Planning

I recently faced a tough decision at my job where I was presented with the option of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) that I was told I would likely fail, or a Mutual Separation Agreement (MSA). I chose the MSA because it seemed like the better option to avoid a negative mark on my record. The reasons for the PIP felt very subjective to me, especially since my manager tends to micromanage and doesn't communicate well, despite my efforts to improve my speaking skills through Toastmasters. I was assured that if anyone called for a reference, they would say positive things about me and my work ethic. However, I'm now questioning whether I can trust them to follow through on that promise, especially since they were prepared to put me on a PIP. I also learned from HR that if I apply for internal positions, they would disclose that my separation was performance-based, which adds to my concerns about my future prospects here. I genuinely like the company but feel out of place in this division. I'm left wondering if my chances of staying with the company are completely gone because of this situation.

I recently started a job through a temp agency at a factory, working in the maintenance department. I was upfront with the hiring manager about my recent rehab stay, and the first month was manageable despite the tough conditions. However, today my supervisor warned us that the next six weeks are going to be extremely demanding. He mentioned that I should expect to work weekends and 12-hour shifts, which means a lot of overtime. He also cautioned me that he might raise his voice or speak rudely due to the stress he’s under, and advised me not to take it personally. While I appreciate the honesty, I’m concerned that this kind of work environment wasn’t disclosed during the interview. Should I start looking for another job?

I recently put in my two weeks' notice at my job, but my manager has been piling on new tasks instead of easing my workload. Over the past few months, I had started using tools like Claude and AccioWork to streamline repetitive tasks, but every bit of time I saved just got filled with more work. This was actually one of the reasons I decided to leave. Now, my manager expects me to document everything, train others, take on new responsibilities, and still finish my existing work before my departure. I'm more than willing to do a proper handover, but it feels like they're trying to squeeze in as much work as possible before my last day.

I recently completed six interviews for various positions, but unfortunately, I've faced a few setbacks. One company politely rejected me but offered to keep my application on file. For the other interviews, I waited five business days to follow up, only to find out that the positions had already been filled. I've also received email rejections for the remaining roles I applied to. I'm starting to wonder if I'm waiting too long to follow up after interviews. Some people suggest reaching out after three days, but I worry that I might come off as desperate or annoy the hiring manager. I'm really eager to find a new role, especially since I left my last job due to a toxic management environment. Interestingly, that management team was replaced months later, so I reapplied, but I mistakenly waited two weeks to follow up and missed out on that opportunity as well. I've since applied for a different position at the same company, but I haven't received an interview invitation yet. I just want to ensure that I'm not waiting too long to follow up after interviews.

I left my job in October of last year to chase a long-held dream, but I've come to realize that it wasn't the right path for me. Now, I'm eager to return to the tech industry. I have four years of experience and I'm open to taking a pay cut to get back into Software Engineering (SWE) or Frontend Development Engineering (FDE) roles. Any guidance or assistance would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this transition.

I have been working casually at a local retail store for about four years, starting when I was in high school. Recently, after a new manager took over, my scheduling changed dramatically. Despite clearly communicating my unavailability for night shifts multiple times, I found myself scheduled for them anyway. Initially, I managed to get one daytime shift each weekend, but eventually, I was only offered night shifts. After submitting strict unavailability times, I didn’t receive any shifts for three months and had no communication from management during that time. Today, I received an email from management asking how I want my roster now that 'I’m back' and requesting a meeting. This left me confused because I didn’t go anywhere; I had set boundaries that were ignored. I feel it’s time to resign, but I’m unsure how to respond to their email without being overly polite or too harsh. I want to express my frustration about the lack of communication and the way my availability was disregarded, but I also want to keep it professional. I’m looking for advice on how to draft my resignation email.

I recently had an interview for a position that I really want, and they asked me to resend my resume with specific start and end months for my previous jobs. This is crucial because they mentioned that discrepancies could jeopardize my offer. The tricky part is that the jobs I need to detail were during the pandemic, when I was let go from my long-term position and moved around a bit. Plus, I had to open a new bank account since my previous bank closed all physical locations in my area. Now, I’m scrambling to remember the exact dates, and I really want to nail this second round of interviews with the floor manager. Any advice on how to quickly find those months would be greatly appreciated!

I'm currently in a tough spot as I have 42 days left until my last working day at my current job, where I gave a 90-day notice period. I'm feeling anxious because I don't have any job offers lined up yet. I've been actively searching and have gone through numerous interviews, but none have resulted in offers so far. Unfortunately, I can't share the reasons behind my resignation. I'm looking for advice on what my options might be at this stage. One suggestion I received was to focus on companies that can expedite their hiring process and to follow up with the hiring managers to see what they need to move forward.

I recently found out that my current job location is closing in two weeks, which has put me in a tough spot. Just before the announcement, I received a text from another location offering me the position of assistant manager, a significant promotion for me. I confirmed my interest, but the hiring manager mentioned she needed to check with her district manager before getting back to me. My current employer is requiring a decision from me by tomorrow, or I’ll be automatically terminated. I’m feeling anxious about whether it's too soon to reach out and ask if she has heard back from her DM regarding the new position. I really want to move forward, but I also need to give my current boss an answer. It's a stressful situation.

I am currently studying for a degree in oil and gas, as my area has a strong job market for it. However, I am looking for a part-time online job to help support my household and gain experience. I graduated from a high school focused on electronics and have a background in computer science. I also have skills in digital art, though my attempts to get commissions haven't been successful. I am familiar with various digital software and have developed strong patience and communication skills through my volunteer work at a non-profit organization for the past eight years. Despite my efforts to find a job locally, I've faced challenges due to nepotism and ineffective HR practices. While I'm not desperate, I am eager to contribute and improve my situation. I would appreciate any suggestions for online job opportunities that might suit my skills and background.

I recently graduated with a BA in data science last year, but without any internships during college, I've found it challenging to kickstart my career in data or related tech fields. While applying to various jobs, I came across a marketing internship and was fortunate enough to get an interview and receive an offer. I'm relieved to have found something, but I'm feeling conflicted about accepting it. The internship is for six months, and while I believe I would learn valuable skills, I'm concerned about where it would leave me afterward. The company mentioned that if I perform well, they would consider offering me a full-time role. However, I'm unsure if marketing is the right path for me long-term. If I decide that I want to return to pursuing data-related positions after the internship, I fear I might end up back at square one. I'm also contemplating enrolling in a data bootcamp if I choose not to take the offer and continue my job search in data. I'm seeking advice on whether a marketing internship would be beneficial for someone aiming for a career in data, and if the skills I acquire in marketing could lead to other roles, such as product management. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve been working at a large investment banking firm for nearly 4 years, focusing on corporate loans. Back in March, I was informed that I would be laid off on July 2nd, citing "efficiency reasons." The company publicly attributed this to the expansion of AI, but I suspect it’s really about offshoring jobs. As a temp conversion, my severance package is also significantly lower than expected. Socially, I’ve always struggled to adapt to the corporate environment, especially when it comes to networking, which has taken a toll on me over the years. Now, with my impending layoff, I’m finding it even harder to secure another job. Everyone else on my team has either been promoted, found jobs at other firms quickly, or landed internal positions, while I feel completely stuck. I’ve applied to over 300 jobs, both within and outside the financial sector, but I haven’t received a single callback or interview request. I’m feeling really lost in this job market and wondering if there’s something I’m missing that’s making me seem undesirable to potential employers.

I was recently laid off after nearly five years at my company, and now I'm in the process of updating my resume. I thought this would be straightforward since I’ve spent so much time in my role, but it’s proving to be surprisingly challenging. I can list my responsibilities like creating reports, managing projects, coordinating between teams, and troubleshooting issues. However, when I read it back, it sounds like just another generic resume filled with buzzwords like 'improved processes' and 'solved problems.' I know I made a significant impact at my company; colleagues often came to me for help when things got complicated, and my manager trusted me with important tasks. But now, trying to articulate my value to potential employers without sounding like corporate jargon is harder than I expected. I’m curious if others have faced this same struggle after being in one position for a long time. How did you determine what to emphasize on your resume? I’ve been advised to focus on specific accomplishments and quantify my contributions, but I’m still figuring out how to do that effectively.

I just read that Bungie is planning to lay off around 400 employees this summer. It's concerning news for those of us in the gaming industry, especially for anyone working there or looking to get in. I hope the source is reliable, but it seems to be causing some confusion among people who aren't familiar with the situation. I'm keeping an eye on this, as it could impact job opportunities in the sector.

I was part of the Luna Abyss development team, and today I received the unfortunate news that we were laid off by Kwalee. It was a tough moment for all of us, especially after putting so much effort into the project. I'm currently assessing my next steps and looking for new opportunities in game development.

I'm a 20-year-old undergraduate healthcare student entering my senior year at Stony Brook University in New York. I'm on the pre-physician assistant track and currently working as a part-time aide, but the hours are limited and the pay is minimum wage. I'm financially independent, which makes it tough since I have to cover all my expenses, and I'm also the first in my family to pursue a career in healthcare. I’m EMT certified and volunteer as a 911 EMT, which I love, but I can't afford to live on my current income from my part-time job. Recently, I faced unexpected car troubles that cost $1,200, which has pushed me to intensify my job search. I've been applying to hundreds of positions, but most of them require experience or certifications that I don't have. The job market is competitive, especially since many of my peers are also looking for healthcare-related jobs. I'm seeking advice on niche job opportunities or places to look for part-time work that would provide relevant experience in the healthcare field. I'm open to any suggestions, as I'm feeling quite desperate for a new job.

I recently faced a frustrating situation where I was removed from a job offer just one week before my joining date. I graduated in 2026 from a tier 2/3 college and had secured a campus offer from a service-based MNC. They had informed me about a six-month unpaid internship before onboarding in July. However, I received an email stating that they were withdrawing the offer due to the industry's rapid evolution influenced by AI. This left me in a tough spot, as I had not applied to other companies, relying solely on this offer. I feel lost and unsure about how to explain this to my family. It’s disheartening that they didn’t communicate any potential issues earlier during the internship, which would have allowed me to seek other opportunities. If anyone has any contacts, referrals, or openings, I would greatly appreciate your help.

I have an interview today for a part-time Student Franchise position at No Frills, and I’m feeling pretty nervous about it. This will be my first experience working in retail, so I’m unsure of what to expect during the interview. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has gone through a similar interview process and can share what kind of questions they typically ask. Also, I’m a bit clueless about what to wear; I’m considering jeans, a simple plain top (maybe a bodysuit), a cardigan, and sneakers. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I really need this job!

I've been on a tough job search for about a year now, facing constant rejections and even being ghosted after applying to numerous positions. I hold a Master’s degree in public administration and have three years of experience working in state government. My role involves data analysis with large datasets using Excel and Oracle databases, as well as negotiating contracts and managing the usual office tasks like emails and meetings. When I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, it was right before the pandemic hit, making it incredibly challenging to find a job, which led me to live with my parents for a while. I decided to take on more debt to pursue my master’s, thinking it would enhance my job prospects. I almost moved abroad to complete my degree but ultimately chose to stay and gain professional experience in my current position. Despite my efforts, I've been applying for jobs in both the public and private sectors, believing that my skills could translate well, but I keep facing rejection. Last year, I was so close to landing a new job but lost out to another candidate in the final interview round. My current salary barely covers my expenses, leaving me unable to save or pay off my debts, which is why I'm actively seeking new opportunities and even considering relocation. I can't help but wonder if my resume is the issue or if there's something else holding me back.

I recently reflected on my journey with networking, especially after making a significant career pivot from academia and research to tech. Networking has always been my least favorite piece of career advice because it often feels vague and self-explanatory. However, I've come to realize that every opportunity I've landed has stemmed from networking. My current role is a fully remote tech job at a massive company, earning around $250k a year, and I secured it after a year of unemployment and countless ignored applications. I had to approach networking differently since I was entering a field where I had no prior connections. Instead of attending traditional networking events, I focused on reaching out to individuals whose work resonated with my interests. I opted for cold emailing, but I made sure my messages were thoughtful and aimed at learning rather than just asking for jobs. While many emails went unanswered, a few individuals responded, which made all the difference. One pivotal email was to the director of an organization whose research aligned with mine. To my surprise, she responded, and we ended up collaborating, which led to a research fellowship offer. I’ve learned that effective networking isn't just about connecting with recruiters or hiring managers; it's about building relationships with people who can share valuable insights and introductions. I acknowledge my strong educational background helped, but I've found that genuine outreach and showing passion can resonate more than generic messages. Not everyone will respond, but that’s okay; you only need a few who see your potential beyond just a resume.