Planning

I recently accepted a job offer with a new employer, set to start on October 26. I had planned everything out, thinking the background verification would be completed quickly, allowing me to resign from my current job and finish my notice period before starting the new role. However, the background check took longer than anticipated. On October 14, I submitted my resignation after receiving a verbal go-ahead from the recruiter regarding the background check. Unfortunately, I didn't clarify that I would be resigning right after our conversation. Now, my current employer has confirmed that my last working day will be October 30, which conflicts with my new employer's expectation for me to start on October 26, four days before I finish at my current job. I’m considering asking my new employer to postpone my start date to November 2, but I’m worried about how this might be perceived. I’ve already accepted the offer and started the onboarding process, but I haven’t yet discussed the potential delay with the recruiter. I’m committed to joining and not reconsidering the offer, but I realize I should have confirmed the timing before resigning. I’m reaching out to HR professionals and hiring managers for advice on how to approach this situation. Specifically, I’d like to know how they would handle a request to postpone a start date by a week, if this could raise concerns about my reliability or commitment, and if it’s realistic to worry about the offer being withdrawn over this adjustment. Additionally, should I explain the background check delay or simply state that my last day at my current job is October 30?

I was laid off from my job about five months ago, and the job search has been really challenging. I haven't shared this news with my parents or friends, as I'm trying to handle it on my own. To manage my finances, I've been budgeting strictly and focusing on essentials. I've taken to cooking most of my meals at home, but I treat myself to eating out occasionally. To keep my mind occupied, I've been working on personal projects and have decided to step back from social media and streaming, as they feel draining. Instead, I find myself reading posts on Reddit now and then. For entertainment, I go out for walks, and I sometimes spend time just wandering around the mall. I'm trying to stay positive through this tough time.

I have faced two layoffs in less than five years while working in the higher education sector. The first layoff occurred in 2022 at a for-profit university, which was attributed to the impacts of COVID-19. Most recently, I was laid off from a public state university just three weeks ago. These experiences have prompted me to rethink my career trajectory and consider opportunities outside of higher education. Although I am a certified teacher, I have no desire to return to full-time teaching. After trying my hand at substitute teaching for the past few weeks, I realized it’s not the right long-term fit for me. I'm now actively seeking a career pivot and have an interview lined up for a non-profit role on Monday, fingers crossed!

I recently faced a tough decision regarding my job situation. After working for a large healthcare organization for 2 and a half years on a contract that was set to expire in March 2027, I found myself without any benefits, vacation, or sick days—just my hourly wage plus a small vacation pay. I loved my role, but the lack of job security and the way the position was funded led me to seek other opportunities as I was starting to feel burnt out. I applied for several positions in my community and eventually secured a short 5-month contract with my municipality. This role offers health benefits after three months, which was a significant factor for me. Even if I only stay for the contract duration, I would still receive two months of benefits. I went through a lengthy interviewing and onboarding process for this position. Just as I started at the municipality, I received a job offer from a community legal aid provider. This position is a multi-year contract, offers paid time off, but lacks benefits. The legal aid job is very close to my dream job, while the municipality role is something I have experience in and can perform well. However, I have mobility limitations that make walking and standing for long periods painful. The municipality job requires a lot of physical activity, whereas the legal aid position would mostly be in an office setting. The pay for both jobs is similar, so that isn't a deciding factor. Additionally, there’s a possibility of going back to the healthcare organization in March on another contract, which complicates my decision further. My husband believes I should leave the municipality for the legal aid job, but I'm hesitant to burn any bridges professionally. The potential for a permanent position at the municipality is appealing. Now, I have to quickly decide whether to stay at the municipality until March, enjoying the benefits but with no job guarantees after that, or to leave for the legal aid provider, which offers job security for several years but no benefits. I would appreciate any neutral advice or input on this dilemma!

I quit my software developer job of three years about five months ago because I was feeling burnt out. I thought taking a break would help me recharge, but instead, I’ve been dealing with family issues and the stress of being unemployed has made me feel worthless. I really enjoyed my time at my previous job, which was fully remote and at a top 100 company, and now I’m regretting my decision to leave. With the job market being affected by AI, I’m worried that finding a similar role will be nearly impossible. I feel like I need to start job hunting soon since I don’t want to have a long gap on my resume, but I just don’t have the motivation to do so. It’s frustrating to think I left my job for nothing, especially since I thought I would be able to take this time to recover. Financially, I’m okay, but I’m really concerned about my career moving forward.

I recently found myself in a tricky situation regarding unemployment benefits. I had accepted a job offer (let's call it Job A) but soon realized it was unsuitable for me. Luckily, I received another job offer (Job B) that I was excited about, but it wouldn't start for another week. I was wondering if I could back out of Job A and still claim unemployment for that week before Job B started. After seeking advice, it seems that backing out might not be the best idea. Many suggested that doing so could trigger a review by the unemployment agency, which could lead to my benefits being denied. The consensus was to tough it out at Job A until Job B begins, or just take the week off without pay if I hadn't officially started at Job A yet. It’s a frustrating situation, but I want to make sure I navigate it correctly.

I just found out today that my hours at the bakery where I work have been significantly reduced due to financial issues. Starting Monday, I’ll only be working two days a week instead of the five days I was previously scheduled for. I’m considering applying for partial unemployment but I'm unsure about the timing. Should I wait until I receive my first paycheck reflecting the reduced hours, or can I apply now? I'm also curious about what information the EDD will require from me to process my claim. Is it just my word about the hours being cut, or do they need to see my pay stubs? This is my first time dealing with unemployment benefits, so I’m feeling a bit lost.

I recently had a conversation with a recruiter about a position I'm interested in, and I shared my salary expectations. The job posting mentioned a pay range of $45–$50/hour, so when asked, I said I was open to that range, considering the commission and bonus structure. However, I'm now feeling uncertain about whether I hurt my chances of negotiating a better salary. The position actually has a higher hourly rate but offers lower commission than what I’m used to. I believe I’m very qualified for the role, but I’m second-guessing myself. I wonder if I should have specified a narrower range, like $48–$50, instead. If HR comes back with an offer of $45/hour, I’m not sure how I can negotiate closer to $50 after indicating I was open to that initial range. Has anyone else been in a similar situation and managed to negotiate successfully?

I was recently let go from my management position due to what my employer labeled as "unsatisfactory performance." Initially, I struggled in the role, but I made significant improvements over time, as noted by my peers. Unfortunately, I faced some hostility from a few coworkers who seemed to take issue with me, which made the situation even more challenging. After my termination, I applied for unemployment benefits but was denied due to claims of misconduct. I filed an appeal, clearly outlining how my performance issues do not equate to misconduct. Just a week later, while waiting for my hearing date, I received a call from my former employer. I chose not to answer, as it felt suspicious and I wasn't in the right mindset to defend myself. Now, I'm unsure if I should respond to them or just wait for the hearing. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be appreciated.

I’ve been feeling uneasy about my part-time tutoring job at a learning center in the southern US. While I’ve been searching for a full-time position in my field, my boss initially promised to gradually increase my hours. However, I’ve been stuck with only 10-12 hours a week, which isn’t enough for me. When I’ve asked for more hours, my texts seem to go ignored. Last week, during fall break, I was scheduled for 6 hours, but when I showed up, I found my regular students were with another tutor. This week, I was only scheduled for 4 hours. It feels like my boss is intentionally reducing my hours. Additionally, he only pays for the exact hours scheduled, and I’m expected to arrive early without compensation. I’ve also stayed late when parents were late picking up their kids, but I don’t get paid for that either. The time sheet is even off by 30 minutes, which seems suspicious. I suspect he’s trying to push me out, especially since he’s hired new tutors who I believe are being paid less than I am. I’ve been a reliable worker, but I’ve started coming in right on time instead of early, and I think that might have upset him. There was also a minor issue about the center being left unlocked, which wasn’t my responsibility, but I feel like it’s being used against me. I texted my boss to ask about the reduced hours, but he hasn’t responded. I’m seriously considering giving my two weeks’ notice, even without another job lined up.

I recently left a secure $200k guaranteed sales management position to join a residential HVAC startup that offered equity and the chance to build and lead the sales department. Initially, I was optimistic about earning between $200k and $250k a year, but the lead volume has been significantly lower than expected. My starting draw was $8k a month, and now they've proposed a $52k base salary plus commissions, which feels frustrating, especially since other partners are earning much more guaranteed pay. I do hold 2.5% equity in the company, with the promise of an increase, but there's no written guarantee for that. Now, I have an offer from a well-established commercial mechanical company, where I would be selling preventative maintenance contracts. This role comes with a $150k guarantee for the first year and the potential to build a recurring income through renewals, service, and replacement sales. However, I would be starting to build my client base from scratch. With a new baby at home, the idea of a more predictable schedule is becoming increasingly appealing. I’m also feeling burnt out from the residential kitchen-table sales approach. The only thing really keeping me at the startup is the potential equity and leadership opportunities. Has anyone else faced a similar decision? Would you choose the stability of a commercial role over the uncertain upside of a startup?

I was laid off after just 4 months at my previous job, which was a tough experience. Thankfully, I managed to secure a new position about a month later, but it came with a significant pay cut of $25,000. This reduction has been quite challenging for me financially, and I'm wondering if it's reasonable for me to continue job searching while I'm employed. I really need the income from my current role, but I'm not sure if I should be looking for something that pays better or if I should keep this new job off my resume in the future. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

My husband recently lost his job, which has been quite a shock for both of us. He's been in the long-term care sector for several years, and while it's generally considered stable, the unexpected layoff has left us feeling uncertain about our financial future. We've been discussing his options, and I think he should take the new job offer he received. It seems like a solid opportunity, especially since long-term care is often seen as recession-proof. We're hopeful that this new position will bring some stability back into our lives.

I recently got laid off from a product-based company where I worked in a role similar to an Associate Product Manager (APM). To be honest, I dreaded every day there, and it took a toll on my mental health. After the layoff, I moved back home, which has helped me feel more stable. I reached out to my college for help, and they agreed to let me re-enter the placement cycle. My background is in MBA, and I landed my previous job without being particularly tech-savvy, which made the role challenging for me. I often struggled with solutioning, and while my seniors encouraged me to learn, I feel uneasy about continuing in tech or IT. Now, I'm considering shifting towards digital marketing, brand management, or partnership roles that could offer similar pay. However, I’m an introvert and often find it hard to identify my strengths. I’m trying to figure things out, but I don’t feel excited about many options. Going to the gym has helped a bit, but I still struggle with speaking up and taking ownership, which were essential in my previous role. I’m wondering if I can ask my placement cell to guide me towards marketing roles instead of tech. If so, how should I frame my resume? Should I highlight my APM experience in a way that aligns with marketing, like focusing on go-to-market strategies and stakeholder management? Also, I have a family event coming up in 45 days, so should I indicate a notice period of 45 days or zero days on my applications? I’ve only worked for six months and haven’t received any interview calls yet.

I was laid off last year from a Social Media and Marketing role at a company where I had worked for almost five years, primarily remote for four years and then hybrid for six months. Initially, my boss provided me with a severance package and a glowing thank you letter, encouraging me to apply for unemployment compensation (UC). However, just a few days later, she rescinded the severance and accused me of fraudulently stealing time, claiming discrepancies between my clocked hours and my computer's activity. This led to a review by my state's UC department, where her appeal was denied, likely because she had faced similar claims from other former employees. It seems she was trying to avoid an increase in her UC taxes. Now, I'm concerned that if potential employers contact her for a reference, she may sabotage my chances of getting back into my career. Currently, I'm stuck in a retail job and have been job searching for ten months. Fortunately, I have two former coworkers who are willing to act as references and were upset about my dismissal. I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation and ensure my former boss doesn't hinder my job search.

I've been reflecting on the current job market as an entrepreneur with a background in tech, specifically as a product manager. Lately, I've received numerous inquiries from friends and acquaintances asking if I have any job openings. This has made me curious about the layoff statistics I've been seeing. I’ve been tracking layoffs through various sources and even created my own layoff tracker to verify the reports. However, the numbers seem surprisingly low compared to the number of people I know who have recently lost their jobs. For instance, the global layoff figure stands at around 123,000 according to reputable sources, but that doesn’t match the increasing unemployment I’m witnessing in my circle. I’ve cross-checked with other layoff trackers and they show similar figures, which raises the question: why is there such a discrepancy? Is it possible that many layoffs, especially from smaller companies or those with fewer than 100 employees, are going unreported? This situation has left me puzzled and wondering about the broader implications for the job market.

I was recently laid off from my position as an Associate Full Stack Developer at a product-based company. I started my role at the beginning of this year after completing my internship in August, and I was still in my probation period, which was set to end in November. Out of the blue, I received a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation that stated it was regarding my employment. During the meeting, 17 of us were informed that our roles had become redundant due to AI advancements, and we were no longer needed. I had been working on my probation report, which I was supposed to submit soon, and this news hit me hard. I'm feeling really upset, demotivated, and frustrated because there were no signs that my job was at risk. Thankfully, I had saved up some money, so I should be okay for a while. However, searching for a new job in this economy feels daunting. I plan to take a little time off to refresh my skills in data structures and algorithms before diving back into the job hunt. It’s disappointing because I enjoyed my work, the location was convenient, and the pay was decent.

I just quit my job as a site lead after reaching my breaking point with upper management's incompetence. For a long time, I was the reliable one, always showing up and handling my responsibilities. However, things took a turn when we started getting unreliable staff who were recommended by the director of operations. I raised my concerns multiple times and documented everything, but the issues continued. One day, a staff member called off, leaving me with a 16-hour gap in coverage while I was already on shift. This would have pushed my work hours to an exhausting 32-hour shift with no breaks or food options due to client restrictions. I reached out to the director of operations for help, but with no operations manager available, I was left to handle it alone yet again. I decided to step down from my supervisory role, feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. The next morning, I felt a sense of relief when a staff member came through for me, but I knew I had to make a change. I resigned immediately, and when the owner tried to downplay my reasons for leaving, I made it clear that I was done. I even have screenshots of our conversation, as some of the threats made during that call were concerning and potentially illegal. I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders and am looking forward to what comes next.

As a final-year Computer Science Engineering student graduating in 2027, I’m currently on the hunt for a software engineering role, specifically through off-campus applications in India. So far, I’ve applied to over 200 companies and completed more than 70 placement tests, but unfortunately, I haven’t landed any offers yet. I’m actively working on enhancing my skills and projects, but I’m eager to refine my approach rather than just applying indiscriminately. My tech stack includes languages like Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript, along with backend frameworks such as Spring Boot and REST APIs. I’m familiar with databases like MySQL and SQL, and I utilize tools like Docker, AWS, Linux, and Git/GitHub. Additionally, I have experience with AI/LLM APIs, the Gemini API, and workflow automation using n8n. I’ve worked on several projects, including a Spring Boot smart canteen and food ordering system, a Python-based AI job-tracking and automation system, and a placement management system. My primary focus is on backend and software engineering roles, but I’m open to other entry-level technical positions and willing to learn new technologies as needed. I would greatly appreciate any advice from experienced Software Development Engineers or anyone who has successfully secured off-campus jobs. What strategies helped you get your first opportunity, and what areas should I focus on improving? If anyone is open to reviewing my resume or GitHub profile, or if you know of any relevant openings or can refer me for a suitable role, I would be extremely grateful. I welcome honest feedback and constructive criticism as well. Thank you!

I’m a 28-year-old female based in Nagpur, and I’m actively seeking internship opportunities in the SAP SuccessFactors/HR Tech field, particularly around the MIHAN SEZ area. I've been dedicating my time to upskilling in the SAP ecosystem, focusing on key areas like Cloud HR, Employee Profiles, Business Rules, and Role-Based Permissions through the SAP Learning Hub. Given that there are major companies like TCS, Infosys, and HCLTech nearby that handle SAP global projects, I know the competition can be tough for freshers. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has insights on mid-sized SAP consulting firms or local tech companies in Nagpur that are open to hiring or training freshers for SAP roles. Additionally, if anyone has experience with off-campus trainee drives or walk-ins at TCS or HCL Tech in the MIHAN area, I’d love to hear how those processes work for SAP positions. Lastly, I’m looking for tips on how to effectively network with SAP Delivery Managers or HR professionals based in Nagpur on LinkedIn. I am eager to learn and ready to start immediately, so any leads, advice, or referrals would be greatly appreciated!