Planning

I’m a computer science student in India, about to graduate in a few months, and I’m feeling pretty lost about my career path. I don’t have any professional experience or internships, and my resume is lacking. I also have a career gap after my undergraduate degree, which makes me feel older than the typical fresh graduate here. I’m aware that these factors can make it really tough to get through the initial screening stages for jobs in India. I’ve been contemplating whether there’s a way to find a remote job with a US or international company instead of sticking to the traditional Indian job market. I’m not just looking for software engineering roles; I’m open to any legitimate remote job that I can do from India. I’d be happy with a salary around $20k/year, which would be a decent income in my area. I have to admit that my technical skills are not where I want them to be. Most of my projects during my degree relied heavily on AI, and I don’t feel confident enough in my coding abilities to call myself a software developer. With AI changing the job landscape, I’m even more uncertain about my prospects. I’m struggling to figure out where to start. I don’t know what types of international remote jobs are available for someone in my situation, what skills I should focus on developing, or where these jobs are even listed. The Indian entry-level job market feels daunting, and the thought of trying to break into an international market is overwhelming. I’m looking for honest advice from anyone who works for a US or international company, especially those involved in hiring. What roles can realistically be done remotely from India? Would a company consider hiring someone with my background, career gap, and lack of experience? What skills should I develop to increase my employability? Are there specific industries or companies that are more open to international hires? With AI impacting entry-level jobs, what skills are becoming more valuable? I’m really hoping for some concrete guidance. If you were in my shoes, just months away from graduation with a weak resume and limited technical skills, what steps would you take? Where would you look for jobs, and what would you aim for first? If anyone has successfully transitioned from India to a remote role with a US or international company, I’d love to hear your story. I’m not looking for motivational advice; I just want to understand the path ahead. And if $20k/year is unrealistic for someone in my position, I’d appreciate that honesty too. I want to avoid blindly applying for jobs in India if there are better opportunities out there.

I just got laid off from my position as a backend developer in .NET technologies at a healthcare tech company. It was a shock, especially since I was recognized as a phenomenal performer just last month and received awards for my work. Now, I'm left feeling numb and uncertain about the future. Along with me, two entire tech teams, including managers and business analysts, were let go. With 3.5 years of experience, I’m worried about the current job market, which seems tough for someone with a layoff on their record. I’m reaching out for guidance and referrals, as I really need to secure another job quickly—my severance won’t last long. I’m open to opportunities across all of India. If anyone has advice or can connect me with potential openings, I would greatly appreciate it.

I received a denial letter for my unemployment benefits on July 15th after being fired from my job in Florida due to performance issues. The HR department labeled it as conscious poor performance, which feels like they are framing it as misconduct. I'm really frustrated because my appeal is still pending, and I’ve been living off my savings since then. I have documentation for every performance issue, and HR mentioned that once they get the appeal paperwork, it will be categorized more appropriately. When I called the customer service line for the appeal, they informed me that the process can take up to 3 months. I keep applying for benefits weekly, knowing they will be retroactive, but I’m left wondering if I will ever actually receive the funds. This whole situation feels incredibly unfair.

I'm currently in a tough spot with my job search and wanted to share my experience. I'm 25 years old, living at home in NYC after graduating with a BFA three years ago. I moved back home because I couldn't afford to live on my own, and now I find myself with zero savings and struggling to make ends meet. I often wonder how others manage to pay rent and save money when I can barely hold onto $500 at a time. I've been looking for jobs, but it feels like businesses are hiring less while still posting available positions. My main skill set is in dog handling and daycare, but even those jobs are hard to come by, and I see others with less experience getting hired instead. Entry-level positions seem to have disappeared, and even fast-food places require some obscure skills that aren't clearly defined. I'm also a nightlife performer, which brings in about $300 a month, but with the expenses involved and the daily travel from the Bronx to Brooklyn, it's not enough to sustain me. I know I need to move out next year, but I'm terrified of ending up homeless. Thankfully, my parents are supportive, but I can't stay with them forever. I'm reaching out for advice or thoughts on how to navigate this situation. I understand that some might criticize my past choices, but I'm focused on moving forward now. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

I recently found myself in a bit of a tricky situation regarding job interviews. About a month ago, I interviewed for a position but didn't hear back, so I assumed I was out of the running. Then, I discovered a job that seemed perfect for my background and would offer me a salary higher than I've ever earned. Just days after I applied for this ideal role, I received an offer from the job I thought had ghosted me. Although I wasn't particularly excited about that offer, I decided to move forward with it. Before starting my new role, I received an email from HR asking for a screening interview. I explained that I had just started a new job but was eager to talk, and they agreed to a call after my work hours. I ended up doing the screening call in my car, which was a bit unconventional since it was a video call, but it seemed to go well. They didn't seem to mind my setting, and they quickly offered me a second interview, really trying to sell me on the company, which wasn't necessary since I was already very interested. Now, I have a second interview scheduled this week during my lunch break, but I'm unsure if I should also do this one in my car. My commute is an hour, so going home isn't an option. I want to make a good impression, but I’m concerned about the environment. I thought about using filters to enhance my appearance on camera, but they all seem to cut off my hair, which isn't ideal. I’m weighing my options and considering whether I should find a quiet place to park or stick with my car for this next interview.

I've been working remotely since graduating college in 2022, and I've already had four different jobs, with my current contract role being the fourth since I started last May. I'm considering starting my job search in January to secure a new position by April when my contract ends. However, I'm worried that my job history might make me seem unstable to potential employers, especially since my longest tenure has only been 15 months. My first job was an internship, my second ended when the company went bankrupt, the third had scheduling disagreements, and now in my current role, I find the niche challenging and feel underpaid. I'm torn between staying longer at this job or moving on sooner. Am I overthinking this?

I just learned that two casinos in Tukwila are closing on November 1, and this will result in 238 layoffs. It's disheartening to see so many people losing their jobs at once. I'm currently trying to figure out my next steps and looking for new opportunities in the hospitality or gaming industry. If anyone has leads or advice on job searching in this area, I would really appreciate it.

I started a new job in May this year, and initially received positive feedback after my first month. However, after three months, I was informed that my probation period would be extended for two additional months due to concerns about my "culture fit," despite my technical competence. Just two weeks later, I was told that they would be letting me go after the extended period. Now, I have about 6-7 weeks left at the company, and I'm unsure how to approach my remaining time here. Should I maintain a professional demeanor and not burn any bridges, or should I just do the bare minimum since they’ve already decided to let me go? I'm also considering starting to apply for new jobs while still employed.

I’ve been feeling really anxious about my job lately. I’ve been with the company for 8 years in a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) role, and I can't shake the feeling that I might be next to be laid off. They’ve canceled my 1-on-1 meetings twice in a row, and I noticed that our postpaid phone plans have been terminated. The focus of our work has shifted more towards R&D and automation, but there hasn’t been any new projects coming in. This has me worried, especially since two of my teammates have already been let go. I trust my managers and they say I’m doing a good job, but I don’t have the same confidence in the leadership. I’m starting to feel the weight of this uncertainty; I haven’t slept or eaten properly in weeks. I’ve formed close relationships with my managers and coworkers, and the thought of losing that is really hard to bear. I might even have to cancel a trip I had planned abroad next month. To prepare for the worst, I’ve polished my resume and started applying to other companies. I also booked my first therapy session to help cope with the stress. If I’m still here by the end of September, it will feel like a miracle, but right now, everything seems so bleak. I’ll keep updating on my situation.

I just experienced a major setback in my career. I was in the process of interviewing for a new job after feeling frustrated at my current position where I was given additional responsibilities without any promotion or raise. I had just completed three interviews at another company the Monday before last, which I felt went really well. However, on Tuesday, everything changed. While I was at my desk, I was called into a meeting along with eight of my coworkers, and we were informed that the company was laying off most of our team due to poor quarterly performance. I work in gas pricing, and it was a shocking moment to hear that I was being let go. Now, I'm feeling devastated. I haven't heard back from the company I interviewed with, and I followed up with them on Friday, but the uncertainty is weighing heavily on me. I'm torn about whether to mention my layoff to them if they do reach out. The pressure is intense, and I just wish this long weekend would end so I could get back to job searching.

I recently went through a first interview for a position and was preparing for the second one when I unfortunately injured myself at home. The injury happened in between the interviews, not during them. I went to the ER, and they assured me it should heal within a couple of weeks, but I’ve also scheduled a follow-up with a specialist for further evaluation. Now, I’m unsure about whether or when to bring this up with the hiring manager during the next interview. Should I mention it at all, or only if it seems relevant? I'm seeking advice on how to handle this situation.

I'm 25 years old and currently looking for a job in the SF Bay area. I had to take a semester off from college, and now I'm eager to find work as soon as possible. If anyone has any leads or suggestions for opportunities, I would greatly appreciate it!

About a year ago, I faced some trouble at my previous job, which I thought was a minor issue, but it escalated to the point where my manager and HR got involved. It left me feeling disheartened, especially when they made it clear that my career aspirations were off the table. Frustrated, I started looking for new opportunities. After 6-9 months of applying to hundreds of jobs and going through numerous interviews, I finally accepted a role at a large tech company, attracted by the significant pay increase and the promise of more ownership in my work. I felt relieved and optimistic, believing it was a good move despite it not being my dream job. However, after just two months in the new position, I am regretting my decision. Each day has been filled with misery due to a lack of direction, projects that are falling apart, and a toxic environment where communication is almost nonexistent. I’ve tried to approach my boss about my concerns, but given my past experiences, I’m hesitant to be too open. I can sense that this is not a place where I will thrive. Recognizing that I need to make a change, I began job hunting again after just a week in this role. Over the past two months, I've had three interviews but no job offers yet. My niche role in the corporate training industry makes it challenging, and every rejection feels heavier than before. I’m anxious about the current job market and feel guilty for being unhappy in a position that many would consider a great opportunity. I just can’t see myself lasting here much longer.

I’m feeling completely overwhelmed and desperate for a new job. Currently, I’m working as a barista at a small chain cafe, and it’s been a struggle. I make only $5 an hour and rely heavily on tips, which barely brings my average pay to around $11 or $12 an hour if I’m lucky. I’ve been at this job since November 2025, and honestly, I can’t take it anymore. The company is terrible. I work over 35 hours a week, yet my paychecks are still small. I’m constantly asked to do more than what’s in my job description, and when I report issues to my manager, nothing gets done. For instance, we’ve had multiple fridges break down for months without repairs. To make matters worse, we’ve been dealing with a serious ant problem since summer started. Instead of addressing it, my manager told us to kill the ants with bleach, which only made things worse. I ended up inhaling a lot of bleach, triggering multiple asthma flare-ups. Recently, the AC in the store broke down, and living in Texas, it was unbearable. The temperature inside reached the high 80s, and it took three weeks for them to fix it after a customer complained. Just last week, the AC broke again, and it got up to 99 degrees inside. My manager refused to let us close the store early, and after an 8-hour shift in that heat, I felt sick and exhausted. I’m 19 and starting college soon, and I need money for classes, but I can't continue working in these conditions. I have some savings, but I’m unsure how long it’ll take to find another job. I haven’t quit yet, but I’m seriously considering it because I don’t think I can handle another shift.

I recently left my job a couple of months ago, and I had two coworkers agree to be my references. However, when I started getting job offers, one of them completely ignored my requests, while the other was very reluctant to even give me his email address. It took him 7 hours to respond, which felt very telling about his enthusiasm for my success. This experience made me realize that if someone isn't excited to support me when I have a potential job offer, I can't trust them as a reference. So, I ended up reaching out to old coworkers from jobs I had up to 7 years ago, and they were more than happy to help me out. I’ve learned to be very selective about who I choose to use as references.

I got laid off from my role in sales and talent acquisition in November 2025 due to company cost-cutting measures. After taking two months off to recover and disconnect, I jumped back into the job market. Initially, I followed the typical route—applying to jobs, tailoring my applications, and facing rejection after rejection. It was disheartening, especially since I have 15 years of experience in sales and talent acquisition, have worked remotely and internationally, and have a bilingual background, yet I couldn't even get a conversation started with potential employers. Realizing that my approach wasn't working, I decided to change my strategy. I began treating my job search like a sales process, focusing on research, referrals, and persistence. Here’s what I did: 1. I compiled a list of job boards and ATS sources to find relevant job postings consistently. 2. I checked this list daily for new opportunities. 3. I created a list of companies I admired and used AI to discover competitors I hadn't considered before. 4. I explored their career pages for roles that fit my profile and checked historical openings to gauge their hiring patterns. 5. I evaluated whether the roles were worth pursuing based on geography, compensation, and experience requirements. 6. I leveraged LinkedIn to see if anyone in my network worked at these companies. 7. If I found a connection, I reached out, even if I had only a loose acquaintance with them. 8. I initiated conversations based on shared experiences or interests before asking for a referral. 9. Once rapport was established, I inquired about their employee referral program, emphasizing the potential benefits for them. 10. I asked if they would be comfortable referring me, ensuring I framed it as a request based on my background rather than a demand. 11. If I lacked direct connections, I sought introductions through my wider network. 12. I also asked friends in sales for help in reaching out to potential contacts using their data enrichment tools. 13. I expanded my outreach methods beyond LinkedIn, utilizing email, phone, and even text to connect with multiple people at once. 14. For companies without referrals, I stepped out of my comfort zone by sending LinkedIn voice messages and quick personalized video introductions, which helped me stand out. This proactive and multifaceted approach led me to secure one full-time job and two fractional roles. It was a challenging journey, but adapting my strategy made all the difference.

I recently started my job search in Ontario, Canada, as I prepare for college classes starting on September 8. I just got my SIN and have been feeling really anxious since I’ve never had a job before. I began applying for positions two days ago, focusing on part-time work since I’m only available on weekends and Friday afternoons. I visited 10 different company chains, including grocery stores and fast food places, and applied online to about 40 companies through platforms like Indeed and MyWorkDay. My anxiety is through the roof because I have no work experience, and I’m worried about how long it will take for companies to contact me for interviews. I’m curious if it’s typical for hiring managers to process applications over the weekend and how long it usually takes for them to reach out. I know there’s no set timeline, but I’d love to hear about others' experiences. I’m also questioning if I’m being too hasty in my applications, especially since I feel like every passing day adds to my stress about finances with college approaching. Lastly, I’m wondering if sending out 30-40 applications is considered low for part-time retail and fast food jobs. I just want to gain some experience, even if it means starting at minimum wage.

I recently interviewed for a senior-level position at an arts nonprofit earlier this summer, and I need to vent about the experience. They initially advertised a salary range in the six figures, which caught my attention. However, when they made me an offer, they downgraded the position significantly and presented me with a salary that felt downright insulting. I declined the first offer, and they came back with an additional $20,000, but it still fell short of the six-figure mark. For context, my last salary was $157,000, so accepting this offer would feel like a step backward. While the role is fully remote and I've been out of work for a year (which I took for personal reasons), I'm torn about whether to accept this offer or hold out for something better. They didn't provide any real explanation for the downgrade, which adds to my frustration. I'm weighing the pros and cons: should I take this job to get back into the workforce or continue searching for a role that aligns more closely with my experience and salary expectations? It's a tough decision, and I could really use some advice.

After 12 years in various Admin and Sales entry-level roles, I've reached a point where I really want to transition away from customer-facing positions. At 35 years old, I feel desperate to climb the pay ladder and move into more substantial internal roles. My background includes positions like Sales Admin, Customer Service, Account Manager, and Sales Coordinator. While I'm open to taking a customer-facing role if it's a solid internal opportunity, my main goal is to break free from these lower-tier positions. I'm currently seeking guidance on how to pivot my career effectively. I've been exploring options and AI suggestions point towards Coordinator roles, such as Operations Coordinator, or even leaning into Data roles like Business Intelligence Coordinator. I also have some experience with coding and SQL, which I hope to leverage in this transition.

I’m currently working as an Embedded Software Test Engineer with about 2.5 years of experience, primarily in the automotive sector. My expertise includes HIL/SIL testing for CAN protocols using tools like CANalyzer and CANape, along with OTA update validation and some Python-based test automation. I also have experience with testing Android-based infotainment systems. I’m aiming to transition into a similar role at a Bay Area automotive or AV company by February 2027. The challenge I’m facing is that I’m getting interviews, and the initial recruiter screens and technical discussions seem to go well, yet I’m not receiving any offers. It’s frustrating because my qualifications align with the job requirements on paper, but I feel like I’m missing something during the interview process. I’m reaching out to those in the automotive embedded QA or systems/software test fields for insights. I’d like to know: - What distinguishes a “good” candidate from one that gets hired in these interviews? - Are there specific technical questions or topics that tend to trip candidates up, like coding challenges or protocol knowledge? Where can I practice for these? - From your experience, what are common reasons strong candidates don’t receive offers? Any advice, personal experiences, or surprising moments from your own interviews would be incredibly helpful as I prepare for my next round. Thank you!