Planning

I was laid off this week due to a "restructure" at my company, where I was the sole provider for my family. I received almost three months of severance, which I am grateful for, but the timing couldn't be worse as I am currently 21 weeks pregnant. I had been earning nearly $150,000 last year and was looking forward to three months of paid maternity leave. Now, I find myself in a panic about how to secure health insurance quickly, find a job with minor to no pay decrease, and ensure that my prenatal appointments and the birth in January are taken care of. I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to approach job interviews knowing that I will need time off so soon after starting. I have to support a household of six, and I'm really worried about keeping our home. I’m reaching out for advice on how to navigate this challenging situation.

I recently started my job search and finally landed a couple of interviews, which is exciting! However, they are both scheduled for the same morning, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. One position is part-time while the other is a temporary role. I have open availability, but I’m concerned about potentially losing out on an offer by trying to juggle both. I've had two conversations with the manager for the temporary job, and she seems to understand my availability. In contrast, I’ve barely spoken with the part-time job manager, so I’m not sure where I stand with them. It feels like I have a better chance at the temporary job, but I still want to prepare for both interviews. I have a few questions: 1. If they ask about my availability, how should I respond? 2. What’s a good way to introduce myself when they ask, "Tell me about yourself?" 3. I struggle with the question about weaknesses; what are some appropriate responses? 4. I really need a job, but I don’t want to come off as desperate. How can I project confidence? 5. If I receive offers from both, what’s the best way to handle that? I’d love to accept both, but I’m unsure about the scheduling. I tend to get nervous during interviews and often talk too much, so any tips would be really appreciated!

I graduated in July with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from a reputable university, and I've been on the job hunt ever since. For the past month, I've been applying to Business Development Representative (BDR) and Sales Development Representative (SDR) roles, sending out about 50 applications each week. Unfortunately, the only interviews I've landed have been through recruiters reaching out to me directly. Even then, I've faced rejection for entry-level sales positions because they claim I lack sufficient experience. I'm starting to feel frustrated and wonder if my degree even matters in today's job market. I've crafted my resume using Claude, but I'm still struggling to make progress. Most of my applications have been through LinkedIn, with some on ZipRecruiter and Handshake. I'm seeking advice on what I might be doing wrong and if there are specific job positions I should focus on.

I'm Besar Sadriu, a cybersecurity professional actively seeking new job opportunities. I have a solid background in cybersecurity, built upon my experience in tech support and security-focused roles. I'm particularly interested in positions such as SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, Blue Team roles, and Cybersecurity Engineer or Specialist. I'm flexible with work arrangements, open to remote, hybrid, or on-site roles, and I'm willing to consider various locations. If anyone has leads or advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm also happy to share my LinkedIn profile or resume via direct message.

I was laid off last week from my position in marketing, and I’m still trying to process everything. This is my first experience with being laid off, and honestly, it feels surreal. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has recommendations for job boards that might be more effective than LinkedIn or Indeed. My background is in marketing and media, but it seems like the industry is struggling right now, especially since I live in a smaller area. Any advice on how to navigate this job search would be greatly appreciated!

I was laid off from my IT job three months ago, and it's been a tough journey. I've been feeling quite lonely and depressed during this time, and I think it would really help to connect with others who are in a similar situation. I'm looking to start or join a chat channel where we can share our experiences, support each other, and maybe even exchange job leads. If anyone is interested, please reach out!

I recently started working at Burlington in Indiana, with my onboarding on August 14. During the interview and onboarding, we discussed my availability and transportation, and everything seemed fine. I was hired for a back room position but was reassigned to the sales floor because the manager had concerns about new hires not returning after one shift. I agreed to this change with the understanding that I would have about two shifts a week. However, after my onboarding shift, I checked the scheduling app repeatedly and found that I was not scheduled for any shifts. On September 6, the manager called to inform me that all daytime sales floor positions were filled. She offered me three options: stay in my position with minimal shifts, change my availability to late-night hours which I can't do, or switch to a daytime cashier role. I chose the cashier position and communicated this decision to the manager on September 9 and again on September 14. Unfortunately, I still haven't been scheduled for any shifts in the last two weeks of September. The concern now is that Burlington has a policy of automatic termination after six weeks of no pay, which is coming up soon. I haven't been terminated for any reason; I've been available, but the manager simply hasn't scheduled me. I'm wondering about my chances of qualifying for unemployment benefits to help cover my bills while I continue to search for other jobs, as I've been applying elsewhere but haven't had any luck yet.

I recently received a raise of just 43 cents per hour at my job as an Assistant General Manager, despite taking on nearly double the workload. This raise follows a pattern where my previous requests for increases were denied, including when the state's minimum wage went up. Currently, I'm making $17 an hour, which is only $2 above minimum wage. My district manager claims that my pay is reasonable since I work over 50 hours a week, with guaranteed overtime for those extra hours. However, I'm starting to question if it's worth it to stay at a company that seems to undervalue my contributions. I'm actively interviewing for other positions, one of which offers $2-3 more per hour but caps at 40 hours a week. This new role also comes with better insurance and significantly less responsibility, being a corporate position instead of a franchise. The pay difference would be about $400 a month before taxes, and while my current role has potential bonuses, hitting targets is often a gamble due to frequent call-outs affecting staffing. Many of my coworkers share my frustration about the low pay for management roles, and I'm torn between the potential bonuses and overtime versus the lack of appreciation from my current employer. Is it worth it to stay in this situation?

I was informed yesterday that I will be laid off from my position due to company reorganization, with my last working day set for October 1st. I've only been with the company for six months, and they are offering me three weeks of severance pay, which totals around $3,800, along with a $1,500 bonus if I sign the agreement. My health, vision, dental, and FSA benefits will end on October 31st. I'm considering whether it's worth attempting to negotiate for extended health benefits through the end of the year, as I recently underwent major surgery and have ongoing medical appointments. It would significantly ease my emotional and financial stress if I could maintain coverage until the year's end. I'm seeking advice on whether I have any leverage in this situation and if negotiation is advisable.

I recently had a fantastic interview for a state job, and I'm now at the stage of providing references and undergoing employment verification. However, I'm concerned about alerting my current employer during this process. I'm looking for advice on how employment verification typically works for state or civil service positions and whether this could potentially jeopardize my chances of securing the new role. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I've been laid off recently and am currently facing a tough financial situation. My priority has been to keep the lights on and ensure that my bigger bills like mortgage, rent, utilities, and groceries are covered. However, everything else feels like a wash. I'm grappling with the decision of whether to search for a job that pays what I used to earn before the layoff or to hold out until after the midterm elections and the holidays, hoping for a better job market in Q1 of 2027. The stress of being financially strapped due to a pay cut is weighing heavily on me. As a single person without a spouse to help out, and also being a caregiver for my aging parent, I feel the pressure even more. I know I need to make a decision soon, but I'm unsure of the best path forward.

I’ve been in a traineeship for over a year and a half, and while I love the industry, I absolutely hate my current job. The workload is minimal and boring, and the company culture just doesn't fit me. I recently moved about two hours away from London to start fresh, but my job requires full-time in-office work, which means my 40-hour weeks often turn into 50+ hours with commuting. This is going to be even worse in winter, and I dread the thought of it. I’m actively interviewing in my new city, but I only have 6 days of annual leave left, which I’m burning through just to attend interviews. My contract runs until March, but I can't see myself lasting until Christmas. I feel like handing in my one-month notice now could help me focus on my job search without the burnout. I know the job market is tough, and I need an income, but I genuinely believe I can secure a job once I leave. I’m torn between staying to ensure I have a paycheck or leaving to pursue better opportunities. What would you do in my situation?

I just signed my official offer letter for a new job and I'm currently going through the onboarding process. However, I can't stand my current job anymore due to the toxic coworkers and leadership. It's been unbearable, and the thought of working there for two more weeks feels impossible. I want to give a one-week notice instead of the standard two weeks, as a compromise to tie up loose ends without burning bridges. I usually use a friend as a reference rather than a supervisor, so I'm not too concerned about that. Still, I'm worried about how my current employer will react. I have no documented write-ups or anything, but I know how toxic the environment is. I doubt I would want to return to this company, but I want to leave on decent terms if possible. I'm curious to hear others' opinions on this situation.

As my paternity leave is nearing its end, I've started considering job hunting. I currently work as a technology project manager for a well-known retail bank, and with the recent layoffs affecting my team, I'm feeling a bit uneasy about my job security. I've been with the company for about six years and received an 'Exceeds Expectations' rating last year, but the atmosphere has become increasingly uncertain. I made sure to leave my projects in good order before my leave, so I wouldn't be abandoning anything crucial. However, I wonder how it might look to potential employers if they know I'm job hunting while still employed. I’ve heard that the best time to find a new job is when you’re already employed, but I’m also concerned about the perception of looking for new opportunities during my leave. I’ve received some subtle hints from my HR manager that things are not stable back at the office, which adds to my anxiety. I’m torn between wanting to secure a new position and feeling a sense of loyalty to my current employer. Is it really that taboo to start applying for jobs now?

I recently applied for an entry-level role at a tech company and went through the initial interview process fairly quickly. After applying, HR reached out to schedule my first interview, which took place shortly after. I felt it went well, and they scheduled a second interview with the hiring manager just two hours later. I was excited because I was one of the first candidates interviewed. The interview with the hiring manager also seemed to go well, and I was told I would hear back either the next day or by Monday or Tuesday at the latest regarding whether I would move on to the final round. However, when Friday and Monday came and went without any updates, I decided to reach out to HR on Tuesday evening for a status update. They responded promptly, mentioning that the hiring manager was still interviewing candidates and that they hoped to get back to me by the end of the week. Now, it’s the weekend, and I still haven’t heard anything. I’m starting to wonder if I should take the silence as a rejection or if I’m just being impatient. I’m torn between wanting to follow up again and fearing that I might come across as too eager. I know I should continue applying for other jobs, but it’s hard not to focus on this opportunity.

I recently completed the interview process for a role at a company, but I was informed that hiring had been put on hold. After several weeks, I noticed that the job posting was taken down and then reposted, which made me wonder if the hiring freeze had been lifted. I reached out via email for an update and learned that there had been a change in the recruitment team, but I was still under consideration for the position. I'm feeling a mix of hope and uncertainty about the situation.

I am currently seeking a remote HCM software sales role after working as an HR Analyst. Previously, I was a Senior Account Executive in B2B sales and have 7 years of experience in recruitment and training. Despite applying to various positions, I haven't received any responses. I believe my unique background allows me to quickly identify client pain points, but I need advice on how to get my foot in the door again. One comment suggested that my transition from sales to HR might raise concerns for potential employers, so I'm reflecting on how to address that in my applications.

I recently submitted my work search activity for unemployment benefits and was randomly selected for an audit. I realized that I applied for a job a day later than I thought, which has been challenging since I’ve been taking care of my newborn and my schedule has been chaotic. I have a screenshot of the confirmation email for my application, but it doesn’t have a date on it. I also have a rejection email from the company dated a few days after I applied. I’m unsure if this is enough proof for the audit since that was the only job search I did that week, and technically, I didn’t apply within the correct timeframe. I’m considering whether I should just withdraw my claim for that week and forgo the payment altogether.

I recently graduated with an MA in History and have been working as a research assistant at a museum for the past two years. My role involved managing collections, handling administrative tasks, and archival work. However, I am eager to pivot out of the museum sector and explore opportunities in business operations, potentially at a museum, library, or media company in the future. Unfortunately, my museum experience seems to be limiting my job prospects, as I feel like I’m being viewed solely as a 'museum person desperate for a job.' Recently, my mom's friend offered me a position as an Office Assistant at his auto body shop. The job would involve a variety of back-of-house tasks, such as pricing items, handling payments, customer service, payroll, administrative duties, social media management, and building vendor relationships. It’s a small shop with only one location, and the pay would be around $15-$16 an hour, full-time, with insurance. I plan to track everything I do in this role, just as I did in my previous job, including the number of people I help, scheduling, and training. I see this position as a stepping stone to gain real business experience, even though I don’t intend to stay there long-term. I’m willing to put in the effort and do a great job, but I’m also aware that I might need to leave after a year or two to pursue my true interests. I’m contemplating whether this Office Assistant role would be a good move for my career pivot. Should I take this opportunity to gain experience, or should I keep looking for something more aligned with my ultimate goals?

I received an email inviting me to interview for a position I applied for in another city, which I was really excited about after months of applying and facing dead ends. The interview is virtual and with a panel. They provided two time slots, and I quickly replied with my preferred time. However, it's been two days, and I haven't heard back from them. I'm currently working a 9-5 job that doesn't pay well, so I'm eager for this opportunity. I'm wondering if I should follow up now or wait until the interview date gets closer. I’ve heard mixed advice on this; some say to follow up right away, while others suggest being patient. I'm leaning towards sending a quick follow-up just to confirm they received my response.