Planning

I recently submitted my unemployment application in Texas and encountered a frustrating issue with a wage error. I was making $21.46 per hour at my previous job, but the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) indicated that my wage was only $11.15 per hour. This discrepancy forced me to enter the lower amount to proceed with my application. I reached out to TWC for clarification and filled out a contact form, but I couldn't even get through to a customer service agent. Instead, I was met with an AI voice that provided a series of options, which was quite unhelpful. As someone who is new to the unemployment system, I’m unsure how to resolve this issue. I’ve received some comments suggesting that this wage input might not actually affect my benefits since the calculations are based on my earnings over the last few quarters rather than my hourly rate. Still, I would appreciate any advice from others who have navigated this process before.

I'm currently working as a grocery store cashier and I'm looking to transition to a new retail job. However, I'm hesitant to put in my two weeks' notice without having another position lined up. In the past, I've had interviews where mentioning my need for a notice negatively impacted my chances since employers often prefer candidates who can start immediately. I'm considering going into interviews without disclosing my current job situation, but I'm worried that if I'm offered a position, they might expect me to start right away while I'm still scheduled at my current job. I want to leave on good terms in case I decide to return in the future. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation during interviews, as being upfront about my notice has hurt my opportunities before.

I was laid off at the end of February from an IT consultancy firm where I had spent over 7 years. My experience spans various roles, including Application Support, DevOps Engineer, and Site Reliability Engineer. Despite applying to over 300 jobs, I've only managed to secure 3-4 interviews, most of which came from networking rather than my applications. I'm currently working with a career coach who has advised me to focus on networking and improving my interview skills while also considering certifications. I'm feeling quite lost right now. My unemployment benefits are ending this week, and I'm beginning to wonder if I should lower my expectations and apply for entry-level IT roles or even jobs in supermarkets and fast food just to start earning an income. I've tried applying for DevOps and SRE positions, as well as entry-level roles, but I've received little to no response. Additionally, I'm contemplating going back to school, possibly in healthcare, as it seems to have a stronger job market. I have an interest in health and medicine, but the thought of the time and cost involved in pursuing that path intimidates me. I'm currently located in South Carolina but am open to relocating for the right opportunity. Ideally, I'm looking for any job that pays at least $80k, although I'm willing to accept less for a fully remote position. At this point, I just need to find a source of income and am open to any guidance or advice on my next steps.

I have my second job interview tomorrow, and I'm feeling really nervous about it. My first interview at a different company didn't go well—I ended up crying, which was super embarrassing. I struggle with regulating my emotions, especially when I'm excited or anxious. I'm hoping for a much better experience this time around. I'm looking for any tips or tricks that might help me manage my nerves and perform better in the interview. I appreciate any advice!

I've been on the job hunt for over a year now, and it's been a tough journey. I remember when getting hired was much simpler; I landed a remote customer service job nine years ago with just a couple of questions in a group interview. I was hired on the spot and stayed for two years before moving up to a better-paying role, all with minimal interview hassle. Now, it feels like the landscape has changed drastically. I've tailored countless applications, sifted through job postings, and even tried to network, but I've only received one response from a recruiter, which ended in rejection. It's disheartening, especially since even entry-level positions seem to be extremely competitive. I'm considering going directly to companies to speak with someone in person, as I'm running out of ideas. Also, I'm contemplating whether it's appropriate to follow up with the recruiter who rejected me to thank them and ask for feedback, as well as to express my interest in future openings. Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm approaching my one-year mark at my current job, and I've been feeling a mix of regret and gratitude since I started. I often think about the internship opportunity I passed up in Chicago, and while I'm thankful for the job, the burnout is real. I've been working non-stop since my freshman year of college and I'm just exhausted. The pay is decent for an entry-level position, and I appreciate being able to save money, but I really dislike my role and, honestly, I'm not very good at it either—my boss has pointed that out too. I initially planned to quit when I hit the one-year mark, but hearing about the tough job market has made me second-guess that decision. I know I sound privileged for even considering not working, but I have some savings that could last me about six months if things get tight. During what I call my 'unemployment era,' I want to explore life, possibly pick up a part-time gig, and try new things. On top of that, my company is going through a transition after being acquired by a global firm. We're moving to a bigger office soon, which sounds exciting, but my workload will remain the same, and I still don't enjoy what I'm doing. I'm torn between wanting to make a change for better work-life balance and the fear of the job market. I’d love to hear thoughts on my situation and what I should consider before making a decision.

I recently got laid off from my role in tech support, and it's been a tough journey navigating the job market. I had initially enrolled in a coding bootcamp during a time when ChatGPT was just gaining traction. Back then, we were told there was a massive demand for tech talent, especially in cybersecurity, and that these bootcamps were the way to go. However, after my layoff, I've been reflecting on the promises made by those who promoted these bootcamps. It feels like they sold us a dream that hasn't materialized. Employers seem to be shirking their responsibility to hire people like us who invested time and money into training. It's frustrating to see so many of us struggling while companies continue to outsource and lay off staff. I can't help but wonder where those advocates of coding bootcamps are now. They made it sound so easy to break into tech, but the reality is much harsher. I just want to have a conversation with them about the current state of the job market and the expectations placed on workers.

I've been job hunting for the past 10 months with no success, and I'm starting to feel really discouraged. It seems like there aren't many opportunities in my field, and I'm seriously considering making a career change if things don't improve soon. I'm curious about what positions are actually being filled right now. I want to know what jobs people have been hired for in the last few months and what companies are actively looking for candidates instead of just cycling through applications and interviews without making any offers. If anyone has insights into where hiring managers are actually finding real candidates, I would really appreciate it.

I had an interview today for a position I was really excited about, but I made a rookie mistake and forgot to bring a paper copy of my resume. To make matters worse, it seems the hiring manager didn't have my resume on hand either, as he didn't receive it beforehand. Now I'm considering whether it would be a good idea to print a copy and bring it back to him. I'm worried it might come off as desperate or remind him of my blunder. I really want to make a good impression, but I also don’t want to seem like I’m overstepping by showing up again. I’m leaning towards just sending a follow-up email with my resume attached instead.

I'm currently trying to transition from food service to the corporate world, but I've had little luck landing interviews. I've spent 6 years as a server and 4 years as a Shift Supervisor. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and I'm planning to attend law school in about a year. I'm seeking advice on what types of jobs I should apply for, as it seems many positions require 5+ years of experience in their respective fields.

I'm starting my job search again, specifically looking for entry-level HR positions. I've been unemployed since September of last year due to finishing my last year of university and dealing with visa issues. Now that I have my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a major in Management and a GPA of 3.75, I'm eager to dive into the job market, even though I know it's tough out there. I have 1.4 years of experience as a receptionist and secretary in a polyclinic, which I hope will help me as I transition into HR. I've compiled a list of 112 major companies in my small country that I want to apply to. My plan is to enhance my LinkedIn profile and connect with HR professionals and recruiters in my area to stay updated on job openings. I want to familiarize myself with the labor laws in my country and also revamp my CV. I've heard about the Andy Warthog template but would appreciate any other recommendations. Additionally, I'm considering obtaining a professional certificate like SHRM-CP and learning more about HRMS and HR processes to strengthen my profile. It's important for me to find a good job since I will need to transfer my visa to the position I secure, and I don't want to settle for anything less than an entry-level HR role with a decent salary and benefits. I'm reaching out to those in the HR field for advice on breaking into entry-level positions and tips for crafting my CV, especially since the companies on my list are quite competitive.

I just learned that Infineon is planning to lay off hundreds of employees. This news is quite concerning as I work in the engineering department and have been with the company for over three years. I'm currently trying to assess my options and prepare for the possibility of being affected by these layoffs. I'm reaching out to my network and updating my resume to explore new opportunities just in case.

I was all set to start a new job in just three days, which would triple my income with base salary and bonuses. But then, I got an interview for another position that doesn’t require me to relocate. This new job pays less but seems like a better long-term fit for my career. The catch is that I’ll only hear back about the interview on Wednesday, and I’m starting the new job on Monday. I’m feeling really overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do. Should I just go ahead and start the new job, or wait to see if I get the other offer? I feel like I’m spiraling a bit trying to make this decision.

Today, I officially quit my retail job. I had already submitted my two weeks' notice a week ago, but during a conversation with one of my managers, I ended up being too honest about my dissatisfaction with the role. After what felt like an argument, my manager suggested I go home and we could discuss it further tomorrow. I took that as my cue and told him that if I was sent home, I wouldn’t be coming back. Now, I’m feeling a mix of relief and stress. My mom is worried that I made a huge mistake and that it was unprofessional of me to handle it this way. I wasn’t planning to quit today, but now that I have, it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Plus, I have another job lined up, so I’m trying to focus on that. Did I do the wrong thing?

I recently found myself frustrated with the shift in my company's work policy. My role has transitioned from a hybrid model to a mandatory in-office setup, which has been challenging, especially on slower days when my tasks mainly involve answering emails and attending calls. These activities could easily be done from home, and I often find myself just waiting around, being 'on call' in the office. To cope, my team has been working in small audio privacy rooms, which I actually enjoy, as I tend to do my best work alone. However, now management wants us to work in a large open space to promote visible collaboration with other departments. This change has really upset me. It feels like I have to constantly pretend to be busy and I can't engage in any side projects on my computer because anyone could walk by and see what I'm doing. I pride myself on being highly productive and consistently exceed my targets, but this new setup seems to force everyone into a single working style that doesn’t suit my personal workflow. It’s making me seriously consider exploring other job opportunities where I can maintain my work autonomy.

I currently work for a company that has a toxic culture filled with harassment, nepotism, cronyism, favoritism, and poor management. I moved to a new state and took this job as it was the first opportunity that allowed me to transition. Initially, it seemed like a decent role, but over time, I realized how dysfunctional the environment was. During my training, I was paired with an older coworker who quickly turned from a mentor to a source of harassment. After a couple of weeks, he began gossiping about other employees and making my work life miserable. I tried to distance myself, but he only escalated his behavior, making my days increasingly difficult. Despite this, I decided to work harder than anyone else, putting in the equivalent of four people's worth of effort and taking on 60 hours a week. Unfortunately, this only fueled his harassment further. I attempted to apply for a higher position, feeling qualified with the right education and experience. However, when management found out I applied and didn't get the job, they expressed their relief in a way that felt hostile. It became clear that they preferred to hire based on friendships rather than qualifications. After five months of being punctual and dedicated, I've noticed that most of my coworkers are consistently late and fail to perform their duties properly. It's shocking how this company is still operational, given the blatant issues it faces. They even have a policy against having phones at work, which adds to the oppressive atmosphere. I've been actively applying for other jobs because this experience has been nothing short of a nightmare.

I received a verbal job offer yesterday for a position that comes with a salary of $75K. The job description mentioned a compensation range of $70-80K, so I feel there’s some room for negotiation. The Hiring Manager has encouraged me to submit my requested compensation via email, and I’m considering asking for $78K since I hold a master’s degree and meet most of the qualifications they outlined. However, I’m feeling a bit anxious about this, especially given the current job market. I really like the benefits they offer and have been impressed with their professionalism throughout the process. I’m weighing the risks of potentially losing the offer against the benefit of negotiating for a slightly higher salary. Some advice I’ve received suggests that asking for just $3K more might not be worth the risk of losing the opportunity, especially if there are other candidates in the running. I’m also reminded that sometimes a lower salary with great benefits can be more valuable than a higher salary with poor benefits. I’m still contemplating my next steps and trying to gauge how much I really need this job.

I’m excited to share that after a challenging 15-month job hunt, I finally landed a job this week! It's a 12-month contract position, which comes with a decrease in pay, security, and responsibility compared to what I was hoping for, but I’m grateful to be working in my field again. This job search was particularly unique for me as I recently switched countries and this is only my second corporate role after being a high school teacher and a small business owner. Throughout my search since 2023, I applied to about 150 jobs, which was a bit tricky since I was also managing a move and taking care of my two small kids. I noticed a pattern in my job applications: every time I was asked to complete a business case and give a presentation, I received an offer. I had one offer in 2023 that was rescinded because I misinterpreted their expectations, but I accepted another offer in 2024 and just got this latest one last week. I realized that recruiters rarely ask for business cases, and often I get filtered out before I even reach that stage. Over the past three years, I’ve revamped my resume from scratch about ten times, and this year I created a strong project portfolio using Gamma. Additionally, I was fortunate to get some free career advice in Montreal, which helped me simplify my resume and tailor it for each job application, rather than just the cover letter. I think these adjustments made a significant difference. Interestingly, I had four recruiters reach out to me via LinkedIn InMail in the same week, which is unusual since I typically only hear from one a year. One of those recruiters was for the job I accepted. Although I was initially expecting a salaried role, I’m just relieved to have secured something in my field after such a long search.

I’m excited to share that after a challenging 15-month job hunt, I finally landed a job this week! While it comes with a decrease in pay, security, and responsibility, I’m grateful to be back in my field. This job search was particularly complex as it followed my move to a new country and was my second corporate position after transitioning from being a high school teacher and a small business owner. During this time, I applied to around 150 positions, balancing my search with settling in and taking care of my two small kids. I noticed a pattern in my applications: every time I was asked to complete a business case and give a presentation (which happened three times), I received an offer. I had one offer rescinded in 2023 due to a misunderstanding about my business closure expectations, but I accepted another in 2024, and just last week, I received this new offer. I’ve spent the last three years completely overhauling my resume multiple times, and this year I created a project portfolio using Gamma, which I believe helped me stand out. I also took advantage of free career advising in Montreal, which was invaluable. The advisor helped me simplify my resume and encouraged me to customize it for each job application, not just the cover letter. It seems those changes made a significant difference. Interestingly, I had four recruiters reach out to me on LinkedIn in the same week, which is quite unusual for me. One of them was for the job I accepted. I initially expected a salaried role, but I’m just happy to have found something. Here’s to new beginnings!

I recently received a job offer for a position that I am really excited about, but I'm feeling anxious about an issue that has come up regarding my background check. The company reached out to me based on an older version of my resume that I submitted a few months ago, which accurately listed my last employer but did not include a short-term job I took after that. I worked at this short-term job for just over two months before resigning, and I didn't include it on my resume because I was worried it could hurt my chances during the interview process. Now that I'm waiting for the background check paperwork, I'm unsure how to handle the situation. I didn't mention the short-term job during my interviews, and I'm concerned that it might come up during the background check, especially since it does appear on my TWN report. I'm debating whether I should reach out to the recruiter to ask what kind of background check they will be conducting or if I should just wait and see what happens. I'm worried that not disclosing this job could jeopardize my offer, but at the same time, it was such a brief position. I really want this job, and I'm hoping for some advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation.