Planning

I’m currently facing a really tough situation at my job that’s affecting my mental health significantly. I work in an entry-level position, and the environment has become toxic. My boss often yells and curses at me, and there’s a lot of gossip among coworkers. I even left work early today without telling my boss because I just couldn’t handle it anymore. I recently bought a house, and now I’m regretting that decision because the stress from work is overwhelming. Just last Thursday, I sat in my car for two hours crying before I could bring myself to go inside. There’s this coworker who I thought was a friend, but she’s been talking behind my back and spreading lies about my work ethic. I’ve been working hard, often putting in overtime, yet she’s claimed that I’m slow and inefficient. I tried to distance myself from her by working in another room, which my boss had approved, but now it seems like that’s backfired on me. When I reported her behavior to my boss and HR, it didn’t go well. My boss got furious, saying I was wasting her time and that I shouldn’t have gone to HR. Now I feel like I’m being targeted, especially since HR pulled in the girls I reported for questioning. I’m scared they’re plotting against me and that I could get fired. Everyone around me, including my therapist and boyfriend, is telling me to quit, but I’ve written a resignation letter and haven’t sent it yet. I feel trapped because of my new house and financial responsibilities. I’m really struggling with my mental health, dealing with major depressive disorder and severe anxiety, and I feel like I’m stuck in this job that’s making everything worse. I’m reaching out for advice on what to do next. Should I just leave this job despite my financial situation, or is there a way to navigate this toxic environment?

I've been on the job hunt for a Senior Tech position this year, aiming for a salary of at least $85K. I've applied to numerous roles at large companies across various sectors like Legal, Consulting, and Tech. I've noticed that salary ranges can vary significantly, sometimes by as much as $50K. For instance, I've seen positions listed with a range from $75K to $100K, which puts the median at $87.5K. Recently, I received an offer and was informed that I was the top candidate. However, the offer was below the median salary. This has me questioning whether I should accept a salary lower than the median, especially since the company advertised a higher range. It seems counterintuitive to me that they would lowball their top choice. I'm curious if others have been in a similar situation. Did you accept a salary below the median, or did you negotiate for something higher? I believe it's important to advocate for oneself based on the value and experience I bring to the role.

I've been navigating the job application process and recently noticed that some roles I applied for are being re-listed with recent posting dates, even though my status still shows "application in review." This has left me in a bit of a bind since I can't reapply through the career portal while still under consideration. To tackle this, I decided to take the initiative and emailed the hiring managers at two different companies regarding these re-listed positions. One of them replied, letting me know that my email had been forwarded, which was encouraging. I wouldn't have reached out if I had received a rejection, but it feels unfair that if a job is reposted, I shouldn't have the opportunity to express my continued interest. I understand that there’s a prevailing culture that discourages candidates from advocating for themselves beyond the ATS systems, but I believe that these systems often overlook qualified candidates. If a role is reposted, I think it's only fair that previous applicants, as well as new ones, should have the chance to apply again.

After nearly two years of searching for a job, I finally received an offer after submitting over 800 applications. I started applying in January 2026, focusing primarily on remote positions, but by the end of March, I noticed that opportunities in that area were dwindling. I paused my applications for a few months, but in June 2026, I broadened my search to include remote, hybrid, and both in-state and out-of-state positions. It's been a challenging journey, and I can confidently say this is the worst job market I've ever experienced. While I have an offer now, I'm still interviewing for a few other roles just to keep my options open.

I recently went through my first salary negotiation for a job offer. I countered their initial offer of $75,000 with a request for $80,000, as they really need someone to backfill a role due to a company reorganization. The call felt a bit awkward; they started with the good news about the offer, but I had some unanswered questions from my first interview with someone who wasn't involved in the hiring process. I paused the conversation to ask about PTO and the on-call responsibilities, especially since the facility has a service contract that requires a quick response. I framed my salary request around the fact that there was a significant reduction in PTO, which I'm now second-guessing as a strategy. Regardless, I'm just waiting to see what they come back with.

I have an interview today for an office assistant position, but I'm feeling uncertain about whether I should even go. I just noticed in the job posting that they require math skills, including fractions, percentages, and some accounting knowledge. Honestly, I'm not great at math, and I'm worried that I won't meet their expectations. However, I've received some advice suggesting that it's still worth attending the interview for the experience, even if I don't feel fully prepared. I guess I could brush up on my skills using some online resources or tools, but I'm still hesitant. Should I just go for it?

I was recently terminated from my role as a digital pathology scanning technician, and I'm feeling uncertain about my next steps. I have an associate degree in accounting, but my career took a turn when I started working in a laboratory. My primary responsibilities involved scanning medical glass slides into a digital format using specialized equipment and ensuring they were assigned to the appropriate pathologists. I also handled sorting and archiving these slides for easy retrieval. With nearly 9 years of experience in this field, I also managed general office tasks and facilitated inter-department communication, including some computer troubleshooting. Although I have a solid understanding of lab operations, I haven't worked directly in accessioning or as a lab assistant. I'm eager to continue my career as a digital pathology technician, but opportunities in this emerging field are limited. I'm currently considering how to pivot my skill set effectively. On a positive note, I recently had a phone interview with a laboratory that's hiring for an accessioning position, and they seemed impressed with my lab knowledge.

I recently got laid off and found a great way to cope with the situation. I joined a weekday hiking group in the Bay Area, California, specifically for those navigating layoffs or job transitions. This Monday, October 19, we're meeting at Marin Headlands in Mill Valley for a hike. It's a 5.2-mile loop with a 1049 ft elevation gain, and it’s a perfect chance to clear my head and connect with others in similar situations. The group typically splits into smaller teams based on hiking pace, which helps keep things organized on the trail. We chose Mondays for our hikes since trail traffic is low, making it easier to accommodate everyone. Although hiking is our main activity, the community also engages in co-working sessions, job search support, and casual meetups like coffee hangs and bike rides. It’s a supportive environment, and I’m looking forward to meeting new people and sharing experiences. I hope to see some of you there!

I've been feeling really down about my job situation lately. I've been with my current company for almost 11 years, and while I love my boss and team, the last year and a half has been tough. I was pushed into a new role that lacks clarity, and my bonus this year was only about 5% of what it could have been. To top it off, there are no merit increases or promotions in sight for the rest of the year. As a single parent, the financial strain is real, especially after going through a divorce two years ago. I've been actively searching for a new role and have applied to around 100 positions, all of which I feel qualified for. Recently, I finally got a screening interview for a role that seemed promising, but after following up, I learned that I was told I failed an assessment I never even received. It was incredibly frustrating to hear that the company decided to pursue other candidates. This whole experience has turned me into a cynical and angry person, which is not who I want to be. I'm trying to set better work boundaries, like not checking emails after hours, but I can't shake this feeling of bitterness. I know I should be grateful to be employed, but it's hard to stay positive when everything feels so bleak.

I recently received an email from American Express informing me that they are conducting a review of my account, which could lead to a reduction in my credit limit. This news hit me hard, especially given the current economic climate. I'm a 35-year-old male, and while I'm grateful to have a job, it simply doesn't pay enough to meet my needs. I've been actively applying for better-paying positions as well as part-time jobs to help supplement my income, but unfortunately, I've faced a string of rejections. It's becoming increasingly demoralizing, and I'm feeling the weight of adulting more than ever.

I recently graduated from high school and I'm currently 18 years old, living in Australia. I have some unpaid internship experience in governance and corporate settings, and I currently work as a fast food server while also tutoring. On top of that, I’m leading the creation of a startup. I’m studying politics, commerce, and economics, and I have a guaranteed pathway to law school. My academic performance has been decent, with a few scholarships, although I did experience a dip in my grades due to burnout. The main issue I’m facing is my current job at the fast food restaurant. The environment is toxic, with micromanagement and arbitrary firings, which has made my anxiety worse. I’ve been applying for jobs for over a year now, hoping to leave this position, but I’ve had no luck. My career mentor has been referring me to corporate jobs, but I keep getting rejected by HR. I’ve applied for various roles including Christmas casual positions in retail and fast food, receptionist roles in law firms, admin assistant roles, youth committee positions, entry-level parliament jobs, and even government jobs, but I haven’t received any positive responses. I even asked my internship if they could offer me a position before I left, but they opted for a more experienced candidate instead. I’m feeling quite lost and frustrated in this job market. I plan to start applying for new jobs from November 1, after my exams, and I’m working on my cover letters and resumes with advice from my university, job-seeking platforms, and my mentor. I’m really looking for guidance on what types of jobs I should be applying for next.

I worked as a Christmas Casual at JB Hi-Fi during the holiday season of 2024, but my contract ended in February 2025, and I was let go. Since then, I've been trying to get back into the electronic retail space, specifically at JB Hi-Fi. I've had experience in fast food and general retail at a bottle shop, but I discovered that I really enjoy selling electronics. I've built a solid foundation in customer service, handling difficult situations, and I feel confident in my ability to excel in that environment. The challenge I'm facing is that many people seem to get hired at JB through personal connections. Unfortunately, I don't have any close contacts there, except for a permanent team member I occasionally message. I've considered reaching out to him for advice on getting back into the company, but I'm hesitant because I don't want to come off as opportunistic, especially since we don't communicate often. I believe I have a strong resume with five years of customer service experience and a genuine passion for technology, but it feels like luck isn't on my side. I'm venting a bit here, but I'm also looking for suggestions on whether I should pursue this opportunity further or focus my efforts elsewhere.

In August, I was laid off from a company where I had dedicated over six years of my career. It all happened unexpectedly while I was on a short vacation; a colleague reached out to tell me he couldn't find me on Slack. When I checked my phone, I was shocked to see that all my access had been revoked, accompanied by a brief email explaining the situation. Initially, I felt confident in my skills and thought finding a new job would be a breeze, despite being aware of the challenging job market. However, I quickly realized just how tough things are. Since then, I've applied to numerous positions but have yet to receive a single positive response, which has left me feeling lost and unsure of what I might be doing wrong. On top of that, my previous company had started integrating AI into our workflows, which I wasn't particularly fond of. Now, I feel like my technical skills have become a bit rusty, so I'm putting in the effort to polish them up while also trying to adapt to a job market that seems to be rapidly evolving due to AI. Honestly, this entire job search process has turned out to be more exhausting than my actual job was.

I recently made a decision that I now deeply regret. After years of applying to my dream employer, a state government position that promised great work-life balance, pension, healthcare benefits, and student loan forgiveness, I finally received an offer. However, in a moment of panic fueled by imposter syndrome and personal issues, I accepted a counteroffer from my current employer instead. This counteroffer was lower than what my dream job offered, but I was worried about leaving my coworkers with my workload and burning bridges. Now, I feel trapped in my current role, which has a salary ceiling and is causing me significant anxiety and depression. I barely sleep three hours a night, and my job performance is suffering. I’m questioning whether I should abandon my career path and seek entry-level positions with the state or quit my job before I get fired. I'm also concerned about how this situation has damaged my reputation in a small industry where everyone knows each other. I feel lost and without direction, and I’m unsure of what my next steps should be.

I had a Zoom interview last week for a role that I'm really excited about. The interview went well, and I was informed that the next steps would involve an interview with the CEO and an aptitude test before any offer could be made. The interviewer mentioned that I would hear back mid to late next week, but since Monday was a holiday, I was expecting to hear something by now. Now that it’s late next week, I’m wondering if I should send a follow-up email. I’ve seen some advice suggesting to wait until Monday to give them the full time they mentioned. If I do decide to reach out, I plan to keep it short and express my continued interest while asking for an update on the timeline for the next steps.

I recently had a frustrating experience at my part-time job where I work while attending university. I found out my exam dates are coming up in two weeks, and I wanted to request leave for those days. However, when I tried to use the UKG app to submit my request, it wouldn’t let me. Since this was my first time applying for leave, I reached out to my manager for guidance on the process. To my surprise, she responded by saying that she would rather replace me than risk me not showing up for my shifts, even though I never indicated that I wouldn’t come in. I was just trying to figure out how to ask for leave properly. After I explained my situation, she acknowledged my queries but left me feeling confused about my standing at the company. Now, I have a shift scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, and I’m torn between going in as usual or reaching out to her for clarification. I had already planned to leave the job in about a month, but her comment about replacing me has made me reconsider whether I should just resign now. It’s really disheartening to feel like I can’t ask a simple question without being treated this way. I’m contemplating whether to go to my shift tomorrow or just quit early. I’ve even drafted a message to my manager to address this, but I’m uncertain about how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I graduated last year from the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago with a degree in Spanish and a minor in International Relations. Currently, I'm working as a barista at a coffee shop, but I've been struggling to find a job in my field for about a year now. I'm really interested in humanitarian work, advertising, and areas involving children, books, and music. I'm open to both in-person and online opportunities, especially since I need to find something that can help me financially. If anyone knows of any international online jobs or companies that might be hiring, I would greatly appreciate your guidance. I'm feeling quite overwhelmed and broke, so any assistance would mean a lot to me.

I recently applied for a part-time barista position as I'm taking a break before starting university and need to save some money. I was really excited to get an interview, especially since I had no prior barista experience, which made me feel lucky since many places require it. After the interview, I thought it went well and sent a thank you email right after. Five days later, I followed up and received a response from the owner saying she was in the US for her other business but would contact her colleague and get back to me the next day. Now, it's been another four days, and I'm feeling uncertain. They mentioned wanting to hire me and to get me in within a week, but it's been 2.5 weeks since the interview. I'm torn between letting it go or following up again. I don't want to seem annoying, but I also don't want to miss out on this opportunity. Should I reach out one more time or just move on and keep looking for other jobs?

I recently started a trial as a special needs teaching assistant through an agency after leaving my toxic nursery job. On my first day, I was called back for a paid full-day trial without any explanation for the sudden change in their decision. That should have been my first red flag. Now, on my lunch break, I can confidently say I absolutely hate it here. The teachers are rude, and I've been bitten, scratched, and have visible bruises and bite marks after just three hours. I mentioned to one of the teachers that I have experience in nurseries but not in schools, and instead of guidance, I was reprimanded for hugging and picking up the children. They seem to expect me to know everything already. I'm seriously considering rescinding my notice at my old job because, despite its toxicity, at least I'm familiar with the environment and the rules. I don't think I can do this job permanently.

I recently got fired from my job as a cart pusher at Walmart after just three months. I made some poor choices, like clocking in early and waiting in the break room instead of starting my shift right away, which I thought was okay since it was only nine minutes. I also climbed a pole to help my coworkers, which led to safety concerns. I was honest about my actions, but it still resulted in my termination. This was my first job, and I have clean attendance, but I'm worried about how this will affect my future job prospects. I'm planning to apply for unarmed security jobs and other entry-level positions, and I'm curious about how much this firing will hurt my chances, particularly in security roles compared to other fields. I’m also wondering if I should leave Walmart off my resume or disclose the experience. I’ve heard mixed opinions—some say it’s better to omit it since it was such a short time, while others warn that any mention could lead to questions about why I was there for only a few months. I’m anxious about whether employers will find out I was fired if I don’t mention it. Is this just a temporary setback, or could it affect my career for years to come? I really want to move forward and find a stable job.