Thinking

I'm considering leaving my job at See’s Candies after 14 years, and I'm feeling a mix of emotions about it. I'm a 36-year-old female currently making around $20 an hour in Oklahoma. I started my journey at See’s when I was just 22, and it was my first job. Over the years, I worked my way up from being an associate to an assistant manager, and I’ve spent about 10-11 years working closely with my shop manager, who recently left. I was hoping to step up and take over her position, but the company decided to bring in a manager from another state instead. This feels like a major setback for my career growth, especially since I’ve invested so much time and effort into this role. I love the company and the environment, but the customer service expectations are incredibly high, leading to burnout. Although I have long-term customers I enjoy working with, I feel snubbed and see no future benefits in staying. The potential quarterly bonuses are minimal, and raises are rare, usually only around 1-3% every few years. I’m contemplating quitting without having another job lined up, which feels risky. I’ve been burnt out and think I might need a break before jumping into something new. I have about 5-6 months of savings to support me while I figure out my next steps, possibly taking on part-time work in the meantime. Is it crazy to consider quitting now, or should I hold on until I secure another position? I’d appreciate any advice on this!

I recently landed a job interview with a company where the HR team has already indicated that I would be moving forward in the process. However, there's a bit of a complication: they believe I am still employed at my previous job. In reality, I left that position over two months ago. I'm curious about how far they might go in checking my employment status. Should I address this discrepancy proactively, or wait until it comes up in conversation? I've been thinking about how to explain my departure in a way that sounds convincing but doesn't raise any red flags. Any advice would be appreciated!

I recently faced a tough situation at my first full-time job after graduating college two years ago. I was already on the verge of being laid off from my role when I made a mistake by sending my study notes on programming languages and certificates from my work laptop to my personal email. This action was flagged as a security violation, which added stress to an already difficult situation. Now, I'm contemplating whether to include this job on my resume. I have two years of experience that directly relates to my degree, and I feel it would be valuable to potential employers. However, I'm concerned about how this might reflect on my record, especially if a future employer asks about my departure or wants to contact my previous employer for a reference. Should I avoid using anyone from this job as a reference? I'm looking for advice on how to navigate this situation.

I just started a new job, and during lunch on my first day, I realized this position might not be the right fit for me. After being unemployed for three months, I'm grateful to have a job, but I'm struggling with several aspects of it. The transition from a fully remote role starting at 9 AM to this new job that requires me to be in the office by 8:30 AM and deal with an hour-long commute is tough, but I thought I could adapt. The pay is lower than what I was making before, but I figured I could find ways to make up for it elsewhere. However, the biggest issue for me is the work environment. My last job allowed me to work independently, often going an entire day without speaking, which suited my introverted nature perfectly. Now, I’m expected to engage in structured and monitored interactions with the public daily, and I’m really not sure I can handle that. I feel a bit foolish for complaining, especially given the current job market, but I worry my bosses will quickly realize I’m not a 'people person.' Should I bring this up with them? Or should I just hope that another opportunity arises for someone like me who prefers to work quietly on a computer all day? This is a government job, so I know the dynamics are different from the private sector.

I just received a meeting invite from my VP, and I have a sinking feeling it's about layoffs. This is my first time facing a potential layoff, so I'm feeling pretty anxious about it. I'm trying to prepare myself for the meeting by thinking of the right questions to ask. I've seen some good suggestions online, like asking about severance amounts, whether it's negotiable, how long my insurance will last, and if they can confirm a neutral reference for future job applications. I've also been advised not to sign any paperwork on the spot and to take time to review everything before making any decisions. I plan to gather all my personal documents from my computer as a precaution. I want to stay calm during the meeting, even if they expect a strong reaction from me. I’ll make sure to listen carefully and take notes. I’ve also started compiling my work samples and reference materials for my resume just in case. I’m going to prepare a list of questions to ask, like what factors led to this decision, if they will approve unemployment payments, and if they offer any job assistance. I really hope I can navigate this situation as smoothly as possible.

I recently found myself in a unique situation where I received three job offers simultaneously, which I initially thought would be a great problem to have. However, it quickly became overwhelming as I tried to compare them. Each offer has its own strengths: one offers the highest salary, another has the most appealing role, and the third seems to have the best company culture and people. As I started to evaluate them, I created a detailed spreadsheet to track various factors like bonuses, equity, commute times, remote work days, insurance benefits, leave policies, and opportunities for growth. But soon, the spreadsheet became too complex and hard to manage. To simplify the decision-making process, I’m considering creating a one-page comparison using Gamma or Notion, so I can visualize everything side by side without being overwhelmed by numerous columns. I’m also curious about how others have navigated similar situations. What key factors did you focus on when choosing between multiple offers?

I was laid off after spending eight years at a mid-sized global company in a communications/PR role. Initially, I thrived, handling the PR function almost from scratch after being promoted quickly. I even relocated abroad for the job, which was a huge opportunity for me. For most of my time there, I received positive feedback from leadership, including our CEO, who personally reached out to me even as I was leaving. However, things took a turn in the last two years when new management came in. I didn't connect with my new boss from the start, and I found myself disengaging from my work. I hired a junior employee to assist me, and instead of taking charge, I let her take over more of my responsibilities while I checked out. I became resentful and difficult to work with, which I recognize now was largely due to my feelings of isolation and a lack of belonging. I’ve been reflecting on whether my earlier success was genuine or if I was just coasting until the new management didn’t support me the way the previous one did. I’ve always been the charming, agreeable person, but I’ve realized that this has led me to agree to things I didn’t want, causing resentment to build up over time. Last month, I learned through rumors that I was next to be laid off, and instead of waiting, I confronted the situation, which ultimately led to my dismissal. Now, I’m left questioning my worth and skills, feeling like I have nothing to show for my time there. I’m concerned about my qualifications and am considering applying for entry-level positions, feeling unprepared and overwhelmed by the need to learn new skills. It’s a tough place to be in, and I’m struggling to find clarity on my professional identity and future.

I graduated with my bachelor's degree at the end of 2022, thinking that would open doors for me. However, the job search has been incredibly frustrating. The field I studied for has become increasingly unstable, and the broader economy feels hostile to job seekers, especially those just starting out. I find myself paralyzed by choice, unsure of where to go next. I’ve considered going back to school for a master's degree, but I’m hesitant. My bachelor’s hasn’t led to a job yet, so I worry about accumulating more debt without a clear path forward. I’m also unsure what to study, and I fear that I might end up overqualified or that the job market could shift again by the time I graduate. Entrepreneurship doesn’t appeal to me either; I don’t have the drive to be my own boss, and I struggle to even think of a viable business idea or how to market myself. I’ve thought about pursuing certifications, but they seem like a gamble too—more time and money spent without any guarantee they’d help me land a job. What I really want is some guidance from others who have felt lost in their job search but managed to find their way. I’m looking for safety and stability in my career, but I’m not sure where to focus my efforts right now.

I recently accepted a contract-to-hire position because I was in urgent need of a job and income. I started onboarding for this role, which pays $22/hr, and my first day is just two days away. However, I also received a call from another company where I had applied over a month ago, inviting me for a final interview with their Regional Director. They haven't disclosed the pay yet, but I mentioned I was looking for $31/hr, which falls within their range. The catch is that the contract-to-hire job is located 1.5 hours away, while the potential new job is slightly closer at 1.25 hours. I'm feeling quite conflicted about this situation. If I were to quit the contract job for the new opportunity, would I risk damaging my relationship with the staffing agency or the company I'm currently working for? I'm unsure of the best path forward and would appreciate any advice.

I recently faced a tough rejection after applying for a volunteer position at a local café, where I offered to work for free, 20 hours a week. Despite my willingness to help, I was turned down because I mentioned that I shake a little bit. This experience left me feeling incredibly demotivated and questioning my ability to secure any kind of job, even one that doesn't pay. It's frustrating to think that I could more easily engage in illegal activities than find a legitimate job. I can't help but wonder why I would even mention my shaking during the application process, as it seems to have worked against me. I know that there are health issues that shouldn't be asked about in interviews, but I felt it was important to be honest. Now, I'm left feeling disheartened and reluctant to keep trying, especially when it seems like the job market is so unforgiving. I just wish finding a legal job wasn't so challenging.

I'm currently an assistant manager at Erac, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by my work schedule. I'm clocking in around 47 hours a week, mostly from 7 AM to 6 PM, and it feels like I have no time for anything else in my life. I'm considering switching jobs, but I'm worried about taking a pay cut, especially since there aren't many job opportunities in my town of about 100,000 people that match my skill set. I've thought about going back to school, but the only fields that seem worthwhile are healthcare or teaching, neither of which really interests me. I'm feeling lost and know I need to make a change soon because this schedule is draining me.

I recently started a new role as a Senior Analyst in the Health Informatics division of a large MedTech company, and I’ve been here for about 2 months. I really enjoy the work and the team, focusing on improving patient clinical outcomes and using our analytics suite for risk adjustment. However, just a few weeks in, senior leadership announced plans to separate our division, which could happen through a spinoff, merger, or acquisition within the next 12-15 months. This decision seems to stem from pressure from an investment group, despite our division being the most profitable part of the company. While there’s no hiring freeze and the company is currently profitable, I’m feeling uncertain about my future here since I’m so new, and the average tenure on my team is around 7-8 years. I have a manager from a previous job who has expressed interest in bringing me back, but the logistics of relocating are complicated due to my fiancé's job. I really don’t want to leave this position unless absolutely necessary, but I’m also aware that if layoffs occur, my short tenure might put me at risk. I’m looking for advice on how to navigate this situation and whether I should consider the backup job seriously or stay put for now.

I am preparing to return to an office for the first time since 2019, which feels quite daunting. My work history has been quite a journey: I transitioned to remote work in 2020, got laid off in 2021 and spent a year searching for a new role. In 2022, I landed a fully remote job, and that continued through 2023 and 2024. However, I faced another layoff in October 2025. Now, I'm starting a fully in-office role in just two weeks, and I’m feeling a bit lost. I’m curious about what has changed since I last worked in an office. What do people typically wear these days? I’m worried I might have forgotten how to interact with colleagues in person. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Today, I learned that Uber is laying off 10% of its workforce, which amounts to around 3,300 employees. This decision is part of a significant operational overhaul aimed at streamlining the company. Key changes include cutting small teams in half, eliminating staff who are more than seven layers away from the CEO, and focusing more on core areas like ride-sharing, delivery, and robotaxis. Additionally, they've decided to end remote work, limiting remote eligibility to less than 1% of total staff. As someone who has been following the trends in Big Tech, it seems like this is becoming the new standard for corporate efficiency. While I understand the need to trim excess, it raises concerns about the remaining management structure, especially when it appears that higher-level executives who contribute little to the day-to-day operations remain untouched. It feels like a move that could lead to a disconnect between leadership and the employees who are actually doing the work. I'm curious to see how this will impact company culture and employee morale moving forward.

I'm currently going through a department restructure at my company, and it's got me really anxious. They've announced the changes, but there's been no mention of layoffs or cost-saving measures, which makes it even more confusing. Instead, they keep saying there will be 'plenty of opportunities for this team.' However, I can't shake the feeling that there will be fewer roles available after this is all said and done. I've been laid off before, and that experience still haunts me. I feel like I can sense when something is off, and right now, everything feels uncertain. I’ve started to think about looking for new opportunities, just in case. I've read that when you have a gut feeling about a layoff, it’s often a sign that something might be brewing behind the scenes. I’ve also noticed some signs that others have mentioned: declining revenues, changes in leadership, and a general sense of unease among my colleagues. I’m trying to stay positive, but it’s hard not to think about what might happen in the coming months. I guess I’ll just have to keep my options open and be prepared for anything.

I am currently facing a tough decision about my job situation. I have two part-time jobs right now. My first job pays me $38.69 an hour plus 14% in lieu of benefits, which brings my hourly rate to about $44.14. My second job, however, pays only $30 an hour, and I found out after I was hired that I would be classified as an independent contractor. This means I have to pay back 25-30% of my income in taxes, and I also have to pay $20 a month for insurance to work there. The payment process for the second job has been frustrating as well. I have to submit my hours worked, and they pay via mail, which means I don’t get paid consistently. I last worked a shift on August 19, and it’s now September 1, and I still haven’t received my pay for that shift. This lack of payment is really demotivating, making me feel like I'm working for free. Both of my jobs require 12-hour shifts, but my first job has a lot more tasks to keep me busy, and I get 2-3 hour breaks. In contrast, my second job is overnight and involves sitting around doing nothing, except for documenting every 15 minutes and occasionally serving patients tea and crackers. I dread going to this second job tonight, especially since my first job has a shift available that I would prefer to cover for extra income. I initially took the second job thinking it would help me build references, but it’s turning out to be more trouble than it’s worth. I feel like I'm earning less than I did before I graduated, which is really disheartening. I’m seriously considering quitting now because I don’t want to chase after anyone for my paycheck, and I want to take the shift at my first job instead. I’m looking for advice before I send my resignation email.

I am currently in a reduced role at my company and feeling quite stuck. Despite my efforts to explore new opportunities, I haven't been able to find a way out. It's frustrating to feel limited in my current position, and I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and potentially transition to a more fulfilling role.

I recently went through the second interview process for a state government job that I applied for about three months ago. The hiring timeline has been slower than expected, but things picked up quickly after my interview when they asked for my references and a background check. This sudden acceleration has thrown me off a bit, especially since I have a surgery scheduled for mid-October. The surgery is important for my quality of life, and I need to have it done before the end of the year due to my health insurance deductible. I'm supposed to be out of work for about six weeks, but I’m hoping to return after four weeks since it’s a hybrid desk job. I’ve put my name on a cancellation list with my doctor's office, but there's no guarantee I can get in earlier. I'm feeling uncertain about how to handle this situation. At what point should I bring this up to the potential employer? I’ve never faced a situation like this before, where I might not be able to give the typical two weeks' notice. I'm just trying to navigate this uncharted territory.

I was fired yesterday from my job at Tesco for theft. I'm 16 and made some poor choices by stealing food after closing hours. I got caught, and now I'm feeling lost about what to do next. I had listed my manager as a reference for another job I applied for, but I'm worried that if I get accepted and they do a background check, it will come back to haunt me. I know I messed up, and I’m hearing that I should probably remove that job from my resume entirely. It feels like my options are limited, but I’m trying to figure out how to move forward. I’ve been advised to volunteer to build up some goodwill and connections for future job opportunities. I just hope I can learn from this and not repeat the same mistakes.

Today, I felt the weight of increasing pressure at my job as a member of the operations team at my company. Management has been pushing us to automate as many of our daily tasks as possible, which is starting to feel like a threat to our positions. My manager explicitly stated that he wants to eliminate our routine responsibilities, but he hasn't provided any clarity on what our roles will look like post-automation. This uncertainty is unsettling, especially since when we struggle to automate certain tasks, we get placed on Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) as a consequence. It feels like the management is gearing up to replace us with automation, AI, and potentially outsourced help. Many of us have been with the company for years without seeing any promotions or raises, while our manager has received two promotions in just two years. It feels incredibly unfair and demotivating. Despite enjoying my work environment, I can't shake the feeling that I need to start looking for new opportunities elsewhere, as the situation seems dire. I'm also seeking advice on how to navigate this toxic atmosphere while still trying to contribute positively.