Planning

Today, I was laid off from my job at a small US-based PR agency, and it hit me completely out of nowhere. I had a call with my manager at 11 AM, and she informed me that the company is facing serious financial issues, which led to this decision. It's a tight-knit team of around 40 people, and I honestly never expected this to happen, especially after just having a meeting last Friday where we discussed upcoming work and I was assigned new tasks. I’m still in shock and trying to process everything. Although I had other sources of income, losing this job is still a significant blow. I didn’t live for this job, but it was a good chunk of my earnings. I’m Brazilian and was working remotely, so I know that there won’t be any legal benefits for me here. I’m unsure of what to do next and just sitting here trying to wrap my head around it all. I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has had a similar experience, especially when everything seemed fine before the layoff. How did you cope? How long did it take for you to process it? I’ve read some advice about filing for unemployment benefits and updating my resume, but right now, I’m just trying to breathe and figure out my next steps.

Today, I reflected on my job search journey as a 27-year-old with a bachelor's degree in library science but very little work experience. Growing up with ADHD and autism, I wasn't encouraged to seek employment, which has left me feeling lost now that I want to start my career. My work history includes just a week at a kindergarten, a month as a library intern, another month at a clothing store, and nearly three months at a cafe. I've been applying to jobs, but it seems like I'm either overqualified or not qualified enough. Libraries and bookstores often overlook my applications due to my lack of specific experience in the field, and it's disheartening. I feel like I've failed at life and I'm unsure how to move forward. I've received some advice from others, like removing my degree from my resume for jobs that don't require it, or considering volunteering at a library to gain relevant experience. Networking seems to be a crucial part of this process, and I plan to engage with professionals in my field on LinkedIn and explore community groups. I never anticipated how challenging this would be, and I’m contemplating temp jobs or even going back to school for a secondary degree in document management to enhance my prospects. It’s frustrating, but I’m determined to find a way to build my resume and get my foot in the door.

I lost my job in August and filed for unemployment in Massachusetts. I was accepted and completed my waiting week, but since September 5, my claim has been pending. It says it's waiting on information from my ex-employer. I've accumulated about four weeks of unemployment benefits, but I'm starting to worry since I'm close to securing another job. I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to expedite this process or if I should just wait it out.

I started a new job earlier this year in an adjacent field, leveraging skills from my previous experience. I quickly progressed, completing my goals during the first half of my probation period. My manager has been very supportive, emphasizing that I should develop my career here rather than look for opportunities elsewhere. This role is entry-level, but I had some relevant experience coming in. Recently, I was asked to take on tasks beyond my current role, and while I set boundaries about not wanting to do these tasks regularly without a promotion, I find myself still handling higher-grade responsibilities. I was told that promotions are rare and usually happen only when someone leaves, but I was reassured that if a position opened up, it would be advertised internally to give me a better chance. Now, a staff member at the higher grade has left, and my line manager encouraged me to apply for the position. I expressed my interest to the senior manager and asked about the internal advertisement they had previously mentioned. Unfortunately, I learned that their higher-ups refused to advertise the role internally, meaning I have to compete with external candidates. While my managers are trying to find ways to support my application, I'm feeling anxious about the competition. I really enjoy working here, but I can't shake the feeling that I might have been misled about my chances for advancement. I'm seeking advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation. Should I consider moving on from this company?

I'm currently feeling stuck in my small town, where job opportunities are virtually nonexistent. The nearest towns with potential jobs are too far for me to commute, which limits my options significantly. I'm considering relocating to find better work prospects, but I'm facing a financial barrier as I have no money left to make that move. I'm really unsure about my next steps and feeling quite overwhelmed by the situation.

I recently started a new job as a project manager at a tech company after leaving a toxic work environment. Unfortunately, it feels like I jumped from the frying pan into the fire. My supervisor is extremely controlling, micromanaging everything we do, even down to reviewing our emails. I didn't even interview with her, as I was moved to this team after accepting the offer, which was a huge red flag I ignored at the time. Since starting in July, I've realized that the productivity expectations are unrealistically high, making it difficult to take even short breaks. With over 20 years of experience, I find it frustrating to be treated like I need constant supervision. I'm already feeling the urge to start looking for another job, but I’m torn about whether I should stick it out for a year to avoid a gap on my resume. Should I just start applying now or wait it out? I really need to figure out my next steps.

I was recently laid off and have been searching for a new job since June. My goal is to apply to 10 jobs each week, but despite my efforts to network on LinkedIn and attend job fairs, I haven't received any responses. I'm currently targeting director roles, but I'm starting to feel the pressure of financial hardship and the reality of the job market. I've heard from others who have been in similar situations, and many suggest that I need to increase my applications and consider lower-level positions if I want to see any progress. It's discouraging to think that being out of work for a few months might affect my chances, but I’m trying to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

I started a new remote job about six months ago after years of working in an office, even throughout COVID. While I appreciate the lack of coworker drama and enjoy the work itself, I've been struggling with some of the company's policies. They only offer one week of accrued paid vacation and unlimited unpaid vacation, which is tough since I can't afford to take unpaid time off. Additionally, I don’t get paid for holidays or the time I spend sending updates on my tasks, which can take a significant amount of time each day. I was told I had a flexible schedule during the interview, but I've had to establish specific hours and inform them of any changes, no matter how minor. Despite my compliance, I often don’t receive any acknowledgment of my schedule updates. Because of the unpaid breaks and the time I spend on updates, I find myself working an extra 1-3 hours daily without pay, which makes it hard to plan after-work activities. The training materials are great, and I've received good one-on-one training, but there seems to be an expectation that I should perform complex tasks perfectly right away, despite being new. I feel like I'm making progress, but I mostly receive negative feedback on what I haven't done perfectly, which is quite discouraging. I signed a lease in a more affordable area after starting this job, but now I feel stuck because there are limited opportunities in my field nearby, and commuting to the city would take 1-1.5 hours each way. The job market in the city seems to be dominated by outdated attitudes, making it hard for someone like me to find a better fit. I just need to hold on for a year until I can reassess my situation and hopefully move out of state.

I recently found myself navigating the complexities of job searching while managing my unemployment benefits. Currently, I'm receiving unemployment based on my part-time income, and I have a few interviews lined up. However, I've just learned that I need a medical procedure scheduled for mid-November, which will require me to take several days off over two non-consecutive weeks. To complicate matters further, I am also facing major surgery in February 2027 that will necessitate six weeks off work. I'm unsure about how to approach this topic during my interviews and whether I should stop my unemployment benefits now. I want to be transparent with potential employers, but I also don't want to jeopardize my chances of securing a job. It's a tough balancing act, and I'm trying to figure out the best course of action.

I just got laid off from my position as a Graphic Designer. Unfortunately, I was still in my probation period, and the Managing Director decided to let me go as soon as possible. It's a tough situation, and I'm feeling pretty down about it. I remember someone mentioning that the probation period can be brutal, and I guess I experienced that firsthand. I'm planning to take a couple of days to decompress before I start sending out applications. I've heard the design market is a bit unpredictable right now, but I'm hopeful that something will come up.

I recently found myself in a tough spot after leaving my job at a local marketing firm where I worked as a junior analyst. I quit after just two weeks, thinking it wasn't the right fit for me, but now I'm regretting that decision. I left on good terms, so I'm considering reaching out to see if they might take me back. I've been reading mixed opinions on whether it's a good idea to ask for my old job back, and it seems like some people think I should just swallow my pride and go for it since I didn't burn any bridges. Others suggest I wait a few months before making a move, as returning too soon might raise eyebrows about my commitment. I really liked the team and the work, so I'm torn about what to do next.

I recently lost my job in the dental field after a decade of working 40-60 hour weeks, and honestly, I feel relieved. At almost 28, I've been in a career that I never enjoyed, forced into it by my parents when I was 17. The past ten years have been filled with verbal and physical abuse from patients, constant negativity, and a lack of benefits or overtime pay. I moved back home after being laid off two months ago, and I've mostly been sleeping and hitting the gym to recover from the burnout that has plagued me since my teenage years. Despite achieving financial success, I’ve been miserable and exhausted for so long that it feels like no one truly understands my struggles. The only time I felt somewhat alive was during the month off I had during COVID, where I lost weight, picked up hobbies, and reconnected with old friends. Now, I know I need to get back to work or consider going back to school, but nothing sounds appealing. I’m considering a career change, possibly into hairdressing as a curly hair specialist or personal training. My dad suggests water treatment engineering, but I want to pursue something that genuinely interests me this time. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has dealt with similar burnout and how they found their way back to what they enjoy.

I recently interviewed for a job (Job A) and received an offer just a few hours later. However, the pay was on the lower side for a new grad, so I asked for a few days to think it over. They wanted a quick response, and after emailing them some questions, I didn't hear back. I followed up with a text, and they promised to get back to me the next morning, but as the day ended, I still hadn't received a call. In the meantime, I got a call from another company (Job B) where I had interviewed. They mentioned I would hear back in a few days, and I suspect I might need to interview again since it's a different location, but still the same company. The pay for Job B is about $4 more per hour, plus they offer a 9-day fortnight, which I would prefer. Now, I'm wondering if it's acceptable to accept the offer from Job A if they respond, and then back out if Job B makes an offer. Also, when should I stop anxiously checking my phone for a call? I'm new to this job search process and could really use some guidance.

I’m currently seeking my first job opportunity in the tech/business sector after completing my Master’s degree nearly two years ago. Originally from India, I moved to the USA and have been actively applying for entry-level positions since then. Despite having relevant skills and continuously improving myself, I’ve faced significant challenges in my job search, including a lot of ghosting after interviews where I felt confident about my performance. It’s been exhausting and discouraging, but I’m determined to keep going. I’m reaching out to the community for help with a few things: - Referrals or leads for entry-level roles - Feedback on my resume or LinkedIn profile - Advice on how to enhance my job search strategy - Connections with recruiters or hiring managers - Any other insights based on your experiences would be greatly appreciated. I’m ready to put in the effort to learn and grow; I just need a chance to prove myself. If anyone knows of openings or can connect me with someone in the industry, I would be incredibly grateful.

I work as a per diem medical assistant at a hospital, typically clocking in around 16 hours a week, but I recently increased my hours to 24. Today, I learned that my boss is looking to hire another medical assistant for a full-time position, which has me feeling anxious. I can't help but wonder if this means I might be secretly replaced or even terminated. I've consistently received positive feedback from both my colleagues and patients, so I'm confused about the situation. I'm considering starting to look for other job opportunities just in case.

I recently applied for a coffee job at a small brand that is opening a new location. The original store is 28 miles away from where I live, and I was invited for an interview at that location. The interview is set to last for two hours, which they described as a vibe check involving activities and games to get to know each other, but it’s still just part of the interview process. This feels quite unusual to me. The commute takes about an hour each way, so I'm looking at a total of four hours out of my day for an unpaid interview. On top of that, I'm concerned about the gas costs, as filling up my tank is around $80. I understand the job market is tough right now, but this situation seems quite extreme. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing.

I was laid off in March 2026 and I'm urgently searching for a job. I have an MBA and over 8 years of experience in B2B sales. Since my layoff, I've applied to more than 550 jobs and have gone through 20+ interviews, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck yet. This has been a really tough time for me, and I'm reaching out for support. If anyone has openings or can provide referrals, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

I received a call today asking me to come in tomorrow at a specific time, but the person on the other end didn't clarify if it was for an interview or something else. I agreed to show up, but now I'm second-guessing what I should wear since I didn't think to ask. I'm 17 and have been applying to over 40 jobs, so this is the first response I've gotten back. I have a pair of nice fitting black/grey jeans, several plain t-shirts, a few dress shirts in black and maroon, and some black slacks. I'm torn between going casual or formal. Also, I have some face piercings and I'm wondering if I should hide them or just let them be and address it when I get there. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the whole situation and could use some advice on how to present myself.

I have an interview tomorrow morning for a position at a company where the format is quite unusual. It's scheduled for an hour and a half, and the first hour is dedicated to creating a PowerPoint presentation based on a prompt they provide. After that, I will present my slides and answer questions for the remainder of the time. This is my second interview with them; the first one involved taking a personality test on their computer. I find the whole process a bit bizarre since I haven't had a real conversation with anyone from the company yet. However, I'm eager to leave my current job, so I'm willing to tackle this challenge head-on.

I recently received a tough performance review at my job, which has left me feeling pretty shaken. The feedback highlighted some recurring mistakes and issues that I should have caught, and while I recognize that some of it is valid, it was alarming to see how these concerns had built up over time. I had previously received individual feedback, but I didn't realize it had escalated to a larger issue regarding my overall performance until it was all laid out in the review. I'm currently in the process of having follow-up discussions with my manager and other leaders to gain a clearer understanding of the concerns and what is expected of me moving forward. However, this experience has really impacted my confidence and morale. I genuinely want to improve and am committed to putting in the effort, but I'm also contemplating whether I should start preparing an exit plan. Having been with my company for nearly 8 years, this is my first time looking for a new job in quite a while. Financially, I can't afford to resign without having another position lined up, but I'm worried about the direction things are heading in if I stay too long. I'm considering taking a break to rebuild my confidence before diving into the job market, but I'm unsure how to balance that with my financial situation.