Planning

I lost my job yesterday after just three weeks of being hired in an IT role. I had worked in various companies for two years before this, but this new position ended abruptly without any warnings or disciplinary actions. I was told in a meeting, "Reese, I am sorry but we are going to have to terminate you during your probation period. We don’t think you’re a fit." It was disheartening, especially since I was still learning the ropes and had been picking up the skills quickly. I can't help but feel that the corporate environment is set up to fail people like me, especially as a neurodivergent adult. The probation system feels like a scam, and the corporate world often seems to prioritize vibes and favoritism over actual skill. I’ve seen firsthand how toxic office politics can overshadow genuine talent, and it frustrates me. It’s not just about the companies like Microsoft or Google; it’s about the culture that allows incompetent management to thrive while capable employees struggle to find their footing. I believe that many roles, especially in HR and administration, could be streamlined or even eliminated with the help of AI, as they often create more problems than they solve. I’m now left to reconsider my options and navigate this challenging job market.

I am currently facing a challenging situation at my job as an administrative assistant. In 2025, I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PiP) due to mistakes I made while handling customer service tickets. Some of these mistakes were related to our manual, while others were more about miscommunication, like sending the wrong email template or closing cases too quickly. I handle around 50 tickets a week, and while I know I should aim for zero mistakes, I typically make 2-4 errors per week. Last year, my manager reprimanded me for these issues, even though I have made efforts to correct them. The latest PiP I received is particularly frustrating because it stems from a problem that no one on my team has been trained on, and I had involved my team lead in the process. I felt humiliated when project managers insulted my manager about my work, which only added to my stress. I've been trying to follow our manual closely, but updates are often unclear, and I rely heavily on it for guidance. Unfortunately, it seems that my manager and team lead have a negative perception of me, which affects how they view my performance compared to my coworkers. I’ve noticed that the other two administrative assistants make similar mistakes, yet they haven’t faced the same level of scrutiny or disciplinary action. My boss has finally decided to terminate me, with my PiP set to end in August 2026. I consulted a lawyer who mentioned that since I may not fall into a protected ethnic category, I might not have a strong case against my employer. However, they suggested I go to HR and report that I feel I am being unlawfully targeted. I have evidence, including our manual and possibly videos of my boss's harsh feedback. Still, I worry that approaching HR could lead to my termination happening sooner. I feel trapped in this situation, especially since I consistently find mistakes in my coworkers' work, yet I am the one being held accountable. I’m seeking advice on how to navigate this difficult situation.

I recently received my green card and am currently applying for jobs from abroad in the EU. Although I have lived in the US before, I am only finding entry-level positions available on-site. My goal is to secure a senior role that offers a clear career path, but despite applying for a year, I haven't seen any progress. I'm feeling frustrated and am wondering if there are any strategies or tips to expedite this job search process.

Today, I’m feeling a mix of emotions as my partner just received a job offer in the Netherlands, starting in 11 weeks. However, he was laid off back in January, and the past few months have been really tough on him. To make matters more complicated, his passport expired two years ago, and he’s feeling overwhelmed with the idea of navigating the renewal process on his own. I’ve had some experience with document prep services in the past, and they were quite helpful. I’m considering whether to use a service like Passport Visa Rush or It’s Easy for a standard passport renewal, or if it would be better for him to just tackle it himself through USPS. I’m leaning towards getting some professional help, as he really doesn’t have the mental bandwidth right now to deal with government paperwork.

I'm currently contemplating quitting my job at a tech company where I work as a software engineer. The environment has become increasingly stressful, and I feel like my team lead and boss are trying to push me out. They've been assigning me tasks that make my work unbearable, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm being treated unfairly. I'm seriously considering going to HR before making any decisions, as I want to voice my concerns about the toxic atmosphere and the politics at play. However, I'm also aware that HR is generally more aligned with the company's interests, which makes me hesitant. I'm torn between two options: should I quit without a backup plan, or should I approach HR with my grievances? I know that quitting without another job lined up is risky, but the stress is taking a toll on my mental health. I really need to figure out the best course of action.

I'm currently facing a performance review at Asda, where I work in retail. My management has expressed concerns about my speed and initiative, which has led to me being put under supervision. I'm feeling quite anxious about this situation, especially since I've heard rumors that Asda is planning to lay off around 1,000 employees in the coming months. Given my current performance review status, I'm worried that I might be among those who are let go. I've received some advice suggesting that I should start looking for a new job now, as being on a performance review could put me at a disadvantage if layoffs occur. It's a tough spot to be in.

I'm currently working in an internal support role at a service-based company, and it's not what I expected. My salary is ₹13k, but most of it goes to daily travel expenses. The money isn't my biggest concern; I feel like I'm wasting my time here. There's minimal learning, and I'm not gaining the experience I need for future job applications. I only have 2–3 hours each evening to prepare for interviews, and I spend my weekends building projects to improve my skills. I’m under a 1-year bond and currently assigned to a project expected to last over 3 years, but I don’t see any growth opportunities for myself. As a result, I've started actively looking for a new job. My main concern is the 90-day notice period. I’m unsure whether I should secure another offer before resigning or resign first and use those 90 days to search for a new job full-time. I’d love to hear from anyone who has successfully switched jobs with a 90-day notice period. How did you manage it? Also, how do people juggle interviews and job hunting while working full-time? With office hours, commuting, and interview preparation, it feels nearly impossible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was selected for a tech support role at a major service company during campus placements, but they have delayed sending out my offer letter for two months past the expected date. This uncertainty has made me reconsider my options. I'm now thinking about preparing for a more technical role, especially since I'm not well-prepared for data structures and algorithms (DSA) rounds in off-campus interviews. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the situation and wondering if I should shift my focus to enhance my technical skills.

I recently started a job at Tesco, but I'm finding that it's not a good fit for me for various reasons. I'm feeling uncertain about whether to stay or leave. I have an interview scheduled with VUE cinema next week, and I have previous experience in the cinema industry, which makes me feel more comfortable about the role. Plus, I know there would be opportunities for more overtime there. I'm weighing my options and would appreciate any advice on whether I should pursue the cinema job if the interview goes well.

I have an interview next week for a Compliance Specialist position at a company that is working towards obtaining ISO certifications. I'm considering creating a presentation to outline my approach to achieving these certifications. Additionally, I thought about including some sample documents based on a fictional company in the same industry. I'm wondering if this would be seen as too much or if it would be appreciated by the interviewers.

I just learned that my job as a legal assistant is at risk. After 30 years in the field, working for three different lawyers, I’m facing unemployment in just six months. My journey began as a receptionist in Ohio, and I’ve been fortunate to have had fair and respectful employers who taught me a lot. However, my current boss has recently hinted at an earlier retirement than expected, and during a conversation about his plans, I realized he might be stepping away by the end of the year. I’m feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the job market, especially since I haven’t interviewed since 1996. I’m 55, and I worry about age discrimination. My appearance has changed post-cancer treatment, and I don’t feel confident about competing for jobs. I’ve been thinking about how to update my resume, especially since my current office hasn’t kept up with modern technology. I need to learn how to present my experience in a way that appeals to potential employers. I’m also considering a career change, but I’m unsure what direction to take that would still support me financially. I feel lost and scared about finding a new job in this tough market. I’m reaching out for advice on how to prepare for interviews, update my resume, and potentially pivot into a different industry. Will I ever find a job?

I am currently searching for my next job as a lawyer and noticed that in the past 24 hours, several partners at a local firm within my practice area have viewed my LinkedIn profile. Interestingly, I haven't applied to this firm, and one of the partners, whom I have a good relationship with from years ago, has checked my profile multiple times this week. I'm curious if anyone else has experienced something similar and if there are any strategies I can use to turn this interest into a job opportunity. Should I reach out to my colleague there to say hello and see how they're doing?

I've been working as a part-time freelancer for a company for the past five years, earning £26 per hour consistently. Recently, they've offered me a permanent contract on PAYE, which sounds appealing since it comes with a job title that feels like a promotion and slightly more hours, but the pay is only £19 per hour. This feels like a significant pay cut to me. While I understand the benefits of being employed, like holiday pay and a pension, I usually manage my hours flexibly and make up for any time off, so those benefits don't hold much weight for me. Plus, I've been at the same rate for years, even as the UK minimum wage has increased by 37%. Now, they want to pay me less for more hours, which limits my ability to take on other clients. I've been contemplating whether I should accept this offer or if my feelings of being undervalued are justified. It seems like they're trying to buy my availability at a discount, and I’m not sure if the benefits outweigh the pay cut. Should I counter their offer or stick with my freelance work that has been stable for so long?

I recently applied for a county government job and submitted my application documents as a ZIP file. Now, I'm worried that their firewall might have blocked my email entirely. I have a bachelor's degree and I'm currently interning at a major ISP in the area, which I thought would make me a strong candidate. I sent in my application last weekend, but I'm starting to realize that using a ZIP file could have caused my email to be dropped. I'm hesitant to follow up too soon, especially since it's a government position, but I'm also concerned that resending everything unzipped might come off as annoying if my original application actually went through. I'm really unsure about the best course of action here.

I got shortlisted for a data analyst role as a fresher on April 30 after my interview, and it's now June 28—two months later. I've been in constant communication with HR, but they keep saying that management approval is still pending. I'm starting to feel anxious about the situation. Is this kind of delay normal in the hiring process? I'm unsure of what steps to take next. Should I continue waiting or follow up more aggressively?

I’m feeling really frustrated with my job search right now. I’m currently a licensed security officer in Texas, but my hours are terrible, and I’m looking to transfer because I primarily work events. Unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of trouble with recruiters—some even canceling phone interviews last minute. I’ve tried following up via email, but it feels like I’m hitting a wall. I can’t help but wonder if being a woman is playing a role in this. I’ve applied to a wide range of positions, from security roles to retail jobs (including Costco, where my application has been sitting open forever), logistics, warehouse roles, and even fast food. Yet, I’m either getting ghosted or facing last-minute cancellations for interviews. I’m open to any job that offers solid hours and decent pay, whether it’s local or remote. I have a clean record, a current guard license, and a solid background in security, logistics, and customer service. I should have never moved to McKinney—I'm really looking forward to moving back to Dallas County when my lease is up. I could really use some advice or job referrals. I have experience working from home and would love to get back into a remote position. The jobs available in my area don’t offer solid hours and are only paying around $10, which isn’t sustainable for me.

I got fired just two months into my probation period at a mom and son mortgage brokerage where I worked as an admin assistant. After graduating, I spent four months job searching, and I was really excited to land this position. My role involved a mix of clerical and underwriting tasks, like labeling documents, sending compliance paperwork, calling clients about renewing their mortgages, and reviewing real estate documents for issues. I was genuinely proud of the work I was doing and felt fulfilled. But then, out of the blue, my managing broker came into the office, sat down, and told me she was "disappointed" with my performance. She felt I wasn’t "grasping things" and just like that, my dream job crumbled. It felt like a breakup—one moment I was excited about my future, and the next I was back in the job market, which is as tough as ever. Wish me luck as I start this search all over again!

I'm currently seeking advice on finding a second job. I've spent the last 7–10 years in finance, working my way up from Analyst to Manager and most recently, Director. Now, I'm looking to pick up a part-time position in retail or at a gym, aiming for about 10–15 hours a week to supplement my income. After being unemployed for four months, I want to rebuild my savings and tackle some debt. I'm curious if my extensive experience in finance might hinder my chances of landing a part-time role. Should I create a separate resume tailored for retail or customer service jobs, or stick with my current resume that highlights my professional titles and experience? I'd really appreciate insights from anyone who has navigated a similar situation.

I received an unexpected email from my boss asking about my first shift as a substitute counselor for the Parks & Rec summer camp program. This caught me completely off guard because I thought I hadn’t been hired for the position. I had applied to be a lead counselor this year, but due to a family trip to Europe that would make me miss the mandatory in-person training, I reached out to my boss beforehand to clarify my eligibility. She indicated that missing the training would disqualify me, so I decided to apply as an on-call substitute instead, thinking it would be a safer bet given my situation. After applying, my boss confirmed my application as a substitute, but I never received any official job offer or paperwork, which led me to believe I hadn’t gotten the job. I even moved on and found another summer job, assuming my application was a no-go. I continued to receive automated emails about the program, which I thought were just leftover notifications since I didn’t think I was hired. Now, while I’m enjoying my trip in Europe (despite a nasty sunburn), I’m faced with this email about my first shift. I’m planning to be honest with my boss and explain that I never received an official offer, so I didn’t attend any training sessions. I want to clarify my situation without sounding like I’m making excuses for not fulfilling responsibilities for a job I didn’t know I had. It’s a bit of a wild situation, but I’m hoping my experience will still count for something, even if I missed the training.

I recently started a part-time managerial position at a restaurant, expecting to earn $25/hr as advertised in the job listing. However, I was informed by the owner that I would begin at minimum wage. I accepted this because I was thrilled to secure a job. Early on, we discussed my wage, and the owner mentioned that once I got a good handle on my responsibilities, we could talk about a raise. Now that I've been working there for a while, I feel comfortable with my tasks, even though I still make minor mistakes occasionally. I'm hesitant to ask for a raise for a few reasons: first, I don't want to seem ungrateful since the job doesn't require specialized skills; second, my workload is similar to my coworkers who are also earning minimum wage; and third, business is slower right now, so I feel guilty about asking for a wage increase. The owner did indicate that they would consider raising my pay to $25/hr in September, but I would really like to discuss this sooner. My role involves kitchen responsibilities and setting up for the restaurant, which is about an hour more than what servers do, but the work is generally the same. I'm looking for advice on how to approach this situation.