Planning

I recently quit my job after just three days. I had left my previous position in May due to a toxic work environment and spent two grueling months searching for a new role. In July, I finally accepted an offer as a Brand Manager, which came with a better title and pay, and I rejected two other offers to take it. However, I severely underestimated the commute, which turned out to be four hours daily. The company had a strict biometric system for clocking in and out, and even for a short 30-minute lunch break, there was no flexibility regarding work hours or the option to work from home. On my second day, I witnessed a mass exodus of employees, and the way the founders spoke to the remaining staff made it clear there were serious culture issues. I experienced constant demeaning remarks directed at new hires, which explained why so many people were leaving. By day three, I was feeling unwell, and I thought it was just anxiety from making such a big mistake. However, I discovered I had a fever of 103 degrees and the company had a policy of no leaves for the first three months. I was still running a fever at 101, feeling terrible, and terrified of having to re-enter the job market so soon after being congratulated on LinkedIn for this new position. I really started to question my decision and what I had gotten myself into.

I've been feeling really lost lately with my job situation. I'm a 30-year-old woman who moved in with my aunt and uncle in March to save money since I had no savings and was dealing with some tough personal issues over the past decade. Since moving in, I've had five different jobs and somehow ended up $1,200 in credit card debt, even though my relatives are letting me stay rent-free. I started working at an assisted living facility for $17/hr last month and just took on a second job at a gas station for $14/hr. I've quit two jobs and was fired from one, which was a serving position that I apparently wasn't good at. My indecisiveness is really getting to me; one day I love my gas station job, and the next, I feel like walking out after a tough interaction with my trainer. She yelled at me for messing up a lottery transaction, and it made me feel really incompetent. I got a call about a budtender position for $16/hr today, and I'm seriously considering quitting the gas station for that. Plus, I'm also interested in starting an electrician apprenticeship. It's all so overwhelming, and I know my aunt and uncle are getting frustrated with my constant job changes. I just want to find stability and save money—I've done it before, but I feel like I'm wasting my chances now. I'm reaching out for some advice or empathy because I feel pretty powerless and horrible about myself right now. Has anyone else gone through something similar and managed to turn it around?

I've been reflecting on the job market and how job hopping seems to be becoming the norm. At my current job, there are so many red flags that I've started to question my loyalty. I've been here for a year and a half, and I've seen numerous colleagues leave for supposedly better opportunities. Recently, three people were let go, which adds to the negativity and unhappiness in the workplace. Despite my efforts to stay positive and engaged, I often find myself wondering if it's worth it to stick around. I've recently had a couple of job interviews that went really well. Both positions promise at least a 12% salary increase, along with hybrid scheduling and more work flexibility. One of them even seems to offer significant career growth, so I'm really hoping to land an offer. While I do feel comfortable at my current job and appreciate some of my coworkers, I can't shake the feeling that leaving might be the better option for my future. I'm looking for a company where I can stay long-term, but I'm curious if others are experiencing similar situations. Are you all job hopping? What are your reasons for leaving?

I recently completed an assessment for an office assistant position that I was really excited about, but I found the screening process quite frustrating. The e-skills test felt disconnected from the actual role I applied for. Instead of relevant questions about daily tasks, I encountered niche and advanced office software functions that I've never used in my extensive experience in office administration. It seemed like the questions were randomly generated by AI, lacking any real connection to the job. Additionally, the customer service questions leaned heavily towards sales, which is not applicable to the assistant position. There were also high-level management questions filled with jargon that the average receptionist wouldn't need to know. I was fortunate to have studied business, so I could navigate some of that, but it felt unnecessary for the role. The phrasing of the multiple-choice answers was also awkward and unnatural, making it difficult to respond accurately. I have a lot of muscle memory with software like Excel and Word, but the test didn't allow me to showcase my skills effectively. After providing feedback, I learned that the assessment was generated by HiPeople's proprietary AI, confirming my suspicions about the irrelevant questions. Now, I'm trying to figure out the best way to approach my recruiter to express my concerns without jeopardizing this opportunity. I want to voice my feedback constructively, but I'm worried about how it might be received.

I recently experienced my second layoff, which has led me to reflect on the issue of workplace nepotism. As an African woman in the tech industry, I've noticed a troubling pattern in my career. My first layoff came after three years at a startup where the company began hiring predominantly from one nationality. Over time, the management and board became filled with individuals from that same background, and recruitment followed suit. This shift led to intense micromanagement from my new manager, which took a toll on my mental health and ultimately forced me to resign. After taking six months to upgrade my skills, I joined another company, where I initially thrived. However, changes in management again led to a similar situation, with certain backgrounds dominating decision-making. Eventually, I was laid off during an organizational restructuring. I was encouraged to apply for an internal role, but during the interview process, I felt discouraged when I saw that the hiring managers were from the same background I had previously been concerned about. It made me question whether I would be evaluated fairly based on my skills or if I was at a disadvantage due to my different network. I want to clarify that my observations are not a critique of any nationality as a whole; I have worked alongside many talented Indian colleagues. My main point is that nepotism and favoritism are detrimental, regardless of who is involved. Companies should prioritize hiring based on competence and character rather than nationality or personal connections. As I move forward, I will prioritize seeking out companies that demonstrate diversity in leadership and fair hiring practices. Talent exists everywhere, and everyone deserves equal opportunities.

I've been through a tough 1.5 years, having to drop out of my master's program after working hard to get into a good college through GATE. Health issues really took a toll on me, but I'm finally starting to feel better and I'm eager to restart my career. I'm reaching out for help because I'm currently unemployed and looking for work-from-home opportunities. I'm open to various roles, including tech, non-tech, customer support, operations, or virtual assistant positions. I just need a chance to get back on my feet and escape this feeling of failure. Being an unemployed woman in a challenging environment has been really hard, but I'm determined to push through. If anyone has leads or advice on full-time WFH jobs with immediate openings, I would greatly appreciate it.

It's been two months since I was laid off from Meta on May 20th, and honestly, I still feel lost. After the layoff, I decided to leave the city and move to a smaller one, hoping for a fresh start. Back in December and January, I was actually considering quitting my 9-5 job, but then I got the offer from Meta, which seemed like a decent opportunity at the time. Getting laid off so suddenly really hit my ego hard; it felt unbelievable to be let go after just 20 days. Over time, I've managed to let go of the anger towards my hiring manager and the circumstances, but life hasn't been easy since then. In these past couple of months, I've tried a variety of things to keep myself occupied. I've dabbled in building small apps and websites, read about interesting topics, binge-watched series, and even started writing a book. I've also been applying for jobs, but it's mostly been ego-driven. I’m creating content too, but none of it brings me joy. I find myself constantly looking up tutorials and feeling frustrated that I might not have any real talents. With all this free time, I often find myself questioning everything around me, like how electricity was discovered and how it led to the modern world. It’s a rabbit hole of thoughts that just adds to my uncertainty. Overall, I'm left with a lot of questions, no clear plans, and a serious lack of motivation.

I was laid off from a mid-sized logistics company seven months ago due to a departmental restructuring. I had been with the company for nearly four years, starting in customer support and eventually transitioning to an operations coordinator role. My responsibilities included managing shipments, updating reports, resolving vendor issues, training new hires, and troubleshooting various problems that arose daily. I thought this diverse experience would help me land another role in operations or project support, but that hasn't been the case. Since my layoff, I've submitted over 300 job applications, targeting positions where I meet at least 70-80% of the requirements. I've tailored my resume for each role, shortened bullet points, highlighted achievements with metrics, removed older experiences, and even paid for a professional review. Despite my efforts, I've only secured four interviews. One company canceled the position after my second interview, another chose a candidate with more direct industry experience, and the other two just went silent. Most applications result in automatic rejections or no response at all. I've even applied for junior roles, but I've been told I'm overqualified and likely to leave for better opportunities. It's frustrating to feel both underqualified and overqualified at the same time. My resume highlights my accomplishments, such as reducing delayed orders, training eight employees, and developing new tracking procedures. However, I'm beginning to wonder if my experience comes across as too broad or generic. I'm also concerned that the title 'operations coordinator' might be misleading since different companies define it differently. At this point, I'm unsure if the issue lies with my resume, the job market, or the roles I'm targeting. I'm still applying and doing some temporary contract work, but this prolonged job search is taking a toll on my confidence. I'm seeking advice from those who have hired for similar roles: what might make you overlook a resume like mine? And for those who faced similar challenges, did adjusting your resume help, or was it just a matter of persistence until something clicked?

I just found out that the warehouse I've been working at for the past 16 years is closing down. The company announced that the plant will shut its doors at the end of September 30, 2024, affecting all shifts. Honestly, I thought I would be there until retirement, so this news has really shaken me. I've been looking for other job opportunities on and off, but I feel pretty freaked out about the whole situation. The only reason I haven't left yet is because of my benefits package, but the work environment has become increasingly difficult. Last week, for instance, I only managed to get 20 hours of work because there wasn't enough light work available. It's a tough spot to be in.

I have decided to resign from my current position, and it was a mutual decision with my employer. They have agreed to let me stay on for a short period while I search for a new job. I want to draft a resignation letter that clearly states this arrangement, as I plan to leave by the end of the month but still need the income during my job search. I'm looking for advice on how to phrase this in my letter.

I was laid off 2.5 months ago from a leadership position at a company where I envisioned building my career. Since then, I've been tirelessly searching for new opportunities, applying to around 200 positions with customized resumes, cover letters, and portfolios. I've dedicated countless hours to networking and developing relationships, hoping for referrals with every outreach. So far, I've gone through nearly 100 interviews, repeating the same questions, and some companies have put me through over a dozen interviews before ultimately rejecting me. Currently, I'm in the 'final stage' with a couple of companies that I've been engaging with throughout this entire process. However, I feel completely exhausted. My anxiety has escalated to a point where I can't even take a deep breath. My heart races, my palms are sweaty, and my hands tremble constantly. This anxiety isn't just tied to interviews or applications; it's a persistent state I find myself in every day. I feel somewhat ridiculous for how my body is reacting, especially since I'm doing well in terms of interviews and opportunities. Yet, this job search is wreaking havoc on my nervous system, and I'm worried that if I don't secure a position soon, my ability to present myself effectively will start to decline. I've never faced a situation like this before. It feels like the ground has been pulled out from under me, and the reality of my circumstances is beginning to sink in.

I've been struggling with interview preparation lately, feeling torn between two extremes that are both sabotaging my chances. On one hand, I dive deep into preparation, spending days stressing over every detail and scripting out answers. This has led me to the point of skipping meals, and when I inevitably forget a line during the interview, I completely freeze and it all falls apart. On the other hand, I try to wing it to sound more natural, but without enough prep, I lose my train of thought and end up rambling, filled with 'ums' and 'likes.' I'm searching for that sweet spot between being overly robotic and a disorganized mess. I'm curious how others prepare without memorizing every word. Do you focus on high-level bullet points instead? Also, any tips on managing the stress and avoiding the meal-skipping would be greatly appreciated!

I recently found myself in a tough situation with my job security at my current company in Saudi Arabia, where I work with Oracle Fusion. I've been actively applying for new roles but haven't had any luck so far. This is my first time reaching out for advice, and I'm wondering if my CV might be the problem. I would really appreciate any feedback on it. I've heard some suggestions that I might have too many positions listed, as I've only been in my second role since 2019. Some people advised me to remove internships and my current role from the CV. I’m also considering reaching out to former colleagues for references instead of just managers. I’m feeling a bit lost and could really use some guidance on how to improve my chances in this job market.

I was laid off from my job on July 10 and filed my unemployment application online on July 13 in Maryland. It's been years since I've navigated this process, so I'm a bit confused. I completed all necessary steps, including ID verification, and I don't have any outstanding action items. However, when I tried to submit my claim for the past week, I received a message saying "there are no weeks available for this claim." My claim status still shows as "pending." I'm wondering if last week will show up once my claim is processed, or if it should already be reflected in my account.

Today, I took a step to negotiate my severance package after my position as an Internal Auditor was eliminated. I joined the company as an intern and transitioned to a full-time role in August 2025. Unfortunately, my layoff was due to my position being cut, not because of any performance issues. I was offered 4 weeks of severance at my regular pay, along with some benefits outlined in the separation agreement. Given my recent home purchase and relocation, the timing of this layoff is particularly challenging for me. I had not expected to be looking for a new job so soon in my career. I'm considering asking HR if they would be willing to increase my severance from 4 weeks to 6 or even 8 weeks. Additionally, I had personally paid $310 for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification registration and had been preparing for Part 1. Since my employment is ending before I can take the exam, I'm thinking about requesting reimbursement for that fee as part of my separation package. I drafted a professional email to HR, where I plan to express my appreciation for the time I spent at the company and simply ask if they would reconsider my severance package to include the increase and the CIA reimbursement. I’m feeling a bit uncertain about whether asking for 6 weeks is reasonable or if I should just accept the 4 weeks. I’m also curious if it’s common to negotiate severance packages in situations like mine. I’ve read mixed opinions on the matter, and I hope to gain some insight from others who have been through similar experiences.

I recently accepted a new job after being laid off, but I'm finding the fast pace overwhelming. With 7 years of experience as a developer, I was eager to leave my previous role, which was filled with rude staff and high pressure. I turned down higher-paying offers because I wanted to avoid that kind of stress and thought I found a more relaxed position. However, it turns out that my current team has incredibly high expectations for delivery, and I'm not prepared for that kind of pace. I'm now considering interviewing again since there aren't any options to switch teams in this small setup. I'm struggling with how to determine if a company is genuinely chill before and during the interview process. Also, I'm unsure if I can communicate my concerns about the pace to my manager. Honestly, I'm so exhausted that I'm contemplating quitting tech altogether and possibly taking a break to work part-time in retail. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? On top of this, I'm worried about the security of my current role, as the future of the entire team seems uncertain, relying on nothing but hopes and AI.

I've been actively searching for a new role as an AI engineer, and I've noticed that the job market is quite challenging right now. One of the biggest bottlenecks I face is the overwhelming number of application forms. It feels like I'm constantly submitting applications into a 'black hole' with little to no feedback. The burnout from managing the volume of tasks is real, and it often feels like I'm juggling too many things at once. I find myself frustrated with the need to tailor my resume for each position and keeping track of all my submissions. The mental load of organizing everything is exhausting. I'm trying to refine my approach to make this process more manageable.

I was selected by Kaar Tech back in July/August 2025 as part of the 2026 batch, along with over 300 other students from various colleges. However, we are still waiting to be onboarded, and it feels like a nightmare. They came to our campuses to recruit top-tier students with high academic standards, but now it seems like they don't care about us at all. The offer letter was vague about the internship duration, and now it looks like it could stretch to 10-12 months instead of the 6 months that was initially stated in the job description. The pay is incredibly low too—just 5k for the first three months and 10k for the remaining period, despite them advertising a package of 6.5 to 8 LPA to attract candidates. Many of us are struggling with this uncertainty and it's affecting our mental health. It's frustrating to reach out to HR, only to be told that they are also waiting on management for updates. If they aren't part of management, how can they not know anything about the project pipeline? We feel trapped by the 'few months' promise that led us to believe we would be onboarded quickly. What we really need is a clear timeline. To my fellow candidates still waiting, I urge you to start looking for other opportunities.

I'm feeling really demotivated with my career as an iOS developer. I've been in this field since 2010, but with all the recent discussions about AI, I can't help but feel like my role is becoming obsolete. My company has informed me that I will be laid off in the next few days, which has left me feeling desperate, especially with bills piling up. I've tried to adapt by using AI tools at work, but it wasn't enough to save my job. I even started a personal project, but it only got 30 downloads, which is disheartening. I'm considering whether I should pivot and start studying machine learning, but I'm unsure if that's the right move. Has anyone else experienced something similar? I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this tough situation.

I recently gave my two weeks' notice at my retail job, and things have taken a turn for the worse. My boss has been incredibly rude and sarcastic since I announced my departure. I'm starting to wonder if I should just leave today instead of sticking it out for the full notice period. I'm not really concerned about getting a reference from this job in the future, but I've been here for quite a while, and I don't want to burn any bridges if I can avoid it. I've heard mixed opinions on whether leaving early could have any repercussions on my record or future job prospects. Some people say it won’t hurt my career if I don’t plan to use them as a reference, while others suggest I should remain professional and finish out my notice. I’m really torn on what to do, especially with my boss's behavior making the work environment so unpleasant.