Planning

I’m currently working full-time in an administration role and have started applying for new jobs that typically fall during my working hours. I’m feeling a bit stuck on how to handle interviews while still employed. Should I be open with my employer about my job search, or is it better to take time off under the guise of sick leave or personal appointments? I know that technically, they can’t fire me just for looking for another job, but I’m worried about how my boss might react if they find out. Eventually, I’ll need them as a reference, so honesty could be important, but I also don’t want to create an uncomfortable work environment. Some friends of mine are keeping their interviews under wraps and using their leave without disclosing the real reason, but I’m not comfortable with being dishonest. I’m just unsure of the best approach, especially since I’m required to provide a reason for any leave I take. By the way, I’m based in Australia, which might have different norms around this compared to other countries.

I am currently seeking entry-level IT or tech opportunities in Massachusetts or Connecticut. As a freshman studying Computer Science, I possess some technical knowledge, but I'm eager to gain practical experience in the field. Right now, I'm working in a warehouse job, which is quite mentally and physically taxing. I would prefer to transition into a role that aligns more with my career goals, such as IT support, help desk, or internships. I'm a fast learner, dedicated, and ready to put in the effort to build my skills. If anyone has any leads or advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

I'm currently seeking job referrals and hoping to connect with someone who works at CVS. I understand this might be a long shot, but I'm in the tech field and would greatly appreciate any recommendations or insights. Thank you!

I recently had an interview for a position and they requested that I fill out another application with three references. The challenge is that I haven't worked for the past two years and, although I just graduated from college, I wasn't particularly close with my professors. I only reached out to them when I had questions about assignments. I even asked my college advisor to be a reference, but she declined because she didn't feel she knew enough about my work ethic. Now I'm feeling confused about what to do next regarding references. I'm considering reaching out to an old high school teacher or maybe a mentor, but I'm unsure if they'll remember me well enough to provide a positive reference. I'm also thinking about using a strategy where I tell them I used my references recently for another job and they all inquired about my application status, which made me hesitant to provide them again. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently found myself in a bit of a dilemma regarding a job offer. I was looking at a position in Oregon that advertised a pay range of $17 to $24 an hour, depending on experience. Given my qualifications, I felt confident that I could negotiate for a higher rate, ideally around $22 an hour, which is the minimum I need to cover my bills and survive. My boyfriend advised against applying, but I thought it was worth a shot to see how the process unfolded. However, I started to worry about the implications of potentially denying a job offer if it came in below my expectations. I’m currently receiving unemployment benefits, and I’m concerned about how turning down a job offer might affect my eligibility. I’ve heard mixed opinions on this, especially regarding audits and the rules surrounding unemployment. It seems like a tricky situation where I need to balance my financial needs with the requirements of the unemployment program. I’m still trying to figure out the best course of action.

I just learned that Johns Hopkins in Baltimore is planning to lay off 110 employees because of federal funding cuts. It's really disheartening to see such a significant number of jobs being affected. I hope those impacted can find new opportunities soon.

I've been struggling to find a part-time job since December, and it's really starting to get to me. I'm 17 and have applied to countless places, but all I've received are rejection letters. It's frustrating to see my friends working hard at their jobs while I'm stuck here, feeling like I'm wasting my summer. I've updated my resume multiple times and can't figure out what's wrong with it. I have decent skills, I'm fluent in several languages, and I know I have the work ethic to succeed, yet I still can't land a regular job. I'm considering reaching out to family friends and teachers for networking opportunities, as I've heard that can really help. I just hope something comes through soon.

I recently made a significant career change that has left me feeling both excited and anxious. I was working as a project manager from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and honestly, I was absolutely miserable. After going back to school for this role, I realized it wasn't my dream job at all. So, I decided to quit and return to banking, even though it meant taking a pay cut. The reason for this shift is that the benefits in banking are infinitely better, and I’ll be working in person again instead of being holed up in my room. Plus, I’ll have a normal 9-5 schedule and, best of all, I won't have to work weekends anymore! However, I’m grappling with the financial implications of this decision. I moved back home after feeling really depressed in my previous job, and now I'm concerned that I won't be able to move out again without a raise or a roommate. I’m still battling some depression, and while I crave my freedom, I’m not sure if I made the right choice by sacrificing some financial stability. This is a huge change for me, and I’m just trying to figure out if it was worth it.

I've been actively searching for a new job lately, and I've noticed a concerning trend: it seems like work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid positions are becoming less common. The fully remote jobs that are available feel extremely competitive, which adds to my stress. Currently, I enjoy my job, but the toxic atmosphere created by some colleagues makes it challenging to stay positive. I do have some flexibility with one WFH day, and my hours are somewhat manageable, but the pay isn't great, and there's little room for growth. The benefits are just okay, but at least I have some. As I apply for new positions, I'm really hoping to find a workplace with a supportive culture. I'm torn between the idea of pursuing a higher salary and career development in a fully in-office role versus trying to maintain my current work/life balance with its drawbacks. The negativity I encounter daily at my job weighs heavily on me, and as someone who values positivity, it's tough to keep my spirits up when the environment is so draining. I'm left wondering if it would be worth it to sacrifice my supposed work/life balance for a more rewarding position.

I recently graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a minor in Sociology, and I'm feeling really lost in my job search. I'm 23 and living in the Midwest suburbs near Chicago. After graduating, I worked as a program coordinator at a day camp, which I loved, but then I took a nanny/household manager position that burned me out in just six months. Now, I'm feeling overwhelmed and anxious about finding a job that aligns with my degree and pays above $20 an hour. I'm open to various roles related to psychology, including lab work, human services, administrative positions, and work in hospital settings or child welfare/domestic violence. I prefer not to be an ABA therapist or an early childhood teacher, but I'm interested in behind-the-scenes work with children or those with developmental disabilities, like directing or scheduling. I thrive in environments with lots of paperwork and a structured routine. I lost my father in 2022, and he was my biggest supporter and guide. I often visit his grave and find myself crying, seeking his advice during this challenging time. I feel stuck while my peers seem to have their careers figured out, and I’m struggling with indecision. I’ve even thought about going back to school for nursing because I enjoy the healthcare setting, but I feel lost on how to start. If anyone has advice or suggestions for roles that could help me leverage my psychology degree or temporary positions that could lead to further education, I would greatly appreciate it. I just want to feel fulfilled in my work.

I’m currently in a tough situation where I have no money and can't afford a phone number, making my job search incredibly difficult. I have just $-10 in my bank account and I'm feeling overwhelmed. It’s hard to believe how much a simple phone number can impact my ability to find work. I've been looking for suggestions on how to navigate this issue. I've heard about options like using free apps for a phone number, but I don't always have internet access. I've also considered going to places like McDonald's for free WiFi to stay connected. I've made sure to state 'Preferred contact: Email' on my resume and applications, but it seems like most employers still prefer to call. I’m also exploring government programs that might help with getting a phone. I just hope I can find a way to turn this around soon.

Today, I made the tough decision to decline a job offer for a position that didn’t excite me. The role was urgent, and while it was a decent opportunity, I’m currently in the interview process with two other companies that I’m much more enthusiastic about. I had already completed a final interview with one of them, so I felt hopeful. When I asked for more time to consider the offer, the urgency of the position meant I had to turn it down. Now, I’m left with a pit in my stomach, worrying about whether I made the right choice. What if neither of the other companies offers me a position? I could end up spending weeks searching for jobs again. I can’t shake the feeling that I might have made a mistake. The urgency of the role made it clear that they needed someone quickly, and I didn’t want to keep them waiting as a last resort. I’m just feeling really anxious about my decision and wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and how it turned out for them.

I recently interviewed for a government writing-intensive position and the process was surprisingly quick. I applied and heard back within a week, although I initially missed their email because it ended up in my spam folder. They called to confirm my interest and scheduled the interview right away. The exam was a traditional pencil and paper format, which included a 100-word spelling test and multiple pages of text for markup edits. I was given about 1.25 hours to complete it, and I managed to finish with five minutes to spare. The proctor, who would also be one of my potential bosses, asked if I wanted to double-check my work, but I declined, explaining that I preferred to have a second set of eyes on it instead. After the exam, they decided to conduct my interview immediately. I was a bit surprised, as I thought it would just be a brief discussion about the test. During the interview, I asked about common misconceptions new hires have and how to avoid pitfalls. They seemed genuinely surprised by my questions and appreciated that I had already reviewed the information they sent me via email. I also inquired about what success looks like in this role over the first few months. They mentioned that it was an unusual question but acknowledged the importance of finding a balance between accuracy and efficiency. I shared my experience from my time in the Navy, emphasizing the motto "slow is fast" to highlight the importance of doing things right the first time. They seemed pleased with my performance on the exam and the interview overall. I was told I would know the outcome by mid-July, and while the pay isn't exactly what I hoped for, the job offers benefits like guaranteed parking and my own office space. There's no overtime, but the comp time and vacation policies seem generous. Overall, I felt positive about the experience, and I'm hopeful for a good outcome. Wish me luck!

I've been actively job searching for the past six months and have submitted five different resumes, but I haven't landed a single interview yet. I'm currently employed and hold a B.S. degree in Technology, along with a military background in equipment testing and engineering. I've targeted employers that align with my skills and security clearance, and I'm even open to relocating for the right position. Despite my salary expectations being reasonable for the roles I'm applying for, I can't help but wonder if my age and experience are hindering my chances. This job market feels tougher than ever, and I'm seeking any constructive feedback to improve my job search.

After 8 years of self-employment, I'm feeling pretty unemployable. I've been running an ad network since 2018, where I was the sole employee and worked with freelancers. Over those years, I managed to generate around £4M in revenue, especially thriving during the COVID online advertising boom. However, the industry has taken a sharp decline, and I recently experienced my first month with zero revenue, which has been a tough pill to swallow. In addition to the ad network, I've also launched two app companies and two e-commerce businesses. Unfortunately, none of them have reached sustainable profitability. One of the e-commerce ventures has gained a bit of traction, but I'm feeling uncertain about investing more time and resources into it. Now, I'm contemplating transitioning into a traditional job for the first time. The challenge I'm facing is that, while recruiters acknowledge my experience as strong, they find it unusual and are unsure of where I would fit in. I'm aiming for a role that represents a genuine step forward in my career, rather than starting from the bottom after running my own companies for so long. I worry that this might be unrealistic. Some recruiters have suggested that I should just start another company, but that's not what I'm looking for right now. I’m craving stability instead. I'm based in the UK and in my early 30s. Has anyone else made this transition from founder to employee? What roles should I be targeting, and how can I best position my experience?

I recently received an offer for a new position and noticed a discrepancy between the offer letter and the drug screening paperwork. My offer states that the drug screening should occur within 5 days before my start date, which is about 3 weeks away. However, the scheduling document I received from the testing vendor, eScreen, indicates that I need to complete the screening much sooner—around 10+ days before my start date. I'm considering reaching out to HR to clarify this situation and ensure I'm following the correct timeline.

I graduated with a degree in molecular biology and genetics this past June, and I'm about to start a four-month internship in Poland that ends on December 31st. I'm really hoping to land a job there afterward, but I'm unsure about when to start applying. Should I begin my job search now, even though I won't be available to start until January 2027? I've heard that the job search process can take a while, with interviews and offers potentially extending for months. Any advice on when I should start applying seriously would be greatly appreciated!

I just learned that Oracle Romania is planning to lay off around 500 employees. This news has been quite shocking and unsettling for many of us here. The atmosphere in the office is tense as we await more details about who will be affected and what the timeline looks like. I'm currently in a role that I enjoy, but the uncertainty is weighing heavily on me and my colleagues. I'm starting to think about my options and considering updating my resume and looking for new opportunities.

I recently received an offer for a Technical Product Manager position at a Fortune 100 FinTech company, with a base salary of $120k, a 15% bonus, and $6.5k in Long-Term Incentives that vest over three years. The role requires me to be in the office three days a week, which means a 45-minute to 1-hour commute each way. Currently, I’m working as a Business Systems Analyst at a Fortune 250 FinTech company, earning $90k with a 5% bonus. My job is fully remote, but there are hints of potential layoffs, and I might have to return to the office if my accommodation request isn’t approved. The commute would be shorter at 30-40 minutes if I have to go in. I have about five years of experience in FinTech, and I’ve been actively applying and interviewing for new roles since September, mainly focusing on remote positions. This is my first offer this year, and while I enjoy working from home, I’m considering whether I should take this new opportunity or stay in my current role. I’ve also heard mixed opinions about the Long-Term Incentive, with some suggesting it could keep me tied to the job. Given the significant pay increase and the current instability at my job, I’m leaning towards accepting the offer, but I’m still weighing my options.

Today, I reflected on my career path and realized that I’ve been stuck in the same role for eight years, making the same $18 an hour while stocking shelves. I’ve developed a slight limp from being on my feet all day, and honestly, quitting that job was a relief. However, I’m feeling lost and unsure about how to move forward. It seems like I’ll never break the $40k barrier unless I make some significant changes. I’ve been considering what skills or qualifications I might need to improve my situation. Some comments I read suggested that I should explore new avenues, like getting an insurance license or even trying my hand at sales, but I’m not sure where to start. I know I need to take action, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and regretful about the choices I’ve made so far. I just hope there’s still a path for me to find better opportunities.