Planning

I'm looking for recommendations for credible employment lawyers in the SF/Bay Area. I need someone who can provide a one-off counsel session to review my severance agreement. I've been trying to do some research, but the information out there is overwhelming and filled with ads, making it tough to identify trustworthy options. My case isn't complicated, but I want to ensure I get a solid review of my agreement. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I've been in technology leadership roles at the Director level for about 10 years, and I'm starting to feel like I've been misled by two different employers in similar ways. Recently, I've been searching for a new job because I believe it's easier to find new opportunities while still employed. As I've reviewed VP-level job descriptions, I've noticed that they align closely with what I've been doing in my previous roles—about 80% of the responsibilities match. The only differences seem to be regular meetings with the C-suite and board, which I have had some exposure to, and top-level decisions where my input was significant. To make matters worse, I recently checked the LinkedIn profile of a former CIO I reported to, and it reads like a summary of my daily responsibilities at that company. I had previously asked the CEO if I would be considered for the CIO position when they were hiring, and he told me no without providing a reason. At the time, I assumed it was due to a lack of experience, but now I'm starting to doubt that explanation.

I recently left school at 16 and have been struggling to find a job. It's been incredibly frustrating because I've applied to around 200 entry-level positions, including seasonal jobs like caravan cleaning, but I haven't received any responses or interviews. I had my uncle, who works in recruitment, help me with my CV, so I don't think that's the issue. My parents are pressuring me to find a job, and I'm feeling overwhelmed. I've been considering whether I should call local cafes or fish and chip shops to inquire about openings, or if that would just annoy the staff. I'm open to any job, whether it's housekeeping or something else. I'm really looking for advice on how to improve my chances of getting hired.

I have an upcoming interview with a company I was laid off from a few years ago. Back in 2023, I worked there but unfortunately didn't meet their productivity expectations, which led to my layoff. Recently, I applied for a position at the same company because I believe I've improved significantly since then. I really want to handle the conversation about my past layoff carefully. It's a large organization with over 2,000 employees, and I want to express how I've sharpened my tech skills and grown as a professional. I plan to be honest about my previous challenges but keep it simple, focusing on how I've used that experience as a learning opportunity. I'm hoping to convey my commitment to growth and how I'm now a better fit for the role.

I recently interviewed for two positions at a local grocery store: one as a cashier and another in the fresh department. I found out that the cashier position is already filled, but the fresh department manager asked me to check if another related department still needs staff. The system manager also inquired about my interest in the fresh department, which left me feeling a bit confused since I haven't received a clear indication from the fresh manager about my candidacy. After the interview, the fresh manager messaged me to confirm if I was the right person she interviewed, which added to my uncertainty. I don't want to come off as desperate, even though I feel that way, but I really just want some closure on the situation. I've been messaging back and forth with customer service regarding my application, and I'm considering reaching out for an update. It seems like a mixed bag after interviews; sometimes they follow up, but other times you have to take the initiative. I just want to know where I stand.

I just graduated high school and I'm on the hunt for a part-time job. I have two interviews lined up next week—one for a stock position at Nordstrom Rack and another as a sales associate at an eyeglasses store. I filled out the applications stating that I was 18, even though I turn 18 just 11 days after the interviews. I’m a bit unsure if I should mention this during the interviews or if it will even come up. I’ve received some advice saying that as long as I turn 18 before starting work, I should be fine. I plan to focus on showcasing my skills and fit for the roles instead of worrying too much about my age. Fingers crossed for the interviews!

I’m a 23-year-old female based in Southern California, currently working part-time at Panera. While I appreciate the over $20 an hour I earn, I feel unfulfilled and can't imagine staying here for another year. I’m studying Art and Design in college, with a background in animation and visual effects, and I’m eager to find a job that allows me to express my creativity. I'm specifically looking for an artistic role—any type of art will do—as long as it doesn’t involve food. I want to avoid cleaning tasks like bathrooms and prep areas, and I’m tired of carrying heavy items or making food for customers. My ideal job would offer a higher pay rate, a creative environment where I can work collaboratively with others, and the opportunity to build genuine friendships. I prefer in-person work over remote positions and am hoping for a relaxed and unified atmosphere. I know this may sound unrealistic, but I’m open to any suggestions or ideas that could help me transition into a more fulfilling role.

I'm currently employed but have been casually looking for a new job as I'm planning to move 6 states away. It's just now hitting me that I'll need to create a new cover letter for every job I apply for, which feels overwhelming. Previously, I would send out a few applications a day without much thought, but now I realize the importance of tailoring each cover letter. It's definitely time-consuming, but I hope it pays off in the end.

I have over 6 years of experience in marketing and community management, but I'm currently facing challenges in securing interviews in Los Angeles. I'm looking for feedback on my resume to improve my chances. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

I had a call with a temp agency regarding a potential job opportunity. The agent didn't introduce himself and immediately questioned why I was interested in the position since I lack experience in the field. I explained that I'm currently pursuing a relevant degree and thought it was worth applying, especially since a friend of mine landed a similar role without prior experience. The agent seemed dismissive and mentioned that they don't believe I'm the best fit because the client prefers someone more seasoned. Despite this, they scheduled an interview for next week. I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should even attend, especially since I received no details about the company or the interview logistics. The whole interaction felt somewhat condescending, making me question the value of this opportunity.

I received an email from a local workforce agency asking if I was still with my current employer, if I had a new job, or if I was still searching for work. The subject line was "WORK SEARCH." I'm a bit worried this might mean they will follow up with a verification of my job search activities. I only reported one job search last week because I was confident I would be starting a new job, but that opportunity fell through. This week, I managed to complete three job searches. I'm trying to be honest about my situation, but I'm concerned about the implications for my unemployment benefits.

I recently got laid off from my position as a marketing coordinator at a tech startup, and it has definitely put a strain on my engagement plans with my partner. We were planning to get married next summer, but with my current job search and the uncertainty of my finances, we've had to push back our timeline. It's been tough navigating the emotional rollercoaster of job hunting while also dealing with the stress of wedding planning. I’m curious if others have faced similar challenges and how they managed to balance everything.

I recently found myself in a troubling situation at my marketing job where I've been working for over a year. My employer decided to move me into a completely different role that I have no interest in, while simultaneously hiring someone to take over my current position. I've always thrived in back-of-house marketing tasks, focusing on data analysis and reporting, but now I'm being pushed into a client-facing Customer Success role, which I explicitly stated I wanted to avoid due to my autoimmune condition that makes high-stress situations particularly challenging for me. My direct manager went on leave, and shortly after, the CEO called me in for a 'promotion' meeting. However, the role they described is a significant shift away from my strengths and into areas where I have no experience. This change worries me because it alters how my performance will be evaluated—from objective metrics to subjective ones, which could easily lead to a negative assessment of my work. To make matters worse, the company has posted a job listing that closely resembles my current responsibilities, indicating that they are looking to replace me while I’m being used to fill a gap during my colleagues' leaves. There are several signs that suggest I might be part of a 'manage-out' strategy, including my manager recording our last one-on-one meeting and the CEO's comment about caring for my career even if it’s not with the company in the future. I’ve maintained professionalism throughout these discussions, but I can’t shake the feeling that they are setting me up for failure in this new role, which could lead to an easy exit for them down the line. I'm now left wondering if this is a standard corporate tactic and how I can navigate this transition while also looking for new opportunities without revealing my intentions.

I’m currently working as a camp counselor at a summer camp, and I’m really considering quitting. The camp operates for about 6–7 hours a day, but with transportation and getting ready, I’m out of the house from around 7 AM until 5 PM. I’ve only been there a few days, but I’m already feeling exhausted every day. The pay for the entire summer is around $2,200, which feels really low given the hours and responsibilities involved. The work environment isn’t great either. I don’t feel like I fit in with my co-counselors, and some staff members have been rude to me. Honestly, I dread going in each morning. Right now, I’m thinking of sticking it out for about 4 weeks before I leave, since the camp runs for 8 weeks total. I just can’t handle it mentally anymore, but I’m really nervous about how to tell my boss. Part of me just wants to stop showing up and block everyone’s numbers since I don’t plan on putting this job on my resume and I live pretty far from the camp. I’m looking for advice from anyone who has worked summer jobs before: would it be a bad idea to quit after 4 weeks? If I decide to leave, is it worth giving notice, or should I just stop showing up?

I recently reflected on my cover letter writing process as an early career professional in social science research and higher education, specifically focused on student support. On average, I manage to craft about two high-quality cover letters each day. I put a lot of effort into tailoring them to the specific job descriptions, aiming to engage the hiring manager right from the start. My approach revolves around answering "why this job, why me, and why now" in a compelling way. To enhance my letters, I utilize AI tools for polishing and ensuring the inclusion of relevant keywords. Additionally, I have a family member who is an editor review my letters and provide constructive feedback. I keep my letters concise, usually under one page and around 300 words. Each letter takes me about three hours to complete, although I sometimes spend longer on positions that particularly resonate with me. As I navigate my job search, which has spanned about two months with around 40 applications submitted, I find that cover letters require the most effort. I'm curious about how long it takes others to write their cover letters, especially those who have submitted a large number of applications in this competitive job market. I'm aiming to submit three applications a day while maintaining the quality of my letters, and I'm looking for strategies to avoid burnout.

I've been feeling really down about my job search lately. It's been almost a year since I lost my last job, and despite landing a few interviews, I still haven't been able to secure a position. I can't help but wonder if my background or ethnicity is playing a role in my lack of success. At the same time, I'm questioning whether I'm presenting myself well during the interviews or if I'm just not saying the right things. I'm reaching out for any advice or tips that could help me improve my chances. I really want to turn this around and find a job that fits.

I'm currently in a tough spot at my job where I've been for a few years. The company has consistently posted losses, and despite efforts to turn things around, we haven't seen any profits. It's gotten to the point where we're struggling to pay our monthly bills, and I've witnessed some vendors cut us off due to unpaid invoices. The morale among employees is at an all-time low, and I can feel the frustration building. Today, we had a manager's meeting that was supposed to be a straightforward check-in. The HR rep asked how everyone was feeling, and it quickly turned into a long rant about how tired and aggravated we all are. Instead of discussing solutions, any ideas we had were dismissed, often with questions that highlighted our lack of resources. Honestly, it makes me question why anyone would want to work here when they could earn a similar wage flipping burgers at a fast-food joint. The HR rep mentioned that the COO has a plan and that we just need to get over this "hump," but it felt like a hollow pep talk. I've been considering my options because several colleagues are also thinking about leaving if things don’t improve. I took this job hoping for a career boost, but it’s been quite the opposite. If you’re looking for a new role, I recommend checking the health of potential employers before committing. It’s hard to find time to interview once you’re settled in. Has anyone else experienced HR acting more like cheerleaders for a failing company rather than advocates for employees? How did it turn out for you?

I recently accepted a hybrid work-from-home job and signed the offer with a start date in about three weeks. I was really excited about the role and the company culture seemed great. However, my new boss reached out to express concerns about my pre-planned international vacation that overlaps with the busy season at the company. I had informed HR about this trip right after accepting the offer, but it seems my boss wasn't aware of it until now. The trip is set for two work weeks, totaling 10 days of PTO, and a lot of the expenses are non-refundable. My wife mentioned that rearranging the trip might be challenging. I'm feeling a bit stuck and unsure of my options. I’m considering asking if I can work remotely while on the trip, but I'm not sure about the company's policies regarding that. Another option could be to cut the trip short by a day or two. Alternatively, I could see if starting work earlier is possible. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has dealt with a similar situation and can offer some advice on how to navigate this.

I recently took a new job after being laid off from my previous tech position. It’s been about two months, and I’m feeling really out of place in this corporate environment. The culture here is very bureaucratic, and it feels like a step back in terms of technical advancement compared to my last role. I even took a 10% pay cut to accept this position, but I thought it was better than being unemployed. Now, I find myself missing the tech world and wondering if I should resign. I remember how easy it was to schedule interviews and apply for jobs when I was unemployed, but now that I'm working full-time, I struggle to find time to job hunt. I’m torn about whether to stick it out or start looking for something new.

Today, I received a request from HR to write and sign a resignation letter as I'm being let go due to the non-extension of my contract. I see this situation as a termination rather than a resignation, and I'm feeling confused about why they want me to submit a resignation letter. I believe this could affect my eligibility for unemployment benefits, and I’m hesitant to sign anything that implies I voluntarily left my position. After discussing with some peers, I realized that this is actually the end of my contract, not a termination in the traditional sense. I’m still not comfortable with the idea of signing a resignation letter, especially since there’s no severance pay involved. I plan to ask HR for clarification on why they need this letter if my contract is simply ending. I want to make sure I’m making the right decision.