Planning

I just found out that I'm facing a layoff at my company, and it's happening just two weeks before my maternity leave is set to start. The situation is a bit complicated because I've been given the option to willfully accept the layoff, which would come with a severance package of 21 weeks plus 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, all in a lump sum. I'm trying to figure out how this would affect my eligibility for State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). My plan was to take SDI four weeks before my baby arrives and then six weeks after, followed by PFL. But now that I might be laid off, I'm unsure how this will all work. I've heard that some people suggest applying for unemployment insurance (UI) to qualify for SDI, but I'm wondering if it's realistic to look for work for just two weeks. Also, I’m curious about how SDI payments would be calculated if I no longer have a salary. I've seen some comments suggesting that since I would receive severance as a lump sum, I might still qualify for SDI and PFL in California. I just hope everything works out smoothly as I approach this new chapter in my life.

I was referred to a colleague of my friend's dad who runs a business in NYC and is looking for a full-time hire. My friend initially got the job offer but could only work part-time, so she passed my resume along to the colleague knowing I’m looking to move to NYC. I missed her call on Thursday because I was at work, and she texted me asking when I’d be available to talk. I told her I was free after 6pm, but she didn’t call that evening. I followed up with a text, but still no response, so she suggested we try again after 6pm on Friday. I waited again, but there was no call. I reached out to my friend for advice, and she said to wait until Saturday morning to follow up. I sent a polite message offering my availability for the weekend or the following week, but it’s now 4pm on Saturday and I still haven’t heard back. I understand it’s the weekend and she might be busy, but I can’t help but feel stressed about the lack of communication. I plan to wait until Monday evening to follow up again, but I’m anxious about whether this means she’s not interested in hiring me.

I recently graduated college about a year ago and I'm really struggling to find my place in the world. I chose a major that I now regret, and my plans for a career in that field fell through completely. It feels like my degree is just a participation trophy, and it hasn’t helped me land a decent job. After months of searching, I finally got a job at a gas station where I had worked before, but it only lasted about six months. I then got an offer for a sales position at a phone store, which seemed like a step up, but it turned out to be a disaster. I wasn’t properly trained and was often left alone in the store, which was overwhelming. I ended up quitting just days before my first solo shift. Now, I’ve been job hunting again for a few months, but it’s been tough. I reached out to the gas station to see if they had openings, and while they would love to have me back, they said they’re currently full. I feel more hopeless than ever, especially since both jobs I had only paid a little above minimum wage, and I struggled in one of them. The economy seems to be in bad shape, and I see people with better degrees and plans struggling too, which makes me feel like I have no chance. I’m living with my family right now, and I’m grateful for that, but I worry about what will happen when they can no longer support me. The thought of homelessness terrifies me, and I honestly don’t know how I would cope with that. I keep seeing videos online that make me feel even more anxious about my future. I just don’t know what to do next.

I have an interview scheduled for a Crew Member position, but the time slot is confusing. It says my interview is between 11 AM and 7 PM, which is odd. I work until 3 PM, so I can't make it there right at 11. I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with such a wide time frame. I tried calling the store, but all I got was automated responses. The store isn't even open yet, as they open on the 19th. I'm hoping this isn't an all-day interview and that I can just show up after work. I plan to go around 3:30 PM, but I'm a bit anxious about it.

I’m currently 16 and trying to land my first job, but I’m struggling since I have no previous work experience. I’ve applied online but haven’t received any responses. I did manage to get one interview, but after going in-store, I never heard back from them. I’m considering walking into all the stores in my city this weekend to ask if they’re hiring because I’m really determined to find something. However, I’ve read that this approach might be outdated. I’m also feeling anxious about filling out applications because I worry I’ll mess up and get denied. I’ve seen advice suggesting that I should look into volunteer work for experience or check if local lawn services need help. I know that many teenagers work at places like movie theaters, which sounds fun and would fit my schedule. I’ve been told that I should avoid going in on weekends since it’s busy and might not be respectful. Instead, I should aim for a Monday or Wednesday when managers are more likely to be available. I plan to dress in business casual, be friendly, and have a resume ready, even if it’s light on experience. I’m hoping to download a generic application to fill out and bring with me when I go in. I just want to make a good impression and finally get my foot in the door.

I was recently laid off from my tech job and I'm looking to connect with others who have experienced similar situations, especially those affected by AI advancements. I'm based in California and would love to find a community where we can share resources, news, and information about training opportunities. It would be great to find support and connect with people who understand what we're going through.

I recently went through a lengthy interview process for a senior role at a tech company, which started on April 20th. A former colleague referred me, and I quickly got in touch with a recruiter. After an initial conversation, I was told I might be considered for a more senior position due to my experience. I had a series of interviews, including with the Hiring Manager and a senior director, and received positive feedback throughout. The last interview was on May 22nd, and I was told I would hear back soon. However, after a follow-up on May 28th, I learned I was a finalist but there were internal holds on extending offers. Things took a turn when I discovered on June 3rd that the recruiter I had been working with was laid off, along with other contingent recruiters. I reached out for an update and was assigned a new recruiter who promised to keep me in the loop. Since then, I've heard nothing. I'm left wondering if I'm being kept warm while they consider other candidates or if there are genuine delays.

Today, I found myself reflecting on the concept of giving a two-week notice at work. I've been considering leaving my current job for something that aligns better with my career goals. However, I've heard mixed opinions about the whole notice process. Some people have shared experiences where their managers either denied their resignation or even went as far as to rip up their resignation papers, which really makes me question if giving a notice is even worth it. A co-worker advised me not to mention my job search to anyone at work, suggesting that I could be fired on the spot if I did. This has left me feeling confused about the etiquette of resigning. I understand that in many at-will employment situations, I technically don't have to give any notice, but it feels like a courtesy to do so. Yet, if the company can react so negatively, it makes me wonder if it's really a good idea. I’m eager to find a new role, but I also want to handle my current job transition professionally.

I recently got a job offer from a greenhouse that operates Sunday to Thursday, which is a significant upgrade from my current position at McDonald's. However, I'm in a tough spot because I have a blackout week coming up at McDonald's, and if I call out, I risk being fired. The greenhouse job wants me to start on Monday, but they have a two-week trial period to assess if I'm a good fit. This puts me in a precarious situation: if I leave McDonald's and the greenhouse decides not to keep me after the trial, I'll be unemployed and struggling to pay my rent. I'm weighing my options: 1. Jump into the greenhouse job and hope they like me, risking my current job. 2. Stay at McDonald's and continue with a job I want to leave. 3. Ask both jobs if I can delay the start at the greenhouse by a week, which is risky since I need both sides to agree. I've expressed my concerns to the greenhouse, but they didn't take it well. I'm feeling extremely stressed and would appreciate any advice.

I recently applied for a position at a local animal shelter, which is a government job. This role is really important to me because my passion lies in helping and caring for animals, and while I can't afford vet school, I see this as a great opportunity to make a difference by helping animals find their forever homes. I'm considering whether I should follow up on my application to express my enthusiasm, but I'm unsure if that's appropriate for a government position. I've heard mixed advice about following up—some say it shows commitment, while others warn that it might annoy the hiring team due to their strict timelines. I plan to do some research to find the right contact person, but I'm also trying to be patient, as I know these processes can take time.

Today, I sought feedback on my cover letter for a job that I believe aligns well with my skills and experience. I reached out to a community for insights, as I wanted to ensure my application stood out. The general consensus was that my cover letter was too lengthy and included too many details that should be reserved for my resume. I received advice to condense it into a brief introduction that highlights why I would be a great fit for the position. Some commenters suggested that many hiring managers might not even read cover letters, so I should focus on making it concise and impactful. I plan to revise it based on this feedback and maybe even use AI tools for further critique.

I was recently laid off from my position in a family-owned pharmaceutical manufacturing company where I worked as a Quality Assurance professional. The decision came after an internal dispute, and despite my additional role as the personal secretary to the managing director, my efficiency and attention to detail were not appreciated by other family members. I was informed not to return the next day, leaving me without any savings. Currently, I'm struggling to cover my groceries and rent, and I'm urgently seeking a new job. I have one year of experience and I'm open to opportunities globally.

I recently had an interview with Aerie for a position that I felt went really well. The manager and I had a great conversation about my experience, and she seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. She mentioned that I should expect to hear back from them either the same day or by the end of the week, specifically Friday or Saturday. If I didn’t hear anything by then, she suggested that I should give them a call. I’m feeling a bit uncertain about whether this means I might receive an offer or if I should indeed follow up with a call. I'm considering reaching out on Monday for an update.

I recently completed my Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) and have been actively seeking analyst roles in the real estate sector. Despite sending out numerous applications daily, I haven't received any responses, and it’s incredibly frustrating. I feel confident in my skills and knowledge from my degree, but I'm struggling to find leads. I've tried networking, but it hasn't been fruitful so far. Right now, I feel stuck in my job search and unsure of the next steps to take.

I just scheduled a webinar for a customer service representative position I applied for. I've never attended one of these before, so I'm a bit unsure about what to expect. The webinar is set for next week and will last for an hour. I'm curious if this is a good opportunity to learn more about the role and the company, or if it might just be a waste of time. I've seen mixed opinions online, with some saying it's definitely worth attending if I want the job, while others are warning it could be a bit like an MLM pitch. I'm preparing myself to walk away if it doesn't feel right.

I was recently terminated from my role due to misconduct, but the specifics of the situation are being kept internal by my former employer. I'm preparing for a second round of interviews and need to explain my departure. It's important to note that my termination wasn't related to my job performance or responsibilities, and the misconduct didn't harm anyone at the company. I'm considering how to address this in interviews. Should I mention it was an internal issue while emphasizing that it had no impact on my work? I'm also worried about how the lack of a reference from my previous boss might raise suspicions. Any advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

I recently graduated high school and I'm on the hunt for a part-time job, ideally for the summer. I'm 17 and don't have much experience, but I'm eager to learn. I'm not interested in being a counselor or working in fast food if I can avoid it. My preference is for an office job where I can sit down and listen to music while working. I have some volunteer experience at a retail store and at a Community Living Center for veterans, which I enjoyed. However, I'm not familiar with tools like spreadsheets, but I'm willing to learn. Any advice on how to find a job or improve my chances would be greatly appreciated!

I recently resigned from my position at a tech company where I was a project manager. I had planned my departure for three weeks, taking a preplanned vacation last week to ensure I could work a full two weeks notice. My company countered my resignation, and after a lengthy discussion where they added more benefits, I accepted their offer. However, I've since had second thoughts. The counter offer is similar in pay to my new job, but the new position offers a significant career advancement and is fully remote, which is a huge plus for me. The commute for my current role would be over an hour each way, and they expect me to relocate closer to the office by October, which complicates things further. After discussing with friends and family, I realized I may have rushed into accepting the counter offer due to the emotional pressure from my team, who were very supportive and expressed their desire for me to stay. I feel guilty about potentially going back on my word, especially since my team hasn't made any plans for my departure, likely hoping the counter would convince me to stay. I’m struggling with how to approach this conversation with my manager tomorrow without burning bridges, especially since I feel responsible for leaving my current projects unfinished, which will likely fall on my already overworked colleagues. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be appreciated.

I manage a tasting room for a major spirit brand owned by a multinational company, but I technically work for a third-party company that handles event-based brand activations. Recently, I've been facing significant challenges with my site director, who is supposed to oversee my work. I was thrown into this role after the sudden departure of both my GM and AGM, and I took on the responsibility without any support or training. This lack of guidance led me to spend a lot of time figuring out logins for vendors and accounts, as there were no standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place. Initially, my site director told me to 'just figure it out,' which felt empowering at first, but it quickly became clear that the communication regarding private events was severely lacking. The site director sells events without providing clear details to the staff executing them, leading to confusion and miscommunication. Despite this, I've managed to keep customer satisfaction high and save the company money through improved operations. I created a comprehensive SOP to address these issues, but when I presented it, my site director suddenly claimed there was existing documentation that I had previously been told didn’t exist. This feels like gaslighting and is creating a hostile work environment where I feel set up to fail. I'm unsure about how to report this situation since he works for a different company, and I can't afford to resign. I've requested a one-on-one with HR to discuss my performance and the ongoing issues. The site director has also hinted at potential layoffs, which adds to the stress. I'm looking for advice on how to protect my sanity and ensure my staff is treated respectfully without jeopardizing my position. Should I document everything and keep quiet until the new fiscal year, hoping for a new boss? Or is there a clear grievance process I can follow?

I recently made a decision about my job situation that has me questioning if it was the right move. Last year, I was working in construction and earning a solid $12,000 a month. However, I really disliked living in the city where the job was located, which is considered a mid-cost of living area. My construction job ended in September 2025 due to permitting and budget issues, but I was told it would restart in 5-8 months. The downside was that the job didn’t provide health insurance. During the downtime, I managed to secure another job that paid around $9,000 a month, but it was inconsistent. There were times I didn’t work for an entire month, and other times I only worked two weeks in a month. This job was 1099, meaning no benefits, but they did cover my housing and food expenses. I kept my apartment in the city just in case I needed to return. Recently, the construction job I left has started back up, but the pay has dropped to $6,000 a month. On the plus side, they now offer health insurance and provide a truck for work. The work is steady and reliable for the foreseeable future. Now I’m left wondering if returning to my old job was the right choice, especially considering the lower pay and my dislike for the city.