Planning

I have been unemployed for 1.5 years after leaving a toxic work environment in April 2025. My previous job was overwhelming due to team layoffs and a lack of support, which forced me to juggle multiple roles and high-stress customer interactions while also managing grad school. Since fall 2024, I faced ongoing criticism from a new lead who undermined my work and created a hostile atmosphere, leading to my decision to leave. Now, I'm struggling to find a job in a tough market despite holding an MBA and a Master’s in Management and Leadership. I have operations experience in technical and marketing consulting but have had no luck securing a position. I've gone through 30 interviews, often feeling hopeful, but even minor mistakes seem to cost me the opportunity. My goal is to transition from retail to an office role, but I haven't received any callbacks recently, which makes me question my relevance in the job market. I wonder if my long unemployment is a factor or if I'm just not presenting myself well enough. What am I doing wrong?

I’m feeling really lost in my job search and could use some guidance. I’ve been struggling with interviews because I can’t seem to communicate effectively in the corporate environment. I overthink my words and often end up saying things that don’t come out right, which just makes me feel worse about myself. I’m a single mom currently living in a homeless shelter, and I need to find a job quickly to support my daughter and become self-sufficient. I have a liberal arts degree and experience in project management and as an administrative assistant, so I’m trying to stick to office jobs, but they feel suffocating to me. The corporate culture seems so clique-ish, and I often feel like an outsider because I value authenticity and don’t conform to the typical corporate mold. After years of enduring various forms of abuse, I feel like my tolerance for the 9-5 lifestyle has diminished significantly. I know I have a strong work ethic and I’ve always received good performance reviews, but my anxiety and PTSD from past experiences affect me during interviews. I’m not even sure if my struggles with communication stem from my trauma or just my general speaking skills. I’m actively applying to multiple corporate jobs, but I’m feeling stuck and overwhelmed. I can’t go back to school right now, and physical labor isn’t an option due to a herniated disc. I really want to find a way to improve my situation and feel like I’m capable of getting hired. If anyone has been through something similar or has advice on how to navigate this, I would really appreciate it.

I'm currently facing unemployment and feeling quite lost about my next steps. I'm in my mid-20s and based in Grantham, UK. With 9 years of experience in sales and client management, particularly in the property sector, I've also gained some business development experience. Recently, I've dabbled in social media and hold a Level 2 Digital Marketing qualification. Outside of my main work, I engage in content creation and UGC, earning a modest income of about £100 a month through TikTok Shop affiliate marketing. I'm eager to transition into influencer marketing, campaigns, or creative/marketing roles, ideally remote, since I live in a somewhat isolated area. I recently interviewed for a Junior Influencer Marketing Manager position but unfortunately lost out to candidates with more relevant experience, despite feeling that my interview went well. I have ADHD, which makes repetitive tasks challenging for me. I'm looking for roles that offer a salary between £27,000 and £30,000, and I want to avoid cold sales jobs. I'm open to exploring different job titles or industries, but I need concrete suggestions for roles that align with my background. I'm feeling overwhelmed and would appreciate any advice on job titles I should consider applying for.

I'm a 25-year-old from India, and I've been trying to navigate my career path, which has been quite messy so far. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Video Game Design, but after realizing the limited opportunities and low salaries in the gaming industry here, I decided to pivot. My work history includes a short stint of 6 months at one company, followed by a 6-month period of unemployment, and then 7 months at another company before I made the decision to shift my focus. Currently, I'm in my second year of an MBA program, specializing in IT & Operations, but I'm attending a low-ranked business school, which has made it challenging to secure good opportunities. I've discovered that I have a knack for data analytics and using AI tools, and I want to leverage these skills for a more stable career. However, the campus placements at my university offer very low salaries, which means I might still need financial support from my parents after getting a job. They’ve already invested over $60,000 into my education, and I feel uncomfortable relying on them further. I'm seriously considering building my career outside India, with my preferred destinations being the USA, UK, EU, or Canada. However, I'm facing challenges in securing international roles due to the lack of work authorization or visa sponsorship. I'm also open to remote roles, but I'm unsure how realistic that is while based in India. I'm looking for advice on how to realistically secure a junior or mid-level role in data analytics, IT, or operations, either remotely or abroad. Specifically, I want to know if I should gain 1-2 years of experience in India first, what skills or certifications would be most beneficial, whether a portfolio of analytics projects would help, and which countries or companies might be more open to hiring Indians without existing work authorization. My goal is to build a sustainable career, achieve financial independence, and eventually have the option to move abroad.

I just got fired from my job as an account executive after over three years with the company, and I'm feeling a mix of fear and uncertainty. I was always one of the top performers, and I really enjoyed my time there, especially because I had amazing colleagues and a product that sold itself. The job was relatively easy for me; I hit my numbers daily without the stress of cold calling or long sales cycles. Now, I find myself lying in bed, searching for new jobs in the same field, but the descriptions I'm seeing are daunting. They mention cold calling and visiting customers, which are things I never had to do before. I'm worried about stepping outside my comfort zone and whether I can perform at the same level in my next role. Financially, I'm also concerned since many of the positions I’m looking at offer significantly lower pay. I’ve grown accustomed to my current salary, and the thought of earning less is really tough to swallow. To make matters worse, this all happened just before my vacation with my wife, and I’m anxious about how I’ll manage to enjoy that time while worrying about my next steps. I’m getting paid for this month and the next, but after that, I’ll officially be unemployed. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you cope with the transition?

I recently got laid off from my position in Finance and Operations at a small business that was acquired by a large multinational company. I had been with the company for nearly two decades, working my way up from a jack-of-all-trades role. When the acquisition happened, I was assured by my CEO that my job was safe, but just over a year later, I found myself in a routine Teams meeting where I was informed of my layoff. It was a shock, and I spent the next few days consulting with lawyers about my severance, which I ultimately deemed fair. After the initial shock wore off, I realized I had the opportunity to find a job that I was truly passionate about. However, the reality of my situation hit hard—I had bills to pay and a family to support. I decided to stay in the business world and aimed to get a top-tier certification to enhance my job prospects. I studied hard and obtained the certification, believing it would help me secure a better-paying remote job. I launched into a job search, applying to hundreds of positions with custom resumes, but faced a lot of ghosting and rejection. I started applying for in-person jobs, fearing I might have to take a pay cut. Despite my efforts, including networking and refining my interview skills, I struggled to land a position. I reached out to connections for leads, but often felt let down by those who offered empty promises. In the midst of my job search, I decided to start my own business, hoping to create opportunities for myself. I developed a pitch and reached out to my network, which led to securing two clients. After six weeks, I was making more money than I had in my previous job, and it felt like a small victory amidst the chaos of job hunting.

I recently completed an on-site interview for an engineering role at Microsoft. It’s been over three weeks since I finished the three technical rounds, and I’m still waiting for the AA round to be scheduled. The status in the Action Center still shows "Interview," which has me feeling anxious. I reached out to the recruiter today to follow up, especially since I'm in the final stages with other companies and need to make a decision soon. Unfortunately, I haven't heard back yet. I know the recruiter is contracted, which might be affecting the communication. I’m starting to wonder if this delay is normal or if I should be concerned about my chances.

I had my mid-year review scheduled for last week, but it got canceled twice. This morning, I saw that it was rescheduled for tomorrow, and now my VP and the HR Business Partner are both included in the invite. I'm starting to feel really anxious about this. Given the current climate in tech, I can't help but think this might be bad news. It seems like meetings like this typically signal layoffs rather than promotions these days. I just hope it's not a performance improvement plan or something worse. I'll definitely update once I know more.

Today, I found myself contemplating how to approach salary negotiations for a customer service role at a credit union. The position lists a base salary that is $4,000 higher than what I was making before my layoff. With 10 years of customer service experience, including 4 years in a technical capacity and a bachelor's degree, I feel well-qualified for this role. I'm debating whether I should ask for the top end of the salary range, which totals a $21,000 difference from the bottom to the top. I know they have the budget for it, given that they posted this salary range. However, I also recognize that many other candidates will likely be applying, some of whom may be just as qualified. I’m torn between wanting to advocate for myself and the reality that many companies typically offer salaries closer to the midpoint of their budget. I want to ensure I’m not overreaching, but I also don’t want to undersell my experience. Should I go for the top salary or stick closer to what I was making before? This is a pivotal moment for me, and I want to make the right move.

I was subcontracted by a New York company to work as a W2 employee for a six-month project in California. Now, I've secured another contract gig that will last for an additional ten months in California. However, once I finish this next contract and return to my permanent address in Wisconsin, I anticipate being unemployed. Since I'll still technically be a W2 contractor with the New York company, I'm unsure if they will have any work for me at that point. I'm looking for guidance on whether I can apply for unemployment benefits once I'm back in Wisconsin. Also, is there a statute of limitations I should be aware of regarding unemployment applications? I assume I would need to apply for benefits in Wisconsin.

I recently went through a significant career shift after being laid off from my analytics role, where I had about 10 years of experience and was earning around ₹38 LPA. The first week post-layoff was tough; I was anxious and started applying for jobs everywhere. However, I quickly learned that many companies looking to hire at my salary level were seeking candidates with expertise in AI, GenAI, Python, and machine learning, in addition to analytics skills. I did get close to securing another position, even agreeing to a pay cut to ₹34-35 LPA, but the offer never materialized despite the extensive back-and-forth with the hiring team. Then, unexpectedly, my current employer reached out and offered me the chance to withdraw my resignation and keep my job. This meant I had to forgo a substantial severance package. After some reflection, I decided to accept their offer. This experience has really opened my eyes to the current job market and my own skill gaps. While I excel in SQL, analytics, and stakeholder management, I realized I need to bolster my AI and Python skills to remain competitive. Now, I'm contemplating whether I made the right choice by staying. I'm leaning towards using this opportunity to upskill in AI and eventually seek better-paying roles in the future. I'd love to hear thoughts from others in the data, analytics, or AI fields who have faced similar situations.

I currently work as an Inside Sales Rep for a wholesale distributor in the HVAC industry, where I've been for almost two years after an internal promotion. With over 10 years of experience in HVAC, I've started exploring new job opportunities due to not receiving a raise in the past two years. Recently, I received an offer from another company for the same position, but with a significant pay increase. My current role is hybrid, allowing me to work from home three days a week, and I have a 20-30 minute commute. My salary is $56k, and I receive a $600 monthly vehicle stipend, although it's taxed. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to earn any commission this year due to recent changes in the company. The new offer is for the same Inside Sales Rep role but with a base salary of $78k, plus bi-yearly bonuses of 5-10%. However, it requires me to work 100% in the office, which is a 35-45 minute drive with no vehicle stipend and no commission structure. I'm really torn because I enjoy working with my current team and appreciate the flexibility of working from home, especially during winter. However, the financial benefits and potential for growth at the new company are enticing. I've tried to discuss my pay with my current employer but haven't received any responses. I'm seeking advice on whether to stay or make the switch.

I was recently laid off after 10 years of working at a restaurant. Two weeks ago, the company abruptly closed four of our locations without any prior notice. We were told we could re-apply at other locations, and they promised to expedite the hiring process for us, but that hasn't happened at all. To make matters worse, they chose to shut down the locations just one week before the end of the month, which is tough for a staff that lives paycheck to paycheck. On the day of the layoff, I had to change a flat tire to get to the meeting where they let us all go. Now, I'm applying to new jobs every day and interviewing as much as I can, but I'm running low on funds and I'm really worried about having enough gas to get to my next interview. I've started a GoFundMe to help with some basic necessities, but I feel uncomfortable sharing it with close family. I'm hoping to find some support here. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I recently had a very casual interview for a warehouse position, which was more of a one-sided conversation with the hiring manager than a typical interview. Initially, I was interested, but after reflecting on it at home, I realized I don't want to take the job. I'm unsure how to politely refuse the offer since the interview felt so informal. I've found some templates online for declining job offers, but they seem too formal for this situation. I would prefer a more relaxed approach that fits the tone of the interview. I’m considering just saying something straightforward like, 'Thanks for the offer, but I'm no longer looking for employment.' However, I'm also open to suggestions from others who might have faced a similar situation.

I recently had a final on-site interview with a company where I met with multiple team members and toured the facility. They even flew me in for the interview, which felt like a good sign. During the tour, the hiring manager brought up the potential for burnout in the role, emphasizing that some people leave within six months. This made me think deeply about the work environment and whether it would be a good fit for me. We discussed the daily responsibilities, the on-call rotation, and the overall schedule, which was helpful in understanding what I might be getting into. After the interview, I sent a thank-you email and later followed up with the recruiter. They responded saying that the hiring team was very impressed and that they were finalizing feedback to share the next steps soon. This was encouraging to hear, but I’m trying to manage my expectations. I’m curious about how recruiters or hiring managers interpret such responses. Does it mean I’m a strong candidate and they’re just working through approvals? Or are they still deciding between a couple of finalists? I know that until I receive an official offer, nothing is guaranteed, but I can’t help but feel hopeful. I’m also keeping my options open and continuing to apply elsewhere just in case.

I just finished my third month of medical leave, and I can't shake the feeling that my team doesn't really care about me. The only person who reached out was my new manager, who is nice but we barely know each other since we only worked together for two months before I had to take leave. He did send me flowers and raised a few hundred dollars to help me out, which I appreciate. A couple of team members signed a digital get well card, but since then, I've heard nothing from anyone else. I was really expecting my old manager and the director to at least send me a quick text to check in, especially since I always reached out to them during tough times. They signed the card, but it felt insincere. I thought I had a good bond with the new director, but not a single text from him either. A coworker I became friends with and another who promised to catch up with me while I’m on leave never followed through. I know I shouldn't take it personally, but it feels degrading. I cared enough to check on them during their lows, and now I feel forgotten. This has me seriously considering whether I should return to this job, especially since the environment has changed so much. With the management shifts, it feels like a ‘boys club’ where promotions only go to those who are buddies with upper management. I’m lucky to have this job because of the pay and benefits, but I’m debating giving my two weeks' notice when I go back in two weeks.

I recently interviewed for a part-time position that felt like a dream job for me. It aligned perfectly with my interests and previous experience, and it seemed like the ideal opportunity to balance with my full-time studies. The interview lasted only 30 minutes, and the recruiter mentioned that they were looking to fill the role quickly, so I thought I had a good chance. She promised to get back to me by Friday or Monday at the latest. However, I received a rejection email on Tuesday, which left me feeling extremely disappointed and questioning my abilities. I had gotten a bit overconfident since there were only 23 applicants on LinkedIn, and I thought my interview went fairly well despite a few stutters. I had also previously accepted a similar role last summer but had to leave due to unfair compensation, which made me feel more certain about this opportunity. Now, I'm struggling with feelings of failure and sadness, and I find it hard to muster the energy to apply for other jobs. I just sent a follow-up message to the recruiter, hoping that if someone drops out, they might consider me again. I'm curious if anyone has had success with follow-up messages leading to feedback or even a job offer, or if that's just a waste of time in today’s job market.

I recently experienced a frustrating job application process where I found out that I was rejected by a bot before any human even looked at my application. The rejection came just 9 minutes after I submitted my application on a Sunday night at 11 PM. I reached out to a friend who works in HR operations at a mid-sized company, and she confirmed that their system also auto-rejects candidates based on three hard filters before anything reaches a human. She mentioned that the number of companies using this method has roughly doubled in the past year. This revelation made me rethink my approach to job applications. I’ve been trying to personalize my applications by writing to a specific person and showing genuine interest, but it seems that this strategy might be misguided given the prevalence of automated systems. I’m not really annoyed, but I want to understand what I should be optimizing for. If a parser is the first to read my application, what exactly causes it to fail? Are tables or two-column formats problematic? Does anyone have concrete knowledge on this, or are we all just guessing? I've seen comments suggesting that disqualifying questions on applications are often the culprits, and that avoiding columns in resumes might help. There's also a lot of discussion about the ethical implications of these automated systems, especially concerning discrimination and the impact on candidates with disabilities. It’s disheartening to think that my application could be dismissed without any human consideration, and I’m left wondering how to navigate this new landscape.

I'm currently working an overnight job that is really taking a toll on me. I'm constantly exhausted and struggling to get enough sleep, which is affecting my overall well-being. I want to quit this job because it feels unbearable, but I'm hesitant to leave until I secure a day job. Unfortunately, the job market feels incredibly bleak right now, and finding a new position seems like an uphill battle. I'm just feeling really overwhelmed and tired.

I just put in my two weeks at my construction job, and the atmosphere has turned really sour. My coworkers, who I once considered like family, are treating me poorly now that they know I'm leaving. I don't want to endure this for two more weeks, especially with the risk of getting hurt while dealing with their antics. I'm thinking of telling my boss that I can leave a week early, making this Friday my last day instead. I'm starting an apprenticeship soon, and honestly, at 21, I feel a bit lost without much guidance on how to handle this situation.