Thinking

I received a call from a company named "Placemently" about an AI project manager position. I was surprised because I had applied for jobs like this three years ago when I was desperately searching for work, but I didn't have the qualifications then. During the call, they checked my qualifications and suggested that I take courses with their partner companies for three months. They mentioned that after completing the courses, I could earn a monthly salary and even add an MBA qualification to my CV, which would help me secure an assistant position at one of their partner companies. However, I couldn't find much information about Placemently online, and I'm starting to wonder if this is a scam. It feels suspicious that they would reach out to me after so long and immediately push for course enrollment. Has anyone else heard of this platform or experienced something similar? I'm concerned that this might just be a way for them to collect leads rather than actually offer a legitimate job.

I had my second interview yesterday for a position at a tech company, and I’m feeling anxious because I haven’t heard back yet. The first interview results came in just two hours after it ended, and I got the initial screening results two days after applying. However, this second interview felt like it didn’t go well, and as a foreigner, I’m unsure about how long it typically takes for American companies to respond. I’ve read that it can vary significantly depending on the size of the company—some might get back to you the same day, while larger corporations could take up to two weeks or more. I’m trying not to stress about it too much, especially since the previous responses were so quick.

I recently transitioned from a Big Four firm to a startup, and the whiplash from this change has been intense. After being laid off, I thought I would thrive in a more dynamic environment, but the chaos here is overwhelming. The lack of structure and clarity has made it difficult to know who is responsible for what, and I find myself spending more energy navigating the disorganization than actually completing my tasks. It's draining and has really made me question my decision to make this switch. If anyone has been through a similar experience, I would love to hear how you managed to cope with this transition and if it ever gets easier.

I recently learned that a colleague of mine, who has over six years of experience in iOS mobile application development, was laid off back in February. We had a conversation where he mentioned that he's been applying to various positions and going through multiple interviews, but unfortunately, he hasn't progressed to the final round in any of them. This has left me wondering if this is a common issue in the current job market. I'm curious to hear if others are experiencing similar challenges in their job searches.

I got laid off yesterday due to an organizational change at my company. It hit me hard, and I'm still in shock. I received a severance package that includes six months of pay along with COBRA health insurance, but I'm unsure if that's a good deal or if I should negotiate for something better. Right now, I feel paralyzed and unproductive, struggling to even think about job hunting. I've been advised to take some time to process what happened and focus on self-care before diving into the job search. I plan to apply for unemployment benefits and connect with friends and family to help me get through this tough time. I'm hoping that after I give myself some space to breathe, I'll be able to approach my job search with a clearer mind.

I was laid off in 2026, and for the first time in my life, I’m collecting unemployment. It's been incredibly tough, especially compared to my previous layoff in 2023 when I managed to find a better job within a few months. Back then, the job market was much more favorable, and although it was a scary time, I felt a sense of hope. This time, however, the situation feels dire. I can't help but wonder why there isn't more advocacy for unemployment extensions or support from our leaders. During the COVID pandemic, there were numerous extensions and additional funds to help those in need, but now it feels like the support has vanished. The current job market is the worst I've encountered in over two decades, and the official unemployment rate seems misleading. It doesn't reflect the reality of people struggling to find work. I’m perplexed by the lack of public campaigning around these issues. The bureaucracy involved in applying for unemployment is overwhelming, and the benefits are minimal. In Florida, for instance, over 90% of applicants receive nothing, and the maximum weekly benefit hasn't increased since the 90s. It feels absurd that people have to fight for the benefits they’ve contributed to while employed. I worry about the consequences of this situation. Without adequate support, people are at risk of losing everything, and we might start seeing severe societal issues if things don't change soon.

I am currently facing an uncertain situation at work, and I'm six months pregnant. My company recently underwent a merger, which resulted in layoffs of all full-time employees while only retaining contractors like myself. Unfortunately, our contracts were reduced from two years to just three months. I was already pregnant when this happened, and I had hoped to hold on long enough to secure my maternity leave, but my job search has been fruitless so far. I am awaiting one more contract extension, but during the last round, I wasn't provided with a clear end date—just told I would be here 'through June.' Despite my attempts to get clarity, I received vague responses, and now both managers who could clarify my situation have decided to go on vacation without informing anyone. So, I continue to show up to work, uncertain if my credentials will still grant me access. It's a dreadful feeling, and I know several others in the same boat. The stress and hopelessness are overwhelming. My partner has a stable job and health insurance for himself and our baby, but he can't cover all the bills alone. I have about three months' worth of savings, and unemployment benefits in my state are quite low. I'm starting to wonder if there’s any chance of finding a job at this stage of my pregnancy. Even if I do, I worry I won't have any time to bond with my newborn, which breaks my heart. I'm feeling lost and unsure of my next steps. Has anyone else experienced a layoff during pregnancy? How did you manage?

I was laid off yesterday due to a reduction in force. Today, I had a call with a recruiter and I'm unsure whether I should disclose my current situation. I've received mixed advice from others. Some suggest that I shouldn't mention the layoff, as it might affect my chances of getting severance or being treated fairly. Others have warned that some recruiters might take advantage of my situation since I'm currently unemployed. I'm trying to navigate this tricky situation and figure out the best approach.

Today, I learned that IO Interactive is laying off staff following their exit from Project Fantasy with Xbox. As a fan of their work, particularly the Hitman series, this news is disheartening. It seems like the future of Hitman 4 might be uncertain now. I'm worried about the impact this will have on the team and the projects they're working on.

I was laid off for the third time in five years, and this time it hit me hard. I worked on the documentation team at a tech company where leadership decided to merge our responsibilities with the PM and engineering teams. It felt like something was off when a PM started sending me their draft articles to copy edit, which was unusual. I went ahead and did it, even publishing them, only to receive the layoff news a week later. Looking back, I realize I overexerted myself, trying to complete a massive workload in a short timeframe, which probably wasn't the smartest decision. Now, I'm left feeling devastated. I have no savings and only two weeks of severance pay to get me by. I'm trying to stay calm and realistic about my next steps. I'm uncertain about pursuing another technical writing role, fearing I might just face another layoff. I'm considering other opportunities but feel overwhelmed by the options. I know I need to apply for unemployment benefits right away and might look into temporary work in AI-related tasks, like prompt drafting or reviewing, as suggested by some comments. I plan to tighten my budget and focus on necessary expenses while I update my resume to make it ATS-friendly. I also need to reach out to friends for referrals and start applying to a maximum of ten high-quality jobs each day. It's a tough situation, but I’m determined to navigate through it.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the possibility of layoffs lately, especially since I work in tech where job cuts have been significant. I’m currently employed at a mid-sized tech company and while I don’t want to dwell on the negative, I realize that it’s crucial to prepare for the unexpected. I’ve seen the numbers: over 443,000 job cuts announced in the first half of 2026, with tech alone accounting for more than 139,000 of those. It’s a stark reminder that I need to have a plan in place. I’ve started working on my layoff readiness plan, and here’s what I’ve come up with so far: 1. **Know my runway**: I calculated how long I could survive without a paycheck by listing all my must-pay expenses like rent, groceries, and insurance. This gives me a clearer picture of my financial situation. 2. **Save important documents**: I’ve begun downloading personal copies of my pay stubs, offer letters, and benefits summaries while I still have access to the company systems. I don’t want to scramble for these later. 3. **Update my resume**: I’ve started updating my resume with my current role, recent projects, and measurable impacts. I know it’s easier to do this now than when I’m under stress. 4. **Build a referral list**: I’ve made a list of people I could reach out to if I need help finding a new job. This includes former managers, coworkers, and LinkedIn connections. Networking is key. 5. **Watch for company signals**: I’ve been paying attention to any signs that might indicate layoffs are coming, like hiring freezes or budget cuts. I want to be proactive. 6. **Understand severance and benefits**: I’m researching how severance is calculated and what my options are for health insurance if I get laid off. It’s important to know what to expect. 7. **Create a 30-day emergency action plan**: I’ve drafted a plan for what I would do in the first 48 hours and the first week after a layoff. This includes updating my resume, applying for jobs, and reaching out to my referral list. I feel more empowered having this plan, and I hope to avoid the panic that comes with being unprepared. I’d love to hear any additional tips or resources others might have!

I was recently let go from my retail job, and the circumstances surrounding it are quite distressing. I had been working there for about two months when my wife went into labor on June 21st. I had informed my employer well in advance about my wife's due date and my intention to take two weeks off to be with my newborn. On the day of the induction, while at the hospital, I realized I had forgotten to give another employee the store keys for opening. I took full responsibility for my oversight but was unable to drive to the store to rectify it. My boss, who is an old associate of mine, called me out in a group chat in a way that felt unnecessary and petty, leading to a heated argument. In the heat of the moment, I left the chat and blocked them to reduce my stress during such a significant time in my life. After my baby was born healthy, I unblocked my boss a few days later and expressed my readiness to return to work. However, after several attempts to reach out, I noticed that my access to company email had been revoked, which made me suspect I had been removed from their systems. Now, I’m left feeling anxious because I rely on this job for income and health insurance for my family. I live in a state where it’s illegal to fire someone during family leave, but I fear they might claim I resigned voluntarily. I’m considering my options and wondering if I should approach HR or consult a lawyer. I want to handle this situation thoughtfully, as I believe I have grounds for a lawsuit. Any advice on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.

I recently attended interviews as a senior developer but found myself in situations more suited for freshers. Last week, I interviewed with Cognizant, where two HR representatives seemed to struggle with basic math during the process. I also had a technical round with Infosys, where an HR person checked my laptop multiple times to see if I was using GPT or any other background applications during the interview. It felt quite intense and a bit frustrating, considering my experience level.

I recently received an offer from Company A, a fintech firm, for a software engineering role. This is exciting, but I have to admit it's my third choice among the companies I'm considering. I graduated in December 2025, and I'm currently in the interview process with two other companies: Company B, a big tech streaming service, where I've passed the technical screen and have a virtual onsite scheduled for mid-July, and Company C, another big tech firm focused on hardware, where I recently completed a technical screen and I'm waiting to hear back about advancing. The challenge I'm facing is that Company A's offer is expected to arrive this week, while I'm still waiting on B and C to finish their processes. I'm torn because I would prefer to work at either B or C if they come through with offers. I'm looking for advice on how to handle this situation. Once I receive the offer from A, should I inform B and C about it to potentially speed up their decision-making? If so, what's the best way to frame it? I've heard that giving a hard deadline might backfire, so I'm considering saying I'm a finalist elsewhere without mentioning the actual offer or a specific deadline. What approach tends to work better? Additionally, should I ask Company A for more time to make my decision? As a new grad, what would be a reasonable amount of time to request for an extension? I appreciate any insights from those who have navigated similar situations.

I had an interview recently with a company where I was in touch with the hiring manager. After the interview, she messaged me asking if I had interviewed with her that day, to which I confirmed. However, she then went silent for about three days. When I reached out, she apologized for the delay, mentioning she had been busy. She asked about my notice period at my current job, which I still have, as I'm looking for a new position due to environmental concerns at my workplace. I took a couple of days to respond, and now I'm left waiting again for her to get back to me about informing HR of my potential start date. I'm feeling confused about the whole situation and wondering what might be going on.

I am preparing to put in my two-week notice at my retail job where I've worked for about a year and a half. The timing feels terrible because my boss's wife is about to have a baby, and he'll be taking two weeks off right after I leave. I work at a small company with fewer than 50 employees, and I know my departure will add a lot of pressure on him. I've been feeling burnt out at this job, which has been pretty awful overall, but I want to leave on good terms. I'm waiting to hear back from my new employer about starting on August 1st, which would give my boss some time to adjust. My main concern is maintaining a good reference for future opportunities, especially since I don't have many professional references from my past jobs, like DoorDash. I really don't want to burn this bridge, but I also need to prioritize my own career and well-being. I’m hoping to find a way to navigate this situation without it turning into a disaster.

I’ve been on quite the rollercoaster in my job search as a senior product designer in NYC. Over the past 15 months, I've made it to the finalist stage 9 times, which is both impressive and disheartening. Each time, I feel like I'm so close, yet I walk away empty-handed. I know I've stumbled a bit during some onsite interviews, especially with whiteboard challenges and behavioral questions, but I can't help but feel that there's something more at play. The competition is fierce, and it feels like the hardest job to land, especially when I see others who have worked at big names like Amazon and Meta seemingly moving up the ladder without much trouble. I’ve been in this industry for 7 years, and I’m starting to wonder if I’m missing something crucial in my approach. If anyone else is going through a similar struggle or has any advice, I would really appreciate it. I just want to feel validated and know that I’m not alone in this challenging job market.

I've been unemployed for nearly a year now, and the job search has been incredibly challenging. I have about 7 years of experience in sourcing and procurement, but the opportunities seem scarce. I’m lucky to land an interview once a month, and when I do, I'm often up against candidates with much more experience than I have. My partner has been encouraging me to consider switching careers, but I'm hesitant. I’ve explored adjacent roles without much success, and the thought of starting completely over is daunting. Recently, I earned my PMP certification to enhance my resume and keep myself busy, but I’m beginning to wonder if I should focus on gaining more certifications to justify my time off instead. Thankfully, finances aren't a pressing issue for me right now.

I've been reflecting on my situation lately as a 19-year-old immigrant living with my parents. I've always held a negative view of minimum wage jobs, thinking of them as a sort of humiliation or a form of payroll slavery, influenced by family and media. However, after facing numerous rejections from decent jobs, apprenticeships, and universities, I'm starting to feel the pressure of needing to earn money. The thought of applying for positions like cashier, waiter, or promoter really shakes my belief system. I desire personal freedom and a better future, but I find myself stuck in this dilemma. I live in a European country where labor laws are generally supportive of workers, yet I still feel hesitant about taking a minimum wage job. I'm considering whether it's worth it to take one of these jobs or if I should wait it out until college or pursue my own side hustle, like YouTube or a niche tech repair business. I could really use some outside perspective on this situation.

I’m a 24-year-old female originally from Norway, now living in Austin, Texas. I've worked in sales across various countries and have also gained marketing experience here in the U.S. Unfortunately, my work visa just expired, and I’m heading back to school. Due to my visa restrictions, I can only work part-time during my first year. I’m eager to return to sales but I'm uncertain about the availability of part-time roles in this field. I would greatly appreciate any advice or leads on part-time sales jobs!