Planning

I’m currently exploring job options due to some physical limitations caused by a hip and back injury from a car accident four years ago. I’m a 21-year-old female with a strong background in customer service, cashiering, and stocking, having worked in these roles for about 7-8 years. I’ve enjoyed active jobs, but I’ve realized I can’t continue to push myself in that direction as it exacerbates my pain. I’m now seeking a sedentary position, ideally something remote or at a desk, as standing for long periods is no longer feasible for me. I’ve been considering insurance sales, but I’m unsure what that entails and would appreciate any insights. I’m quite proficient with computers, including Dell systems, Windows, and POS systems. I would love to hear any suggestions for roles that might suit my situation, such as administrative assistant positions or project coordination in construction or electrical companies.

I have a first-round interview coming up for what I consider my dream job at a company I have collaborated with frequently over the past ten years as an external partner. I know the hiring manager fairly well and we have had several friendly conversations, although my interactions have mostly been with their team members. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and concern because the situation seems so straightforward, and I worry that I might become overconfident or under-prepare for the interview. I’m looking for any guidance on how to approach this type of interview, potential pitfalls to avoid, and tips to stand out, especially since I know there are other candidates who are just as well-positioned as I am. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I recently started the onboarding process for a new job and I'm feeling a bit anxious about the background check. The company is using Thuro for this, and I noticed something concerning. When I filled out the background check form, I didn't see an option to decline contacting my current employer. However, when I printed the form, there was a box indicating this, and it was left blank. I’m worried that this might lead to my current employer being contacted, which I definitely want to avoid. I've already indicated on the company's onboarding site that I do not want them to reach out to my current job, but since Thuro is a third party, I’m not sure how that will play out. I'm considering reaching out to Thuro directly to explain the situation and clarify my preferences regarding my current employer. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I took a significant step in my career by putting in my two weeks' notice at my current job, where I've spent the last five years. At just 23 years old, I've progressed from an entry-level customer service position to managing a team of 30 people. However, I've realized that I'm underpaid compared to the market, and I recently received an offer for a new role in a different industry that comes with a substantial pay increase while maintaining similar responsibilities. Leaving my current position was tough, especially since I have a lot of respect for my direct manager and my Director, both of whom have been incredibly supportive. They encouraged me to take this opportunity, emphasizing that it would be foolish not to accept it. Despite their support, I can't shake off the anxiety that comes with this transition. My biggest fear is the possibility of failure as I step into a new industry where I have no prior experience. I'm expected to lead a team that may have more experience than I do, and while I excelled in my current role due to my five years of experience, I worry about how I'll perform in this new environment. This is my first job switch, and I'm concerned about derailing the progress I've made thus far. I'll also be working alongside other leaders who are likely older and more experienced, which adds to my apprehension. Is this feeling of anxiety common among those switching jobs? I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this transition successfully.

I’ve been working at my current job for less than a year, and I’ve quickly realized how much I love my team and the work I do. It’s a role I can genuinely see myself in for a long time. However, my husband is in medical school and may match in another state in about 10 months, which would mean relocating for us. My job is hybrid, with the expectation to be in the office four days a week and work from home one day, but the company is flexible. They have offices across the country, but my team only operates in a few states, none of which align with our potential move. I’ve noticed that some colleagues on my team work almost entirely remotely, and there are other teams within the company that offer full remote positions. I’m really hoping to keep my job if we have to move. I’m curious if anyone has had a similar experience where they managed to retain their position after relocating. If so, what did your conversation with your employer look like, and when did you have it? I’m planning to discuss this with my employer once my husband matches and we have clarity on our move. My idea is to propose working in another division’s office to meet the hybrid requirement. I’m a bit anxious about the possibility of being told I have to quit, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I’m feeling pretty desperate right now and could really use some advice on my job search and life goals. Currently, I don’t have a driver’s license or a car, which severely limits the types of jobs I can apply for. I’m also working on getting my GED, as I have long-term aspirations to enter the healthcare field, possibly as an X-ray technician. I’ve considered starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to get my foot in the door. At the moment, I’m focusing on getting hired as a caregiver, ideally in a senior living facility since I can’t drive. I’ve been drawn to caregiving because I’ve seen several of my exes work in this field and they often picked up a lot of overtime, sometimes working 60 to 80 hours a week. I know that kind of schedule can be tough, but right now, I’m in a position where I need to work as much as possible to pay off debt, save for a car, and eventually get my license. My resume is pretty thin, only listing two jobs. I had another job that I left due to a no-call/no-show incident, so I don’t include it on my resume, but I don’t have an employment gap because of it. I do have restaurant experience, including some leadership and management roles, but I’m trying to transition out of that industry and into healthcare. I’m not expecting a quick fix; I’m just trying to figure out the best order to tackle everything: job → debt → license/car → GED → healthcare training/career. If anyone has been in a similar situation, especially caregivers or CNAs who transitioned into healthcare later, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what I should prioritize first. Is caregiving a good stepping-stone, or am I going about this the wrong way?

I'm currently at a crossroads in my life and really need some guidance. I'm working on getting my life together, but I feel like I'm starting from a challenging place. Right now, I don't have a driver's license or a car, which limits my job options significantly. I'm also in the process of getting my GED, and my long-term goal is to enter the healthcare field, potentially as an X-ray tech. I've considered starting as a CNA to get my foot in the door. At the moment, I'm looking for a caregiver position, ideally in a senior living facility since I can't drive. I've noticed that many caregivers, including some of my exes, have been able to work a lot of hours, sometimes 60-80 hours a week, which is appealing to me as I need to earn money to pay off debt, save for a car, and eventually get my license. My resume is pretty sparse, listing only two jobs. I had another job that I left after a no-call/no-show incident, so I don’t include it. However, I do have restaurant experience, including some leadership roles, but I really want to transition into healthcare. I'm not looking for a quick fix; I'm trying to figure out the best order to tackle everything: job → debt → license/car → GED → healthcare training/career. If anyone has been in a similar situation, especially caregivers or CNAs who entered healthcare later in life, I would love to hear your thoughts on what I should prioritize first. Is caregiving a solid stepping-stone, or am I missing something?

I've been working at a temp agency for about six months now, specifically with Robert Half, and I'm feeling pretty frustrated. The role I'm in is a long-term contract, but I don't have the benefits that come with being a full-time employee, which is really annoying since I'm treated like one. I do have health insurance thanks to the ACA and some sick leave due to state regulations, but I get no PTO or holiday pay, which has made things tough when unexpected situations arise. The company I'm contracted with is understanding and allows me to stay late or work overtime, which I appreciate, but I'm tired of being the middleman for Robert Half. They pay me significantly less than what I earned in previous roles and have been difficult when I've asked for raises. I'm considering applying for a permanent position internally or directly on the company's site because I genuinely want to work with them. I've been in my field for six years, have the education and experience to back me up, and I'm currently pursuing an additional certification. I initially took this temp job to get my foot in the door, but now I'm ready to take the next step. If anyone has advice on how to approach this or whether it's a good idea to apply internally, I would really appreciate it!

I recently had a conversation with a potential employer about a job I'm really excited about. During our discussions, the HR representative mentioned that they conduct thorough background checks, which got me thinking about my previous employment. I worked at a company from 2011 to 2013 that has since closed down, and I'm concerned about how they will verify my employment since there's no HR department to contact. I checked The Work Number, but there’s no record of my time there. I don’t want this to jeopardize my job offer, so I’m trying to figure out how to provide proof of my employment from a company that no longer exists. I’ve considered being upfront about the situation and offering any old pay stubs or tax records I still have. I’ve also thought about contacting any former colleagues who might remember me or could confirm my employment. I really hope this doesn’t become a hurdle in the hiring process.

I’m feeling really frustrated with the job application process lately. I've been using the Easy Apply feature on Indeed, which allows me to send my résumé quickly to potential employers. However, I've noticed that for many of the jobs I apply to, companies still require me to go through their own application process. This means creating an account, uploading my résumé again, and filling out additional information, which can take 30 minutes or more. It just seems so unnecessary and time-consuming. I wish companies could streamline their processes instead of making candidates jump through hoops.

I recently started working at a family-owned Boba tea shop and I'm currently facing a dilemma. After my interview, I was informed that I would be on a paid trial for two weeks at minimum wage, where I need to learn the entire menu of about 25 drinks, as well as the opening and closing procedures. At the end of this period, there's a test to determine if I will be officially hired. I've only logged 17 hours so far and I'm feeling really unprepared for the upcoming test scheduled for Saturday. The job itself seems manageable and my coworkers are friendly, but the added pressure of the test is stressing me out. I've been using Quizlet to study the recipes, but I wish I had more time to prepare. Unfortunately, the manager reached out on my day off to remind me to be ready for the test, which makes me think they won't be flexible about extending the training period. I've started applying for other jobs because my confidence is low, and I'm questioning whether I should just quit before the test or give it my best shot, even if I feel like I might fail. It's frustrating to think that they would invest time in training someone only to let them go if they don't pass the test. I'm scheduled to work tomorrow and I'm torn about what to do.

I was recently laid off from Microsoft, and it was a tough blow, especially since I lost out on my stock vesting. I received notice on August 21 that I would be going through a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and a Global Voluntary Separation Agreement (GVSA). My first stock vesting was set for October 15, and I tried multiple times to get an extension from HR, even bypassing my manager, but they told me it wasn’t possible. By August 26, my PIP documentation was released. I’ve been wondering if I could have prevented this situation. I had 20 annual leave days left and thought about taking a month off to coast through the PIP. However, when I asked around, I was told that my leave wouldn’t be approved, and the PIP/GVSA process would still proceed regardless. I learned that by September 1, the packets for PIP/GVSA would be going out anyway. Now, I’m left feeling like there was nothing I could have done to change the outcome. I’m just seeking some insight here, as I know this happens to many people. It feels frustrating to know that companies might time layoffs to avoid paying out stock options.

I’m preparing to apply for new jobs and I’m feeling really anxious about the interview process. There are plenty of job offers out there, but I have a strong fear of interviews and I worry that I’ll mess them up. I’m reaching out for any advice on how to improve my interview skills or manage my nerves. One suggestion I received was to find a friend who could recommend me to their manager and explain that while I might not interview well, I am a reliable worker. I’m hoping to gather more tips to help me succeed.

I was laid off from my job about a month ago and filed my unemployment claim the very next day. However, when I tried to claim my benefits the following Wednesday, I was told I needed to call a number to "request my claim" before I could start receiving any benefits. Unfortunately, getting in touch with them has been nearly impossible. I've called every day, multiple times, even trying different numbers including the governor's office, but nothing has worked. I do have my confirmation number from the page I printed after filing, but when I logged in today after calling about 15 times, I found that the message had changed from "call to request a claim" to "file a claim." It seems like my claim has just disappeared. This situation has been really stressful, and it's taking a toll on my mental health. I'm planning to write a letter and mail it to them as a last resort since they no longer allow in-person visits. I'm feeling pretty lost and would appreciate any advice from anyone who might have experienced something similar.

I recently found myself in a tough situation after my role as a VP was eliminated due to organizational restructuring. I had consistently received positive feedback and strong performance reviews, so I was quite surprised by the severance package offered to me. It felt inadequate considering my position and the circumstances of my departure. Now, I'm contemplating whether to negotiate for a better severance. I understand that companies are not obligated to provide severance at all, and I don't want to jeopardize my professional reputation or burn bridges. However, given my track record and the fact that hiring tends to slow down as we approach the end of the year, I feel that it's important to advocate for myself. In my previous experiences, I received severance packages that were significantly higher—about 4 to 5 times more when factoring in bonuses and benefits. I would appreciate any advice on whether it’s wise to approach my former employer about this and how to navigate the conversation without risking my standing in the industry.

I was laid off 11 months ago and I'm still struggling to find a job. I've had a few interviews, but each time I hear that someone else had more experience. I've tailored my resume and actively networked with companies, but I rarely receive responses. I've even hired two different career coaching services, but they ended up being a waste of money. Now, I'm forced to take a survival job because my finances are dwindling. I can't shake the feeling that this is my fault; I only have two years of experience, and it seems like all the junior roles I apply for go to candidates with much more experience. I feel like a failure for not landing a job yet, especially since I'm not picky about salary—I'm just trying to cover my rent. It's disheartening and I feel defeated.

I accidentally declined a job offer for a position I really wanted while trying to accept it. I had been in the interview process for a marketing role at a tech company, and when the offer came through, I mistakenly clicked the wrong option. I immediately emailed my recruiter to clarify my intent to accept, but he hasn't responded to my previous message. I'm feeling anxious about the situation and plan to call them first thing tomorrow morning to explain the mix-up. I'm worried about the potential consequences, especially after reading some comments suggesting that I might be put on a block list. I really hope I can resolve this.

I started a new job as a Spark driver on Monday, but I'm already feeling miserable about it. After relocating across the country and spending two months searching for a job, I was excited to finally get an offer, but things have taken a turn for the worse. The company recruited me and pushed my start date back twice, which was frustrating. I only had one day of training, and I still haven't even been shown how to clock in and out. I'm seriously considering switching to Walmart Spark because I've heard the pay is decent in my area, and I'm willing to commit to working a full eight hours Monday through Friday. I’m just torn because I had such a tough time finding this job, but the unhappiness I'm experiencing is really affecting my mental health. Has anyone had success with Spark? Should I stick it out at my current job or make the leap?

I recently scheduled an interview with CMC Groups for a sales position in Los Angeles. However, I discovered that the role is entirely commission-based, which raised some red flags for me. I wanted to reach out to see if anyone else has had experiences with this company or similar roles. From what I've gathered, many of these sales positions, especially those associated with ATT, are contracted out to third-party marketing companies. They typically involve working in big box retailers like Walmart or Costco, trying to get customers to sign up for services like ATT or Directv. I'm curious if anyone has insights or advice regarding this type of work.

I recently had a really upsetting experience at my job where my boss called me "Boy" during a heated argument. It was incredibly disrespectful, and even though they apologized afterward, I just couldn't shake off how I felt. I decided to hand in my notice because I believe that kind of treatment is unacceptable. Now, I'm in a strange place trying to process everything that happened. It was such a sudden decision, and I'm not sure if I made the right choice or if I should have waited until I had another job lined up. It's been tough to navigate these feelings.