Thinking

I've been working as a mechanical engineer for about a year now, but things have taken a downturn in my current team. We've been losing projects, and several team members have already left or moved to different teams. With the lack of projects, I feel like my technical growth is stagnating, which is why I started applying for new jobs. I recently received an offer for a new position, but I'm torn about whether to accept it or stay where I am. The new job is located in the suburbs of New Jersey, while I'm currently based in NYC. The thought of leaving the city and my vibrant social life is daunting, especially since I'm in my early 20s and love the energy of the city. However, my current role feels unstable, and I'm not learning anything new. The new position offers much better growth opportunities and is in an industry I'm eager to explore, plus the team seems really nice. I'm also considering the option of transferring to another team within my current company, but I doubt it would provide the same level of growth as the new job. I'm really struggling with the decision of whether to take the risk and move for the sake of my career or stay in my comfort zone. It's a tough choice.

I recently applied to over 100 tech jobs in the last few months, but I've only received a handful of interview requests. I'm starting to wonder what I'm doing wrong in my applications. I know that the average interview rate is around 2-5%, so maybe I'm just on the lower end of that spectrum. Still, it feels discouraging to put in so much effort and not see more results. I'm trying to focus on improving my chances with the interviews I do get, but I could really use some advice on how to enhance my application strategy.

I’ve been applying for jobs for a few weeks now, but I’m not getting much traction with my current resume. I’m starting to feel a bit discouraged. I’ve tailored it for each position, but it seems like I’m not landing any interviews. I’m looking for feedback on how to improve it or any tips that might help me stand out more in my applications. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I am currently a Project Manager at a large company and feel quite stable in my role. I’m up for a promotion to Senior Manager soon, but I’ve been overlooked for promotions in the past few years. I’ve had some confrontations with senior leaders that have left me feeling uneasy about my future here. Despite these challenges, my current position offers a six-figure salary and great benefits, which makes me hesitant to leave. Recently, I’ve started networking to explore potential job opportunities, especially in case my upcoming promotion doesn’t pan out or the raise is underwhelming. I’ve connected with a senior leader at another organization who is introducing me to a hiring manager for a Program Manager position. The challenge is that I’m mid-career and technically overqualified for this role, which requires only 2-5 years of experience. However, the position aligns perfectly with my interests and skills, and I know I could excel at a senior level. I’m debating whether I should express my interest in a senior version of the role to the hiring manager right away or if I should apply for the position as listed and then work my way up. The Program Manager role would still offer about a $20k increase in total compensation compared to my current role, while a senior version could potentially increase my compensation by $60-70k. Additionally, I’m curious if anyone has ever applied for a job they were overqualified for and ended up being offered a senior position after the interview, due to their evident capability to exceed the job description.

I recently found myself in a bit of a tricky situation regarding my unemployment benefits. I currently have a part-time job that allows me to receive partial unemployment benefits. I had accepted a job offer, but before I even started, I received a better offer and decided to discontinue the first job. Now, I'm unsure how to report this in my weekly unemployment report without jeopardizing my benefits. I want to be honest about my situation, but I'm worried about how the unemployment office will perceive my decision to quit a job I hadn't even started yet. I'm hoping to find guidance on how to navigate this without losing my benefits.

I've been on the job hunt for over a year now, applying to more than 1000 positions and trying out different strategies. Despite countless rewrites of my resume, I've only managed to land one interview. It's really taking a toll on me. I'm specifically looking for remote HR roles since I can't work in person due to some personal circumstances. I know this limits my options, but it's all I can manage right now. Even though I have over three years of experience in HR, I'm primarily targeting entry-level positions. I'm feeling pretty lost and would appreciate any advice on how to improve my chances.

I'm 22 years old and feeling completely lost about my career path. I'm currently a pharma student heading into my senior year, but I've realized that I'm not really passionate about the industry. I had a promising job lined up, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I've had to start over and now I feel like I'm at square one. I find everything fascinating, and I tend to dive deep into various topics, whether it's writing, art, psychology, or pharmacology. I love connecting seemingly unrelated ideas and learning about different fields, but I struggle to focus on one area long enough to gain expertise. People often tell me I have potential in many areas—teaching, research, creative roles—but I feel unqualified for any of them. My resume is mostly volunteer work and a couple of training experiences, and my GPA is just average. I got my previous job through a friend, but now I'm cut off from that opportunity due to family issues. I'm in a new environment with a blank slate and no clear direction. It's overwhelming, and I feel paralyzed trying to figure out what to do next. I'm reaching out for advice or guidance from anyone who might have insights on how to navigate this confusing time.

I was laid off from my job in June and moved back in with my parents to focus on my job search. Thankfully, I received an offer within a month, but the salary is about 35% lower than what I was making before—going from $85k to $55k. Although I'm grateful to have a job again, I can't help but feel the impact of this pay cut. I'm curious if anyone else has experienced a similar situation. How long did it take you to get back to your previous salary? Did taking a lower-paying role help your career in the long run? I'm 26 and this was my first layoff, so I'm still navigating the emotional ups and downs and trying to regain my confidence.

I'm a rising junior and I'm feeling really anxious about my lack of job experience as I search for a summer internship for 2027. So far, I've had no luck at all. My resume is pretty bare; all I have are some school projects and a personal dashboard project that I’m not proud of. I can't really branch out for jobs or volunteering opportunities because I don’t have a car, and I've already exhausted all the nearby options around my college. I'm starting to think about volunteering as a backup plan. I did volunteer for a couple of months at a basic needs center where I stocked shelves and ensured the food was safe and organized, but I worry that it doesn't count as real experience since I can't quantify my impact. I feel like I need something more impressive, like working with a well-known organization where I could show measurable outcomes. I'm considering looking for more volunteering opportunities on campus, but I'm scared it won't make a difference since it seems like everyone else has actual job experience. Everyone keeps saying that junior year is when most people land internships, but they don’t mention that those people usually have some prior experience. Honestly, I’m frustrated and scared about my future because I wouldn’t hire someone like me either.

I recently received an offer from my top choice company, which was exciting! However, there's a catch—the location has changed. Initially, I applied for a position at a larger satellite office, but the recruiter informed me that the hiring manager wants me to work at the company's main HQ instead. While I'm grateful for the offer, I'm concerned about this shift since I was prepared to relocate for the original location. The company plans to start negotiations soon, and I'm contemplating whether I can negotiate to revert back to the original location I applied for. I do have a few verbal offers on the table, but nothing in writing yet. Given that this is a mid-entry level position, I understand it might be seen as expendable, so I don't want to jeopardize the offer by pushing too hard. I'm planning to approach the negotiations carefully, possibly framing my preference for the original location as a flexible request rather than a hard demand. I'm hoping to gauge their willingness to accommodate my preference while still showing my enthusiasm for the role. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be appreciated!

I recently graduated as an LPN and found myself in a bit of a dilemma. I accepted a job offer that wasn't my first choice because that company was taking too long to finalize their hiring process. The job I accepted was decent, but my heart was really set on the first choice, which is in a field I'm extremely passionate about, even though it pays slightly less. Today, I got the call from my first choice offering me the position, and I couldn't contain my excitement—I accepted it right away! Now, I'm in a tough spot because I’m supposed to start orientation at the other job this week. I feel bad about backing out, but I know I have to follow my passion. I haven’t started the orientation yet, so they haven’t invested much in me, but I’m unsure how to approach this. I’m thinking of just being honest and saying that circumstances have changed and I can’t accept the offer anymore. I hope they understand, but I know it might burn a bridge. I’d appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation!

I'm currently on the job hunt and it's my first time posting here. I'm going through a divorce, which has pushed me to seek a new opportunity. Right now, I'm earning $60k, but I've found a position that offers $80k. The catch is that it would require a 70-minute commute each way. I'm weighing whether this pay increase is worth the long drive. Some advice I've received suggests I should consider moving closer to the job, but since I'm moving further away due to my divorce, it seems like the commute is unavoidable. I only have my dogs, and my parents are helping with them, so that part is manageable. Just trying to figure out if the trade-off is worth it.

I recently experienced some unsettling news regarding layoffs at CVS where I work in the corporate finance team. I had previously shared my concerns about the leadership, particularly about our new CFO, Maynd Jolly, who has a history of initiating layoffs shortly after taking on a new role. Just a month after promising our team new projects and more work, he began a series of layoffs right around the holiday season. Thankfully, I managed to avoid the cuts, but the anxiety of potentially being let go lingered for a year. To make matters worse, I later learned that jobs were being outsourced to India, which has made me even more wary of my position. I want to warn my colleagues in IT and finance to prepare themselves, especially if you're less experienced, as those roles seem to be prime targets for outsourcing. If you haven't already, start polishing your resume and networking. I've seen firsthand how this CFO operates, and I genuinely hope I'm wrong about the impending layoffs, but it's better to be prepared than to be blindsided.

I've hit a really low point in my life and wanted to share my struggles in hopes of finding some connection or support. Growing up with an abusive father has left deep scars, and despite my efforts to break free from that past, I've faced numerous challenges. I've dealt with painful family estrangement and the isolation that comes with it, especially after moving back to my hometown from NYC due to financial constraints. My experiences with toxic managers at temp jobs have only added to my mental health struggles. As a 2023 graduate, I've worked hard to create a meaningful life, but it feels like everything keeps falling apart. I attended college as a nontraditional student to avoid financial dependence on my abusive family, and I managed to earn a full ride to a prestigious school, graduating with a 3.7 GPA. I even landed internships at top Wall Street investment banks, but despite my best efforts, I didn't receive a full-time offer. I've been stuck in long-term unemployment and underemployment, constantly applying for jobs and improving my skills. While I've been getting to mid-to-final rounds of interviews for roles I want, I just can't seem to convert those into job offers. It feels like the harder I try, the more obstacles I face. I find meaning in my career aspirations, particularly in Restructuring and Distressed Credit, as I want to help struggling companies and create jobs in areas like mine. But right now, I feel like I've hit rock bottom. I don't see this as punishment, but I can't understand why the journey has to be this difficult when I'm genuinely trying to do the right things. I want to trust that things will get better, but I feel lost. If anyone else is going through similar struggles, I would love to hear from you.

I recently moved to the USA about a month ago to pursue a master's degree, and I had a job lined up as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) working with children with autism. I did my due diligence before accepting the offer, confirming that the company was legitimate with a physical address and proper credentials. Upon arriving on July 6th, I reached out to the recruiter to start my job. They informed me I needed to complete a 40-hour unpaid training, which I did promptly. After completing the training, I was told a case coordinator would contact me, but days turned into weeks with no communication. I reached out multiple times, and the recruiter kept saying the case was going through changes. A month passed with no progress, and I started applying for other jobs out of desperation. When I finally contacted HR, they apologized and promised to look into it. The recruiter then called to inform me that the family of the case had decided to stick with their current RBT. They offered me new cases, but it's been another week with no updates. I'm feeling incredibly anxious and frustrated as I need to pay bills and buy food. I’m starting to wonder if I’m being scammed or if this is just poor management. I'm looking for advice on what to do next and if anyone knows of good job agencies in the NY, NJ area. Any help would be appreciated.

I completed my final interview for a remote opportunity that I'm really excited about last Wednesday morning. This was the fourth interview, and it was with the VP. Since then, I haven't heard back, and I'm starting to wonder about the appropriate time to follow up with the recruiter for a status update. I understand that they might still be interviewing other candidates, but I wasn't given any timeline on when I could expect to hear back. How long should I wait before reaching out?

I recently wrapped up my job search after a grueling six months of applying to hundreds of positions. Each interview process was intense, often involving multiple rounds of hour-long interviews. I dedicated countless hours to studying and preparing, but despite my efforts, the outcomes were consistently disappointing. I was really hopeful about one particular interview with a company I admired. However, I mistakenly joined the meeting at the wrong time due to a time zone mix-up. I had communicated my availability clearly, but they didn’t want to reschedule after that. Now, with only $100 left in my bank account, I feel completely defeated and unable to muster the energy to apply for more jobs. It’s disheartening, and I’m struggling to see the value in continuing this process.

After a long year of searching, I finally received a job offer for an in-person role at a marketing agency. However, I'm now facing a dilemma. I live about 25 minutes away from the office, and unfortunately, I don't have a car or a driver's license, which complicates things significantly. I can't rely on family for daily transportation, and while I initially thought about using Uber, the costs are prohibitively high. The job description clearly stated that reliable transportation was a requirement, and I realize I should have considered this more carefully before applying. The agency has also made it clear that there are no remote work options available, which adds to my frustration. I feel sad and overwhelmed, as I really wanted this opportunity but now I'm contemplating whether it would be foolish to decline the offer due to my transportation challenges. I’ve received some advice suggesting I look into public transport options, but I live in an area with very limited services, making it difficult to commute. I'm feeling stuck and unsure of what to do next.

I recently reached out to a recruiter at a major bank regarding entry-level opportunities and managed to set up a networking call. I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I prepare for this conversation. I'm unsure whether I should come with specific roles in mind or if I should focus on discussing my experience and ask for their recommendations on suitable positions. I'm looking for advice on what to expect during the call and any questions I should consider asking to make the most of this opportunity.

Today, I decided to seek feedback on my CV since I recently turned 19 and am in the process of updating it. I was quite disheartened after being rejected by a company where I had worked for a year and a half. It’s frustrating to be turned down for trainee and apprenticeship roles, as well as customer service positions. I feel like I'm doing something wrong, but I can't pinpoint what it is. I shared my CV for critique, but I received some tough feedback. Many pointed out numerous typos and grammatical errors, which I hadn't noticed. It seems that my so-called 'skills' section lacked substance and clarity. Instead of vague statements, I need to list specific responsibilities and tasks in bullet points for each job. The formatting also came under fire; apparently, it was quite messy, with alignment issues and inconsistent spacing. One commenter emphasized that they would toss my CV aside before even getting to my work experience due to these errors. I was advised to avoid using italics and to ensure that my CV looks good on any device by saving it as a PDF. Additionally, I was told that mentioning my age and using phrases like "indulge my passions" might not be the best approach. It seems I should tailor my introduction to the specific role I’m applying for instead. Overall, the feedback was overwhelming but constructive, and I’m determined to make the necessary changes to improve my chances in the job market.