Planning

I recently faced a tough situation at my fast food job where I've been employed for 15 months. My manager told me to remove the establishment from my resume and to take him off as a reference because I've called out sick six times. I typically work between 1 to 4 shifts a week, and I feel like that’s not an unreasonable number of sick days, especially considering my friends think I don’t call out enough. I'm really confused about whether six sick days is too much and if my manager has the right to dictate what I include on my resume while still expecting me to work there. I'm also wondering if I can ask a different coworker to be my reference without facing any backlash from him. On top of this, I've been job hunting for over six months and had eight interviews this month but haven't landed anything. The demand for entry-level customer service roles in my area is really high, and I'm not looking to switch to a different type of work.

Today, I officially became displaced from my role due to company restructuring. My department was asked to apply for new positions with increased responsibilities but no additional pay, and most required returning to the office. After evaluating the new roles, I decided they weren't for me, so I applied for just one position that I knew I likely wouldn't get, hoping it would trigger a layoff to secure my unemployment and severance benefits. Thankfully, my plan worked, and I wasn't offered the position. Recently, we received an email stating that backfill positions will be posted soon, and HR will be reaching out to discuss next steps for displaced employees. I'm anxious about this meeting—will they try to push me into one of those backfill roles? I want to know if I can refuse without risking my benefits. I hope I'm just overthinking it and that the meeting is actually about my layoff.

I recently received a conditional job offer, but I'm facing a significant hurdle with the background check. My previous employer, where I worked for a few years, has closed down, and now the background check can't verify my employment there. The company's website is no longer active, and I've tried reaching out to old email addresses, but none of them work anymore. I've already sent over my contract and payslips as proof of employment, but the background check still says they are unable to verify my job. I'm really anxious about this situation. Has anyone else dealt with a similar issue? I'm worried this might delay or even jeopardize my job offer. I’ve seen some suggestions online about reaching out to former managers on LinkedIn for verification, which I might try. I’m also considering asking the screening company if they would accept alternative documents like tax records or bank statements showing my payroll deposits. I plan to inform the HR department about the closure of my previous employer so they understand the context. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently laid off from my first job after completing my MBA. I graduated from a Tier 2 MBA college this year and landed a product role at a fintech company. Unfortunately, after the company acquired another fintech, they decided to lay off a significant number of employees, and I was among those let go. I never anticipated that my first job would end so abruptly, especially so early in my career. The timing is particularly tough as I have a substantial education loan to repay, and my family is not in a position to support me financially at the moment. The past couple of days have been incredibly stressful, and I’m feeling anxious about what the future holds. I’m looking to explore new opportunities where my MBA in Marketing and 7 months of product experience could be a good fit. If anyone has any referrals or advice, I would greatly appreciate it, as I feel like I’m hanging by a thread right now.

I am currently navigating a two-year employment gap that resulted from my resignation due to health reasons. After leaving my job, I went to rehab for substance abuse, which was a significant step in my recovery. I was able to receive unemployment insurance for a year, but then I transitioned to state disability due to chronic joint pain that affects my mobility. My knees are in particularly bad shape, making it difficult to resume work. I'm seeking advice on how to explain this gap in my employment history to potential employers without raising concerns about my health or my past. I want to present my situation honestly while also highlighting my readiness and capability to work.

I took 5 days to respond to a job opportunity that a recruiter reached out to me about. They followed up after 2 days, and I finally replied expressing my interest. I’ve been juggling a sub gig and didn’t plan on looking for something new until December, which is why I delayed my response. I do have relevant experience, but I’m worried that my late reply might make them think I’m not really interested. I’ve seen some comments suggesting that this could hurt my chances, and now I’m feeling anxious about the whole situation.

I recently made the difficult decision to quit my first job. From the very first day, I felt something was off, but I brushed it off as normal first-day jitters. After a week of onboarding, I expected some training to kick in, but it never happened. I tried to push through, showing up every day and bonding with my team. However, I started experiencing severe panic attacks, sometimes every hour, lasting around 20 minutes. I convinced myself it was just fear of the unknown. I poured my heart into the job, but every weekend was consumed by battling these panic attacks or trying to avoid them. My friends noticed something was wrong, and I often found myself crying during cab rides home. I was so exhausted from the panic that I could only sleep by passing out from sheer fatigue. I even went to the hospital twice due to high blood pressure, and they recommended I see a psychologist. I feared that quitting would mean I was failing and letting everyone down, but my loved ones reassured me that it was okay to prioritize my health. Although I'm still scared about being unemployed, I realized that living a fulfilling life is more important than a job that wasn't right for me.

I’m currently in the job application process and have been facing a lot of rejections after interviews. To improve my chances, I’ve come up with an idea for a mobile app and website where real recruiters can conduct mock interviews and provide feedback. The concept is similar to Omegle, where users can swipe to find an interviewer. Recruiters would register based on their technology field, like cybersecurity, and job seekers could connect with them for practice interviews. I’m considering creating a waitlist for this service. I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this is a good idea and if I should move forward with it.

I experienced a significant setback after losing my house in the 2025 Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA. The aftermath of the fire forced me to focus on my family's recovery, which ultimately led to my layoff. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, I believed I could contribute meaningfully to organizations assisting in our community's recovery. However, my efforts to secure a position were met with disappointment. Despite sharing my personal story to highlight my connection to the community, many organizations either ignored my applications or left me waiting for months without updates. In some cases, they even altered job descriptions mid-process, which felt particularly disheartening. It's frustrating to see these organizations, who claim to support our community, opting to hire outsiders who lack a genuine understanding of our needs. I hope to find a role with an organization that truly values local experience and commitment.

Today, I reflected on my recent layoff experience after dedicating over a decade to my company. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you realize that all the loyalty and hard work you put in can vanish in an instant, often with just a calendar invite. I felt a mix of betrayal and disbelief when I was called into that meeting. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to understand the system we work in, rather than just feeling hurt by it. I’ve taken the time to read through my employee handbook and have started to grasp the ins and outs of my severance package, benefits, and equity. I’m also making sure to keep my résumé updated and to maintain my professional network. One key takeaway for me is to never let my job define my identity. No matter how long I’ve been with a company or how much I love my team, it doesn’t guarantee job security. I’ve realized that the way companies operate is often impersonal, driven by policies and legal obligations rather than personal connections. I’ve seen others share their experiences, and it’s clear that many of us have felt the sting of being laid off, sometimes without even receiving severance. I’ve made a commitment to not become bitter but rather to become more capable and prepared for whatever comes next. I’m focusing on building a life where I can rely on myself and my skills, rather than depending on an employer. I’ve also recognized the power I have as an employee. If a company doesn’t treat its workers well, I have the choice to leave, to speak out, or to invest my talents elsewhere. I’m determined to learn the rules of the game, protect myself, and keep my options open. Ultimately, I want to ensure that I’m never completely at the mercy of any system.

I recently lost my job in aviation, which was a specialized role I held for several years. It's been about a month since the layoff, and I'm feeling the pressure as I try to figure out my next steps. I found a Flight Dispatch program starting on October 11th and reached out to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to see if they could cover the tuition. During a call with them on September 29th, they mentioned that they might not be able to fund the Dispatch training and would need to check further. They also hinted that my background, which includes several IT certifications and a bachelor's degree, could complicate their approval for training. The TWC informed me that if they do approve the funding, it could take up to 60 days, which is frustrating because that means I might not have any support until after the class has already started. I have a follow-up scheduled for October 15th, but that feels too late, and I'm worried about my living situation. If I can't stay in my apartment, I might have to move back in with my parents. I'm really hoping to find out if TWC can cover the cost of the Flight Dispatch training or if they would reimburse me if I paid for it myself.

I want to share my journey after being laid off unexpectedly at the end of April 2026. I was fortunate to receive three months of pay and benefits according to my contract, but I started job hunting immediately and faced a long stretch of silence. It became quite stressful, especially since I am the main breadwinner in my family. My husband and I made some tough decisions to cut back on expenses, like canceling our home phone and cable, and adjusting our energy usage to save money. I work in a niche industry where everyone is somewhat connected, and although I had planned to move away from my previous line of work, I decided to apply for roles in that area since they typically pay well. I was initially hesitant, but after some reflection and prayer, I accepted that I might need to go back to that field. To my surprise, I received a full-time job offer that included benefits and a pension, and it paid almost the same as my previous job! I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and I wanted to share this because I know how tough it can be. If I can find hope and a job after such a challenging time, I truly believe others can too. Don't lose hope and consider unconventional paths if you need to!

I’m feeling really frustrated with the job search process right now. It seems like everyone thinks that finding a new job is as simple as walking into a store and asking for an application. But the reality is so much more complicated. I recently saw a job posting that said "INQUIRE WITHIN," so I thought I’d go in and talk to someone directly. Instead, I was directed to their website, which started a long and tedious application process. First, I had to create an account with a password I know I’ll forget. Then, I uploaded my résumé, only to be asked to manually enter my entire employment history again—everything was already on the résumé! After that, I had to fill out a lengthy questionnaire that felt like it took forever. Once I submitted everything, I realized I still hadn’t spoken to a human being. Now, I have to wait for an AI resume-screening bot to decide if my application is even worth considering. This whole process is exhausting, and it feels like I’m just going in circles. When people tell me to "just get another job," they make it sound so easy. But it’s really about searching through listings, creating countless accounts, filling out repetitive forms, and often getting ghosted. It’s disheartening to think about how much effort goes into applying for jobs these days.

I recently interviewed for a teller lead position at PNC after the branch manager encouraged me to apply. After the interview, I was offered a salary of $48,000 along with some benefits. I have limited banking experience but have about three years in management and cash handling. After researching the salary range in my area, I found that the average was between $50,000 and $52,000. I decided to negotiate, asking the recruiter if the salary was flexible. He said I could try, but when I asked for $50,000, he outright denied it, stating that $49,000 was the average for my area. I then requested that they at least match the $49,000, and he agreed to talk to his senior about it. However, after two days of silence, he informed me that another candidate had emerged and they would be interviewing him soon. I was left wondering if I had made a mistake by negotiating. I would have accepted the initial offer of $48,000 if I knew it would lead to this situation. I even followed up with an email asking if they would still interview other candidates if I accepted the offer, and he confirmed that they would. It’s frustrating to think that my attempt to negotiate may have cost me the job.

I graduated last summer with a degree in technology and information management, but I'm currently stuck working in retail. I've been applying for entry-level IT systems specialist positions, but unfortunately, I keep getting rejected. I'm feeling frustrated because I thought my degree and customer service experience would be enough to land me an interview. I'm eager to find a job where I can actually use my degree. If I can't secure an IT specialist role right away, I'm looking for advice on other entry-level jobs I could apply to that might eventually lead me into the IT field.

I am deeply concerned about my mom, who is 57 years old and currently working on an assembly line for an athletic water bottle manufacturing company. She has been in this job for 11 months, and it’s taking a serious toll on her health. Her only traditional work experience has been in manufacturing and quality control, but she also has a background as a court interpreter and holds licenses in real estate and tax preparation. Despite this, she hasn't utilized these skills in years, primarily because she took time off to raise my brother. Last year, my dad pressured her to find a job, leading her to apply for many entry-level positions, ultimately taking the first one that came along. Now, she’s stuck in a physically demanding role where she works 12.5-hour shifts, often 4-5 times a week. I’m terrified for her health as she comes home exhausted, hunched over, and barely able to walk. Her sleep schedule is chaotic, averaging only 2 to 5 hours a night, and she insists on taking care of household chores even after long shifts. I’ve tried to help her see that there are other job opportunities out there, especially in administrative roles, but she feels completely unqualified and is convinced that she wouldn’t be able to learn new skills. She fears the stress of a new job and the pressure of adapting to new environments, even though I believe she has more skills than she realizes. It’s heartbreaking to see her in this situation, and I feel helpless as she refuses to consider quitting or exploring other options. I just want her to be healthy and happy, but every conversation about her job ends in frustration and tears.

I filed my California unemployment claim on September 27th, just three days before the end of the quarter. I realized afterward that my earnings from April, May, and June were excluded as they fell into the 'lag quarter' category. This resulted in my benefit amount being much lower than I anticipated, as it was calculated using an older, less favorable quarter. Now that it's October, I understand that I could potentially file a new claim that would consider my earnings from that high-earning quarter, where I made three times as much. I'm wondering if there’s a way for me to cancel my initial claim and reapply for the higher benefits, or if I'm stuck with this low payout.

I was recently laid off from my position at a large tech company while I was on federally protected FMLA leave. The reason given for my layoff was that my role was remote, but the truth is that I was not hired as a remote worker. Two years ago, I was granted permanent remote work status as an accommodation for my disability, which I believe may violate the ADA. Instead of discussing any potential alternatives with me, the company decided to terminate my role completely. I'm still on leave and have been informed that I can continue my leave as needed, but upon my return, I will be officially terminated and offered severance. I'm feeling lost and unsure of what steps to take next. I'm looking for advice on whether I should consult an attorney and if anyone has recommendations for legal assistance.

After 14 months of searching, I am thrilled to share that I have finally secured a new job at the age of 61. My journey has been incredibly challenging, especially after being laid off from a large non-profit where I worked for 21 years as a healthcare clinician and administrator. I was put on a performance improvement plan and faced intense harassment, which was emotionally and physically draining. I refused to quit, and ultimately my department was eliminated, leading to my severance and unemployment benefits. During my year of healing, I applied to hundreds of jobs but received no responses, which left me feeling hopeless. However, a former coworker reached out to me out of the blue and mentioned a job at her new company that seemed perfect for my skills. I applied and went through a smooth interview process, where I felt a strong connection with the interviewers. They appreciated my extensive experience and the fact that I had stayed with my previous employer for so long. I was invited to meet with team members for further discussions, and I received positive feedback from HR shortly after. The company values human review in their hiring process, which I believe helped my application stand out. I am excited to start this fully remote position and look forward to this new chapter in my career.

I work at a branch that was recently told we are exemplary and are supposed to lead the way for a new acquisition out of state. However, I've been feeling uneasy and started applying for new jobs due to several concerning signs: 1. We were informed that our branch is responsible for a significant loss of $35,000 in unprocessed client payments. 2. Management has begun requiring us to document everything extensively, which feels like a red flag. 3. There have been abrupt changes to our workplace procedures that were previously considered ideal. 4. The new acquisition is in a state with better property taxes and tax breaks, making it more attractive for the company. 5. I've noticed that employees in various departments are receiving Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), often after good reviews, which seems suspicious. 6. Our branch manager was suddenly moved to the new site and replaced by someone with much less experience. 7. One branch has already been laid off, and those employees were absorbed into our department. 8. Another branch is rumored to be on the chopping block and may be absorbed by us as well. These developments have escalated quickly, and it reminds me of a previous job where there were mass layoffs after an acquisition. I'm worried about the stability of my position and feel it's wise to explore other opportunities.