Planning

I recently graduated about three months ago and have just started taking my CV and job search seriously. I created my first CV on August 29th, so I'm still getting the hang of it. I live in Riyadh, which is known for being an expat hub, and I've heard some pretty alarming stories about the job market here. Some people have applied to hundreds of jobs without even receiving a rejection email, which is quite daunting. I've already received a few rejection emails myself, and oddly enough, I'm somewhat relieved by that because it means I was acknowledged at least! Most of the roles I applied for were senior positions requiring five years of experience, so I understand why I didn't get them. I graduated with a degree in Physics, but I'm also exploring job opportunities outside of my field, including data-related roles and some positions in computer science. My sister suggested that I create two separate CVs: one tailored for Physics-related jobs and another for roles outside that field. Currently, my CV is a mix of both, with about 50% focused on Physics and the other 50% on my other skills. I'm wondering if it's a good idea to have two distinct CVs or if I should just stick with one. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated!

I’m currently unemployed and feeling quite lost about my next steps. A while back, I left my full-time admin job to take on an Operations Coordinator/HR position, despite being upfront about my lack of experience. I was promised training, but I ended up having to teach myself everything. Unfortunately, I was let go after just five weeks. I received some great advice from others, including the suggestion to start a GoFundMe to help me get back on my feet. I did that, but it hasn’t gained much traction. Now, I’m still job hunting and honestly feeling pretty discouraged. I hold a Social Service Worker diploma and have several years of administrative experience. I’ve been applying for various roles like admin, social services, scheduling, reception, and coordinator positions. I’ve even started looking beyond my usual fields because I just need to find a job. However, I do face a couple of limitations. I no longer have a vehicle, and many community positions require access to one, which cuts down my options significantly. Additionally, I have endometriosis and chronic pain, so I can’t handle physically demanding jobs or those that require being on my feet all day. I’m capable of working, but I need something that is primarily sedentary or light duty. I’m not looking for sympathy or financial help; I’m genuinely seeking ideas. If you had an SSW diploma, administrative experience, and needed a job that wasn’t physically demanding while also lacking access to a vehicle, what job titles would you be considering? I’m open to pivoting away from my previous fields and just need some direction, as applying for the same types of jobs isn’t yielding results.

I recently graduated with a degree in Information Systems and have been going through the interview process for an entry-level position. Here's a timeline of my experience so far: - On July 23, I reached out to the hiring manager after seeing a post about the team, and I was encouraged to apply. - I had my first interview with the hiring manager on July 31, which went well, and I was invited to the final interview round shortly after. - The final round consisted of three interviews, and I completed two of them on August 13. - I faced some scheduling issues; I requested an alternate time for one of the interviews on August 6, but it led to confusion. The interview disappeared from the recruiter's calendar, and I had to follow up multiple times. - After some back and forth, I finally got the link to schedule my last interview on August 24, which I completed on August 27. The interviewer said I did a good job, which was encouraging. - I followed up with the recruiter on September 3 to thank her and express my continued interest in the position. Now, I'm just waiting for a decision. I'm feeling a bit anxious about the delays and the lack of communication from the recruiter. Should I be worried about this, or am I just overthinking it?

I've been unemployed for the past 3 months after graduating, and it's been tough. I previously worked part-time at a local shop, but I had to leave when the property I was staying in was sold. Finding affordable housing in my city has been a challenge, so I'm currently living with a relative, but I can't stay here much longer. I'm actively searching for a job as a developer. I have 8 months of internship experience, but I'm struggling to get interview calls. If anyone knows of any openings or could refer me for a developer role, I would be extremely grateful. I'm happy to share my resume and any other details needed. I'm also open to other types of work, including remote opportunities, even if they pay around $300 to $400 a month. I'm willing to learn and work hard to upskill alongside the job. Additionally, I need to contribute to my parents' home loan EMI, so securing a job soon is crucial for me. If you have any leads, referrals, or suggestions on where I should apply, please reach out. Any help would mean a lot to me right now.

I recently found myself in a frustrating situation at my job as a lead engineer at a tech firm. Our new Director of People and Culture has implemented 'Mandatory Game Nights' every Thursday after 6 PM, and it's been a nightmare for me. I have a wife and two young kids, and I value my time with them. Yet, I'm being labeled as not a 'team player' for wanting to leave and spend time with my family. Every Thursday, I’m expected to stay late in the breakroom playing board games like Catan while munching on terrible pizza. They call it team bonding, but it feels more like a chore that’s making me consider quitting. Last week, when I tried to leave at 6:05, my manager followed me to the elevator, concerned about my absence from the festivities. I explained my family commitments and commute, but he just gave me a disapproving look. I received a message from the culture lead asking me to host the next game night, which I found ridiculous. I'm not here to lead game sessions; I'm here to code and solve technical problems. The pressure to participate is overwhelming, and I feel like I’m in high school again, judged by my willingness to join the 'cool kids' club. I checked the employee handbook, and there’s nothing about mandatory game nights, but the social pressure is intense. If I miss another event, I worry it will negatively impact my performance review. I’m seriously considering forgetting my laptop on Thursdays to have a valid excuse to leave early. My kids are growing up fast, and I don’t want to miss out on their bedtime stories for a corporate game night. This situation is pushing me to look for a new job where my time and family are respected.

I had a meeting this morning for a potential job opportunity at a university, and I made a decision that’s been weighing heavily on me. After months of job hunting and countless rejections, I finally got a chance to meet with a manager thanks to a senior person who liked my CV. However, I arrived late and flustered due to security delays. During the meeting, the manager asked if I was enrolled in a master’s program, stating they prefer candidates who can commit for two to three years. I panicked and said no, even though I am actually starting part-time evening classes soon. I feel sick about lying. I know it was a split-second decision driven by fear of disqualification, but now I’m left with this overwhelming guilt. There’s no job offer yet, as the opening might not come until December, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’d be starting off on a dishonest note. I can’t imagine going back to correct my answer; the embarrassment feels unbearable. Has anyone else faced a similar situation? How did you handle it? Did it ever come out?

I am currently seeking a job in Kalyani Nagar (KP) and would appreciate any references or leads. I have experience in administrative roles and am eager to find new opportunities in the area.

I am feeling really frustrated about my current job search situation. I was fortunate enough to secure an in-person interview for a role I'm very interested in, scheduled for Tuesday. However, on the Friday before that interview, I received a last-minute invite for another position on the same day and almost the exact same time, but in a different town. I quickly replied asking if they could reschedule since it was such short notice, but I probably won't hear back until Monday, just a day before the interview. To make matters worse, on Sunday morning, I got yet another interview request for a different role, also on Tuesday at the same time. I reached out again to ask for a different date, but they said rescheduling wasn't possible. It's disheartening that neither of these companies gave any indication of when the interviews would happen or informed me that I was shortlisted. I can't help but feel that it's unfair to not consider alternative times, especially with such short notice. I know there are many applicants for each role, and it seems like they can easily move on if I can't make it. It feels like bad luck that three interviews ended up on the same day and time. After applying to so many positions, it's really disheartening to think I might lose out on two great opportunities because of this scheduling mess.

I was recently laid off and I'm now in the process of exploring new opportunities. After taking a few days to recharge, I'm ready to dive back into the job market. I have over 5 years of experience, starting in commercial analytics at a large analytics firm, then moving into strategy consulting, and most recently, I spent a year in the founder's office of a consumer AI startup where I reported directly to the founder. I've also gained some experience in product management. I hold an MBA from an Indian Institute of Management and have an engineering undergraduate degree. I'm looking for roles in the founder's office, chief of staff positions, corporate or commercial strategy, or product strategy. I'm open to opportunities in both startups and larger companies. Currently, I'm based in Gurugram, India, but I'm willing to relocate or work remotely. If anyone has leads or relevant opportunities, I'd love to hear from you. I'm happy to share my CV and discuss my experience further. I'm also here to support anyone else who might be in a similar situation.

I'm feeling overwhelmed with everything that's happening in my life right now. This year has thrown me some serious curveballs, and I'm struggling to keep my head above water. I got divorced in January 2025, which was tough, and I was already dealing with a redundancy process at my small charity job. I managed to survive that round by sheer luck, as two colleagues left voluntarily, but now I'm facing another redundancy in October/November 2026. My charity still hasn't secured the funding it needs, and I know I'm the one who's going to be let go this time. To add to the chaos, I finally sold the house that took me years to renovate, but I had to accept a low offer due to the market conditions. The sale will complete around December, just when I expect to lose my job. I was hoping to use the equity from the house, around 135K, to buy a new place, but losing my income makes getting a mortgage much harder. Now I'm considering renting, but I still need to secure a new job. Financially, I'm not in a position to take a break or go on a vacation, especially since I won't receive redundancy pay due to a short break I took for consultancy work. I also don't have any savings left after writing off my car last year. My family isn't close and can’t provide much support, so I'm feeling pretty isolated. I'm at a crossroads: should I rent somewhere cheap and focus on job hunting? Is it worth looking into buying a smaller place despite my job situation? Or should I take a bit of time to regroup, knowing that the next few months will be tough? I feel like I'm juggling too many big changes at once, and it's hard to maintain perspective. I'm reaching out for advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

I just stumbled upon a job posting on LinkedIn for a position at my current company, and it’s offering 30% more than what I make now. I’m feeling a mix of shock and frustration. The listing is for the same title and department I’m in, and the job description is essentially a copy of my daily responsibilities. To top it off, the salary range starts at $20k more than my current pay after two years of service. Last year, I only received a meager 3% raise despite my manager praising me as a "rockstar" and "essential" to the team. What’s really unsettling is that no one has mentioned anything about hiring someone new. We’re a small team, and there’s no budget for an extra hire, so I can’t help but think they might be planning to replace me. My performance reviews have consistently been positive, so this feels like a huge slap in the face. It’s demotivating to see they have the budget to pay more but chose to keep me at a lower rate. I have a one-on-one with my boss tomorrow, and I’m torn about whether to bring this up or keep quiet and start applying elsewhere. Part of me wants to apply for the position just to see how they react, but I know that could backfire. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Should I even ask for a salary match at this point, or is it time to take the hint and move on? I’ve been putting in a lot of overtime lately, and this just adds to my frustration.

I just got laid off from my job and I'm feeling really lost right now. I worked as a marketing specialist at a tech company, and the news hit me hard. I'm unsure about what my next steps should be and could really use some guidance. If anyone has advice on how to navigate this situation or tips for job searching, I would greatly appreciate it.

I recently faced an incredibly challenging situation after being advised to resign from my job at a conglomerate company where I had worked for 1 year and 9 months. I was a scholarship recipient, and the company funded my Economics degree, binding me to them for two years. I started in the Strategy and Sustainability Department, which I enjoyed, but transitioned to a data analyst role in August 2025 due to my passion for data and machine learning. Unfortunately, the transition was chaotic, with two bosses and overwhelming pressure, leading to significant stress and mental health issues. Earlier this year, my father fell seriously ill, and I took emergency leave to care for him, which added to my stress. Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to resign in late May. My manager accepted my resignation, but the CEO of the Foundation offered me a three-month sabbatical to focus on my family, which I accepted. However, upon returning, I learned that my position had been filled, and I was advised to resign again. I complied, but the company demanded I pay back the remaining bond amount, which was devastating since I had been without salary for three months. I'm now struggling financially, trying to cut expenses and surviving on minimal food while applying for over 100 jobs. I'm feeling lost and anxious about my future. If anyone has been in a similar situation, I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to move forward.

I recently accepted a new job offer, but I'm feeling anxious about a mistake I made during the interview process. I currently work as support staff at a law firm, and I mistakenly described my position as a contract role when it is actually a permanent position with a probationary period. I didn't mention this on my resume, but I did indicate that my current job might end in September, which could have led to the confusion. I noticed the interviewers taking notes on my resume, and now I'm worried that this misunderstanding could create issues, especially since the new employer does government-contract work. I'm considering reaching out to them to clarify the situation, but I'm afraid they might rescind the job offer if I do. I haven't filled out any official forms yet, but I know they will need to verify my paralegal certification soon. I regret this mistake and the potential consequences it could have on my new job.

I recently had a job interview for a position that I am really excited about. The hiring team seemed positive about my candidacy, which makes me hopeful. However, they require a drug test as part of the hiring process. To prepare, I decided to buy some at-home drug test kits to check my status. Unfortunately, I've been getting anxious because I keep seeing a very faint line on the tests, which is making me paranoid that I might not pass. I'm really hoping to clear this hurdle and secure the job.

I'm currently on my 5th shift at a local drink shop, and I'm feeling really frustrated. Today during a rush of about 30+ drinks, my coworker, who opened the store, kept pushing me to go faster and calling me 'too slow.' The issue is that she didn't prepare the station properly before I arrived. I had to stop and refill everything myself while trying to keep up with the orders, which just made everything take longer. Instead of helping, she just stood there complaining about my speed. I found out that the owner wants us to solo close, which I don’t mind, but the store is severely understaffed. Everyone is quitting, and the atmosphere is pretty negative, with staff openly criticizing the owners. I left my last job for similar reasons, and I really need to pay my bills, so quitting again isn't ideal. I'm torn between sticking it out for the paycheck or looking for something better. Should I just keep my head down and work at my own pace, call out the lack of prep next time they push me, or aggressively apply for better-paying jobs while I’m still here? Any advice would be appreciated!

I was laid off from Oracle India as a backend developer with 5.5 years of experience on March 31st. Initially, I took a week to process the layoff before diving back into interview preparation. However, a medical emergency in my family disrupted my focus and consistency in preparing. Now that I’m back to studying for interviews, I find myself feeling anxious due to the overwhelming amount of layoff news and the current job market situation. It’s hard not to feel discouraged when it seems like there might not be enough opportunities out there, regardless of how much I prepare. I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has experienced similar feelings after a layoff. How did you cope with the anxiety? What kept you motivated during tough times in the job market? If you were unemployed for a while, did you eventually land a good job? I’d love to hear about your experiences, especially if it took you several months to find your next role.

I was recently made redundant just before welcoming my newborn, which has been quite overwhelming. The severance package I received was minimal, but thankfully I have some savings to help me through the next few months. I've started looking into the job market, and honestly, it's looking pretty bleak. I estimate it could take me several months to land a new position, and I might not even be able to find a role comparable to what I had before. My partner is planning to take 6 to 12 months of maternity leave, which adds to my dilemma. I'm torn between rushing to find a new job for the sake of financial security or taking the first 3 to 6 months to spend quality time with my family during this critical period. I've seen some advice suggesting that if I qualify for unemployment benefits, it might be worth it to enjoy some time with the baby before diving into the job search. Others have pointed out that the average time to hire is quite long right now, so I should probably start looking for something as soon as possible. It's a tough decision, and I want to make sure I balance my family's needs with my career.

I was recently fired from my part-time job in Canada due to timecard falsification. I'm worried about how this will affect my future employment opportunities, especially since I'm considering not disclosing this job on my applications. I'm trying to understand what information HR professionals can legally disclose during background checks. Any insights on how to navigate this situation would be appreciated.

I'm a 24-year-old feeling completely stuck in my career right now. I graduated with a degree in Modern Languages and Literature, focusing on German, and I also minored in Portuguese and Communication. Since graduating, I've tried various roles, and while my CV looks decent for my age, I still can't seem to land the corporate job I want. Currently, I'm working in hospitality, which is just a temporary gig, but I really want to transition into a corporate environment, ideally in customer service, sales, operations, HR, or finance where I can use my language skills and experience. I've had several internships in a large industrial sector, but despite my efforts, I haven't been able to convert any of those experiences into a proper job offer. One internship was particularly chaotic, and I left feeling like I might have ruined my chances with that whole group of companies. I also took a job at a large IT services firm but left after a month because it was overwhelming and I didn't get along with my manager. Now, I sometimes regret that decision, worrying it might make me look unreliable on my CV. I often find myself comparing my journey to others my age who seem to be advancing in their careers, getting promotions, and moving abroad, while I feel stuck at the starting line. I've studied, interned, worked, and applied to jobs, but nothing seems to be working out. I've even considered pursuing a Master's degree to make my profile more competitive, but the program I looked at didn't align with my career goals, so I decided against it. Now, I'm uncertain about how to proceed. Should I keep applying for corporate roles even if they aren't perfect? Should I specialize in one area or change direction entirely? I'm exhausted from feeling like I'm constantly trying to get through a door that never opens.