Planning

I've been struggling to find real entry-level roles that offer decent wages. It seems like most job boards are filled with senior positions offering poverty-level pay for the amount of work expected. I have a background in liberal arts and sciences, with some graphic design electives under my belt. I've dedicated around 30,000 hours to self-study through biographical interviews and audiobooks, trying to build my skills. Recently, I converted an old Windows 8 eMachine into a media server, and I’ve also been working on a 2009 Mac Mini to set it up as a Pi-hole. I have experience in illustration and photography, including traditional and digital DSLR photography, and I used to take action shots at indie concerts. I even considered starting a pop-up dog and pet photo stand, but the upfront costs are daunting. I once dreamed of working in the film industry, but I quickly realized that entry-level wages are often as low as those in retail. I've done tech support in the past and have some experience modding game files to bypass grindy tasks. I created an animatic proof of concept for an IP I love and tried my hand at low-content notebooks and Redbubble, but I've only made about $20 overall. The challenge is that while I can develop functional skills, the lack of immediate return on investment or feedback makes it hard to build on my experiences. I'm feeling overwhelmed and just need a break to clear my head, as the endless cycle of labor and the constant struggle with poverty is exhausting, especially without stable employment.

Today was a turning point for me at my job as a Food Server Assistant (essentially a busser) at a local restaurant where I've been working for a year and a half. We were incredibly busy, and I noticed my partner was struggling to keep up. After waiting for about 5-10 minutes while he worked on one table, I approached him with what I thought was a straightforward request to speed up, given the line out the door. Unfortunately, he reacted defensively, claiming I was cursing him out, which I definitely wasn't. Things escalated when he confronted me aggressively, even grabbing my wrist to prevent me from backing away. I felt unsafe and yelled at him to stop touching me before I ran off to speak with management. When I finally got to talk to my manager, I was shocked to hear that I should have kept quiet instead of addressing the issue directly. This is frustrating because I've raised concerns about his pace multiple times, but nothing has changed. To make matters worse, my manager has been spreading the idea that I exaggerated the situation and even questioned my honesty about him grabbing me. This has left me feeling unsupported and uncertain about returning to work tomorrow, especially since I have to deal with the same manager who doubts me. I'm feeling drained and overwhelmed by this whole experience, and I'm starting to wonder if I should look for a new job. The thought of having to explain to a future employer that I need a month off next summer for my wedding adds another layer of stress. I'm really at a crossroads and would appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation moving forward.

I've been on quite a journey lately, having gone through around 5 interviews in the last 3 months, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to land a job yet. It's been frustrating, and I feel like my interview skills might be lacking. I'm really trying to figure out how to improve. I've been told that getting this many interviews means my CV is doing its job, which is a small comfort, but I still want to succeed. I've started to ask for feedback after each rejection to identify any patterns or areas I need to work on. I've also been preparing a few stories about my achievements in previous roles, focusing on the results, especially with numbers. I think I might start recording my interviews or jotting down my thoughts afterward to troubleshoot my performance. The job market feels tough right now; I've applied to over 100 jobs and only secured a handful of interviews. Honestly, I can't even keep track of all the applications anymore. I'm just eager to find something, anything, to get me out of the house.

I'm a 28-year-old recent college graduate trying to kickstart my career, but I'm facing a major hurdle with references. I previously worked part-time at a company where I was unhappy, and when I decided to leave for what I thought was a promising job at a non-profit, things went south. My boss reacted poorly to my two weeks' notice, leading to a lot of yelling and a toxic situation. Unfortunately, that non-profit turned out to be a scam, which was a painful lesson in job hunting. Now, whenever I apply for jobs that ask for three professional references, I'm at a loss. I only have one recent employer who remembers me positively, and while I could reach out to a couple of my college professors, my last two years were quite challenging, and I only feel comfortable asking one or two of them for a reference. Currently, I'm stuck in a contract job that I dislike, which only lasts until the end of the school year. I feel trapped in a cycle where I can't get a job without references, but I also can't build new relationships without being in a job. It's frustrating to have worked minimum-wage jobs for years and now, with a degree in hand, still struggle to find a career path.

I recently applied for a gym job and went in person to drop off my application. It's been two days, and I'm considering going back to ask for an update on my application status. However, I'm worried that it might annoy the manager. I want to show my interest, but I also don't want to come off as pushy. I've heard mixed advice; some say a follow-up phone call would be better than showing up in person again. I'm trying to figure out the best approach to take without overstepping.

I recently faced a significant change in my employment situation. After working for 20 years at a business in California, the owner sold the company, and we all received termination letters. The new owners promised to rehire everyone, but they drastically reduced our hours from five days a week to just two days. Now, I'm in a position where I need to apply for unemployment benefits. I'm unsure how my two weeks of work under the new owners will impact my application and how to best approach the situation. I’ve heard I might be eligible for a reduction in hours, but I’m concerned that if I quit due to the reduced hours, it could disqualify me. I plan to apply and see what happens, but I could really use some guidance.

I've been applying for jobs lately but haven't received any responses, which has me concerned that my resume might not be up to par. I'm currently looking for feedback on how to improve it. I feel like I meet the qualifications for the roles I'm applying for, but I'm not getting any traction. Any tips or resources would be greatly appreciated!

I've been working in a support role for the past three years at a company that deals with a legacy system, and it has been incredibly draining. I was recruited straight out of college, and the work has been monotonous and soul-sucking, with no room for creativity or innovation. To make matters worse, I've been stuck in a 24x7 on-call model, which includes night shifts that leave me exhausted. I often finish a night shift only to remain on-call for the rest of the week, and this pattern repeats multiple times each month. I've documented everything, including my work schedule and health issues, as this model violates labor laws in my state. Despite my efforts to escalate the situation and find a more suitable role, I've hit a wall. My manager was supportive and connected me with someone who promised to help me transition to a role that aligns with my skills and goals, but I've received no updates after multiple attempts to reach out. It feels like I'm trapped in this role, no matter how much I upskill or network. I’m frustrated by the lack of a clear path for transitioning within IT. It seems that companies are quick to hire fresh graduates and provide them with knowledge transfer, but when it comes to someone with experience wanting to switch domains, there’s no flexibility. I feel like candidates like me, who are genuinely passionate and have relevant skills, are being overlooked simply because of their current job title. I just want a normal 9-to-6 job at a multinational corporation, with no on-call duties or rotational shifts, working with a modern tech stack on meaningful projects. I’m exhausted and unsure of how to move forward. Has anyone else faced this kind of situation? How do you cope with it? Does it ever get better?

I've been navigating the job market in Italy and realized that without a university degree, I'm limited to basic worker salaries. To change my situation, I've decided to move to Switzerland. Over the past few days, I've submitted my CV to several job postings on LinkedIn, but I could really use some help. I'm looking for feedback on my CV to see how I can improve it. Additionally, I'm seeking advice on handling the job search and the transition to a new country. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I recently signed a conditional offer with a local utilities board last Monday, and I've been going through the pre-employment process. On Wednesday, I had my physical exam, which I passed except for a color blindness test. They asked me to get a note from my eye doctor confirming I can perform my job safely, which I took care of right away. I also underwent a urine test that day. Now, it’s Saturday, and I’m feeling anxious because the background check started, and they contacted my current employer despite my request not to. While I’m leaving my current job, it still feels like a cliffhanger. The background check came back clean except for a minor issue regarding a three-month gap at an older job, which I explained was due to doing 1099 work for that same company earlier that year. I wasn't sure if they would pull 1099 dates or full-time dates, so I reached out to clarify. Additionally, I received a 613a notice regarding a speeding ticket from two years ago. It was a minor infraction—no reckless driving and zero points on my license. I also have a minor accident from three years ago that only reported property damage, and again, no points on my license. I was expecting a call yesterday to finalize everything and set a start date, but I didn’t hear anything, and now I’m in panic mode. I did email my recruiter about the background check report, which also had a caution regarding my technical school because they don’t verify those schools. I sent my certification along with the email, and she replied with a simple "thanks, Kevin!" I’m left to assume that if there was a problem, she would have informed me. However, the uncertainty is stressing me out, especially since my current job knows I’m transitioning. I feel like the speeding ticket and the no-fault accident shouldn’t prevent me from getting this job, but the color blindness test has made me realize how particular they are. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated!

I've been working as a freelance web developer for the past couple of years, focusing on WordPress development, website coordination, and server management. While freelancing has provided some income, the lack of stability and clear career progression is starting to take a toll on me. Recently, I've been trying to shift towards more stable, full-time roles, applying for positions in web development, quality evaluation, and entry-level operations or analyst jobs. However, I've been facing significant challenges in my job search. I've experienced a lot of ghosting after going through various assessments and recruitment tests, which has been incredibly frustrating. I often receive either complete silence after submitting technical tasks or automated rejections weeks later. Another issue I’m encountering is that my practical freelance experience doesn’t seem to fit neatly into the traditional corporate mold. My background includes building functional client sites, managing servers, and troubleshooting plugins, but it feels like recruiters either see my experience as too focused on freelancing or overlook it due to the lack of years in a corporate environment. On top of this, I’m struggling to balance my current freelance work with upskilling and completing assessments for potential jobs, which is leading to burnout. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has successfully transitioned from freelance work to a stable full-time role in tech or operations. How did you present your freelance experience on your resume to make it appealing to corporate recruiters? Should I focus on niche portfolio projects, or would it be better to engage in cold outreach and network directly with hiring managers instead of relying solely on job portals? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm an 18-year-old girl from the UK trying to find a job. I've applied to numerous positions but unfortunately, I've faced rejections from all of them. I'm eager to start earning some money but I'm feeling a bit lost on how to improve my chances. Any advice or tips on how to secure a job would be greatly appreciated, as I'm quite new to the job market.

I recently came across a job posting for a retail position at a store I’ve been eager to work at. They specifically requested that resumes be sent via email. The catch is that the store is open on Saturdays, and I’m unsure if the hiring manager would be in the office to see my application. I know that ideally, I should wait until Monday to apply, but I’m concerned that if I wait, the position might get filled or they might stop accepting applications altogether. I’m debating whether to send my resume today or hold off until the start of the week. I’ve received advice from others suggesting that it’s perfectly fine to send an email at any time, even on a weekend, since it’s not a phone call. They mentioned that I could schedule my email to go out at 8 AM on Monday if I wanted to play it safe. I’m leaning towards sending it now to avoid missing out.

I’ve been struggling to find a job for a long time now, and I’m feeling really lost. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for several years, which has left me without any references to use for my job applications. I recently tried to update my resume and, I admit, I lied about the dates of my previous jobs to fill the gap, but the jobs themselves were real. I’ve been applying and finally got a couple of interviews, but I keep hitting a wall when it comes to providing references. I don’t have close connections anymore since I moved away from most of my friends and family, and I’m feeling really desperate. I’ve been crying all morning because I just want to work again and I know I’m a hard worker. I don’t want to put my stay-at-home status on my resume because I’ve tried that for over a year and it didn’t lead to anything. I’m just looking for advice on how to get past this reference issue. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I am currently living in Munich, where I am completing my master’s degree and expect to graduate in October. Originally from mainland China, I have also lived in Japan for several years. I have been actively searching for a job in the USA, specifically in Los Angeles or nearby, but I am facing significant challenges with visa sponsorship. Most companies I’ve come across do not sponsor work visas, which has been quite discouraging. I am fluent in Mandarin, Japanese, English, German, and Korean, and I would really appreciate any advice on options available for someone in my situation. Are there specific companies, industries, or job-search websites that I should focus on? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I was recently laid off at the beginning of this month, and it really hit me hard. I had just completed a year in my IT role and was feeling like I was finally hitting my stride. The layoff was unexpected, and now I'm grappling with a mix of anxiety and self-doubt. It feels like I've lost my drive and social connections, and I can't shake the feeling that my career is in ruins. I've had a rocky path in my career, having jumped from my first job after a year to a startup that eventually succeeded, then trying my hand at raising funds for my own startup, which ultimately failed. My latest position was meant to be a fresh start, where I hoped to stay for at least 2.5 to 3 years. But now, with four jobs in four years and only two years of verifiable work, I worry about how recruiters will view my resume. The current state of the IT job market makes it even more daunting to find a new role. I used to excel in interviews, but I’m not sure I can replicate that success now. I’m also pursuing a master's degree part-time, which I hope will help me reset my career after I graduate in a year. Mentally, this situation is weighing heavily on me. I’ve faced tough times before with less financial security, but this feels different. I see my peers living stable lives, and I can’t help but feel inadequate. I’m even considering a drastic career change, like going to flight school, just to find some stability. I’m feeling like a failure and would appreciate any advice from those who have been in similar situations.

I handed in my resignation on August 18 with a 3-month notice period, making my last day November 18. However, my new employer wants me to start on November 16. I reached out to my current manager, who confirmed he had no issue shortening my notice. Despite this, my current company has been slow in finding my replacement, and they haven't conducted any interviews yet. My new manager has been checking in on my negotiation progress, and while they are flexible, I have a pressing reason to start earlier. The person who took the Lead position I originally interviewed for has sadly passed away, and my new manager wants me to join ASAP to evaluate my performance for that role. I have 8.5 days of annual leave left, which I plan to use to potentially move my last working day to November 6. HR mentioned they could require me to work until November 18 and pay out my holiday, but I pushed for an earlier termination date. I suggested October 30, and my manager said he would discuss it with HR, but I haven't heard back yet. I want to avoid burning bridges since I'm moving to another contractor on the same site, and my current employer needs to process my departure for the onboarding with the new company. Ideally, I want to secure an October 30 release, but if that doesn't happen, I'll stick with the previously agreed November 13 date. I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation without damaging my relationship with my current employer.

I just started my first job at a liquor store, and honestly, I'm feeling pretty miserable. I'm 19, almost 20, and after finishing a three-day unpaid training, I'm about to dive into my first 9-hour shift tomorrow, followed by two more 8-hour shifts. The schedule is packed with 5-6 hour shifts for the rest of the week, and I only have Friday off. I got this job through a family friend, and I was initially grateful, but now I'm feeling overwhelmed and depressed. Before this, I had a few short gigs in fast food and retail, but nothing lasted long. Now, I feel suffocated by the responsibilities that come with this job. I used to live a carefree life, but now I’m struggling with anxiety and unhappiness. I have hobbies I love, and the thought of not having time for them is really dragging me down. I can't ask for shorter hours since I haven't even started yet, and I fear that if I do, I might lose the job. My parents are supportive and optimistic that I'll feel better soon, but it feels like an eternity to me. I have one co-worker who's nice, but I don't know if we’ll become friends. The pressure to not disappoint my parents and the family friend who helped me get this job is weighing heavily on me. I'm considering asking my employer for part-time hours once I start school in winter, but I plan to wait a couple of months before bringing that up. I really want to gain experience, but I can't shake off this feeling of depression. I've talked to friends who work hard, and while I want to contribute too, I just feel stuck. Any advice on how to cope with this would be greatly appreciated.

I recently interviewed for a remote position with Senture and went through several steps, including a phone interview, filling out a questionnaire, and completing fingerprinting. I also received the necessary equipment for the job. They mentioned I should expect an email within two days with my login information for the eApp from either Okta or NBIS, but I haven't received that yet. Instead, I've gotten a few emails from different people, which has left me confused about whether I've officially been hired. Training is set to start this coming Monday, and I'm currently employed, so I'm trying to juggle both schedules without any clear confirmation of my new role. I've reached out to the contacts I've received emails from, but so far, no one has responded.

I was laid off two months ago and am currently facing a tough decision. I have an offer from an established enterprise software company, but the situation is complicated. I received the offer letter on Friday, and the start date is set for this Tuesday, which gives me only one business day to respond. I had previously indicated a later start date, and now I’m worried because one of my reference checks isn’t even complete yet. Additionally, the role is for their Mumbai office, but after looking into the costs of moving there, it’s just not feasible for me. I’m already settled in Bangalore, where I have my network and living arrangements. I plan to call HR on Monday to ask for a two-week extension on the start date and to see if I can shift the location to Bangalore, but I’m terrified that they might see me as a flight risk and rescind the offer altogether. To make matters worse, my top-choice company, a high-growth SaaS firm, just reached out to me after my technical assignment interview earlier this week, which I felt went poorly. They’ve invited me to a final culture round on Tuesday afternoon, right when I would be expected to start at the enterprise company. I’m feeling completely stuck. If I decline the enterprise offer, I’m risking everything on the final round with my top choice, but if the enterprise company won’t budge on the start date, I’d have to choose between the two. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation. Should I ask the enterprise HR for both a start date extension and a location change? Should I address the start date first or lay everything out at once? And during my call with the SaaS recruiter, should I mention that I have another offer to potentially speed up their feedback, or would that pressure backfire since my previous interview wasn’t great? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.