Planning

I'm currently in a tough spot and need to move to a place with more job opportunities that don't require a degree. I had to drop out of college because the job market was so challenging, but I've become quite skilled at landing jobs. I'm looking for recommendations on states or cities where I can find a lot of work without a degree. It feels like my future depends on this decision. Some people suggested that large cities like NYC and California have many jobs, but the cost of living is really high. Others mentioned that while big cities might offer jobs, the pay for positions that don't require degrees often isn't enough to live on. I'm also considering trades or medical tech jobs that I could get certified for at a community college. I'm open to any suggestions, even unconventional ones like working on a fishing boat in Alaska for better pay.

I was fired from my job at a sleepaway camp two weeks ago, and I'm still waiting for my clothes to be returned. On laundry day, we would hand over our clothes, and they would be washed and returned two days later. Unfortunately, I was let go the day after laundry was collected, so my clothes were supposed to come back the next day. I was told my laundry would be mailed to my home, but after two weeks of waiting, I emailed them to check on the status and received no response. I'm about to move soon, so I need my clothes back. The reason for my termination was something that wasn't my fault, and I've been told I might have grounds for a wrongful termination claim, but I'm unsure if that would be effective. I'm also frustrated that they seem to be withholding my property. The camp is about a three-hour drive from where I live, so I'm contemplating whether I should just go there in person to retrieve my things.

I'm a 19-year-old university student currently back in my hometown for the summer, and I'm struggling to find my first job. I've never worked before, and I've been applying to various places on Indeed and company websites, but I haven't had any luck. Last week, I even went to some local restaurants and grocery stores in person, handed out my resume, and spoke with managers. I thought I had a good chance at one place after a formal handshake with a manager, but it didn't pan out. I've faced countless rejections for entry-level positions like cashier jobs and fast food roles. Since I lack formal work experience, I included my volunteer work on my resume, where I helped homeless families and spoke at a women's shelter in San Diego. I also listed my experience as an office assistant and teacher assistant in high school. My major is psychology, but I'm considering changing it since I don't want to be in school forever. My financial situation is dire; I have no money left from my FAFSA funds and need cash for gas, food, and car repairs. I'm open to remote work or online side hustles, but I really need guidance on navigating the job application process. I plan to apply for positions at my university when I return at the end of September, but I need immediate income. My family isn't being supportive, and I'm feeling overwhelmed.

I’m 25 and currently stuck in a manufacturing job, which I’m really trying to escape. I've been applying to various positions outside of manufacturing and HVAC, but it's proving to be quite challenging. A few months back, I applied for a role with the Department of Transportation but haven’t heard anything back, leaving me feeling a bit lost on what to do next. I’m not looking for a specific career path right now; I just want a job that I don’t dread going to every day. My ultimate goal is to explore something more creative, like music, acting, or animation, but I’m struggling to figure out how to get started in those fields. I don’t have any major responsibilities that motivate me to push through a tough job, and with the current housing market, saving for a house feels daunting. I’m just looking for something to keep the money flowing while I figure out my next steps.

I recently received a job offer and I'm feeling quite torn about whether to accept it or not. On one hand, the position aligns with my career goals and offers a decent salary. However, I'm also considering the company culture and work-life balance, which I haven't fully assessed yet. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has tips on how to weigh the pros and cons effectively before making a decision.

I recently learned that Monday.com is laying off about 20% of its workforce, which translates to roughly 630 employees. This decision is part of their shift towards an AI-first strategy, aiming to create a leaner organization while accelerating investment in their AI Work Platform. It's a tough situation, but they mentioned that this restructuring isn't just about cutting costs. Interestingly, despite the layoffs, Monday.com plans to continue hiring for strategic AI-focused roles, which might indicate a demand for specific skills in the software industry.

After spending way too much time applying for jobs, I realized that not every job posting is actually genuine. Some listings linger online for months, while others seem to collect resumes for future openings. I've even noticed that some companies post jobs publicly after already selecting an internal candidate. To avoid wasting my time tailoring my resume, I've started checking for specific signs before applying. 1. If a job posting is 30+ days old, I investigate further. Some companies continuously hire, but others just recycle old listings. 2. When I see the same job being reposted frequently with the same description, I question why it hasn't been filled yet. 3. Vague job descriptions raise a red flag for me. If the posting lacks clear responsibilities, tools, or qualifications, I proceed with caution. 4. I check the company's LinkedIn page for signs of active hiring, like recent hires or recruiter activity. An inactive page can indicate a ghost job. 5. If the salary and requirements don’t align—like an entry-level role demanding 8+ years of experience—I suspect the position may not be a real priority. 6. A high applicant count, especially if it’s an old posting with thousands of applicants, makes me reconsider my time investment. 7. I read recent employee reviews to see if there are mentions of hiring freezes or layoffs, which can provide valuable context. These signs aren't definitive proof of a ghost job, but they help me filter opportunities. I prefer to send 10 thoughtful applications rather than 100 to jobs that may never materialize.

I applied for a role at a large company last Monday and just discovered that a recruiter had been trying to reach me since this Monday to schedule a first-round interview. Unfortunately, their emails went straight to my spam folder, so I missed them. Now, when I try to access the booking link, it shows a "no times available" error. I reached out to the recruiter immediately to explain what happened, but I haven't heard back yet. I'm feeling anxious about whether I've missed my chance for this opportunity.

I recently received an offer from a new company, and my start date is set for August 17, 2026. I expect to receive the onboarding procedures soon, likely tomorrow. This gives me about 18 business days before I officially transition. I'm currently enjoying my role and have built great relationships with my colleagues at my current office, which makes this decision tough. I'm debating whether to inform my current employer about the new job offer now so they can start looking for a replacement or to wait until the onboarding and background check are completed. If I wait for the background check, I would have less than two weeks to give my notice.

I'm currently in a really tough spot, 5 months post-op from a major spine fusion surgery and completely unemployed with zero income. My emergency funds are exhausted, and I'm feeling lost and desperate for guidance. Last year, I was laid off from a job I held for 5 years, and while I quickly found another position, it turned out to be temporary. I filed for unemployment but received nothing for the weeks I claimed, and the Florida DEO has been a nightmare to deal with. In January, I got a text saying I was approved for benefits, but the website was undergoing renovations, and I only received a total of $175 in direct deposit. When I logged back in to claim my remaining weeks, the site was glitchy—there were no buttons to submit claims or any information available. I submitted my work searches consistently, but still received $0. My recovery from surgery has been challenging; I was heavily medicated and unable to drive or access reliable internet to address these issues. My doctor cleared me for light duty work, but my previous employer has ghosted me since my surgery. I live alone and have no support, which has made it even harder as I struggle to keep a roof over my head. I've been using my credit card to pay bills and have gone hungry, which isn’t ideal for my recovery. Thankfully, I found a food bank that I can visit occasionally with help from a neighbor. I missed responding to DEO during my recovery due to my medical condition and lack of internet access. Now, I'm financially destitute and stressed, which is affecting my recovery. I’m not familiar with unemployment processes, and I have some questions: 1. Can I appeal a determination if I missed the 20-day window due to my medical situation? 2. How do I request a medical exemption for the work search requirement retroactively? 3. Is there a specific contact for hardship cases, as the phone lines are impossible to navigate? Any advice on how to restart my claim or appeal the non-payment would be greatly appreciated. I'm located in Tampa, FL.

I had a tough conversation with my boss today that left me feeling frustrated and undervalued. He recently gave me a $200 raise, which I requested due to the increased responsibilities I took on after joining the company. Initially, he assured me that my role would only involve two specific tasks, but once I started, it became clear that I was expected to handle much more. I felt it was only fair to ask for a raise given the circumstances. However, during our meeting, he expressed regret over the raise and mentioned that my performance has not been satisfactory. This was shocking to me, especially since I’ve been trying my best to meet the demands of the job. He even warned me that if I don’t improve within two weeks, he might fire me. I’ve heard rumors about his greediness, and this interaction confirmed my suspicions. His attitude has changed significantly since I received the raise; he’s been rude and dismissive in our exchanges. To make matters worse, I’ve recently received a job offer that pays significantly better and requires less work. I’m seriously considering taking it and leaving this job behind. I don’t think I can put up with this kind of treatment any longer.

It's been nearly two years since I lost my job, and the impact has been devastating. I've faced significant challenges, including losing my home and struggling with my credit. The emotional toll has been heavy, as I've also lost my sense of joy and dignity. I'm actively searching for new opportunities, hoping to rebuild my life and regain what I've lost.

I recently graduated with a degree in anthropology, but I'm struggling to find any employment. It's been incredibly disheartening, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by my financial situation. My rent is sky-high, and despite applying to countless jobs, I haven't received any callbacks—even for minimum wage positions. I was fired from two jobs within a month, and neither provided any feedback, which has left me feeling like a failure compared to my successful family. I'm considering pivoting to nursing to gain a qualification that could lead to a stable job, but I'm worried about how I will manage financially while I go back to school. The thought of having to give up my cat, who is my only source of comfort, is devastating. I feel completely lost, and I don't have a support system or connections to help me find a job. I've spent hours tailoring my resume, but it feels like I'm just a lost cause. I'm reaching out in hopes that someone might have advice or know of any opportunities.

I was laid off on April 28th and initially felt very motivated to dive into my job search. For a couple of months, I was actively applying and had several interviews that seemed promising, but unfortunately, none of them resulted in offers. As July rolled around, my motivation started to dwindle. The heat of summer and the realization that many companies were on vacation made it even harder to stay focused. I try to keep my mornings productive by exercising and handling daily chores, but when the afternoon comes, I struggle to muster the energy to job hunt. I find myself distracted by a stack of fiction novels that are calling my name. I'm reaching out for tips on how to regain my motivation. I've heard suggestions like flipping my schedule to apply for jobs in the morning and then working out afterward, but I'm still finding it tough. Anyone else experiencing a similar slump?

I was recently laid off from my first IT job in hardware repair after about 8 months of working there. The company I was with faced a significant issue when our biggest customer put their operations on pause for 1-2 months, which left us without any work. Just last week, my hours were reduced, and now I've officially been laid off. My supervisor mentioned that we should look for new jobs and file for unemployment, but she also hinted that they might bring us back once the customer resumes business. I'm not sure if that's a genuine possibility or just something to say. I'm feeling lost and uncertain about what to do next. Should I start looking for another job immediately? I'm worried that it might be tough to find another position in IT, and I'm considering whether I should just take any job that comes my way. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor's degree and doing home labs to build my skills, but this is my first experience with being laid off, and I’m not sure how to navigate this situation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I begin the unemployment filing process.

I was recently laid off from my job as a cashier/customer service representative at a local store, a position I had only started in February. I genuinely enjoyed the role and was under the impression that the last few months were a training period, after which I would receive a pay raise from $15 an hour, as I had been told during the hiring process. The only feedback I received was that I was a bit slow at organizing books, but my performance as a cashier was never criticized. I had just moved into a new studio apartment, which cost more than my previous place since I no longer had a roommate. The management was aware of my move and even assisted me during the transition. However, one Tuesday morning, I was called into the office by my manager and laid off on the spot. They were vague about the reasons, suggesting it was due to the store's economic situation rather than my performance. I later learned that another employee had been laid off just weeks before me. A few weeks prior to my layoff, I had a particularly rough day at work when I accidentally emptied the register while giving change. My manager reacted harshly, and I ended up crying in the break room, only to overhear them speaking negatively about me. This was painful, especially since I had defended them to my friends and family, believing they cared about me. Despite taking on extra shifts and having my previous manager acknowledge my contributions, I now feel like I was just used to handle the store's busy season. Initially, I thought my layoff was due to unfortunate circumstances, but when I received the layoff letter, which cited attendance and performance issues, I was shocked and felt betrayed. I have evidence of my hard work and the conversations where my manager expressed gratitude for my extra efforts. Now, I find myself struggling financially and mentally. I managed to get some commissions to cover a month's rent, but I'm facing an upcoming rent payment of $875 and have been unable to find a new job. My last paycheck was unprofessional, lacking proper tax deductions, which complicates my ability to apply for food stamps since I need documentation from my former employer, who has been unresponsive to my requests. This past month and a half has been incredibly challenging. I feel isolated and overwhelmed, with no family support as they are dealing with their own financial issues. I've had to reach out to friends for help, which adds to my stress. I just want to find stability again and feel like I'm in a never-ending cycle of disappointment. I've applied to numerous jobs but have either received no responses or have been ghosted after initial contact. I’m terrified of losing my apartment and just want to regain my happiness and stability.

I was furloughed from my full-time remote Software Engineer position back in April and spent several months searching for a new job. Finally, I landed a W2 contract-to-hire position through a recruiter who is a family friend of my wife. The job is hybrid, requiring me to be onsite two days a week, and it’s located about half an hour from my home. The initial contract terms were quite unfavorable, including a clause that stated I wouldn't be paid for any time I billed if the client didn't pay, and another clause that would hold me liable for damages if I quit without giving a full two weeks' notice. After negotiating, those clauses were removed, and I signed the contract with an estimated start date of July 1st. However, July 1st came and went without any communication. I was informed that I couldn't start until they sent me the necessary equipment. I was given the option to drive an hour and a half to another city for my first day on July 8th, but I chose to wait for the equipment instead. Now, July 15th has passed, and still no equipment has arrived. This week began with no tracking number in sight, and now it’s July 21st, and I'm still waiting. I'm three weeks into this signed contract, which prohibits me from working elsewhere, yet I'm not being given any work to bill. I had to resign from my previous position to take this role and have arranged childcare multiple times only to cancel each time. At this point, I'm seriously considering whether I can just bail on this contract since they aren't holding up their end of the deal. I can't risk jeopardizing my unemployment benefits.

I have a final interview coming up for a position in Michigan, and if everything goes well, the start date will be several weeks out in August. I'm trying to figure out how a delayed start like this affects my unemployment certification. Should I indicate that I've accepted a job based on the date of the last interview, even though I haven't started working yet? Also, do I still need to continue my job searches in the weeks leading up to my start date? I'm really concerned about making sure I handle this correctly so that I can keep up with my bills.

I had an initial phone interview with an internal recruiter who seemed to appreciate my responses. This led to an in-person interview last Thursday with the department director and the VP. I sent a thank you email to the recruiter the next day, but they didn't provide any information about the decision timeline, and I forgot to ask. I'm currently employed, but this new role would significantly boost my salary and positively impact my family's financial situation. I'm feeling anxious about the outcome and debating whether to send a follow-up email tomorrow, one week after the interview, or wait until next Thursday for two weeks.

I left my job as a data analyst two years ago when I had my baby, and since then, I've been a stay-at-home mom. My husband works, so we don't really need my income, but I’ve felt unproductive and useless just staying at home. I’ve always worked, and it’s hard for me to adjust to relying on someone else financially, even if it's my husband. I started feeling anxious about the job market after hearing from old coworkers that it’s tough out there. My husband was supportive but also seemed to think I wouldn’t find anything, which made me even more anxious to prove him wrong. I didn’t want to jump back into a full-time office role right away, so I focused on remote positions. To be honest, I didn’t really job search seriously; I was quite picky and only applied to a few jobs. I sent my resume to some tech recruiters and joined a couple of talent networks, but I mostly relied on auto-submit features because I was too lazy to do it manually. Out of the blue, I got an interview request three days ago, and today I received an offer from Brigit in NYC. The catch? The position is hybrid, meaning I would have to go into the office. This has triggered a lot of anxiety for me because I’m not ready for that kind of transition, especially since I haven’t lost the baby weight and the thought of being back in an office is overwhelming. I haven’t accepted the offer yet. The pay is decent, but I really don’t want to work in an office environment. I’m torn about whether I should turn it down, especially with the job market being what it is. Am I crazy for considering this? What would you do?