Planning

I was let go from my blue-collar job at the end of May and decided to take a month off to recharge. I had a trip to Japan planned, and with my wife's income and my savings, I felt secure enough to take this break. However, I’ve been dealing with some health issues, and while in Japan, I pinched my sciatic nerve, which has added to my need for time off. Now that I’m back, I have some personal matters to address that are easier without the pressure of a job. I’m contemplating my next steps. I could either pivot to a different field or continue in my current line of work. I’ve also thought about going back to school for a certification, which could help explain my employment gap. I’m curious about how long an employment gap would be seen as unacceptable by potential employers these days. Should I be upfront about my desire to focus on my health to be a better worker, or would it be wiser to prioritize getting back into the workforce quickly? I want to make sure I handle this transition thoughtfully.

I recently interviewed for a competitive student campus job at my college, and I felt like it went really well overall. I answered all the questions thoughtfully, maintained good eye contact with all five interviewers, and communicated effectively without any stuttering or filler words. However, I’m worried that I might have messed up at the end when they asked if I had any questions for them. I asked two questions: first, I wanted to know what they liked about the events and activities related to the job. That felt appropriate. But then I mentioned that I’m friends with two former employees, Person A and Person B, who recommended the position to me, and I asked what they thought of them. Looking back, I think that last question might have come off as a bit unprofessional or even gossipy, which I didn’t intend. It seemed to throw the interviewers off, as one of them responded by emphasizing the importance of feedback and being open to learning, which made me feel like they were hinting at a rejection. I thought the interview was going well because they laughed at some of my jokes and nodded along with my answers. Now I’m just anxious about the results and trying to cope with the possibility that I might not get the job. Any advice for a broke college student in this situation would be greatly appreciated!

I recently had a challenging experience at my new job in an academic setting where I am currently in my six-month probation period. I received a performance appraisal that felt overwhelmingly negative and unexpected, especially since I had no prior indications that my performance was lacking. During my review meeting, my manager asked me to rewrite my appraisal before she sends it to HR, which raised my concerns that this could be leading to a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). Initially, I thought the meeting would be a straightforward discussion about my performance, but it quickly turned into a session where my manager scrutinized every aspect of my work, even the areas where I was rated highly. For instance, I was praised for efficiently processing reimbursements and travel arrangements, but instead of celebrating those successes, she pushed me to find ways to improve on tasks that were already running smoothly. I had included context in my appraisal to explain how I manage my responsibilities, but my manager insisted that I remove that information and replace it with specific actions for improvement, which felt like an unfair representation of my work. Additionally, she wanted me to take out her own positive feedback and detailed notes, which made me feel like I was being set up to appear as if I was underperforming in all areas. Now, I’m worried that the document I’m sending back will reflect a list of deficiencies rather than a balanced view of my performance. I have an appointment with the ombuds office soon to discuss this, but I feel pressured to submit the revised document before I can get any advice. This whole process has left me feeling anxious and uncertain about my future in the role.

I’ve been struggling to find a job for the past decade, facing rejection after rejection due to my lack of work experience. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree, but it feels impossible to land even a part-time position. Employers always want candidates with experience, but how can I gain that experience if no one is willing to hire or train me? I feel like I’m running out of options and support. I’ve seen others, even those with tougher backgrounds, find work, which makes my situation feel even more frustrating. I’m considering reaching out for help with my CV and looking into community resources, but it’s disheartening to think I’ve been stuck in this cycle for so long.

I’m currently pursuing a degree in graphic design and hold a certificate in 3D arts. Despite having school projects and personal work in my portfolio, I’ve been struggling to land a job. I’ve applied to around 10 different positions for graphic design and 3D artist roles over the past 2-3 weeks but haven’t received any responses, not even rejection emails. I’m starting to think that my lack of professional experience is the main reason for this. I’m wondering if there are any companies that hire remotely for entry-level artists like me.

I just got fired for the first time and I genuinely don’t know what to do next. This is all so overwhelming, especially since I just signed a lease for an apartment. The job market feels really tough right now, and I’m terrified about what the future holds. I don’t have a college degree or any certifications that could help me stand out to potential employers. Most of the entry-level jobs I look at require experience that I simply don’t have. It’s all hitting me hard, and I feel lost.

I'm currently employed as an hourly worker in Indiana, where I've been feeling a lot of pressure from my supervisors to accept a promotion that comes with significantly more responsibilities. I've been in my current role for about two years, but I previously stepped down from a similar position due to stress. Just yesterday, I had a private meeting with my supervisors, and it felt more like they were insisting I take the promotion rather than genuinely asking for my input. I’m the only qualified person on my shift, which adds to the pressure. I'm really worried that if I refuse the promotion, I might get fired. If that happens, I’m unsure about my eligibility for unemployment benefits, especially since it might be framed as me refusing available work. I know it’s not a straightforward situation, and I might have to fight for unemployment if I get terminated.

I recently completed a job hunt that lasted about four months, and I’m really pleased with the outcome! With 4.5 years of experience in a corporate role, I had the luxury of being selective since I was happy in my current position. I ended up rejecting two offers before finally accepting one that felt right for me. My approach was quite strategic: I tailored my CV and cover letter for each application, ensuring I only applied for roles that matched my experience—nothing too junior or too senior. I also took the time to reach out to hiring managers on LinkedIn for roles I was particularly interested in, which helped me gather insights and show my enthusiasm. To enhance my job search, I started a 3-month LinkedIn Premium trial, which allowed me to connect with more people and access profiles easily. Interestingly, all three job offers I received stemmed from employee referrals or connections I had with recruiters or team members from previous applications. Overall, it was a rewarding experience!

I recently lost my summer job as a photographer at a camp, and it's been a tough pill to swallow. I'm 20 years old, and I was really enjoying the role just two weeks ago. Unfortunately, I let a few mistakes get the better of me and ended up blowing them out of proportion. I did forget some things, and when I asked why nobody reminded me, it didn't go over well with the camp admin. I understand now that my reaction played a big part in my termination. I really want to reach out to my employer again, but I want to do it professionally this time. It’s disheartening because I was working with some of my favorite people, and I miss that environment. I'm trying to figure out my next steps and how to learn from this experience, but I'm feeling a bit lost. Any advice on how to approach this situation?

I’ve been feeling really drained by my job lately. I’m a 23-year-old female working a 9-5 desk job in London since January. While the team is nice, and I do my job well, the work itself is incredibly boring and it’s sucking the life out of me. My commute is about 45 minutes, which isn’t too bad for London, and the pay is decent, but I wake up every morning feeling exhausted and miserable. I find myself on the verge of tears or sleep throughout the day, just counting down the hours until I can go home. I know everyone has their bad days, but I dread going to work so much that I sometimes hope something will happen to keep me from going in. The thought of this being my life forever is really overwhelming. I’ve been considering a career change to become a nail tech, which I currently do as a side hustle and absolutely love, but the idea of making that leap feels daunting. I’ve had similar experiences with other part-time jobs in the past, where I would wake up crying at the thought of going in. It took a year to complete all the security checks for this current job, so I’m grateful to have it, especially given how tough the job market is in London. But it’s really taking a toll on my mental health. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has felt this way or has any advice on how to make my current situation more bearable, or how to pursue my passion on the side more effectively. Thanks for listening!

I have a working interview tomorrow for a Dental Assistant/Front Desk hybrid position, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. This job means everything to me, and I really need to impress them. I bring about four years of experience working at the dental front desk and an additional year as an orthodontic records tech, so I’m quite comfortable interacting with patients, managing schedules, handling insurance, and performing x-rays and scans. I also completed my DA1 certification, but I lack hands-on chairside assisting experience. The office is aware of my limited practical experience and has expressed their willingness to train the right candidate, which makes me even more determined to make a great impression. I’m reaching out for advice on how to stand out during this working interview. What are some common mistakes to avoid? If you were the dentist or office manager, what would make you decide to hire someone by the end of the day? My strategy is to stay busy, anticipate the needs of the team, ask insightful questions, be honest about my knowledge gaps, and maintain a positive attitude. I’m really hoping to secure this opportunity, especially since I’ve been unemployed for nearly two years now. Any last-minute tips or encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

I recently worked as a teacher aide for a short period, completing only four shifts before I started to feel like I might have been quietly let go. During my last shift, I received some feedback from my manager that was vague and left me confused about whether it was directed at me personally. I sought advice from another TA, but the uncertainty was stressful. After that shift, I was scheduled for more work, but then I got a text saying I wouldn't be needed anymore because a camp was canceled due to rain. I accepted that explanation, but when school holidays arrived, I lost access to my work email and received a notification that my blue card, which is essential for working with children, had been de-linked from the school. This situation has left me feeling sad, especially since I had positive interactions with the staff and felt like I fit in well. I can't pinpoint any serious issues that would have led to my termination, aside from feeling overwhelmed after working three consecutive days, especially coming from a long period of unemployment. I had even requested fewer shifts to manage my workload better. Now, I'm contemplating how to approach the school for feedback. I want to understand what went wrong so I can improve, even though the thought of it makes me anxious. One suggestion I received was to keep my inquiry factual: to confirm my employment status first and then ask for specific feedback if my employment has indeed ended. I'm considering reaching out soon.

I've been working at my current company for 20 years, and things are looking really bleak. The head office has been vague about the future, and there's a real chance that the site I work at could close down soon. I've seen them shut down other locations in the past and shift employees around, which feels like a tactic to push people to leave without paying proper redundancy. Given the financial situation, I'm worried they might not even have the funds to pay me what I'm owed if I get laid off. In the past few weeks, I've started looking for new job opportunities and have been attending interviews. There's a strong possibility that one of the companies I interviewed with might offer me a position by the end of the week. However, I'm torn because I don’t know if my current company will go under or not. I have accrued a significant amount of holiday time at my current job, and the new position would be a bit of a step back in terms of familiarity, slightly longer commutes, but it offers better pay and a much friendlier work environment that prioritizes employee welfare. Plus, there are opportunities for growth in this new role at a rapidly expanding business. I’m really conflicted about whether to stick it out at my current job, hoping for a payout for my years of service, or to take the plunge and accept the new job. I’d love to hear how others would approach this situation.

I’m 37 years old and have spent my entire career as a Company Director, running multiple businesses. Recently, I’ve been feeling incredibly tired and overwhelmed. Despite my successes—I've made significant sales to high-profile clients, including royalty—my companies have faced some tough challenges that led to financial instability. After experiencing multiple seven-figure years, I’m at a crossroads. I’m seriously considering stepping away from entrepreneurship and looking for a traditional job where I can earn a base salary of around 100k plus commission. I’m ready to sell something I care a lot less about in order to find some stability and happiness. It’s a tough decision, and reading about others’ experiences in similar situations has been emotional for me. I’m thinking about my future family and what’s best for them. I live in the UK and would appreciate any advice on transitioning from being a business owner to seeking employment.

I had my second interview yesterday for a position at a tech company, and I’m feeling anxious because I haven’t heard back yet. The first interview results came in just two hours after it ended, and I got the initial screening results two days after applying. However, this second interview felt like it didn’t go well, and as a foreigner, I’m unsure about how long it typically takes for American companies to respond. I’ve read that it can vary significantly depending on the size of the company—some might get back to you the same day, while larger corporations could take up to two weeks or more. I’m trying not to stress about it too much, especially since the previous responses were so quick.

I got laid off yesterday due to an organizational change at my company. It hit me hard, and I'm still in shock. I received a severance package that includes six months of pay along with COBRA health insurance, but I'm unsure if that's a good deal or if I should negotiate for something better. Right now, I feel paralyzed and unproductive, struggling to even think about job hunting. I've been advised to take some time to process what happened and focus on self-care before diving into the job search. I plan to apply for unemployment benefits and connect with friends and family to help me get through this tough time. I'm hoping that after I give myself some space to breathe, I'll be able to approach my job search with a clearer mind.

I am a 30-year-old female working in healthcare who was laid off a few months ago. Since then, I've been actively applying for jobs for nearly 8 months without any offers. I send out at least 10 tailored resumes each day and manage to secure about 5 to 7 interviews monthly. I've even attended job fairs in hopes of finding opportunities. Unfortunately, all I receive are automated rejection emails. The interviews I do manage to clear often end with the disappointing news that they have chosen other candidates for the role. This experience has left me feeling like I've lost my purpose in life, and I am struggling to see any change in my situation. I'm reaching out for suggestions or motivation to help me through this tough time.

I am currently facing an uncertain situation at work, and I'm six months pregnant. My company recently underwent a merger, which resulted in layoffs of all full-time employees while only retaining contractors like myself. Unfortunately, our contracts were reduced from two years to just three months. I was already pregnant when this happened, and I had hoped to hold on long enough to secure my maternity leave, but my job search has been fruitless so far. I am awaiting one more contract extension, but during the last round, I wasn't provided with a clear end date—just told I would be here 'through June.' Despite my attempts to get clarity, I received vague responses, and now both managers who could clarify my situation have decided to go on vacation without informing anyone. So, I continue to show up to work, uncertain if my credentials will still grant me access. It's a dreadful feeling, and I know several others in the same boat. The stress and hopelessness are overwhelming. My partner has a stable job and health insurance for himself and our baby, but he can't cover all the bills alone. I have about three months' worth of savings, and unemployment benefits in my state are quite low. I'm starting to wonder if there’s any chance of finding a job at this stage of my pregnancy. Even if I do, I worry I won't have any time to bond with my newborn, which breaks my heart. I'm feeling lost and unsure of my next steps. Has anyone else experienced a layoff during pregnancy? How did you manage?

I was laid off for the third time in five years, and this time it hit me hard. I worked on the documentation team at a tech company where leadership decided to merge our responsibilities with the PM and engineering teams. It felt like something was off when a PM started sending me their draft articles to copy edit, which was unusual. I went ahead and did it, even publishing them, only to receive the layoff news a week later. Looking back, I realize I overexerted myself, trying to complete a massive workload in a short timeframe, which probably wasn't the smartest decision. Now, I'm left feeling devastated. I have no savings and only two weeks of severance pay to get me by. I'm trying to stay calm and realistic about my next steps. I'm uncertain about pursuing another technical writing role, fearing I might just face another layoff. I'm considering other opportunities but feel overwhelmed by the options. I know I need to apply for unemployment benefits right away and might look into temporary work in AI-related tasks, like prompt drafting or reviewing, as suggested by some comments. I plan to tighten my budget and focus on necessary expenses while I update my resume to make it ATS-friendly. I also need to reach out to friends for referrals and start applying to a maximum of ten high-quality jobs each day. It's a tough situation, but I’m determined to navigate through it.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the possibility of layoffs lately, especially since I work in tech where job cuts have been significant. I’m currently employed at a mid-sized tech company and while I don’t want to dwell on the negative, I realize that it’s crucial to prepare for the unexpected. I’ve seen the numbers: over 443,000 job cuts announced in the first half of 2026, with tech alone accounting for more than 139,000 of those. It’s a stark reminder that I need to have a plan in place. I’ve started working on my layoff readiness plan, and here’s what I’ve come up with so far: 1. **Know my runway**: I calculated how long I could survive without a paycheck by listing all my must-pay expenses like rent, groceries, and insurance. This gives me a clearer picture of my financial situation. 2. **Save important documents**: I’ve begun downloading personal copies of my pay stubs, offer letters, and benefits summaries while I still have access to the company systems. I don’t want to scramble for these later. 3. **Update my resume**: I’ve started updating my resume with my current role, recent projects, and measurable impacts. I know it’s easier to do this now than when I’m under stress. 4. **Build a referral list**: I’ve made a list of people I could reach out to if I need help finding a new job. This includes former managers, coworkers, and LinkedIn connections. Networking is key. 5. **Watch for company signals**: I’ve been paying attention to any signs that might indicate layoffs are coming, like hiring freezes or budget cuts. I want to be proactive. 6. **Understand severance and benefits**: I’m researching how severance is calculated and what my options are for health insurance if I get laid off. It’s important to know what to expect. 7. **Create a 30-day emergency action plan**: I’ve drafted a plan for what I would do in the first 48 hours and the first week after a layoff. This includes updating my resume, applying for jobs, and reaching out to my referral list. I feel more empowered having this plan, and I hope to avoid the panic that comes with being unprepared. I’d love to hear any additional tips or resources others might have!