Planning

I have several job interviews lined up in the coming weeks, but I'm feeling a bit anxious about them. I've been preparing by researching the companies and practicing common interview questions, but I still have some doubts about my performance. I really want to make a good impression and showcase my skills effectively. Any tips or advice from those who have successfully navigated interviews recently would be greatly appreciated!

I am a 19-year-old returning home after a structured gap year abroad, where I focused on learning about global politics, volunteering at community centers, food banks, and schools, and even helping build mud huts in rural desert villages. Now that I'm back, I'm feeling a bit lost about my next steps. I'm considering part-time work to save for a gaming PC and to start building my savings, but I'm unsure of what type of job to pursue. I have an interest in computer-based work, particularly coding and graphic design, but I don't feel skilled enough yet, which is why I'm contemplating university. I previously worked at McDonald's during high school and found it unenjoyable, so I want to avoid the food industry. Friends have suggested warehouse jobs or trades, but I'm still figuring out what I truly want to do. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this transition.

I started a new job this month that I was really excited about, but it’s not working out as I hoped. I’m an independent contractor for a new business that doesn’t have a strong client base yet. My role involves clients signing up for my services through our website, where they can see a photo and description of me. There are two other people in the same role, and we communicate regularly. Unfortunately, I’ve had very few clients compared to my coworkers. Financially, it’s tough since there are no guaranteed hours, and I’m required to keep certain days available for work, but I haven’t been getting any clients, which means no pay. I can’t shake the feeling of rejection, and I wonder if my appearance or profile is affecting clients' decisions. I’m starting to think this job might not work out, and I might have to quit or risk being let go because I’m not bringing in clients like my coworkers, one of whom had five clients on her first day. I also can’t help but wonder if there’s an element of racism at play, as my profession feels very race and gender coded. I started this job with enthusiasm and confidence, especially since it pays better than my previous part-time job. Learning I got the position felt like a lifeline, but now I feel embarrassed about the lack of clients. My coworkers are aware of my situation and seem sympathetic. I’m not planning to quit just yet, but I am going to start job searching again.

I was laid off about 7 months ago and I'm currently living month to month with very little savings left. I anticipate that my savings will run out in just two months. To help my family, I recently applied for Medi-Cal, but I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to make ends meet in the current job market. It seems like there was a brief lull in layoffs, but I'm starting to see signs of another wave coming. I'm really hoping to find a job soon, but my confidence is low given the circumstances. I've been advised to consider picking up any job I can find, especially with the holiday season approaching, as companies like UPS and FedEx often hire temporary workers. I'm also looking into applying for food stamps to help support my family during this tough time.

I’m feeling increasingly uneasy about my job at my current company. Over the past three months, there have been several warning signs that layoffs might be on the horizon. We had an all-staff meeting where they announced a ‘restructure’ set to happen in January due to budget shortfalls. They opened the meeting with the phrase, ‘our intentions are not to lay off,’ which felt very ominous to me. Just a month ago, senior leadership stated there would be no buyouts, but now the CEO has sent out an email offering them. Additionally, our new VP sent out a vague message about how ‘change is uncomfortable’ and emphasized that they value the people who do the work, which feels like a red flag in the context of the upcoming changes. As a relatively new hire, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve seen this scenario play out before, and it’s making me anxious. I’m considering starting to interview elsewhere, as I’ve been advised by others who have experienced similar situations. They say it’s better to be proactive and look for a new position while I still have a job. I’m starting to think that the layoffs could hit in January, and I want to be prepared just in case.

I recently found myself in a challenging situation at a Cambridge affiliated school where I was hired as a background musician for a 10-day contract. After impressing them, they asked me to stay on, which I did because I needed the paycheck to save for my future studies in music composition. However, after two months, I realized that the tasks assigned to me were far beyond my skillset. I was expected to create year-long plans for pre-primary age groups and give regular demos, which was overwhelming given my lack of experience in early childhood education. My colleagues are incredibly supportive, but I feel out of my depth and worry that I might be let go due to my struggles. I’ve been considering resigning to focus on my music practice instead and borrowing money from my parents to support myself. I already have a portion saved up and aim to have more by next year.

I recently lost my job and now I'm trying to figure out my health insurance options. My former employer is offering COBRA with subsidies for the first 6 months, from August 2026 to January 2027. However, I'm confused about how the payment works. The COBRA election form from WEX states that I need to pay the full initial premium to become fully enrolled. I'm not sure if this premium will be subsidized by my employer or if it comes out of my pocket. I’m worried because I might not be able to afford the initial premium, especially after the subsidies end. I've been hesitant to make a decision, and I really need clarity on whether I’ll be reimbursed for those payments or if I have to pay upfront. Any advice on how to approach my former employer or WEX for more information would be appreciated.

I'm currently on the job hunt after being laid off from my role as a marketing coordinator at a tech startup. I've been applying to various positions and networking with former colleagues and industry contacts. It's been a challenging process, but I'm trying to stay positive and focused. I've also been updating my resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect my most recent experiences. I'm curious to hear how others are finding work during this time and what strategies have been effective for them.

I'm currently in the last two months of my contract with Department A, which is set to end in late November. Recently, I've learned that Department B is interested in hiring me after my contract ends. I'm really excited about this opportunity because I believe my skills align well with their needs, especially in an area where I have expertise. However, my boss in Department A seems to be creating obstacles for me to connect with Department B, which is frustrating. To complicate matters, I've received a job offer from another company that does similar work to Department A, and they want me to utilize my full skill set. The offer is very appealing, and I could easily transition to a similar role in their version of Department B. However, I would prefer to stay with my current company if possible. I'm planning to ask if there’s a chance for an offer from Department B, but I'm wondering if I should have some indication of a future offer by now, given that my contract is ending soon. It feels like a critical time for me to make a decision.

I have an initial phone call interview scheduled soon, but I've run into an issue: they have the wrong phone number for me. I've tried using their AI chatbot to correct this, but it hasn't been helpful at all. I'm looking for advice on how to reach out to fix this. I do have the name of the person I'm supposed to interview with, but I don't have their email address. I found their LinkedIn profile and I'm considering reaching out there, but I'm unsure if that would be appropriate. Some suggestions I've received include googling the company for a directory or just calling the company directly to ask for the right contact. Personally, I would prefer to make a phone call rather than using LinkedIn.

I recently moved from the USA to the UK and am currently looking for a job as a SOC Analyst in Europe. I hold a BSc in Cybersecurity and have a couple of certifications, including CySA+ and Security+. I'm also working on my SC-200 Microsoft Analyst certification and have been studying CCNA content. My professional background includes 2 years as a Network and Support Engineer in NYC and another 2 years in helpdesk roles. Despite applying to over 100 positions across Europe, I haven't received a single interview, which is surprising given that this is supposed to be a busy hiring season. I'm wondering if my current location in the UK is impacting my job search. As an EU citizen, I can work anywhere in the EU, but I’m considering whether I should relocate to a specific country like Ireland or Spain, where I am a native Spanish speaker. I’ve also looked into opportunities in the Netherlands, but many positions seem to require Dutch language skills, which has been frustrating. I’m currently staying with family in the UK, which helps with expenses, but I’m eager to find a job and relocate. Any advice on improving my chances or strategies for applying from my current location would be greatly appreciated!

I’m a 17-year-old male currently struggling to land my first job. Despite submitting numerous resumes and applications, I keep receiving automated responses stating I’m "not a good fit" for the roles I apply for. This has been really discouraging, and I feel like I’m losing momentum in my job search. My resume highlights my volunteer work, CPR/AED certification, my high school diploma, and some personal business experience, which I thought would make me a strong candidate for entry-level positions. However, I’ve never held a traditional paid job, and I wonder if that’s what's holding me back. I’m about to turn 18, and while I hope my age isn’t a factor, I suspect that lacking formal corporate work experience is a significant hurdle. I’ve received some advice suggesting I target smaller restaurants and retail stores where automated screening might not be as prevalent. I’m considering applying at places like Little Caesars, as I’ve heard they’re more likely to hire someone in my situation. I just want to get my foot in the door and start gaining experience.

I am currently contemplating quitting my first job after just three weeks. I work as a video editor for social media content, and the workload has been overwhelming. They expect me to produce 80 videos a month for 9-10 different clients. In my first week, I was assigned a new client and tasked with creating their style while also learning new software. I've been putting in long hours, often working all day, including weekends, for the past two weeks. The stress is taking a toll on my health; I’ve been experiencing symptoms like shaking, headaches, nausea, and neck pain. My friends keep telling me that the beginning of a new job is always tough and that things will improve, but I'm not sure I can handle it any longer. I feel embarrassed and like a failure for even considering quitting, but I know my well-being is important. I'm looking for advice from anyone who has faced a similar situation.

I'm currently feeling pretty frustrated in my framing job where I work with a wealthy clientele who can be quite unbearable. The person in charge is also contributing to a toxic environment, and I'm seriously considering a change. I used to work at Hobby Lobby from 2018 to 2024, where I held various roles including frame shop management, and I was making around $25/hr. I gave up three weeks of vacation for this job, which has turned out to be a poor decision since I enjoy traveling. I recently visited a Costco in Traverse City, MI, and was impressed by the happy employees and the pay, which I hear can start at $29/hr or more. However, I know that starting pay can vary based on experience and position. I'm curious if Costco really lives up to its reputation as a great place to work, especially since I'm hesitant to leave my current job without a solid guarantee of a better work environment and pay. I've heard mixed reviews about working at Costco, with some saying the benefits and raises are great, while others mention the physical demands of the job. I'm looking for insights on whether it's worth making the switch, as I left retail for a reason and want to ensure my next move is a positive one for my mental health.

I'm currently navigating a challenging phase in my career at 21. Right now, I'm working as a Wind Turbine Technician, but I'm starting to regret this choice due to a long commute of over 1 hour and 30 minutes each way and the difficult dynamics with external contractors at my job. The expectation to work overtime daily leaves me with little time or energy for my personal life. I've held a variety of jobs since leaving school, including hotel work, factory work, warehouse work, field-based work, and airport ground handling. While I have a strong interest in engineering and game development, I'm unsure about my long-term career path. My concern is that my diverse work history might make potential employers view me as someone who jumps from job to job. I'm now considering seeking opportunities closer to home that align more with my interests in engineering, manufacturing, mechanical work, or even game development. I'm eager to find a role where I can develop my skills and build a meaningful career.

I recently completed my Level 2 and ECS certifications in the electrical trade here in the UK. At 28 years old, I'm eager to start my career as an electrician mate/improver, but I'm facing significant challenges. Despite my basic handyman experience and some work I've done in my own home and for friends, I have no formal experience in the field. I've been applying for jobs for the past three months, but it seems like every company is looking for candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience, and I haven't received any responses. I've tried reaching out to trade agencies and contacting companies directly, but my calls and emails have gone unanswered. I'm starting to feel lost and unsure of how to proceed. I've even considered going into pubs on Fridays to network with electricians, but I'm not convinced that's a viable strategy. If anyone has advice or tips on how to break into the industry, I would greatly appreciate it.

I'm currently navigating my job search and career trajectory in the Silicon Valley area, where I've spent the last five years working in semi to fully autonomous robotics, specifically within manufacturing. I started as a technician earning $24/hr and most recently worked as a floor lead at $50/hr. Although I'm still employed in a role related to autonomous human robotics for a company that sells to a FAANG company, I find myself disliking this position, especially coming from a background in medical and warehousing robots designed to assist workers. I'm pursuing an AS degree in engineering to transition into engineering technician roles, but I'm facing challenges in finding suitable job openings. It seems that there are very few team lead or line lead positions available in manufacturing that aren't focused on heavy chemical or cleanroom chip production. The alternative jobs I've encountered often come with undesirable conditions, such as long commutes, night shifts, and low pay around $27/hr. I've been searching for job opportunities outside of the usual company websites, but platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn haven't been helpful. I can't seem to refine my searches effectively. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has advice on how to find worthwhile job openings or if there are specific job titles I might be qualified for that I'm overlooking. Additionally, I'm interested in learning about skills, certifications, or courses that could enhance my appeal for higher-level positions. Any insights or experiences from others in the robotics manufacturing field would be greatly appreciated!

I recently graduated with my master's degree and had been struggling to find a job for about three months. I finally accepted an entry-level position at a hospital, which I was set to start soon. However, I just received a much better job offer that pays almost four times what the hospital position does. I'm currently in the onboarding process for the new job, but I feel guilty about having to back out of the hospital position, especially since the interviewer was really nice and I was supposed to help with a new unit they were opening. I formally accepted the hospital job through their portal and signed the necessary documents, but now I'm unsure about the consequences of quitting before I even start. I need to notify the hospital's HR and the director that I won't be able to continue with the onboarding process. I haven't received any official documentation from the new job yet, but they are working on it as my orientation is in just five days. I'm worried about burning bridges with the hospital and whether this will affect my future job prospects there, even though I haven't officially started. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

I recently completed two years as a Data Engineer at a Big 4 company and have transitioned into the GenAI field. Despite my efforts to switch jobs for better salary and work environment, I’ve been struggling to land new opportunities. I graduated with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering in 2024, scoring 8.1/10, and have completed multiple internships, including a summer role as a Software Engineer in an MNC. For the past year, I’ve been trying to find a new job but my resume seems to be overlooked. Even when I do get interviews, I often get ghosted after the second or third round. Recently, I cleared three rounds of interviews with another Big 4 firm, and although they requested my documents, I haven’t heard back in two months. I have skills in JavaScript, TypeScript, ReactJS, NodeJS, MongoDB, Python, Snowflake, Palantir, SQL, LangGraph, Vector DBs, and RAG, but I still feel like I have a long way to go in AI. I’m eager to learn and prove my capabilities, but I’m feeling very low and average compared to my peers who are advancing in their careers. I’m looking for advice on how to improve my situation and regain my confidence.

I recently applied for a position at Ulta and received a call from the operations manager three days ago to set up an interview. Unfortunately, I missed the call, but she left a voicemail asking me to call back if I was still interested. I returned the call later that day, but she had already left for the day. Since then, I've tried calling the store multiple times, but she hasn't been available. I'm feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what to do next. Should I consider going in person to the store to speak with her directly, or should I ask whoever answers the phone about her schedule? Any advice would be appreciated!