Planning

Today, I took a significant step towards changing my work situation by applying to a temp agency. Currently, I'm working as a business assistant in the healthcare sector, and while the pay is good for someone without formal education, the high-pressure environment is taking a toll on my mental health. I’ve realized that I can’t meet the demands of my role due to my mental illness, and I need to find a job that allows me to manage my stability better. I’m looking for admin or clerical work that pays less but comes with less responsibility and fewer interactions with people. This shift feels monumental for me, and I’m trying to navigate how picky I can be during this process. Since I’ve never temped before, I’m unsure if I have the option to decline a position if it doesn’t feel right for me. I’m hoping to hear from others who have experience with temp agencies to get some insights on how this works and what I should expect.

I recently accepted a job offer after a smooth interview process where I only needed two interviews instead of the planned three. Everyone I met seemed excited for me to start, which felt great. However, after completing my onboarding tasks, I received an email requesting proof of auto insurance, a driver's license, and immunization records. This caught me off guard because I don’t drive due to a disability, and I was never informed during the interviews or onboarding that a driver's license was necessary for this role. I’m feeling anxious about this situation, as I know I don’t have to disclose my disability unless I choose to. I’ve had ten years of solid work experience, including supervisory roles, and I pride myself on being punctual and reliable. I’m concerned that this request might jeopardize my job offer, even though I believe driving isn’t a requirement for the position. I’ve been seeking advice on whether I should be worried about the offer being rescinded and what steps I should take next. I’m considering providing them with my immunization records and explaining my situation regarding driving. I hope to clarify that I don’t own a car or drive, and I’m willing to provide other forms of identification if needed. It’s just frustrating because I want to start this new chapter without complications.

I've been working in my field for 11 years, but I'm feeling pretty burnt out. Since 2022, I've witnessed numerous layoffs, and I experienced one myself in 2023. I was a contractor for several years before landing my current role, which has been a decent gig, but I'm seriously considering a career change. I've seen a lot of posts on LinkedIn about positions being cut, and it’s making me rethink my path. I'm curious if anyone else has made a switch and when they realized it was time to move on. I want to know if changing careers is a good choice.

I recently experienced a tough job market after my company laid off almost everyone, and it really opened my eyes to how hiring works. During my time there, I noticed that most job openings were filled internally before they were even posted publicly. This meant that the majority of new hires were people who were already part of the company. It made me realize that networking is crucial; knowing someone in the company can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. I also observed that many promotions went to individuals who were more about being friends with decision-makers rather than having the right qualifications. This made me rethink my job search strategy. Instead of just sending out countless resumes, I plan to focus on companies I admire, even if they don’t have job listings. I’ll try to connect with current employees, perhaps by attending social events where they hang out. It’s a grim reality for external candidates, but I believe building relationships could be the key to finding a job.

I'm currently navigating the job market after completing my PhD in History. I've realized that teaching isn't fulfilling for me, and the pay isn't sustainable long-term. I'm based in the Moselle region of France, near Luxembourg and Germany, and I'm looking for job opportunities across these areas. My language skills include Italian, French, English, and Spanish, and I'm working on my German. I feel a bit overwhelmed with my job search, especially since LinkedIn hasn't been helpful—it's filled with spam and vague posts. I'm open to various roles outside my academic background, including entry-level positions in administration, project support, customer service, sales, communications, and research assistance. Ideally, I'd like to work in NGOs, international organizations, or sectors that have a social impact, but I'm trying to keep my options broad. I'm seeking advice on the best job portals for Luxembourg and western Germany, as well as recruitment agencies or local networks that could assist me. Additionally, I would appreciate tips on how to present my PhD when applying for non-academic jobs and insights into roles where my multilingual abilities and research/writing skills would be valued. Any resources or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I recently joined a start-up focused on providing corporate food solutions, but after just a month, I'm seriously considering leaving. I got into this position through a friend's recommendation, but they ended up resigning just three weeks after I started due to the chaotic work environment. This is my first experience in a start-up, and I realize now that I should have done more research beforehand. The business concept seems flawed for the local market. In Asia, food delivery and catering services are already well-established, so I don't see what unique value our platform brings to the table. My responsibilities are constantly shifting; one week I'm cleaning systems, the next I'm handling vendor sales, and soon I'll be managing corporate client relationships. It's hard to develop any specific skills when I'm being pulled in so many directions. I'm planning to attend a national job fair to explore new opportunities. I'm weighing whether to leave this job now to focus on upskilling in supply chain procurement and management, or to stick it out for the paycheck. Fortunately, I have enough savings to cover my rent for three months, and my parents are willing to help with some living expenses. I'm open to any advice or perspectives on this situation.

I recently learned about a friend, Don, who worked for a small family-owned business in Minnesota for nearly 10 years. He was a lead worker with a company credit card and had keys to everything, never facing any discipline during his time there. However, the work environment turned hostile due to the manager's son, Dick, who has always been aggressive and disrespectful towards Don. Recently, during a shift, Dick yelled and cursed at Don in front of customers and even threw a box at him. Feeling unsafe, Don decided to leave for the day and informed the manager. Unfortunately, the manager did nothing to address the situation. Later that night, Don received a text from the manager firing him for walking off the job. Don applied for unemployment but was denied, as it was deemed misconduct for leaving without permission. He has since filed an appeal and has a hearing scheduled. I find it troubling that the manager allowed such a hostile environment to persist without intervening, raising questions about how Don's actions to protect himself could be considered misconduct. I'm trying to understand if I'm missing something in this situation.

I am currently searching for remote job opportunities that pay at least $23 an hour. After 19 years as a hair stylist, I had to close my shop due to ongoing health issues. I have three years of experience in retail and grocery, a couple of years as a nanny, and I've also worked with DoorDash for a couple of years. Unfortunately, my health has severely impacted my life, and I have lost almost everything over the past six years. The job I currently hold pays minimum wage, which I took out of desperation, but it has only worsened my financial situation. I've been applying for jobs for a year and a half now without receiving a single interview. I am facing eviction, my car is in disrepair, and the stress from my health issues is overwhelming. I urgently need a better-paying job, so any recommendations or support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am currently in the final stretch of completing my bachelor's degree in business administration, with my last course wrapping up on July 6th. I've started my job search, but I'm facing a challenge in presenting my qualifications since I don't officially have my degree yet. My advisor has assured me they can help me provide proof of my impending graduation to potential employers, which is a relief. My main goal is to land an entry-level position that allows me to work with data and learn about operations. However, I've been inundated with job offers from companies that I refer to as 'DevilCorp,' which I’m trying to avoid. Despite my efforts to filter these out, they seem to be everywhere in my search results. Since June 7, I've applied to nearly 300 positions across various platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed. I even took the initiative to drive around my nearest city, about 40 minutes away, to jot down the names of companies I passed by that might have openings. I'm also seeking advice on how to improve my résumé and what specific keywords or roles I should target that align with my degree while steering clear of undesirable companies.

I'm a 27-year-old male, originally from the US but I've been living in Costa Rica for the past 17 years. I'm planning to move back to the US and I'm seeking advice on the best states to relocate to for job opportunities. I have 7 years of experience in customer support, currently working in a healthcare company where I assist with onboarding, handle insurance documentation, and schedule logistics for medical devices. I speak both native English and Spanish, but I don't have a college degree. I'm considering pursuing IT certifications in the future, but my immediate goal is to find a job and settle in. Any recommendations on states with good job markets would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off unexpectedly after just 5 months at my job due to a merger. It hit me hard because I relied on that stability to manage my finances and plan for my future. Now, I'm facing the stress of job hunting again, which is daunting, especially as I think about my goals, like starting a family at 31. I could really use some encouragement during this tough time.

I was recently let go from my role as the first full-time hire at a small AI/data consultancy after just 5 months. The founders informed me that they don’t have enough client work in the pipeline to keep me on, and it wasn’t due to my performance. They had high hopes for growth when they hired me, but unfortunately, the business didn’t expand as planned. They are providing me with pay through July, covering my accrued holiday, and offering interview support. They also mentioned the possibility of working with me on a contract basis in the future if they secure more projects. During my time there, I gained experience in AI/data engineering projects, backend integrations, solution design, and client-facing work. Prior to this, I worked in operations, where I improved an AI chatbot and automated data workflows. Now, I'm seeking advice on how to position this short stint on my CV and in interviews. Should I continue applying to startups, or focus on more established companies? Also, what should I prioritize over the next month while I'm still being compensated? I’m disappointed but trying to make the best of the situation and would appreciate any insights from those who have faced similar challenges.

I recently accepted a credit manager position with a major company after feeling stuck in my current role at a small tech firm where I've worked for six years. My responsibilities have expanded over time, but I realized that focusing solely on sales order processing has left me bored and wanting more from my career. The new role offers a significant pay increase, a better pension match, and the flexibility of remote work. However, just yesterday, my manager proposed a counter offer for me to stay and take on a project manager role, which involves overseeing projects for a new AI accountancy package. They are willing to match the salary and benefits of the new position, which makes the decision more complicated. I'm meeting with the MD tomorrow to discuss this opportunity further, but I'm feeling torn. The familiarity of my current workplace and the shorter commute are appealing, but I want to ensure that I won't be involved in sales or upselling, which I want to avoid. I could really use some unbiased advice on how to approach this meeting and what questions I should ask.

I work in finance/IT and I've had a rough time since I joined my current company in 2025. I made a mistake taking this job, and it has been a source of constant misery for me. Back in 2023, I was offered a full-time position with the US government, contracted to a large tech company. At the time, I was working at a large brokerage and was worried about potential layoffs, so I applied for the new role. I gave my notice with about three weeks to spare because my coworkers and management felt like family to me. On my last day at the brokerage, I received a call from the program manager saying that the role had been canceled. I was shocked and told him that I wouldn't just leave without a job lined up. I reached out to my manager, who tried to retract my notice, but it was too late since they had offered the role to a contractor. After that, I was fortunate to make connections in the industry and picked up a contract job about nine days later, although it came with a pay cut and uncertainty. I bounced between contracts until I finally secured a full-time position two weeks ago, which comes with a $25k pay raise. However, my current job is incredibly stressful and is taking a toll on my mental health and personal relationships. I’m not learning anything new, and the lack of support from management is frustrating. I’ve decided that I won’t be giving two weeks' notice this time around. I feel guilty about leaving my team in a tough spot, but I have to prioritize my own well-being. I worry that they might cancel the role at the last minute, and I can't afford to risk that. It's a tough decision, but I feel like I have to look out for myself.

I'm currently seeking a job in the legal sector, specifically within the corporate field. I have over 5 years of experience working in finance companies, and I'm eager to transition into a legal role. Any assistance or leads would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Today was a significant turning point in my career. My team lead called me into a meeting and informed me that my role was being eliminated due to a shift in direction for the project team. I had been dreading this moment for months, as I had been stuck on a disorganized project for five long months, where deadlines were constantly changing and everyone was pointing fingers at each other. I had been quietly searching for new opportunities and, just a month ago, I accepted a job offer from another company that pays significantly more and offers work that genuinely interests me. I had planned to give my notice this Friday to keep things professional, but fate had other plans. When my team lead delivered the news, I calmly told him that it was fine because I had already accepted another job and was going to resign on Friday. His reaction was priceless; he seemed taken aback and momentarily speechless. Then he awkwardly asked if I was planning to give proper notice, despite just informing me that my role was ending in two days. I packed up my desk that afternoon, feeling an immense sense of relief and lightness as I walked out. It felt like the best Wednesday of my life. I’m grateful to have secured a better opportunity before this layoff, and I can’t help but feel that everything worked out perfectly.

I recently had an in-person interview with a recruiter who seemed pleased with my performance. However, they've asked me to provide references before we can proceed with working together. The challenge is that I don't have any recent references to offer. I don't participate in volunteer work, and the last teacher or coach I spoke to was years ago. I attempted to reach out to them for assistance, but I haven't received a response. I'm feeling anxious about potentially losing this opportunity due to the lack of references. I'm considering my next steps and would appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation.

I have an upcoming interview for a B2B sales role where I need to demonstrate my lead generation skills. The interview will involve sharing my screen to show how I would generate leads for a specified territory, focusing on small to medium-sized businesses with under $10 million in revenue. I’ll be using tools like Google and LinkedIn for my research, and the interviewer wants to see my thought process and how well the leads align with the provided client profile. I’m curious if this type of test is common in interviews and would appreciate any tips on how to approach it effectively.

I am a 2025 graduate with six months of experience working as a Machine Learning intern and an AI intern at various startups. I am actively seeking roles that are relevant to AI and ML. I am eager to find a job and contribute my skills in this field.

I recently learned that Elastic, where I work, is planning to lay off hundreds of employees as part of a shift in strategy due to AI advancements. This news has been quite unsettling, as it seems the company is trying to align itself with market expectations while making these cuts. It feels like the focus is more on impressing investors than on the impact this will have on our team and the work we do.