Planning

I was thinking about how to apply for a job that isn’t advertised, and I came across some advice that really struck me. I’ve always been hesitant to reach out directly, but the suggestion to actually go into the store and talk to someone instead of just sending a message made a lot of sense. It feels more personal and could really make a difference in how I’m perceived. I’m considering visiting a few local shops this week to see if they have any openings and to introduce myself. I want to make a good impression and show that I’m proactive.

I’m currently in the job search process after a few months off and have started getting interviews. I've worked for some large mining companies, and I reached out to them for references, but I haven’t heard back after four days. Meanwhile, I also secured references from a couple of smaller companies where I gained more relevant experience. I have a supervisor and an old coworker lined up from those smaller firms, and I trust them to provide good references. I have an interview coming up on Tuesday, and during our conversation, the interviewer mentioned my experience with the larger companies, which makes me think they might expect those references. I’m a bit worried about whether the references from the smaller companies will be sufficient. I don’t want to keep bothering the larger company references if they’re not interested in helping.

I recently received some unsettling news at my job at Domino's. I've been working there for a few months, and today, an assistant manager mentioned that I could potentially be fired due to multiple violations. I was also told not to come in today because it wasn't busy, which felt like a bad sign. I'm starting to think that this job might not be the right fit for me, and I'm considering putting in my two weeks' notice before they have the chance to fire me. The violations stem from not going on break on time and clocking back in too early. I fully admit that these issues are my responsibility, and I don't expect sympathy for my mistakes. I'm weighing my options and wondering if I should just let them fire me instead, as I might qualify for unemployment. However, I know the job market is tough right now, and I should probably start looking for something new before making any decisions.

I’m currently on unemployment in California, receiving $405 a week. Recently, I received a job offer that pays $18 an hour with flexible hours. Now, I'm weighing my options: 1. I could work part-time (around 15-20 hours) and supplement my income with EDD benefits. 2. I could take the full-time position, which would mean losing my EDD benefits but earning more overall. 3. I could continue to stay on unemployment while searching for a better job. I’m looking for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation. What do you think is the best move? Also, if anyone has tips on reporting wages or any potential pitfalls to avoid, I’d really appreciate it!

I recently got laid off for the summer from my job in Arizona, and I'm trying to navigate the new system for applying for unemployment benefits. I applied on June 23, 2025, but only realized today, June 26, that my application wasn't completed or certified. This has been frustrating, especially since my last experience was so lengthy; I applied on July 1, 2025, and didn't get approved until August 14, 2025, after a lot of effort to reach someone on the phone. I'm curious if anyone has had a better experience with the new system implemented last September. Is it actually faster and more efficient than before? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently made the decision to quit my job, and I'm starting to second-guess whether it was the right move. I was feeling unfulfilled in my role as a marketing coordinator at a mid-sized tech company, and I thought leaving would open up new opportunities. However, now that I'm searching for a new position, I'm feeling anxious about my choice. I wonder if I should have stuck it out a bit longer to find a better fit within the company or to gain more experience before jumping ship. It's a tough situation, and I'm hoping to find clarity as I navigate my job search.

I started my job less than a month ago, and I've recently faced a troubling situation. During closing duties last Wednesday, while chatting with my store manager and lead about RuPaul's Drag Race, the manager launched into a rant about transgender people. They made derogatory remarks about a trans woman who frequents our store. I was horrified, especially since I'm a trans person myself, although they didn't know that. I was in shock and didn't speak up at the time, but I regret not saying anything. The next day, I texted the district manager to submit my resignation and explained the situation. He called me today, assured me that what happened was unacceptable, and said he would escalate the issue to HR. He also mentioned that I could transfer to another store, but I'm hesitant. The manager at my old store has a good relationship with the manager at the potential new store, and I'm concerned about my safety and whether word might get around about my situation. I'm torn between accepting the transfer or resigning completely. Any advice would be appreciated.

I recently had an exciting opportunity arise after meeting the CEO of a well-known company through my current job. During our conversation, I shared my professional background, and he encouraged me to apply for a position that fits my field. I took his advice and applied, and now I've been invited for an interview. While I'm thrilled about this chance, I'm also feeling a bit nervous since it seems like a significant step for my career. I'm reaching out for some interview advice, particularly from those who have been in similar situations or from hiring managers. I’m wondering how best to prepare for the interview. Should I mention that the CEO suggested I apply, or only if it comes up in conversation? Additionally, I’d like to know what kind of questions I might face for a professional/legal role. I want to make a strong impression without seeming overconfident, so any tips or insights from your own interview experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I recently applied for a job through a government jobs portal and had my first interview on Wednesday. I was thrilled to receive an invitation for a second interview scheduled for Monday! However, I realized it's been a while since I last communicated with my references, and I feel a bit guilty about that. Life has been quite hectic, and I didn't keep them updated on my job search. Now, I'm worried that I might have missed my chance to reach out and that they might be frustrated with me for not checking in sooner. I'm considering sending them an email to let them know about the interview and to confirm if they're still comfortable being contacted as references. I want to keep it short and to the point, just giving them the context they need without overwhelming them. Any thoughts on this?

I've been working full-time for about six months since graduating from college, and I'm currently seeking new job opportunities. My current role has been quite challenging due to a difficult boss who often communicates in a harsh manner. He tends to call me whenever he wants to discuss something, even when he's not in the office, and he's started scheduling unexpected meetings on my work-from-home Fridays, which has now turned into a requirement to come into the office every day. I'm feeling quite stuck and discouraged as I try to balance my job search with my 9-5. I find it hard to schedule interviews because my lunch breaks are inconsistent, and I worry that my interview skills might not be up to par, or perhaps the job market is just really competitive right now. I've also planned to take some vacation time for my mental health and to visit family back home, but my PTO is limited, and I haven't had many days off this year. I'm reaching out for any tips or strategies on how to navigate interviews while managing a full-time job. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently started a freelance role in tech design with a large company, but things have taken a strange turn. After my interview with the hiring manager and another tech designer, HR asked for my salary expectations, and I mentioned a range of $115-125k given my 8 years of experience. After a week of silence, I reached out, offering flexibility in negotiations. That night, HR contacted me to confirm a start date, saying the team was excited to have me on board and that I would be paid $55/hour. However, the start date got pushed back by a few days, and I felt like I was constantly chasing HR for information. On my first day, I arrived at the office but was left waiting for 20 minutes before meeting the tech designer, who seemed preoccupied with personal issues. I learned that the manager rarely comes into the office as she works from home, and I wasn't set up on a computer until the end of the day because IT had no prior notice of my arrival. The next day, I was asked to work from home but received little direction or work to do. When I reached out to the manager for access to the cloud drive, her response was delayed and curt, which felt off given the initial excitement about my hiring. After two days, I still hadn’t received any onboarding information, and when I inquired about payroll and timesheets, HR mentioned a recruitment agency would contact me, but I’ve heard nothing since. I’m feeling undervalued and am seriously considering quitting. I have another full-time job offer for $110k that has a responsive manager and HR. Although the freelance position offers hybrid work and flexible hours, the work seems boring, and I feel I could learn more in the other role. I’m torn between the two opportunities and would appreciate any advice.

I just found out that my dad got laid off from his job after over 20 years of service. He worked in a business admin role, earning around $80-90K with decent benefits. The company was recently acquired, and while he sensed changes coming, the layoff still hit us hard. I'm back home for summer vacation, and now I feel a lot of pressure since I'm the only child and my mom hasn't worked since I was born. I just returned from a semester abroad and spent most of my savings, which makes me feel guilty now. I was planning to study for the LSAT this summer, but I might have to find a job to help out financially. My dad is nearly a decade away from retirement, and I'm worried about his job prospects at his age. He only received a 6-month severance, which seems unfair given his long tenure. We're also facing a mortgage and some upcoming medical expenses that won't be covered soon. I’m really anxious about how we’re going to manage everything. My dad is trying to stay calm, but my mom is understandably upset. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation and support my family during this tough time.

I recently graduated with a degree in Customs & Logistics and after sending out about 100 job applications, I finally landed my first job as an Export Operations staff at a small company. The pay is reasonable for an entry-level position, but the schedule is really tough. I have to work a 24-hour shift from 1:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by 24 hours off, and there are no weekends. I took the job out of desperation, thinking I could handle the crazy schedule, but after just three shifts, I'm feeling miserable. The workload is overwhelming, and I often come home exhausted, spending most of my off time just sleeping. My coworkers say that it’s just a matter of adapting to the workflow, but I'm not sure if that's true. I'm still applying for other positions, but I'm torn about whether I should quit this job if I don't find something else in the next three months. I would appreciate any advice from those who have worked similar schedules. Should I stick it out or move on?

I recently started a new job in the trades, where I have previous experience. My employment contract states that my initial wage will be significantly lower for the first 30 days, with an adjustment based on my experience and knowledge level. However, it doesn't specify what that adjustment will be, and I'm worried about being lowballed since I didn't clearly state my expected pay during the interview process. I have a feeling that I might have to quit next week if the adjustment isn't what I anticipate. I expect to earn about $9 per hour more than my current temp rate, which was advertised as a potential wage. I realize I made a mistake by not establishing my hourly rate after the probation period during hiring. I'm prepared to walk away from this job if necessary, but I'm seeking advice from anyone who has experience with similar hiring practices and what I should expect.

I'm currently working as a summer temp in an admin department and I'm applying for a job with the state that starts in the fall after my current position ends. I'm really excited about this opportunity because it's something I would love to do and the pay is great at $58k a year! However, the application asks if they can contact my current employer, and I'm unsure if that's a good idea. Even though my role is administrative, I have some important responsibilities, and I'm worried they might think I'm trying to leave before my contract is up. I also don't want the new job to see me as dodgy. Should I mark 'no' on that question? I've heard from others that it might be fine to do so since temp positions typically end.

I recently passed the initial recruiter screening and a technical test for a promising role at a company. Just yesterday, I received an email from HR to schedule the final round of interviews, but they have a requirement that is making me uneasy. They want three professional references, and one of them has to be my current supervisor. I expressed my concerns about the risk of jeopardizing my current job by letting my boss know I'm looking for new opportunities. HR responded that this is standard procedure for them to verify active employment before moving forward. I can't help but feel that this is a risky move. Is it common practice for companies to contact current employers at this stage? It feels like a big gamble to agree to this, especially since I have no guarantee of getting the job. I'm seriously considering whether I should proceed with this opportunity or walk away.

I was recently let go from my position as the head baker at a well-known local bakery where I had worked for about seven years. I ran the kitchen, created and refined recipes, trained staff, and managed ordering and suppliers—all of which was in my head, as we never documented anything. Last spring, the owner decided to cut costs and, since I was the highest paid, I was the one who got laid off. It hurt, but I understood it was a financial decision, so I left quietly. After taking some time off to recover from years of early mornings and physical strain, I heard that the bakery was struggling. The two bakers I had trained were unable to keep up, leading to a disaster with the holiday menu. Eventually, the owner called me, asking if I would consider coming back. I initially declined her first offer, as it was barely more than my previous salary. After some negotiation, I agreed to return for twelve weeks, working three days a week, and I asked for nearly double my previous pay. To my surprise, she accepted immediately, which indicated just how dire the situation was for them. During my time back, I finally documented all the recipes, supplier contacts, and processes, and I trained a new hire. However, she struggled to grasp everything, still asking basic questions even on her last day of training. I suggested a consulting arrangement for future help, but the owner never followed up. I guess she got what she needed and moved on.

I just spent the last eight days training my replacement at the company where I've worked for nearly three years. Last Monday, my manager introduced this new employee and asked me to train him on 'backup coverage' for my position. I handle a variety of tasks like client reports, internal scheduling, and billing corrections, none of which are documented anywhere. My manager mentioned that cross-training was necessary because I had become a 'single point of failure,' which I initially thought made sense. As the training progressed, I noticed that the new guy was given the same access to systems as I had, including folders that a backup wouldn't typically need. He asked detailed questions about my responsibilities, including how I managed complaints from our largest client. When I confronted my manager about why he needed such extensive knowledge, she claimed they wanted him to understand the 'complete workflow.' Yesterday, I accidentally saw an email on my manager's screen with the subject 'Transition timeline,' which had my name and a date two weeks away. When I asked her directly if my position was being eliminated, she finally admitted that the company was 'restructuring' and that the new employee would be taking over my responsibilities. Now, they want me to continue training him until my last day, and they’re offering two weeks of severance if I remain 'professional' during the transition. I need the money, so I’ll probably go through with it, but it feels humiliating to teach someone how to take over the job that pays my rent. I’m torn between cooperating for the severance or just doing the bare minimum.

I’ve been working nonstop since I was 18, dedicating myself fully to my job as a project manager at a mid-sized tech company. I never took a sick day unless it was absolutely necessary and never used my PTO. I was always the first one in and the last one out, believing that this was the way to succeed. For the last ten years, I had a stable job, decent pay, and I never missed a deadline. However, about two years ago, my body started sending me warning signs. I was experiencing persistent headaches, worsening back pain, and trouble sleeping. I ignored these symptoms, thinking I could push through like I always had. Then, six months ago, everything changed. My body finally gave out, and I ended up in the hospital for a week. The doctor told me I needed to take at least three months off to recover. I informed my employer, and they were understanding at first, but as the weeks passed, their patience wore thin. By week four, they started asking when I would return, and by week eight, I was let go. After twenty years of dedication, it took just eight weeks for them to replace me. Fortunately, my wife had been urging me for years to build an emergency fund, and I finally listened about three years ago. We had saved up about eight months' worth of expenses, which helped us survive financially during this tough time. My advice to anyone reading this is to take care of your health. Use your PTO and don’t wait until you’re forced to stop working. Your job won’t wait for you, no matter how loyal you’ve been. Also, save your money. Cut back on unnecessary expenses and put something away every paycheck. You never know when you might not be able to work, and having a financial cushion can make all the difference.

I was laid off a couple of months ago from my role as a Senior at a tech company where I had worked for nearly a decade. Recently, I noticed that they are hiring for the same position but at a lower level, which has me contemplating whether I should apply. While I was in the middle of the salary range for my previous role, I know they typically pay less for this associate position. I have some familiarity with the team, but I’ve come to realize that I don’t actually know them as well as I thought. I remember the high-stress environment from my previous team, and while my coworkers generally liked my work, I worry about how it would feel to return after being laid off, especially at a lower level. Financially, I’m okay for now thanks to my husband’s salary and my severance, but I’m anxious about how long it might take to secure another offer. On top of that, I’m almost five months pregnant with our second child, which adds to the pressure. I’m torn between wanting to apply due to my familiarity with the company and the potential for easier interviews, and the fear of low-balling myself or appearing desperate. I’ve received mixed advice, with some suggesting I should reach out to my old manager for support, while others recommend looking elsewhere to maintain self-respect. Ultimately, I’m just trying to navigate this challenging situation.