and the current market feels incredibly tough compared to my previous experiences. The first time I looked for a job was right after graduating, before COVID hit. I went onsite at three companies, failed two, and managed to get one offer. The second time was during the money-printing era, where I again went onsite at three companies, failed two, but secured one offer. Back then, I had only three years of experience, yet I was bombarded with messages from recruiters on LinkedIn, especially from companies like Amazon. That kind of outreach has completely dried up now. Currently, I've made it to onsite interviews at five companies but have not received any offers. I still find LinkedIn somewhat useful; I have a premium account and receive over five recruiter messages daily. However, most of these recruiters are for positions that do not offer sponsorship. I might get one or two messages from companies that do sponsor per week. My interview pipeline consists of about 10% from cold applications, 40% from referrals, and 50% from LinkedIn InMail. I've noticed a significant drop in the quality of InMail messages. Full-time software development positions seem to be scarce. The interview formats vary by company, but they generally follow the classic trio of coding, system design, and behavioral questions. I haven't encountered any AI-specific coding interviews yet. In terms of coding questions, I've handled about 80% of them well, mostly medium-level and standard problems. I highly recommend practicing coding problems by category to build confidence. However, a few companies threw some curveballs my way, and I had to adapt quickly. Interviews feel noticeably harder than they did in the past. I believe my system design skills have improved, yet I've received feedback from several companies indicating that I failed the system design round. One major change I've observed is that previously, companies like Google and Meta had multiple openings; you'd interview first and then get matched with a hiring manager. Now, there are very few openings, and backfill roles often already have a 'better candidate' lined up, making it an uphill battle.

I recently came across a company called Dev 10 while exploring job opportunities in the IT field. As a recent college graduate, I'm eager to start my career, but I'm feeling quite apprehensive about their process. From my research, it seems that if you leave the program early, there's a hefty fee of $35,000, which is a significant concern for me. I've also read some troubling reports about HR potentially laying off employees during the training phase, which raises a lot of red flags. I'm worried that even if I relocate for this opportunity, I could still face layoffs after the training ends. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has experience with Dev 10. Is it worth the investment, especially with the risk of layoffs and the financial burden of that fee? If someone were to be laid off during training, would they still be liable for that $35,000? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently a university student studying IT/Cybersecurity, and I've decided to change my job search strategy. Instead of applying through traditional job boards, I've compiled a list of local companies and shops in my city that align with my interests in gaming PCs, PC building, and gaming hardware. I'm not strictly looking for a cybersecurity role; I'm open to positions like IT support, help desk, or technical sales. To enhance my search, I activated a LinkedIn Premium trial and began researching these companies, saving profiles of branch managers and employees from shops I'm interested in. However, I'm unsure about the best way to approach them. Should I introduce myself and build a connection first, or should I directly inquire about job opportunities? I'm flexible with my time since my classes are remote, and I'm even open to unpaid internships. I'm feeling a bit burnt out from the traditional application process, and I'm hoping this direct outreach could lead to a position in a field I'm passionate about. Any advice on how to effectively connect with these businesses would be greatly appreciated!

I’m a 25-year-old man currently working in retail sales, and I've been in this field since early 2023 after losing my previous marketing job. I've switched jobs four times since then, but my current position is the only one that pays significantly more than most in my city. However, this job comes with a heavy toll on my health—both physically and mentally. I work long hours on my feet, often from 3 PM to midnight, and I feel like a walking zombie. The constant rotation between different branches every couple of weeks makes it hard to build any community or relationships at work. Despite the decent pay, my well-being is suffering, and I’ve been feeling exhausted and isolated. I recently expressed my desire to switch to a more stable 9-5 office job to regain some balance in my life, but my family reacted negatively. They see my current job as a golden opportunity, and they don’t understand how detrimental it is to my health. They think I should be grateful for the pay and the job security, but I just want to feel like a normal person again. I’m torn between wanting to prioritize my health and the pressure I feel from my family to stay in a high-paying job.

I had my first job interview three months ago, and it was a complete disaster. I was so nervous that I ended up stuttering my own name and completely blanking out, despite having prepared extensively. Since then, every time I try to apply for a job, I get overwhelmed with anxiety and start shaking, fearing that I will embarrass myself again. I'm really at a loss for what to do next. I've been seeking advice on how to manage this interview anxiety. Some suggestions I've received include practicing with a friend to get more comfortable, trying out role-play scenarios for interviews, and even considering magnesium supplements to help with stress. Additionally, I've been told that beta blockers could be useful for performance anxiety during interviews. I'm just hoping to find a way to overcome this hurdle so I can feel confident when applying for jobs.

I recently put in my two-week notice at my corporate job, where I've been working fully remote for several years. However, about nine months ago, the company mandated that we return to the office five days a week without any flexibility. I officially submitted my notice on July 1, with my last day being July 15, and I'm set to start a new job on July 16. Given the brutal commute and some personal issues I’m dealing with at home, I'm considering asking if I can work from home during my final week and a half. I did ask my manager if I could have my last day on the 10th, but she requested that I stay until the 15th. Now I'm wondering if it's reasonable to request to work from home during this time. I know I didn't have that option for the past nine months, so I’m unsure if I should even bring it up. If I do decide to ask, how should I phrase it? I’m aware that two weeks' notice is more of a courtesy and that they could let me go immediately if they wanted to, so I’m weighing my options carefully.

I recently applied for what I believe is my dream job at a small company with about 20 employees. I found the position on LinkedIn last Wednesday and was thrilled to see it was exactly what I had been searching for. Just days before discovering the job, I had a conversation with a friend about this very type of role, which made me even more excited. Since I was one of the first applicants and there are only around 30 people in the pool, I'm hopeful that the feedback timeframe will be shorter. I’m considering reaching out to the co-founder, who I believe is the hiring manager, via LinkedIn if I don’t hear back in about a week. I want to express my enthusiasm for the position, but I'm unsure if that would come off as too forward. I really want to stand out, but I’m also cautious about how to approach this.

I am thrilled to share that I have finally completed my time as an Amazon Delivery Driver after three long years. It feels surreal to be free from a job that many people leave within a month. I only recognized a handful of colleagues out of the 70 drivers at my station, which shows how transient this position can be. I often thought I would be stuck in this role forever, feeling hopeless as if this was the best I could do. What was meant to be a short-term gig turned into a long three years. Now, I can say goodbye to the frustrations of pissing in bottles, getting reprimanded for taking breaks, and the pressure of delivering 50 packages to a single apartment complex. I won’t miss the unrealistic expectations, the constant threat of being chased by dogs, or delivering in rough neighborhoods. The best part is that I’ve secured an internship related to my field of study, which I hope will lead to a job offer in the future. I know I shouldn’t get my hopes up too high, but this feels like a significant step forward. I just wanted to share this moment of joy!

I recently had to leave my full-time job due to changes in our childcare situation. My wife and I welcomed our first baby, and we had initially planned for my mother-in-law to help with childcare. Unfortunately, she's been dealing with health issues and can no longer assist us. Since my wife earns significantly more, it made sense for me to step back from my job. Now, I'm on the hunt for a part-time position that fits around my wife's schedule, which is from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. I’ve been considering early morning shifts, ideally starting around 6 AM and wrapping up by 10 AM. I also have a second interview lined up for a part-time night position, but I’m hesitant because my daughter is starting to sleep through the night, and I worry about functioning on just a few hours of sleep during the day. I’m 38, and I feel like age is catching up with me, making the thought of working overnight shifts a bit daunting. I’ve looked into grocery stores for early morning positions, but I’d appreciate any other suggestions that might not be listed on job boards like Indeed. I live upstate, so while it’s not completely rural, it’s not as dense as NYC either. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently pursuing my bachelor's degree full-time while working at a small habitat restoration company where I've been a lead for the past four years. Although I enjoy my coworkers and the pay for our projects is great, my boss is incredibly difficult to work for. He bought the company a few years ago and is clearly overwhelmed, refusing to hire or promote anyone to help manage the workload. He often lies to cover up his mistakes and dismisses serious safety concerns, which has led to numerous OSHA violations. I'm feeling really trapped in this situation. I want to quit my job because my boss's management style is taking a toll on my mental health, but I can't just leave since my hours are flexible and allow me to focus on school. I only work about 10 hours a week when classes are in session, and I'm struggling to find a new job that fits this schedule. I've applied to retail positions but haven't heard back, and many local cafes require more experience than I have. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward without burning bridges in my industry.

I was out of work for over two years after I was let go from my previous job. During that time, I couldn't just sit around waiting for interviews, so I took on part-time jobs and side gigs to keep some money coming in and to stay busy. It was tough, but I wanted to keep my mind off the uncertainty of job searching. I applied to numerous roles, hoping to find a better fit.

I recently returned from a planned vacation in South Carolina and faced a bit of anxiety regarding my unemployment benefits. When I got back, I answered 'no' to the question about being available for work because I was out of state. Now, my claim is under review, and I'm really nervous about what this means for my benefits. I've heard mixed things from others—some say that I likely won't be eligible for that week, while others think it's just a routine review. I'm hoping to get some clarity on what happens next, as this whole process is quite stressful for me.

I was laid off today after a brief meeting that felt surreal. Just yesterday, I was focused on meeting deadlines, and now my role as a Java Backend Developer has been eliminated. It’s astonishing how months of hard work can come to an end in just a ten-minute conversation. The tech industry keeps pushing us to keep grinding, learning, and networking, yet here I am, facing a layoff despite my efforts. I'm not sharing this for sympathy; I'm actively looking for my next opportunity. I have experience in Java, Spring Boot, Microservices, SQL, Azure, and REST APIs, and I'm ready to join a new team immediately. If anyone is hiring or can refer me, I would greatly appreciate it. To anyone else who has been laid off recently, remember that you're not alone, and I hope we all find better roles soon. Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

I recently interviewed for a part-time job that I'm really passionate about, and the interview went well. However, I'm currently feeling anxious because they're conducting a background check on me. When I was a juvenile, I had a deferred judgment and was on probation for a year, but I never went to juvie and completed my community service without any further issues. My court date is at the end of July, and after that, this will be removed from my record. I'm worried that since my court date hasn't happened yet, this might still show up in the background check. I'm not sure if they'll see just the deferred judgment or the specifics of what happened. I really want this job because it would give me valuable experience in my field and help me when I transfer from community college to a four-year university. Plus, I’d much rather work in a fun environment than be stuck at McDonald's. I'm just feeling paranoid about how this might affect my chances.

I’m currently preparing for my graduation in December 2026 with a degree and a double minor. At 24 years old, I'm eager to start my career soon after finishing school. I live in Quebec, Canada, but I'm open to relocating for my first job, whether that's in another province, somewhere in the U.S., Europe, or even Asia. I've been proactive about networking and have compiled a list of over 100 companies, brands, and teams that I'm interested in. I'm seeking advice on a few key questions: 1. What’s the ideal time to start applying for jobs since I’ll be graduating in December? 2. Have any of you moved to a different city, province, or country for your first job? 3. What strategies worked for you in landing your first job—was it through applications, networking, connections, internships, or something else? I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences you can share!

I’m a 27-year-old female currently working in aerospace manufacturing, where I operate CNC machines. I initially took trade school classes with the belief that machining would be a fulfilling career. However, after spending time in the field, I’ve come to realize that it’s not the right fit for me. The noise, coolant, and overall shop environment have taken a toll on my mental health, and I find myself dreading work every week. I'm now looking to transition into something more suited to my interests, like office work, administrative roles, or even medical receptionist positions. I’m quite anxious about how my manufacturing background might hinder this shift. Has anyone successfully moved from manufacturing to a completely different career? I’d love to hear your experiences and any advice you might have.

I've been actively looking to relocate from Atlanta to Tampa, and recently I landed three interviews with a company that seems promising. However, I'm having trouble finding any solid information about them online, which has me concerned. I'm trying to figure out if this could be a scam or if it's a legitimate opportunity. I had a Zoom interview and a couple of phone calls, and during the second call, I was told I might be a good fit for a leadership position due to my coaching experience from my previous job. I'm hoping to get some insights on how to verify if this company is real or if I should be cautious.

I’ve been feeling a lot of guilt lately about looking for a new job. I’ve been with my current company for about four years now, and while I’m paid decently and my work-life balance is okay, I’ve hit a wall in terms of growth. I’ve been told that to get promoted, I need to do the job for six months before a pay bump can even be considered, and when it does come, it’s capped at just 10%. Meanwhile, I’ve started exploring external opportunities and the salaries being offered are significantly higher—around 12-20% more than what I’m making now. I like my job, but I’m not passionate about it, and the constant small raises of about 2.5% each year have left me feeling pretty drained. I know I shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to improve my situation, but it’s hard to shake off that feeling.

I've been employed for the past several years in an administrative role at a major company, but for the last 8 to 9 months, I've been actively seeking a new job. Despite my efforts in submitting numerous applications, optimizing my resume and cover letters, and networking extensively, I haven't had much success. I'm feeling a bit defeated and am now looking for resources to aid in my job search, particularly in the NY/NJ area. I'm interested in any free or affordable options, such as certifications, staffing agencies, or general job-hunting resources. My background is in film, and my work history primarily revolves around administrative assistance and community coordination, so I'm looking for opportunities in that field.

I was laid off after suffering a life-changing injury at work in March 2025. I went through two surgeries and had to attend rehab three days a week for 16 months, all while on Workers' Compensation. Finally, I received my full medical release and was eager to return to work, only to find out that my company had not budgeted for my full-time position. Instead, they offered me the exact number of hours I was working in a different department at the time of my injury—just 5 hours a week. This was frustrating because I had been a regular part of the team before my injury. To make matters worse, during my absence, all the managers who had hired and trained me were let go, and the new management had no idea who I was. They even rehired a former coworker who had quit, but at a salary that was double what everyone else was making. Now, I’m left with just those 5 hours a week, which is all they are legally required to give me. I’m now in the process of applying for jobs everywhere I can, despite dealing with the residual effects of my injuries and having to explain the 16-month gap in my employment history, along with visible scarring. It’s a tough situation, but I’m determined to find something new. Wish me luck!