Planning

I've been applying for jobs recently and I'm starting to think my CV might be holding me back. I graduated from secondary school in the UK in 2022 and have had a mix of part-time work, volunteering, and studies since then. After finishing school, I worked part-time from May 2022 to February 2023 and then volunteered as a retail assistant from December 2022 to August 2023. After that, I focused on my A-levels until June 2024. Unfortunately, I had to take a break for health reasons until June 2025, during which time I also had some caring responsibilities. I worked in retail again from June to November 2025 but had to leave due to those responsibilities at home. Since then, I've volunteered at a hospital and have been actively looking for work since November 2025. Currently, I'm also studying part-time through distance learning. I'm really unsure about how to present my employment gaps on my CV. Should I mention my health issues and caring responsibilities, or would it be better to save those details for interviews? I'm also wondering if I should focus more on my recent volunteering and part-time studies rather than detailing every gap. Any advice on how to structure my CV to make it more appealing to recruiters would be greatly appreciated.

I have a big day coming up on Tuesday with back-to-back Zoom interviews for two senior leadership roles in completely different cities, and I’m feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. It's been about seven months since I was laid off from my previous senior role, and while I took an internal position that pays well and has a great team, I'm not fulfilled. I’m looking to relocate closer to family and find a role that I truly enjoy. On Tuesday, I’ll be interviewing for: - **Role 1:** A senior leadership position in Mountain City (Knoxville) with a 4-person panel. - **Role 2:** Another senior leadership role in Beach City with a 2-person panel. I’ve done senior-level panels before, so I’m familiar with the process, but the stakes feel higher this time, and I really want to land one of these positions. I’m particularly concerned about mental fatigue between the interviews and accidentally mixing up details between the two roles. I’m reaching out for advice on how to reset my mindset between the interviews, manage the different panel sizes, and cope with the pressure of wanting the job. Any tips or strategies for staying focused and confident would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently seeking a job as an architect. I have over 5 years of experience and hold a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree. I am based in Chandigarh and am eager to find new opportunities in my field.

I recently turned 17 and just graduated high school, but I'm struggling to find a job due to my location. I live on an island with limited ferry services, which makes commuting really difficult. I applied for a job that fit perfectly with my schedule, but they rejected my application because I couldn't offer flexible hours. The last ferry leaves at 6 PM, and there are no buses on Sundays, so my options are extremely limited. I had planned to take a gap year to work and save money to move out, especially since I live in a very emotionally abusive household. A close friend and I even had plans to share a flat, but without a job, I can't contribute to that. I'm feeling trapped and anxious, spending most of my days in bed, which only makes things worse. I've been searching on LinkedIn and Facebook for job opportunities, but nothing seems to be available that fits my schedule. I even started selling some items on Vinted to make a little extra cash, but it's not a reliable source of income. I have a small amount saved up for rent, but I'm facing challenges finding a place since I'm only 17 and don't have a job to prove I'm a responsible tenant. I'm really looking for any advice or suggestions on how to move forward.

I am currently seeking a job where I can work without facing judgment or scrutiny. I believe that a supportive and understanding work environment is crucial for productivity and personal growth. If anyone has suggestions or leads on companies that prioritize a positive workplace culture, I would greatly appreciate it.

I recently applied for a position as a Dental Lab Data Entry and Digital Case Intake Specialist at Sagan Recruitment. After submitting my application, I was shortlisted and asked to create an introductory video, followed by an AI interview. While filling out the application on LinkedIn, I encountered several questions about the role, which I answered to the best of my ability. I received an email confirming that I have been shortlisted for the position, which offers a salary between $1000-$1500 per month. I checked their website and LinkedIn profile, and they seem legitimate. I'm considering whether I should proceed with the next steps in the hiring process.

I'm currently seeking a remote part-time tech role while I wait for my student visa approval. I have over two years of experience as a software engineer, specializing in React, Next.js, TypeScript, and GCP. I also have a published AI research paper, which I hope will strengthen my applications. I've been accepted into a Master's program in AI at Dublin Business School starting in September 2026, and I submitted my visa application on May 20th, with an expected decision by mid-August. My goal is to find a remote part-time development job (15-20 hours per week at €20+/hr) that I can start from India and continue once I move to Dublin. If my visa is approved, I'll be ready to transition smoothly into my new role. If it's rejected, I can still work remotely for an Irish company from India, allowing me to save money and reapply later. I have a few questions for anyone who might have insights: 1. What specific job titles should I look for? Would terms like "student developer" or "part-time software engineer" be effective? 2. Are Irish companies generally open to hiring someone remotely from India, especially if I communicate my plan to relocate in a few months? 3. Should I disclose my visa situation in my applications, or is it better to focus on my availability and discuss it later? I appreciate any advice or strategies you can share. Thank you!

I'm currently a 25-year-old Technical Program Manager with three years of experience at a Fortune 25 company. Despite receiving strong performance reviews and being on a fast track toward management, I've decided to leave my current role for personal reasons, primarily to relocate to NYC. I'm particularly interested in startups or companies with a startup-like culture where I can have more ownership and move faster. I've been job hunting for about four months now. Early on, I made it to the final rounds with two companies. One rejected me because my experience didn't align with their needs, while the other was preparing an offer but had to freeze hiring before it could go through. Since then, I've had no luck. I've revised my resume multiple times, stayed active on LinkedIn, applied quickly to new roles, reached out to recruiters, and connected with alumni from my school. Despite all this effort, I'm barely getting responses and can't even secure a 15-minute networking call. I realize the job market is tough, but I know people are still getting hired. I need to improve my approach. I have about three months before I need to move to NYC and would ideally like to have a job offer by then. I'm seeking honest feedback on what has worked for others, mistakes I might be making, and any obvious inefficiencies in my job search strategy.

I recently got laid off after 1.5 years of experience in C++. It's been tough as I haven't received any interview calls for the past two months, even though I'm open to accepting a lower salary just to get back into the workforce. I'm feeling a bit lost and would appreciate any suggestions on how to improve my job search. I read a comment from someone who got laid off last June and found a temporary job in August that has been extended twice. They mentioned that using job boards specifically for temp or contract positions might be less competitive, so I might give that a try.

I was laid off from my job in November 2025 and filed for unemployment benefits shortly after. According to the base period chart, my benefits are based on my earnings from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. I'm currently navigating the complexities of unemployment claims. After my initial claim runs out, I took a new job in December 2025 and worked there until April 2026. Now, I'm trying to understand if I can file a new claim after losing that job. The chart indicates that if I file between July 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026, my new claim would be based on earnings from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. I'm unsure if I can reopen my previous claim or if I need to start a new one since this situation involves a different employer and a separate time period. I appreciate any insights on how this works.

After over 12 years of solid performance reviews, I found myself laid off, and it's been 1.5 years since that moment. Now, at 50+, I'm pursuing my MS at Georgia Tech, having completed two semesters. This was something I had always wanted to do, but my previous job never allowed the time. I'm also in the process of starting my own business focused on AI-proof solutions, which I truly believe exists. It's been a journey of learning and exploration, with plenty of time to focus on my health, pursue hobbies, and travel to incredible places like Death Valley, Zion, Bryce, Spain, and England. Most importantly, I'm cherishing time with family and friends whenever they can fit me in. Here’s to new horizons!

I was laid off on Friday from a job I had been with for nearly 5 years. I started as a customer service representative in August 2021 and worked my way up to a team lead position by April 2024. The news hit me hard, and I'm feeling a mix of shock and sadness about having to start over. Due to a seizure disorder, I'm limited to work-from-home opportunities, which makes the job search feel even more challenging. I'm trying to stay positive and keep my mind occupied, but it's been tough.

I'm currently in a tough spot at my job as a contracts administrator in the entertainment industry. I've been with the company for nearly a decade, and it feels like I'm facing a slow decline. A few months ago, I was informed that my role would be transitioning to a more paralegal position, which is a pay grade lower than what I'm currently at. They assured me that this wasn't a prelude to layoffs, but it didn't sit well with me. I started casually applying for other jobs just in case. Recently, I learned that all licensing work is being moved to another department, and while I was told I would still be supporting attorneys, there hasn't been any clarity on what that would entail. Last week, during a meeting, an attorney let slip that our department head instructed them not to assign us any new projects due to our high workload. This has left me feeling pretty hopeless. I genuinely like my job and the people I work with, and I've always received positive reviews. However, the lack of upward mobility and the current job market make me feel anxious about my future. Thankfully, I have enough savings to get by for a while, but I really don’t want to be unemployed. The thought of having to switch to a boring industry and wear a suit again is daunting. I'm going to keep applying elsewhere, but it's hard not to feel overwhelmed.

I recently found myself feeling quite unhappy with my current situation, and I wanted to reflect on it. I graduated with a degree in International Relations, and my initial dream was to pursue a PhD in the field. However, I faced a lot of discouragement along the way, which pushed me to start applying for jobs instead. I’ve been working at my dad's bakery, which I appreciate, especially since they recently increased my salary due to some tension between my dad and senior management. But honestly, I never wanted to build a career in a bakery. I feel trapped and disconnected from my qualifications and interests. During my time at university, I interned with the UN, which fueled my passion for international relations and global affairs. Since then, I’ve been applying for roles that align more with my background, including positions in the UK government. I’ve had a few interviews, but nothing has panned out yet. Now, I’ve been moved into a new role at the bakery, working with someone I find quite difficult, and every day I feel like I’m drifting further from the career I envisioned for myself. I do have an upcoming Civil Service interview for a role that seems much more suited to my qualifications, but I can’t shake the feeling of disappointment about not pursuing my PhD. Whenever I express my unhappiness, it creates tension with my family because they see my job as stable and well-paying. I feel guilty for wanting to leave this secure position for something that truly aligns with my education and interests. Is it unreasonable for me to keep striving for a career that reflects my passions?

I recently faced a challenging situation at my job in clinical trials, where I was terminated due to false claims made by colleagues regarding my understanding of medical terms, despite holding a foreign medical degree. The work environment had become increasingly toxic, and I had been contemplating resignation even before the termination occurred. During my two-week notice period, I was unable to secure another job, so I decided to resign on the same day I was informed of the impending termination. The company administrator accepted my resignation, but my direct manager pressured me into signing the termination letter right before the boss acknowledged my resignation. Now, I'm concerned about how to explain this situation in future job interviews, particularly regarding the circumstances of my resignation and termination. I'm also unsure how to handle job applications that require contact information for my former manager, as I have a coworker who was a friend but not my direct supervisor. Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated.

I've been unemployed for almost a year now, and it's really starting to take a toll on me. I'm 22 years old and graduated from university last year, but despite my efforts, I've only managed to secure three interviews in this time. I've applied for internships, apprenticeships, and both part-time and full-time jobs, even those outside my ideal career path, but nothing seems to work out. The constant rejection is demotivating, and I feel lost about what to do next. To keep myself occupied, I've been reading, studying new subjects, and even learning a language, but the pressure of feeling like I'm falling behind is overwhelming. I've made sure to constantly update my CV for each application and have reached out to various companies directly, but still no luck. I'm open to any advice on how to improve my situation or new strategies I can try. I've heard suggestions about volunteering or taking on part-time work to gain experience, which I might consider. I'm also thinking about broadening my job search to include positions that may not align perfectly with my degree. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently pursuing a business analyst diploma from MIT and I'm eager to find an internship in that field. I've reached out to various companies and applied to numerous positions, but unfortunately, I haven't had any success so far. If anyone has suggestions for companies or firms that might be hiring interns, I would greatly appreciate your help. I'm really motivated to kickstart my career in business analysis!

I started a new corporate job less than two weeks ago, and I'm already facing some challenges with my boss's behavior. During the interview process, I was excited about the supportive environment everyone talked about, especially my boss, who emphasized that I could contribute as much or as little as I wanted while I learned the ropes. Initially, it seemed true, but things have taken a turn. In my first week, my boss assigned me a project and asked me to reach out to him and a coworker for the necessary information. I did that promptly, and he responded positively. However, I was later added to a meeting about a significant initiative with only five minutes' notice, where I was told to just listen. After the meeting, my boss questioned why I didn't contribute, even though I had no context or background on the project. It felt odd and a bit unfair, given that I was there to learn. As the week progressed, my boss seemed to become more stressed, especially after a reprimand from his supervisor regarding our hybrid work situation. He asked me to come into the office on a day I was supposed to work remotely to 'prove' we were together, which felt inconvenient and unnecessary. The main issue arose when my boss pressed me for updates on the project, despite me still waiting for responses to my earlier requests for information. When I mentioned this, he became condescending and expressed doubts about my ability to do the job. This was surprising since I was still waiting for guidance, and I felt like he had shifted from being accommodating to critical very quickly. Eventually, he responded to my week-old email with the information I needed but made a comment about feeling like he was 'pulling teeth' to get updates. He also copied a coworker on this email, which felt disrespectful and embarrassing. I managed to complete a significant part of the project quickly once I received the materials, even though I felt discouraged by our earlier interactions. I'm looking for advice on how to address this situation with him in person this week. I want to set clear boundaries early on, as I don't appreciate the way he communicated with me, especially with a coworker involved. I believe I shouldn't feel discouraged this early in my job, and I need to discuss the feedback style he's using, which doesn't work well for me.

I recently faced a frustrating situation regarding my unemployment benefits in Tennessee. I worked at an office job from September 2025 until May 2026, and I thought my earnings from 2026 would help my eligibility. However, I learned that Tennessee uses the most recent five quarters to determine monetary eligibility, but they only consider the first four of those quarters for the base period. When I received my monetary eligibility letter, it only reflected my earnings from 2025, and unfortunately, the third quarter of 2025 did not meet the necessary threshold. I decided to appeal the decision and submitted my 2025 W2 as requested. After ten days, I was disappointed to find out that my appeal was denied, and they affirmed the previous result. It seems my earnings from 2026 won't count at all in this situation. I'm feeling stuck and unsure of what steps to take next, especially since I was advised that I need to reapply when the new quarter begins on July 5th. It's been quite a learning experience, but I wish I had known more about the eligibility criteria earlier.

I was laid off just 23 days after joining Meta as a software engineer in their Reality Labs division in London. It was a rollercoaster experience; after preparing for a year and failing a system design interview with them last June, I was surprised when they reached out in December for another opportunity. I managed to crack the interview and started on April 27. However, just a few weeks later, on May 20, I was let go. I couldn't even complete my first month, and now I'm feeling completely lost. With 13 years of experience in a niche area of AOSP, I find that job opportunities are scarce, and I lack the motivation to dive back into coding or even prepare for interviews. The thought of my uncertain future weighs heavily on me, and I feel like I have no skills or interests that I can monetize. I'm reaching out for guidance from anyone who has been in a similar situation.