Thinking

I recently left my job after nearly two years due to overwhelming stress. Now, I'm on the lookout for low-entry jobs that pay around $17 an hour, and I only have a high school diploma. I’m hoping to find something that doesn’t require extensive qualifications. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! I’ve heard housekeeping might be an option since it seems they hire frequently due to high turnover, but I’m open to other suggestions as well. Thanks in advance for your help!

I feel really stuck right now in my job search. I live in a large midwestern city and am currently working in fine dining, but it's barely enough to get by. I have a master's degree in international development from a top 25 university in the US and two years of teaching experience abroad, along with two years managing a fine dining restaurant and two years fundraising for a nonprofit. Additionally, I spent a year doing field research in Asia, which gave me valuable insights into different cultures. Despite my background, I've sent out hundreds of applications without any luck. Most of my applications have been to companies like Ipsos for consumer insights roles, where my skills in qualitative data collection and analysis would be relevant. I'm aiming for a starting salary of around $75k and have a long-term goal of working for 12 years and retiring overseas. I'm considering whether I should pivot to sales or some kind of business role, as I'm currently in the running for a federal job but want to have alternatives ready just in case it doesn't work out. Has anyone else experienced this kind of situation and found a way out? I would appreciate any advice or insights.

I'm currently an Electrical Engineer looking to move away from the manufacturing floor. I have an interview scheduled for a Project Manager (IPT Lead) role at Boeing in their space systems division. I'm 33 years old and have a degree in Electrical Engineering, with most of my career spent in manufacturing, operations, and production support. I've worked at companies like Lockheed, Medtronic, and I'm currently at Abbott. I've also faced layoffs in test roles from both Boeing and Raytheon. To be honest, I'm feeling burnt out on the manufacturing floor and lab environments. The physical restrictions of cleanrooms and the anxiety of potentially damaging expensive equipment are really weighing on me. I don't feel like I have the deep technical skills for R&D or Project Engineering roles, as I've mostly just executed tasks given to me rather than innovating solutions. The opportunity at Boeing involves managing schedules, running IPT reviews, tracking action items, and presenting updates to leadership. I do have some experience with this from my time at Lockheed, where I managed production bottlenecks and hosted IPT reviews, but I've never officially held the title of Project Manager. However, I have some hesitations. I'm trying to weigh whether the administrative stress of Project Management—like herding cats and dealing with delayed schedules—is better than the physical anxiety I experience in the lab. I have a strong need for structure and predictability, and I'm concerned that PM roles can be chaotic due to unpredictable human factors. Additionally, I have past trauma from being put on a PIP at Lockheed due to a supplier delay that was out of my control, which has left me wary of being held accountable for others' failures. I'm also considering a pivot into Systems Engineering, as it seems more structured and rule-based, but I don't currently have an interview lined up for that. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has made the transition from hands-on engineering to Project Management. Is the trade-off worth it for a desk job? Is it easier to leave work stress at the office compared to dealing with broken devices? Should I fully commit to preparing for the Boeing interview, or should I hold out for a Systems Engineering opportunity? Any advice on how to prepare for a non-technical interview would also be appreciated, as the recruiter hasn't been very helpful. I also have a hiring event with Northrop coming up on September 1st that could lead to other opportunities, and I'm waiting to hear back from a Boeing space test design role.

I recently got selected for a government accountant position at a school that teaches up to 12th grade. This role is currently not temporary, and I’m supposed to receive my appointment letter after 7 days of joining as a trainee, which aligns with the final date of the previous accountant. I've been at the school for 3 days, but I've only been on leave for the next 3 days. I'm going back on Monday, and on Tuesday, they are expected to give me the appointment letter. However, I'm not learning much because the only other accountant is too busy to train me. Before this job opportunity arose, I had already taken an exam for another accountant position at a college-level community campus that teaches bachelor's degrees, and I passed. My interview for that position is scheduled for Friday. I'm torn about whether to pursue this second opportunity or stick with the first job, especially if I get the appointment letter. If I do receive the letter, would it be acceptable to leave shortly after? I’m really trying to weigh my options here.

I'm currently working in a SaaS onboarding and implementation role, earning a mid/high five-figure salary. I've been with the company for over a year, and while the job has decent pay, benefits, and flexibility, the management changes have made me increasingly unhappy. Initially, I was hired for customer onboarding, but my role has shifted significantly towards project and implementation management, which comes with added stress and responsibilities. I feel like there's no clear path for progression or compensation growth, and I've lost the mentorship and support I once had. The stress has affected my mental health to the point where I recently had to take time off work. I've started interviewing and have received interest from several companies, but I don't have another offer yet. I have some savings that could sustain me for a while, but I don't want to deplete my resources unnecessarily. Right now, I'm weighing my options: I could return to work, try to emotionally detach while continuing my job search, or I could resign and focus on finding a new job full-time. There's also the option of staying longer to see if things improve, though I'm not optimistic about that. I'm torn between the security of my current paycheck and the toll this job is taking on my mental health. For anyone who's faced a similar situation, what would you recommend? Is it wise to hold on for the income, or is there a point where it's reasonable to leave without another job lined up?

I work at a call center and recently, my workplace initiated an AI assistant to screen calls. They claim they’re not trying to replace us, but I can’t shake the feeling that my job is at risk. The AI is designed to handle basic inquiries and direct customers to other resources, which means we’re only left with the more complex issues. It feels like they’re gradually phasing us out. On top of that, we just had a manager swap; our previous manager moved to another team, and the new one is hard to read. I’m trying to figure out how to gauge the possibility of layoffs. Am I overreacting, or is it reasonable to be concerned about my position?

I recently found out that I have to repay $1,000 due to a court decision, and I'm feeling really overwhelmed because I'm still unemployed. All my savings are gone, and I've been using what little I had left to cover bills and rent. I'm not sure how to approach this repayment situation. I've heard that I should contact the court or agency about setting up a repayment plan, but I'm unsure about the next steps. I'm worried that if I can't pay, it could go to collections and affect my tax returns. Any advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated.

I've been on the job hunt for about three months now, and I've noticed a frustrating trend in the job market. When I first started my career six years ago, job descriptions were straightforward—usually just a page with a few bullet points outlining the role and requirements. But now, it seems like every posting has turned into a lengthy novella. I'm seeing listings that demand 15 required skills and 10 preferred ones, along with extensive sections about company culture and values. What really gets me is that despite these inflated expectations, the salaries haven't budged much. I'm looking at roles that require knowledge of multiple software platforms, social media expertise, light graphic design skills, and even some management experience, yet the pay remains the same as it was years ago. Just last week, I had an interview where they took 20 minutes to explain all the different responsibilities I would have. At the end, they casually mentioned that the salary was actually at the lower end of the range they posted because I would be 'growing into' some of those responsibilities. It left me wondering why they included those skills as requirements in the first place. I’m starting to question if I'm applying for the right positions or if this is just the new normal. Some friends suggest I should apply anyway and negotiate later, but I feel like I'm wasting my time on roles that aren't upfront about their compensation.

I received an invitation to complete a "Video Interview" for a position I applied to on Indeed. The email stated that I can complete it anytime within the next week and that it will take about 31 minutes. I'm a bit apprehensive about this hands-off approach and wonder if it might indicate a negative company culture. Am I being overly cautious at 26 years old? I also checked the company's career page to see if the position is listed there, but I'm still unsure if I should feel concerned about the way they reached out to me via email directly. Has anyone else experienced this type of interview process?

I got laid off about a week ago, and it was a tough experience, but I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have one week left until my final day at the company. Fortunately, just two days before I was laid off, I had a call with a recruiter. This call came right after a long 24-hour flight, and I was exhausted, but it turned out to be a blessing. The recruiter mentioned that the role they were hiring for is perfectly aligned with my experience, and they said I was the strongest candidate they had interviewed. Now, I'm just waiting to hear back from them, fingers crossed! If everything goes well, I’ll be doing almost the exact same work as I did before, just at a different company in the healthcare industry. I have five years of experience as a senior accountant, and I'm hopeful about this opportunity.

I've been working as a bookkeeper for about a year now and have a bachelor's degree in Accounting. Currently, I'm pursuing my MBA to fulfill the 150 credit hours needed for the CPA. My goal is to transition into a more specialized role in accounting or finance that offers better career and salary growth. I've been applying for positions in financial analysis, FP&A, audit, and other accounting roles, but I've had little success so far. I've made numerous adjustments to my resume, followed advice from various sources, and even utilized AI tools to enhance it. I've tailored my resume for different job postings and sought feedback on platforms dedicated to resumes and accounting, but despite these efforts, I still find myself stuck in the same type of role. I'm reaching out to see if anyone who has successfully moved on from bookkeeping can share what worked for them. Are there specific roles I should consider as stepping stones instead of aiming directly for FP&A or financial analyst positions? Also, is one year of experience too little to make this kind of transition, or is there something else I could do to improve my competitiveness? I'm willing to put in the effort; I just want to ensure I'm on the right path and not trapped in bookkeeping for the long haul.

I've been unemployed since April and it's been really tough. I've applied to every job I can find, but even for entry-level positions, I keep getting ghosted or told they'll get back to me and then nothing happens. I recently had an interview at Sonic, where I've worked before, so I thought my experience would give me an edge. However, the interview ended with the usual, 'We'll talk to the team and get back to you,' but I never hear back. I'm 19, I don't have a driver's license or a degree, and I'm not in great shape to join the military, so I'm feeling pretty stuck. I know not having a license can be a dealbreaker for many employers, especially in my area, but I'm trying to figure out how to improve my chances of getting hired.

I recently applied for a position at a local office of a quasi-governmental agency in the US and was excited to land an interview. However, the application process took a turn when they required a lengthy Word document that asked for six references—three professional and three personal. I found myself in a bit of a bind since I only have four vetted references that I'm currently in contact with. After 20 years in my career, along with the disruptions caused by the pandemic, I've lost touch with many former colleagues and I really don’t want to go hunting for them on social media. Additionally, I'm not comfortable involving my personal friends and family in my job search; I prefer to keep my professional and personal networks separate. This whole situation has led me to think that maybe this position isn't meant for me. I'm wondering if anyone can convince me otherwise or share their thoughts on how to handle this reference requirement.

I recently wrote a short book sharing my journey through job searching and how I managed to secure higher roles and salaries in accounting. After spending about 7 years in the field, I reached the Corporate Controller position at a billion-dollar restaurant group. Each time I returned to the workforce after being unemployed for over 4 years, I landed a higher role and significantly increased my pay. For example, I transitioned from a Senior Accountant earning $72k to an Assistant Controller at $115k, and just three months later, I was promoted to Controller with a salary of $150k. I believe that while job hunting, it's crucial to keep learning. I suggest using job listings as a guide to identify areas where you can improve. Embrace the learning process, and you'll not only enhance your skills but also increase your chances of landing the job you want. This approach can also lead to promotions once you're hired. I discuss these strategies in my ebook, which is a quick read. Although I'm not supposed to promote it here, I'm open to sharing it with anyone interested. If finances are tight, feel free to reach out for a free copy or to ask any questions. Good luck to everyone in their job search!

I recently applied for a position with a transcription company called Expert Radiology, which primarily serves radiologists. They reached out to me for an interview, but I couldn't find any real reviews or feedback about the company online. I did manage to call their customer service number and spoke with a representative, which felt reassuring. I'm curious if anyone here has experience working for them or can provide insight into their work environment and culture.

I provided my references yesterday for a senior-level role after going through two interviews. However, they didn't call my references today, which is a Friday. I'm starting to wonder if this is a bad sign regarding my application status. I know it's common for reference checks to take time, especially on a Friday, but I can't help but feel anxious. I'm trying to remind myself that it's still early in the process and that I should wait until next Wednesday before jumping to conclusions.

I had a short informal interview with a friend’s friend who is helping a parent find a tutor for their child. Even though I don't have any tutoring experience, I have a solid grasp of the subject. The conversation went well, and the guy seemed somewhat interested, but he mentioned needing to discuss it with the parent first. It's been a week since then, and I haven't heard back, not even a rejection. I'm contemplating whether I should send a follow-up message to check in or just wait it out. I'm worried about coming across as annoying or desperate, especially since we might run into each other at social events. This is my first job search, so I'm unsure about the proper etiquette in this situation. Should I reach out or hold off?

I recently applied for a job as a representative for a new company that focused on fundraising and sponsorships for a nonprofit. The role seemed appealing, so I decided to look into the company. However, my research raised some red flags. The founder had an Instagram account with only 55 followers, and the company website featured what looked like AI-generated images. Despite my concerns, I went ahead and did a video interview, hoping he could impress me. The job listing mentioned a salary of $50,000, which was encouraging. During the interview, he explained that my role would involve selling $20 'donations' for the nonprofit, with the potential to evolve into an area manager position. To my surprise, I received an offer email less than 24 hours later, but it didn't include any salary or benefits details. When I asked for clarification on the salary and benefits package, he ghosted me completely. Now I'm left wondering if this was a scam or if the guy just doesn't know what he's doing. The lack of communication after my inquiry and the questionable company presence definitely have me leaning towards the former.

I was laid off almost a year ago from my position due to what was described as "restructuring." This was my first experience with a layoff, and it was particularly disheartening because I was a new hire, having only been with the company for 8 months. I suspected that the restructuring was more about the senior members of the team wanting to keep their positions, as they were younger and had more experience in the organization. I had a good performance record, received a severance package, and was eligible for unemployment benefits, but the whole experience left a bitter taste in my mouth. After my layoff, I received a year-end bonus that was half of what I had earned at my previous job, along with a performance rating of "needs improvement," which was a first for me. It felt like they were trying to justify my lower bonus due to my termination. Fortunately, I found another job quickly, but it pays less than my previous role. However, the environment is much more flexible and pleasant, which has been a relief. Recently, I received a notification on LinkedIn that the job I was let go from has been reposted, with the same duties and title. To my surprise, the salary listed is tens of thousands of dollars less than what I was making. It makes me wonder if my position was truly eliminated as a cost-saving measure or if my managers were trying to protect their own positions during the transition to a new head of the department. I also learned that the senior manager who hired me is no longer with the company, which adds to my suspicion that there were internal changes that affected my role. It seems like management may have miscalculated the necessity of my position, and now they are trying to fill it at a lower cost. I can't help but feel confused and frustrated by the whole situation.

I’m currently working at a bank where I cover domestic markets, but the environment has become increasingly toxic due to a recent restructuring. My department has been merged with another that is unpopular and has shown little regard for our concerns. As a result, we’ve seen attrition rates soar, with our team size shrinking from 28 to just 13 over the past year. Many of my colleagues, including my VP Managers, have transferred to other teams because they couldn’t handle the situation any longer. Despite being promoted a couple of months ago, the overall team morale is quite low. We often joke about who is leaving next, and it’s disheartening. I’ve received an offer from another company that matches my current pay but involves covering overseas markets, which I consider an inferior role compared to my current position. The exposure would be less since most of the stakeholders are onshore. However, the commute would decrease significantly from an hour to just 20 minutes, and the work-life balance would improve by nearly 50%. The culture at the new place seems much better, though I anticipate that future pay hikes won’t be as substantial as what I currently receive. I’m at a crossroads and wondering if it would be wise to take this new job despite the perceived downgrade in role. If anyone has been in a similar situation, I’d appreciate your thoughts on whether I should make the switch.