Planning

I am currently applying for a part-time position as a customer service associate at a thrift shop. The application requires me to provide three references who are not related to me, which is proving to be quite a challenge. I recently moved and don’t have any friends or neighbors to ask, and I lost contact with my previous employer. I feel stuck because I really want this job, but I don’t know who to list as references. I've even tried reaching out on forums for help, but my posts keep getting removed. I'm considering asking old teachers or family friends for help, but I'm not sure if that will be enough. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated.

I started receiving unemployment benefits in early April and recently landed a part-time contracting job through a friend. It's a flexible gig where I work about 10-15 hours a week at $100 per hour. I'm trying to figure out the best way to manage my unemployment claim while working. Should I continue filing claims even if I won't receive benefits for the weeks I earn too much, or is it better to pause my claim? I thought about stopping my claim temporarily, but I realized there might not be a way to do that. My understanding is that I won't lose the total amount I'm eligible for, but I'm concerned about the number of weeks I can claim. I also wonder if I can skip filing for a week when I earn too much. Last time I tried to skip a week because I was on vacation, the system wouldn't let me file for subsequent weeks without certifying for the week I missed. I appreciate any advice on how to navigate this situation.

I recently learned from a current employee at HNI that the company is planning to cut 50% of its workforce. While there is one area that will be excluded from these layoffs, this news has prompted me to take action. I’m updating my resume and starting to look for a backup plan to ensure I'm not caught off guard. If you're working there, I highly recommend you do the same and start preparing for potential job searching.

I’ve been on the job hunt lately, and it feels like I'm searching for a unicorn. I'm currently on dialysis four days a week from about 2 PM to 5 or 6 PM, which limits my ability to work full-time. I have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts, which isn't exactly the most marketable degree, and my work experience is mostly in part-time food service and tutoring kids. I'm specifically looking for an entry-level, part-time job that requires minimal experience and offers training, ideally in a field that won't be automated or outsourced. However, from what I've seen, these types of positions are hard to come by. It seems like many employers want candidates who check every box, which makes it even more challenging for someone like me.

I'm currently facing a tough decision about whether to stay at my job or leave after returning from a three-month medical leave. I've been with my company, a Fortune 100 firm, for about two years now, and on paper, it seems like a great position: remote work, good pay, excellent benefits, and a sense of stability. However, I've been feeling guilty about wanting to leave, especially given how fortunate I am. My medical leave was largely due to the negative impact my job had on my mental health. The changes in management, lack of training and support, and a shift in the company culture have made it increasingly difficult for me. The environment feels like an 'old boys club,' and I don't see myself thriving there long-term. I've tried to make things work by applying for internal positions and discussing my desire to transfer teams, but nothing has panned out. Now, I'm in the final stages of interviews with a couple of external companies, and I'm being selective because I want to ensure my next role is a better fit. As I prepare to return from my leave, I'm torn between wanting to give my two weeks' notice right away and waiting until I have a signed offer. I feel guilty for even considering leaving such a stable job, but I know it hasn't been good for my well-being. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has been in a similar situation: Did you resign immediately after returning from medical leave? Did you wait for an offer? Was it awkward knowing you were planning to leave? Did you struggle with feelings of being ungrateful for leaving a good job? Looking back, are you glad you made the leap?

I’ve been reflecting on the challenges faced by individuals who have recently been laid off, especially with the rising number of layoffs in India. I’m considering developing a side project aimed at providing support to those in this situation. While there is a wealth of information available online about resumes, job applications, and interview preparation, I believe the real issue lies in the immediate aftermath of losing a job. Many people may feel lost and overwhelmed, unsure of what steps to take next while grappling with anxiety, financial stress, and a sudden lack of routine. I envision creating a structured plan that guides individuals through their first week after a layoff, detailing specific tasks for each day, such as checking their financial situation, organizing documents, updating their CV, identifying job targets, reaching out to their network, and applying for jobs. Additionally, I think incorporating emotional support, like daily check-ins and advice on managing isolation, could be beneficial. My goal is not to replace professional therapists or career coaches but to offer a supportive companion that helps people navigate this challenging period. I’m considering starting small, perhaps offering my services for free to a handful of individuals to gauge interest and usefulness before expanding further. I’m genuinely seeking feedback from those who have experienced layoffs or significant career transitions. What was the hardest part for you right after losing your job? Did you struggle more with knowing what to do or with taking action? Would a structured plan have been helpful? Would emotional support alongside career guidance have made a difference? I’m eager to hear your thoughts and whether you think a resource like this would be valuable.

I was laid off about a month ago and jumped into job hunting right away, applying to nearly every position within an hour's commute in my mid-sized city. Fortunately, I secured a full-time role pretty quickly, though it was contract-to-hire and didn't pay very well. Still, it was in my field of study, with a reputable company, and I thought I could manage the long commute. However, not long into this new job, I received a callback for a position I had interviewed for earlier. This new opportunity offers a much shorter commute, a significant pay increase of around $20k per year, and is permanent. It's also in a field I'm passionate about and comes with more responsibilities. It's with a non-profit organization, which raises some concerns about stability and advancement, but I got some reassurances from the department leader. After two days of careful consideration and discussions with family and friends who have experience in similar roles, I decided to accept the new offer. I’m waiting to officially resign until I pass the background check and receive a firm offer, which my future employer has agreed to. I feel guilty about leaving my current role so soon, especially since I like the team and find the work engaging. I worry that I might be burning bridges with this big company and that I won’t be in a position to ask for a promotion later on. However, I really feel like I couldn't let this new opportunity slip away. I hope I'm making the right choice.

I'm currently job searching and considering applying for an entry-level position as a claims processor at a bank. My background is as a teacher's aide, and I don't have a degree, but I'm eager to transition into a completely different field. I have about 7 months of clerical experience from a previous job at a pediatric office. I'm looking for an office job that doesn't involve being a receptionist or constantly interacting with the public, as I'm really looking for a quieter environment. I'm particularly interested in backend office roles focused on clerical work like data entry or operations at banks, medical offices, or insurance companies. Given my experience, I'm wondering if claims processing would be a good fit for me or if the environment might be too fast-paced or stressful. I'm open to any honest feedback on whether this role is worth applying for.

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at my job in a mega corporation within the building controls sector. I was on a temporary assignment to help another part of the company when I learned that I was being let go due to poor sales in my area. This news came during a Teams meeting with HR and my manager, who encouraged me to apply for a position in the department I was assisting. I did so, but since the transition, I haven't received any pay for a month. Initially, I wasn't too worried after missing the first paycheck, thinking delays happen. However, as the weeks went by and I continued to miss payments, I started to reach out to various HR contacts for help. The process for tracking hours changed from an online system to a simple Excel spreadsheet emailed to my new manager, which added to the confusion. I drive five hours each week to my job site, and while the company covers my hotel and meals, the whole situation has become stressful. My expenses are still being routed through my former manager, leading to late approvals and fees that I have to cover. I feel like I'm living off my savings with no clear resolution in sight, and it's causing me significant anxiety. I'm scheduled to work at another client site next week, but I'm seriously considering not going until this payment issue is resolved. I've been advised to contact the state department of labor and to be more assertive with HR, but it's disheartening that no one seems to take responsibility for fixing this mess. I’m at a crossroads, unsure if I should continue working under these circumstances.

I was laid off from my role in Film Curation back in 2021, and looking back, it seems like it was the market finally adjusting itself. After the layoff, I went through the typical post-layoff process: updating my LinkedIn, rewriting my resume, and trying to craft a coherent ‘career narrative.’ I applied to various jobs, often facing questions from younger HR representatives about where I see myself in five years. Eventually, I took a step back and evaluated my finances. I realized that my trailer was paid off, my expenses were minimal, and I had enough savings to consider not needing a job anymore. So, I decided to stop looking for work altogether. It's now been over five years. During this time, I invested around $280k into Treasuries, which, along with my low burn rate, covers my basic needs like food, utilities, and internet. My lifestyle isn’t about adventure or building a brand; I simply wake up, make coffee, check the yields, play games, and read online. I’ve come to view employment as a forced obligation filled with endless emails and meetings, often about things that seem trivial. Initially, being out of the workforce felt like falling out of society, but over time, I’ve come to see it as a kind of freedom. While I wouldn’t recommend getting laid off as a strategy for financial stability, five years later, I’m still not convinced I should have fought harder to return to the workforce.

I have been unemployed for the past 8 months due to family issues, including several hospital visits. This extended break from the workforce has left me feeling uncertain about how to approach my job search. I’m contemplating whether I should settle for a lower salary to get back into the job market or if I should still aim for a pay increase based on my previous experience. It’s tough to gauge my bargaining power right now, especially after such a long time away from work.

I applied for a part-time job yesterday morning and was pleasantly surprised to receive an email just a few hours later allowing me to schedule an interview. I wasn't expecting such a quick response, and it made me wonder if this is a good sign about my application. Some people have mentioned that it could indicate the company is desperate for hires, but I'm just excited to have this opportunity. I'm preparing for the interview and hoping for the best!

I was recently let go from my contract job at a factory through Aerotek. I received a call yesterday informing me that my contract was terminated effective immediately. The reason given was that my supervisor felt I needed to be "pushed to work," which I found surprising because I had been putting in a lot of effort. From day one, I knew my supervisor wasn't keen on training new people, and I often felt like I was walking on eggshells around him. He was unapproachable and didn't offer any guidance on the 15 machines I was responsible for. I always completed tasks quickly and correctly, taking pride in my work ethic. In fact, I had never been fired or received negative feedback before this. My supervisor never engaged in any kind of conversation and seemed to have a very negative demeanor. I was honestly relieved to be rid of that toxic environment, but now I face the challenge of finding a new job without any immediate income. I'm unsure if I want to go through Aerotek again, especially after the negative feedback they received about me. Interestingly, another person started on the same day as me and I had even trained him on some tasks, yet I was the one let go. Fortunately, he works second shift and doesn't have to deal with that difficult supervisor. On a brighter note, my birthday is tomorrow! I'm planning to enjoy the weekend with my fiancée and son and will start fresh on Monday.

I’ve been dealing with a tough situation regarding my unemployment benefits. For the past four weeks, I’ve been inaccurately reporting my job search activities, and now I've been randomly audited. I need to submit my information in just a few days, and I’m feeling overwhelmed. To summarize, I received about $1.2k in benefits, but I messed up the dates on my job applications. For instance, I reported applying for a job on the 25th when I actually submitted it on the 31st. I have genuinely been looking for jobs daily, but I didn’t apply to as many as I claimed, and there are even some jobs I said I applied for that I never did. I didn’t realize that just searching for jobs counted as a work search activity, so I made up dates to fill in the blanks. Now, with the audit coming up, I’m terrified. They will reach out to some of the employers I listed to verify my claims. I’m only 24 and have never faced anything like this before. I’m really worried about the potential consequences, including being taken to court or having this on my criminal record. I’m just looking for advice or clarification on what might happen next. It’s been a stressful time, especially since I’m also a caregiver for my dad, and things have been slipping through the cracks. I regret my actions and just want to figure out how to handle this situation.

I have been working at Amazon for 10 years, starting as an L1 Fulfillment Center associate and currently holding the position of L4 Program Manager. Despite my long tenure, I haven't received good job offers in the last 7 years. Most of my colleagues who left Amazon ended up at unknown startups or married into wealth, while many of us feel stuck here. I'm looking for options as a non-tech professional and genuinely want to move on. Additionally, I’ve noticed that Indian companies don’t match US equity compensation, so a 30% salary hike here effectively feels like a 0% increase. My current total compensation is 10.2 LPA plus 4 shares a year, and I graduated from a Tier 3 government college with an HR degree in Bangalore.

I had a job interview on Friday for a position as a stock clerk, and I can't shake off the anxiety. I really need this job and felt that I did well during the interview. I talked about myself and my experiences, and they mentioned they need someone for the grocery store. However, I'm struggling to stay calm while waiting for their response, which I expect on Monday. One thing that’s bothering me is that when I was leaving, they said "await contact," while other candidates were told "good luck." I'm wondering if that means anything. Am I being too anxious for no reason?

I was recently approached by a senior leader at my company about an internal strategic role that would require relocating to a different part of the country. I didn’t apply for this position; the leader reached out informally and asked if I would consider it. He mentioned that the role comes with higher compensation and that relocation costs would be covered, but we haven't discussed specific numbers yet. I was surprised to be considered for this role since a few years ago, I applied for a different position in that region and wasn’t selected due to my lack of direct experience. The leader explained that he was reaching out to people he knows and trusts, which is why he approached me. While the opportunity sounds interesting and could be a significant career move, I really don’t want to relocate. My spouse and I have established our lives here, with both of us having careers and family nearby. We don’t have children, so relocating is technically possible, but it’s not something we’ve been considering. I also lack established customer relationships and knowledge of the market in the new region, which makes me even more curious about why I was approached. I told the leader I would think about it and get back to him. Now, I'm considering expressing my interest in learning more about the role while also mentioning that permanent relocation would be quite difficult for me. I’m thinking of asking if there’s any flexibility around the location before diving into compensation and other details. For anyone who has faced a similar situation, how did you handle it? Would you continue the conversation even if you’re leaning towards not relocating?

This week, I was informed that I would no longer be working as a School Resource Officer (SRO) after three years in the role, due to a complaint from a staff member. I've been in this field for a decade and understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. Last week, a 17-year-old female student came into my office upset, which is not unusual as students often seek me out for support. My office door was open, and I was having a casual conversation with her and another student. However, a staff member saw them in my office and reported it, raising concerns about potential grooming, which I found absurd. I assured my superiors that there was no inappropriate behavior, and they acknowledged my positive impact on the department. Despite this, I was given the choice to resign or move to road patrol, neither of which I want to do. I feel wronged as no laws or ethical guidelines were violated. The school administration has expressed their support and is willing to advocate for me, but I am struggling to process this situation. I've started applying for new jobs and discussing this with my family and colleagues, but it's been incredibly challenging emotionally. I just want to do right by the students and staff I care about.

I graduated four months ago with a degree in forensic science and a minor in biology, and I'm feeling lost about my career path. Despite applying to over 100 jobs in the DMV area, I've faced constant rejection, being ghosted, or told I lack the necessary experience. I've completed two internships with the police at the state department level, yet I still can't seem to land a job. I've applied not only for lab positions but also for various administrative roles and any openings within police departments or government agencies. Currently, I work part-time, getting only about seven hours a week, which isn't enough to support myself. I can't afford grad school, and living at home is taking a toll on my mental health. I worked hard in college, achieving a 3.8 GPA and being involved in several honor societies, so it's disheartening to feel like my efforts are going to waste. I'm trying to stay hopeful and expand my job search within the criminal justice field, but I'm starting to feel regret about my degree. What should I do next?

I recently joined Capital One about seven months ago and initially received a Strong rating during my mid-year review. However, I had a performance check meeting with my manager and their manager, where they brought up some errors and missed preparation expectations from the last few months. I'm taking their feedback seriously and am actively working on preparing my tasks earlier and improving my accuracy. They didn't explicitly mention that I was on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), but with the year-end calibration approaching, I'm feeling anxious about how much time I have left to show improvement. I'm wondering if anyone else has faced a similar situation and how they clarified whether it was just coaching or if it indicated a formal performance concern. Also, would it be wise to start preparing for other interviews while I work on improving my performance?