Planning

I work at a company where I've noticed a troubling trend. Since January, the minimum performance metrics have been steadily increasing, and now they're set to rise again significantly in July. It feels like the expectations are becoming unmanageable, and I’m worried about burning out. In response, I’ve started looking for new job opportunities, but I’m facing a tough market. The positions that are equivalent to mine require more experience than I currently have, and many of them offer lower salaries than what I’m making now. Even within my own company, I see that they’ve raised the experience requirements for job listings. It really feels like we’re stuck in a downward spiral, and I'm not sure how to navigate this situation.

I recently missed an important interview for a software engineering position at a tech startup. I had been preparing for it for days, but unfortunately, I lost track of time due to a prior commitment that ran longer than expected. I felt really disappointed in myself for not being able to make it and I’m worried it might affect my chances of landing a job. I reached out to the recruiter to apologize and see if there's any possibility of rescheduling, but I'm not sure what the outcome will be. It's a tough situation, and I'm hoping for the best.

I recently completed my degree in chemical engineering and have been preparing for the UPSC exams while also pursuing my LLB. However, I find myself in a challenging situation with a significant gap of five years in my employment history. I'm reaching out to see if anyone can suggest any entry-level job roles that might be suitable for someone in my position. I'm eager to start my career and would appreciate any leads or advice.

I had scheduled a screening call with a recruiter from Indeed for a potential job opportunity next week. However, I received an unexpected job offer from a position I had previously interviewed for, and I plan on accepting it. Now, I need to figure out how to professionally cancel the screening call without having the recruiter's direct contact information. I'm a bit anxious about coming off as unprofessional, especially since I'll have to do this through Indeed's messaging system. Any advice on how to handle this situation would be greatly appreciated!

I've been working at a lab for nearly three years, and things have taken a turn for the worse. After we lost a major client, the company laid off about 30 people, leaving my department with just me. Normally, we would have three people, but now I'm handling all the work alone. This year, my raise was only 1%, a significant drop from the usual 3.5%. I suspect this is because I had to take a week off last year when my son was sick with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. When I approached HR about options for leave or FMLA, the rep was dismissive, suggesting that a sick child wasn't a valid reason for missing work and implying I should have found a babysitter instead. In early April, I reached out to my manager for a raise, providing evidence of my contributions, as I was doing over 50% of the work in a three-person team. Unfortunately, my manager is known for not responding to emails, and after a month of silence, both of my colleagues left the company. In total, four people have quit recently due to the poor work environment. I finally scheduled a meeting with my GM to discuss my workload and the lack of a proper raise. She promised to talk to HR about it, but that was two weeks ago, and I still haven't heard back. I even sent a follow-up email to check on the status, but no response. With the situation deteriorating and no backup for my position, I'm considering whether to put in my two weeks' notice or threaten to quit to prompt some action. My manager is pretty hands-off, mostly sitting in his office on his phone. It's frustrating to see others being begged to stay while I feel completely undervalued.

I'm currently working as a driver in the passenger/commercial transportation sector and have been with my company for several years. I've built a solid reputation as a reliable driver, often stepping in for last-minute jobs and odd schedules. The company used to feel like family, and the owner provided me with life-changing opportunities. However, things have changed significantly. The owner is becoming less involved in daily operations, and the new management style feels very different. Many senior drivers are unhappy and have either reduced their availability or left altogether, making it seem like the older drivers are being phased out. Communication is unclear, and new policies aren't consistently enforced, leading to frustration among drivers. I've noticed that following the rules can sometimes backfire, as complaints are taken too literally without considering the context. Financially, the job is becoming harder to justify. While I earn around $28/hour, my long commute and expenses make it less sustainable. I've put my personal life on hold for this job, and I'm starting to question whether my loyalty is keeping me stuck. I enjoy the work itself, especially the safety and compliance aspects, and I could see myself moving into roles like safety or driver training. However, those positions may still come with the same commute and instability. I'm considering switching to a more local CDL-related job that might offer better stability, benefits, and a clearer path for advancement. I'm seeking advice from others in the CDL or transportation field: should I stay in my current industry and pursue safety/training roles, or is it wiser to transition to a more stable local job? Has anyone else left a job they were emotionally invested in and found it was the right choice?

I was informed this month that my entire department is being terminated due to restructuring. I've been working in RCM quality analysis for a healthcare company for over 20 years, but only a year in my current role. As I navigate this situation, I've applied for another internal position and have an interview scheduled for tomorrow. I'm unsure if I would still be eligible for my severance if I get the new position but decide to turn it down. My official last day is June 26th, but I won’t receive my severance package documentation until after that date. Additionally, I'm considering a career change and planning to go back to school for the necessary coursework, but that process will take some time due to various factors.

I'm seeking career advice for my wife, who is currently a Consultant at OpenText, specifically working with AppWorks. She has about 3 years of experience and earns a salary of 7 LPA. Given the uncertainty around potential layoffs, we're exploring her career options. She has basic Java knowledge but isn't a full-time developer. Her work primarily involves enterprise applications and consulting projects, where she interacts with clients, understands their requirements, and configures solutions. However, due to her work and personal commitments, she has limited time for extensive upskilling. We're considering several paths: Business Analyst, QA/QA Automation, Data Analyst, Java Developer, and Data Engineer. We're particularly interested in which of these options might offer the best combination of job opportunities, salary growth, and realistic preparation effort. If anyone has experience with AppWorks/OpenText or has made a similar transition, I would love to hear your recommendations. Is QA still a viable long-term career option? Would transitioning to a Business Analyst role be more straightforward than moving into QA? How challenging would it be for her to shift into a Data Analyst role given her background? Any insights from hiring managers, recruiters, or professionals who have navigated similar paths would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I'm currently facing a tough decision at my job with a large nationwide company. Recently, 95% of us received emails about a "Voluntary Separation Program" aimed at encouraging employees to resign before potential involuntary layoffs occur. I'm really torn about whether to take the severance package or stick it out. The severance pay amounts to about 6 months of my net income, and they will cover COBRA payments for 5 months, leaving me only responsible for my normal monthly premium. The separation date is set for around September 1, 2026. I've been unhappy in my role for a few years now, and while the idea of change is daunting, I'm also aware that I might lose my job anyway, potentially without any severance. The company is struggling financially and with the rise of AI, I feel that layoffs could be imminent. Taking the severance package seems like a no-brainer, especially with the current economic climate making job security feel precarious. It would provide some financial cushion for the next six months, which is crucial since my husband and I would struggle if either of us were to be laid off. I'm reaching out for advice on whether I should take the severance or try to ride it out a bit longer. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

I've been self-employed since 2020 after my last employee role, but I'm starting to worry about how this looks on my resume. I list myself as self-employed, but I make very little money and have been searching for a job for two years. I feel like recruiters might view my self-employment negatively, thinking I couldn't find a 'real' job. When I mention my business in interviews, I can see the disappointment on their faces, which is disheartening. I wonder if I should even include my business on my resume or if it would be better to leave it off completely. I also had some irrelevant retail jobs in the past six years that I chose not to list, and I'm unsure if that will come back to haunt me. So far, interviewers haven't brought it up, but I'm anxious about how my self-employment is perceived.

Today was a rough day at work. I’ve been feeling the strain of my job, which often requires me to work 10-hour shifts without any official breaks. I finally managed to get my boss to adjust my schedule so I can leave by 5 or 5:30, but the lack of mandated breaks in my state means I often find myself working straight through, only able to grab a quick snack or heat up lunch on my feet. While the physical activity has somewhat helped my fibromyalgia, the mental toll is becoming harder to manage. I often feel tunnel vision and burnout, especially with the constant pressure from management to meet tight deadlines. Today, I made a significant mistake, and while I want to take accountability for it, I can’t help but wonder if the lack of breaks is impacting my performance. I really enjoy many aspects of my job, but I’m starting to question if I want to be in a role that offers no breaks for the next 25 years. Should I consider looking for a less stressful job, even if it means fewer hours and less pay? I’m venting a bit here, but I’m also seeking advice on whether I should start sending out my resume.

I was laid off from my job while I was 7 months pregnant, and since then, I've been actively searching for a new position. Finding interviews was challenging, especially with the timing of my due date. I just gave birth a week ago and I'm diving back into the job hunt. I've reached out to all my connections, but I'm hoping to expand my network here. If anyone has tips on companies that are hiring, internal referrals, or any advice, I would really appreciate it!

I work in maintenance at a McDonald's in South Florida, but I'm relocating back to Peoria, IL, where I used to live. The main reason for this move is the high cost of living here. I'm planning to quit my job in a rather unconventional way. On Wednesday, I'm going to work through about half of my shift, and when the manager on duty hands me my paycheck, I'm going to casually slip out the back door. My plan is to walk across the street, cash my check, and then hop on a Greyhound bus to my new destination. I don't intend to list this job as a reference because of how poorly I've been treated. Honestly, I'm curious to see the manager's reaction when they realize I've just vanished, especially since I'm the only maintenance person they have. I just want to make sure my money is secure, so I'll be depositing the rest into my Truist account once I cash the check. I know this isn't the most professional way to leave a job, but after my experience here, I feel justified in doing it.

I've been unemployed for the past three years since I was 16, living in the UK. My job search has been incredibly challenging, and despite my efforts, I haven't had any luck finding work. I have tailored my CV for entry-level positions, but my only experience is a week in a hotel, which I had to do as part of my secondary school requirements. I dropped out of sixth form and never completed my A-levels, which has made my situation even tougher. I've applied to over a thousand jobs, called various places, and even gone in person, but nothing has worked out. I struggle with confidence and haven't considered internships or volunteering, but I realize that might be my last chance to gain some experience. I'm not interested in going back to sixth form or attending university, even though I did well in my GCSEs, achieving 7 grades at levels 5-6 (Cs and Bs). It's frustrating to feel stuck and unable to leverage my potential.

I'm currently in a tough spot after my entire department was eliminated earlier this year at my company, which forced me into a sales role. They promised a full year of salary while I trained, but the situation has been dire. The company isn't performing well, and every sales rep is struggling due to a lack of leads, relying on AI-generated outreach. Soon, I'll be switched to a commission-only structure, and I've heard from a colleague that they're already $20k in debt due to the draw system. I need to escape this job as soon as possible. I've been actively interviewing for months but haven't had much luck until recently. I applied to a large retail big box chain out of desperation and got hired on the spot, but it's part-time with low pay and grunt work. The employees were pretty candid about the poor morale and high turnover, which doesn't sound appealing at all. Currently, I'm in the interview process with another company that aligns much better with my skills. I had a recruiter screen that led to a second interview, and today, the hiring manager expressed interest in scheduling a final interview with stakeholders. While nothing is guaranteed, I feel optimistic about my chances. The retail job wants me to start this coming Monday, and I'm torn. Part of me thinks I should take it since I've been job hunting for so long with little success, but I really don't want to accept a position I might hate and then leave shortly after if I get a better offer from the other company. I'm looking for advice on what to do next.

I'm currently a student midwife in my final year studying in London, but my family is back in Wales. As part of my course, I have to complete 22-23 weeks of placement, which adds up to around 2400 hours over three years. Classes wrapped up around April-May, and now I'm in my last placement block until September. The challenge is that while most students head home for summer, I have to stay for my placement, but my university accommodation expects everyone to vacate by early August. This has been a struggle for the past few years, but this time I can't afford to pay for summer accommodation using my student finance like I did previously. My placement schedule is demanding, with 3-4 days a week, totaling 34.5-46 hours, and I often find myself waking up at 5 am and getting back to my dorm by 9:30 pm. I've been actively searching for jobs for nearly four years now, using various websites and apps, and even visiting stores and restaurants in person to hand out my CV. Just yesterday, I called over 40 stores to inquire about job openings, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck. Finding a job that fits around my placement hours is incredibly tough, and the job market feels very competitive. I do have family in London, but none of them can accommodate me until November when I graduate. My teacher mentioned that I might need an additional six weeks of placements to meet my qualification requirements, which adds to my stress about housing. My roommates are looking for a place together, but I'm the only one without a job, making it hard to contribute to bills. I've asked them to keep an eye out for job openings at their workplaces. When I'm not at placement, writing essays, or attending classes, I'm searching for work. I'm feeling overwhelmed and would appreciate any advice or leads on job opportunities in London. Thank you.

I've been struggling with my employment for a while now, having been fired from 13 jobs since 2018. My first job was a part-time gig that lasted two years, but even that ended poorly. I can't seem to shake the feeling that I am the common denominator in this situation. I live with my mom and help out around the house, but I feel like a burden because I can't contribute financially. I've been in therapy for years, but I still find myself getting defensive and lashing out at work, which leads to being let go time and again. I recently applied for state assistance to help with my mental health challenges, but my case was denied, leaving me feeling even more hopeless. I know I need to change my approach, possibly find a new therapist, and explore different job types, like trades or construction, where emotions might be more accepted. It's tough, and I feel like I'm letting down my family and myself.

I just read about eBay's upcoming layoffs, which are set to affect 639 employees in the U.S. in 2026. It's surprising to see this news, especially since the company is also planning to hire 429 H-1B visa workers during the same timeframe. This situation raises a lot of questions about their workforce strategy. Many people are speculating about the implications of laying off current employees while simultaneously seeking new talent from abroad. It feels like a classic case of companies prioritizing cheaper labor over their existing workforce. I'm curious to see how this will unfold and what it means for those of us in the job market.

I'm facing another layoff soon, which will make it my second one within a year. I'm really struggling to cope with the uncertainty and stress that comes with this situation. To manage my mental health, I plan to focus on exercising regularly for the first few months to regain my physical health. I also intend to limit my job search to specific times to avoid burnout and will be eating on a budget to save money. I'm curious about what routines have worked for others in similar situations, as I could use some guidance on how to navigate this challenging time.

On June 16, 2026, I experienced a layoff from Robinhood, where I worked in a marketing role. The company provided a translation of their layoff rationale, which was surprisingly clear and straightforward compared to the usual corporate jargon. I found it refreshing and thought it could set a new standard for transparency in corporate communications during layoffs. It sparked some interesting discussions among my colleagues about the need for more honesty in these situations, and I even considered creating a LinkedIn account to share these translations for others to benefit from.