Planning

I'm excited but also a bit nervous as I prepare for my first job interview at Stars tomorrow. I'm looking for any useful tips or advice that could help me make a great impression. If anyone has insights on what to expect or how to prepare, I would really appreciate it!

I experienced a major setback in my career recently. I was working in a niche market and had a conflict with a colleague that escalated quickly. This colleague went on a rampage, spreading false information about me, which ultimately led to my termination. I was fired without any chance to defend myself, and just three days later, I received an email detailing the reasons for my dismissal—none of which were true. It was frustrating because I felt I could have clarified the situation if given the opportunity, but the power dynamics were such that I had no recourse. Now, I'm struggling to find a new job in my field despite having decades of experience. It feels incredibly isolating, especially since I'm naturally shy and introverted. I'm in a tough spot, trying to rebuild my confidence and figure out my next steps. I'm focusing on self-improvement and planning my comeback, but it’s a slow process. If anyone has advice for dealing with job loss due to workplace bullying, I would greatly appreciate it.

Today, I learned that my store, part of a large national retail chain, is officially closing. We received the news abruptly, with no prior warning, and signs were put up almost immediately. Corporate hasn't provided us with a clear timeline; they mentioned it could happen as soon as next week or drag on for another month. I work part-time here while pursuing my grad studies, so I'm not overly stressed about the financial implications since my husband handles our household expenses. However, I feel for my coworkers who rely on this job as their main source of income. Surprisingly, the atmosphere at work isn't as heavy as I expected; everyone seems to be accepting the situation and just waiting for more information. I'm posting this to gather insights from others who have experienced similar corporate closures. What can we expect in the coming weeks? How quickly do things typically progress once the closing signs are up? I want to make sure I'm prepared while also supporting my colleagues during this transition.

I've been struggling to find a job lately. I'm 15 and disabled, which makes it even tougher. I recently worked on improving my resume with help from a staff member at my school, but I'm still hitting a wall. I've applied to places like Publix and Winn-Dixie, but my experience with them has been frustrating. I feel like no one wants to hire someone my age. I'm considering looking into local family businesses, small shops, libraries, and community centers for opportunities. I've heard that asking in person might be more effective than online applications right now, which seem to be overloaded.

I recently left my job in the dental industry after 10 years. I was really good at what I did, but the constant verbal and physical abuse from dentists, managers, and patients took a serious toll on my mental and physical health. I had to leave several offices because of this, and my last employer laid me off unexpectedly, which also meant losing my housing since they owned it. It's been a rough few months, but I've been off work for about 6 weeks now and I'm finally starting to feel a bit better. I'm completely done with the medical field and looking to pivot into something new. I'm not interested in anything related to patient care anymore. Ideally, I would love a work-from-home job, but I'm open to other options as well. I'm curious about what fields are in demand right now that pay reasonably well. I'm also willing to go back to school, but I prefer programs that are no longer than two years.

I've had a diverse work history that's quite scattered. I started my first "real" job as a dispatcher at the age of 20 in 1988, and that role lasted for about four years. Since then, I've worked around 60 to 70 different jobs, including full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. Now at 59 years old, I'm currently employed at Easter Seals for 30 hours a week and also work weekends in office security. My recent job experiences include roles in call centers (which I excelled at), sales administration (which ended in a layoff), a dental lab (which I really disliked), and then back to call centers, clinical aftercare, and as a contract administrator. I'm feeling anxious because my resume seems to lack any cohesive thread that connects my various roles. I'm looking for advice on how to present my work history in a way that highlights my skills rather than the chronology of my jobs. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I am a 24-year-old female currently seeking a job in London, Ontario, either remotely or onsite. I've applied to numerous positions but have faced challenges, often making it to the second or third stage of interviews only to be cut off without any feedback. Recently, I reached the third stage with a company I was really excited about, only to receive a disappointing rejection email. I had invested a lot of time preparing and even creating presentations for that interview, so it hit me hard emotionally. I hold a degree in project management and have over six years of experience in the financial and construction sectors. I believe that having referrals can significantly enhance my chances of securing a job. Therefore, I am humbly reaching out to anyone who might be able to help—whether you are a recruiter, business owner, or in a managerial role. If your company is hiring for any positions in the financial or project management fields, or even entry to mid-level roles in other industries, I would greatly appreciate your support. This request is not easy for me, but I am hopeful that there are kind individuals out there willing to assist. I am also open to any feedback or suggestions on how to improve my job search. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

I recently came across a job opportunity for an entry-level remittance role at a loan servicing corporation. I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about it because I've heard that this type of position can be at risk of automation, and the company already has an office in India, which raises concerns about potential offshoring. I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. I would love to hear from anyone who has experience in this role or has been laid off from it. What factors should I consider before accepting this job? Also, am I in a position to take this risk if I don't have other offers on the table?

I recently started a new role as an Operations Manager for a small business generating around $20 million annually. The team is quite small, with about 10 full-time employees and a fluctuating number of seasonal workers. I was recruited for this position with a salary of $100k, but the company structured the initial months differently to minimize the recruiter's fee. Unfortunately, this salary was never formalized in a contract, only confirmed via email, which has led to some financial strain as I moved here ahead of my family to settle in and find us a house. The transition has been challenging due to unexpected payroll issues and a reduced income. On top of that, the job itself has been overwhelming. I've been putting in long hours, working from Monday to Saturday, often 12-13 hours a day. The facility has significant issues, including visible mold, and I've been feeling unwell since I started. The operational disorganization is alarming; inventory systems are nearly nonexistent, orders frequently go wrong, and I'm averaging around 15,000 steps daily just trying to make things run smoothly. I thrive on hard work and enjoy tackling challenges, but it's disheartening to see my team working in unacceptable conditions. I feel like I'm constantly addressing the same problems without the necessary tools or support to implement real solutions. I'm seeking a workplace that values hard work, experience, and initiative. I want to contribute to building systems, solving problems, and developing people, with the opportunity to genuinely improve operations. I'm not interested in just collecting a paycheck; I want to make a difference. If you know of any companies looking for someone dedicated and proactive, I would love to connect.

I am currently in the interview stages for a position at a company I have a class action lawsuit against. I had completely forgotten about the lawsuit until recently, and it is still ongoing. Despite this, I am excited about the job opportunity as it seems like a great fit for me. However, I am concerned about whether the class action could impact my chances of getting hired or if it will create any issues during the hiring process. I would appreciate any insights or advice from others who might have faced a similar situation.

I've been working in retail for the past five years, bouncing between two different companies. My journey began as a part-time cashier, and I eventually climbed the ranks to become a part-time assistant manager. At my first job, I was promised a promotion to assistant store manager when the current one moved up, but that never happened. After weeks of working over 60 hours, the store manager quit, and the assistant manager I was supposed to replace left as well. I applied for the position internally and externally but was ultimately overlooked when the new store manager hired someone from outside the company. It was incredibly demoralizing, especially when I was asked to train the new hire. I decided to quit and started fresh at a new company as a part-time sales manager, which I enjoy. Recently, we lost two key-holders, and my store manager indicated she wanted me to step up as the assistant manager if the position opened. I applied internally, but just days later, I learned she was interviewing other candidates. Today, I received a call from someone who applied, saying they were informed the position was filled, and it wasn't me. This whole experience has been incredibly frustrating and disheartening.

I’m currently working a full-time help desk position at $16 an hour, which includes benefits. Recently, a recruiter reached out to me about a help desk analyst position that pays $21 an hour, but it’s a contract role with no benefits or paid time off. The recruiter mentioned that there’s a possibility for extension, but it doesn’t sound like a contract-to-hire situation, which makes me a bit uneasy. Both jobs are about the same distance from my home, with a commute of around an hour. The new position would only add an extra 10-20 minutes to my commute. While the pay increase is significant and aligns with my career goals, I’m hesitant about giving up my current benefits and job security. I’m weighing my options and trying to figure out if the higher pay is worth the risk of losing my steady income and benefits.

I started a new role at a company in early June, but it quickly became clear that the environment was not right for me. I have a history of mental health issues, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, and the toxicity of the workplace caused my mental health to deteriorate rapidly. On August 17, I took medical leave and went on short-term disability, which was a lifesaver as it provided some income while I sought treatment. My psychiatrist helped me get back on medication, which has been beneficial. Knowing I wouldn't return to that job, I immediately began applying for new positions. Fortunately, I recently secured a role at a company that seems like a much better fit. Now, I’m faced with a dilemma regarding my resume. I worked at the previous company for about four months, from June to September, and I’m unsure whether to include that short tenure or leave a gap. I have never had gaps in my employment since I started working in 2008, so this is a new situation for me. If I do leave a gap, how would I explain it in the future? Would saying I took a sabbatical be acceptable? Also, will that job appear on background checks?

I recently applied for a full-time 1099 job that would pay me 2.5 times my current salary at the non-profit where I work. I really enjoy my role supporting mothers and their children, but with rising living costs, my current salary isn't cutting it. I've been juggling a part-time job to help pay off my debt and save for a house. I received an email from a company I applied to a month ago, and they want to schedule an interview. The company is relatively new, established in 2022, and has some positive reviews, but I'm cautious about the 1099 status. I know there are risks involved, like lack of job security and benefits, which I currently have at my non-profit job. I'm seeking advice on whether I should take this opportunity if offered, considering the significant pay increase but also the potential downsides of a 1099 position in today's economy. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I recently experienced a layoff and have been reaching out to my network on LinkedIn for referrals. I appreciate the support I've received from some people, but I've noticed a trend where many seem dismissive or even snobby when it comes to providing referrals. It feels quite humiliating to ask for help in this way. To streamline my requests, I usually prepare a message template that includes three sections: the job opening I'm interested in, a note on why I believe the person I'm asking is qualified to provide a referral, and a brief introduction about my work experience. I also include the job ID and link to make it easier for them to find the position. Despite my efforts to make it convenient for them, I often feel like I'm being treated as if I'm beneath them, as if I'm asking them to do something demeaning. I really wish people would reflect on their behavior when it comes to referrals on LinkedIn. It’s frustrating to feel this way when all I'm seeking is a little support in my job search.

I’m currently working in an IT job that I find unfulfilling, and I’m eager to transition into a creative role where I can truly express my artistic flair. I have a passion for creativity and am obsessed with the idea of working in a field that allows me to utilize my talents, even though I don’t have a relevant degree or extensive experience. I’m specifically looking for opportunities at companies like Flent that value creativity over formal qualifications and offer good compensation to support living in a metropolitan area. I have some personal writings and edits that showcase my skills, but I know I need to demonstrate my creative abilities in a way that resonates with potential employers. I’m open to contractor roles as well, as I just want the chance to let my talent bloom. I’m reaching out for any advice or leads on how to land my dream job in a creative field. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I received an email from the executive assistant to the SVP regarding an onboarding initiative that my learning and development team is involved with. While some of the questions posed seem relevant to improving the onboarding experience, others have raised some concerns for me. Specifically, they asked about how our team creates value for clients and stakeholders, our primary purpose, and how we utilize AI. These types of questions often signal a shift in focus, and I can't help but feel uneasy about it. I've been passively looking for new job opportunities, but I've been hesitant to accept offers due to lower pay and benefits. Now, I'm starting to wonder if I should reconsider my options and be less picky, especially given the current climate in the company. I’ve heard similar stories from colleagues in the industry about how such inquiries can precede layoffs, and it’s making me anxious about my position.

I recently faced a troubling situation with my former employer in Maryland. After my maternity leave, I was verbally assured that I could return to my position, as my job didn't offer FMLA. However, just a week before I was set to go back, I was informed that I was no longer needed. To make matters worse, my employer is now telling the unemployment office that I was fired on the day I took my maternity leave, which is completely untrue. I'm feeling incredibly frustrated and betrayed, especially since I just had a baby and am in desperate need of financial support. I'm considering reaching out to an attorney to explore my options, as I believe they are actively lying to prevent me from receiving the benefits I deserve.

I joined an early-stage B2B AI startup about six months ago after spending four years at a large, stable firm. I made the switch because I wanted to be closer to the technology and felt the impact of AI on my industry. However, I've recently learned that our startup has approximately six months of runway left, and while they're looking to raise funds, the financials haven't been strong. I suspect an acquisition might be more likely than a successful funding round. Given this uncertainty, I've started applying to other roles. I'm grappling with the decision of when to accept an offer if I receive one. Should I prioritize stability and take the first reasonable offer, even if it's at another startup with its own risks? Or should I hold out for a more promising opportunity, knowing that waiting too long could leave me in a precarious position as our runway shortens? I genuinely enjoy my current job, but I also worry about the potential for job hunting from a place of desperation if things don't improve. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate the next few months and make the best decision for my career.

I recently came across a job opportunity that seemed too good to be true, and I couldn't help but question its legitimacy. The company appears to be real, but the pay they offered raised some red flags for me. After searching for a job for a long time, I really don't want to miss out on a genuine opportunity, but I also want to avoid falling for a scam. I noticed some oddities during the interview process, such as the scheduled time being from 8 am to 5 pm, which seemed unusual. Additionally, they mentioned needing a Microsoft Teams account to join the meeting, which I know is not necessary if you have the meeting link. I did some research and found advice suggesting to verify the company online, check LinkedIn, and avoid any situation where they ask for upfront payments. A few comments from others who received similar emails confirmed my suspicions, as they felt something was off too. One commenter pointed out that a legitimate job would already know what role I was interviewing for by that stage, which made me think twice about the whole situation. I'm still weighing my options, but I wanted to document this experience as a cautionary tale.