Thinking

I’m 33 years old and currently wrapping up my international MBA, which I expect to finish in December. I have a BA from NYU and have spent the last 10 years working as an academic and test prep tutor in New York City. I decided to pursue a business degree to pivot into a more stable career with better earning potential. As I plan to move back to New York after graduation, I’m trying to gauge what kind of roles and salaries I should realistically aim for. I’m targeting mid-level program or operations roles with salaries between $75k and $85k, but I’m concerned that my lack of corporate experience might push me down to a $55k entry-level coordinator position. I’m feeling uncertain about the job market and would really appreciate any advice on what to expect given my unique background.

I'm currently navigating a tough situation after being laid off from my job as a heavy-duty technician apprentice in Alberta, Canada. I've been unemployed for over a year, and while I've had several interviews and even some offers, I turned down a job a few months ago because it required me to stay in a work camp, which I can't do. I also declined an offer in a different field that I now regret. Recently, I received an offer in my field, but it involves relocating to a smaller town without any relocation assistance, and the pay is lower than what I've previously earned. After much consideration, I decided to decline the offer, but now I'm second-guessing my decision. I'm torn between the need to get back to work and the uncertainty of whether I'll receive another offer soon. I'm even open to accepting jobs outside my field just to get back to work. I'm really struggling with whether I should reach out to the company and ask if the offer is still available or if I should hold out for something local. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I started a new job about 6 months ago, and I've come to realize that it's just not the right fit for me. The stress has been overwhelming, and I feel embarrassed about wanting to leave so soon. I'm now at the stage where I'm considering looking for another position, but I'm unsure how to explain my reasons for leaving. I’ve seen advice suggesting that I can simply say it wasn’t the right fit, which feels honest enough. I also need to prepare for questions about my goals and how they align with potential new roles. It’s a bit daunting, but I know I need to prioritize my well-being and find a job that suits me better.

I'm currently working as a Tech Support professional at a multinational company in Bangalore. Managing my finances here has been quite challenging, and I'm eager to explore job opportunities abroad that align with my skills. I'm particularly interested in roles that could provide visa sponsorship or even paid internships, as I graduated with an engineering degree two years ago. I'm reaching out for advice on effective methods or resources that could help me secure a job overseas. Any guidance or tips would be greatly appreciated!

I recently found myself in a tough spot after getting fired from my corporate job. Just a few days later, I had a final round interview at a new company and, feeling a bit nervous, I talked as if I was still employed at my previous job. To my surprise, I received an offer, but now I'm anxious about the upcoming background check. I'm unsure how to handle this situation. Should I be honest about my final day at my old company? If HR asks why I'm no longer there and why I didn't mention it during the interviews, what should I say? I'm considering a few options for the background check: 1) Enter the correct termination date and hope they don’t catch it, 2) Change the date to a week later than when I was actually fired (since the interview was just four days after my termination), or 3) Claim that I still work there (though I'm hesitant about that one). I really appreciate any advice on how to navigate this tricky situation!

I recently found myself in a tough situation after being laid off from a major top 500 company. They offered me a severance package of just four weeks, but it came with the condition that I sign away all my rights. I'm currently trying to figure out if it's possible to negotiate for a better deal. I've heard from others that if you're in a special position, like an executive, you might have more leverage, but as a regular employee, it seems like options are limited. I'm also part of a protected class in tech and under 40, so I'm wondering if that might play a role in negotiations. Has anyone had success pushing back on their severance offers? I'm looking for any advice or experiences that could help me in this situation.

I just found out that I'm facing a layoff at my company, and it's happening just two weeks before my maternity leave is set to start. The situation is a bit complicated because I've been given the option to willfully accept the layoff, which would come with a severance package of 21 weeks plus 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, all in a lump sum. I'm trying to figure out how this would affect my eligibility for State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). My plan was to take SDI four weeks before my baby arrives and then six weeks after, followed by PFL. But now that I might be laid off, I'm unsure how this will all work. I've heard that some people suggest applying for unemployment insurance (UI) to qualify for SDI, but I'm wondering if it's realistic to look for work for just two weeks. Also, I’m curious about how SDI payments would be calculated if I no longer have a salary. I've seen some comments suggesting that since I would receive severance as a lump sum, I might still qualify for SDI and PFL in California. I just hope everything works out smoothly as I approach this new chapter in my life.

I was referred to a colleague of my friend's dad who runs a business in NYC and is looking for a full-time hire. My friend initially got the job offer but could only work part-time, so she passed my resume along to the colleague knowing I’m looking to move to NYC. I missed her call on Thursday because I was at work, and she texted me asking when I’d be available to talk. I told her I was free after 6pm, but she didn’t call that evening. I followed up with a text, but still no response, so she suggested we try again after 6pm on Friday. I waited again, but there was no call. I reached out to my friend for advice, and she said to wait until Saturday morning to follow up. I sent a polite message offering my availability for the weekend or the following week, but it’s now 4pm on Saturday and I still haven’t heard back. I understand it’s the weekend and she might be busy, but I can’t help but feel stressed about the lack of communication. I plan to wait until Monday evening to follow up again, but I’m anxious about whether this means she’s not interested in hiring me.

I recently graduated college about a year ago and I'm really struggling to find my place in the world. I chose a major that I now regret, and my plans for a career in that field fell through completely. It feels like my degree is just a participation trophy, and it hasn’t helped me land a decent job. After months of searching, I finally got a job at a gas station where I had worked before, but it only lasted about six months. I then got an offer for a sales position at a phone store, which seemed like a step up, but it turned out to be a disaster. I wasn’t properly trained and was often left alone in the store, which was overwhelming. I ended up quitting just days before my first solo shift. Now, I’ve been job hunting again for a few months, but it’s been tough. I reached out to the gas station to see if they had openings, and while they would love to have me back, they said they’re currently full. I feel more hopeless than ever, especially since both jobs I had only paid a little above minimum wage, and I struggled in one of them. The economy seems to be in bad shape, and I see people with better degrees and plans struggling too, which makes me feel like I have no chance. I’m living with my family right now, and I’m grateful for that, but I worry about what will happen when they can no longer support me. The thought of homelessness terrifies me, and I honestly don’t know how I would cope with that. I keep seeing videos online that make me feel even more anxious about my future. I just don’t know what to do next.

I have an interview scheduled for a Crew Member position, but the time slot is confusing. It says my interview is between 11 AM and 7 PM, which is odd. I work until 3 PM, so I can't make it there right at 11. I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with such a wide time frame. I tried calling the store, but all I got was automated responses. The store isn't even open yet, as they open on the 19th. I'm hoping this isn't an all-day interview and that I can just show up after work. I plan to go around 3:30 PM, but I'm a bit anxious about it.

It's been two weeks since I accepted an offer letter for a position at a grocery store. I applied about a month ago, and after some back and forth with the hiring manager, I finally received the offer letter. The manager initially asked me to resubmit my application because it had expired, which I did right after our call. A few days later, I got the offer letter and filled out the I-9 form. However, the day after signing the offer, I received a call from another manager who mentioned that the original manager wanted me to resubmit my application again. I informed her that I had already received the offer letter. Since then, I haven't heard anything back. I called the store a week later to check in and learned that the hiring manager was on vacation. I tried to speak to someone else about my situation, but they confused me with another candidate. They took my name and number but I still haven't received any updates. In the meantime, I've been applying to other jobs, but I'm not getting any responses. I'm feeling really frustrated because I left my previous job due to moving and other difficulties, and now bills are piling up. This is the longest I've ever had to wait to start a new job. Additionally, the union representative reached out because I hadn't filled out the union paperwork. He mentioned he would check on my situation when he was in the store last week, but I haven't heard back from him either. I'm considering whether I should reach out again this week.

I’m currently 16 and trying to land my first job, but I’m struggling since I have no previous work experience. I’ve applied online but haven’t received any responses. I did manage to get one interview, but after going in-store, I never heard back from them. I’m considering walking into all the stores in my city this weekend to ask if they’re hiring because I’m really determined to find something. However, I’ve read that this approach might be outdated. I’m also feeling anxious about filling out applications because I worry I’ll mess up and get denied. I’ve seen advice suggesting that I should look into volunteer work for experience or check if local lawn services need help. I know that many teenagers work at places like movie theaters, which sounds fun and would fit my schedule. I’ve been told that I should avoid going in on weekends since it’s busy and might not be respectful. Instead, I should aim for a Monday or Wednesday when managers are more likely to be available. I plan to dress in business casual, be friendly, and have a resume ready, even if it’s light on experience. I’m hoping to download a generic application to fill out and bring with me when I go in. I just want to make a good impression and finally get my foot in the door.

I recently had a rather strange experience with a trial job I applied for at a local restaurant. About a week and a half ago, I received a text from someone claiming to be the boss, asking if I could come in for a trial shift. I was taken aback since I hadn't even had an interview yet, but I agreed to come in for a shift as a dishwasher. The initial communication was odd; the boss changed the time on me last minute, but I managed to rearrange my schedule for the new time. When I arrived, the place seemed legit, but there were immediate red flags. The boss didn't even acknowledge me when I walked in and quickly sent me off to my trainer. The trainer was friendly but it quickly became apparent that the expectations were overwhelming. I was expected to learn a ton of tasks right away, and while he was supportive, I felt lost trying to keep up with the pace of work. The dishwashing process was complicated, and I had to remember where everything went in a huge kitchen filled with unique dishes. On my second shift, the trainer mentioned the high turnover rate, which made me realize I wasn't the only one struggling with the workload. By the end of my shift, I was exhausted and felt like I couldn't keep up with the demands. I started contemplating quitting, even though I felt bad about it given the trainer's insights into the job. During my third shift, I noticed the boss was still distant and seemed uninterested in my presence. It was disheartening, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this job might not be for me. I was already thinking about how to communicate my decision to leave, as the pressure and expectations were simply too much for me to handle.

I'm feeling really frustrated with my job search right now. I have a bachelor's degree in business administration and served in the Marine Corps for four years, but I feel completely stuck. The only job option that seems available to me is a welding position that pays $30 an hour, but it would require me to work 60-70 hours a week for most of the year. I'm torn between the decent pay and the fact that it would consume my life. I've applied to various business jobs, but I haven't had any luck, and the only other jobs I've seen offer very low pay, around $18 an hour. I'm located in downriver Michigan, and I'm just not sure where to turn next.

I've been living in Boston for the past year, tirelessly applying for jobs in case management and care coordination, but I'm still unemployed. I've sent out hundreds of applications, tailored my resume multiple times, and written countless cover letters, yet only about 3% have led to interviews, and none to job offers. It's disheartening, especially since I'm about to start my master’s in public health in a few months without securing a position in my field. To make ends meet, I've been working labor jobs. I can't shake the feeling that bias might be playing a role in my job search. As a 33-year-old Middle Eastern man, I've started to notice patterns that make me question whether my background is affecting my opportunities. Every interview I've had has been with women, from talent acquisition to hiring managers, and during one interview, a director made an odd comment about men wanting to listen to women because of their mothers. I found it inappropriate and responded, but the interview ended abruptly after that. After a year of hard work and minimal results, it's hard not to wonder if being a Middle Eastern man in a predominantly female field is creating unseen barriers. I’m seeking guidance on how to navigate this situation and improve my chances.

I recently went through a lengthy interview process for a senior role at a tech company, which started on April 20th. A former colleague referred me, and I quickly got in touch with a recruiter. After an initial conversation, I was told I might be considered for a more senior position due to my experience. I had a series of interviews, including with the Hiring Manager and a senior director, and received positive feedback throughout. The last interview was on May 22nd, and I was told I would hear back soon. However, after a follow-up on May 28th, I learned I was a finalist but there were internal holds on extending offers. Things took a turn when I discovered on June 3rd that the recruiter I had been working with was laid off, along with other contingent recruiters. I reached out for an update and was assigned a new recruiter who promised to keep me in the loop. Since then, I've heard nothing. I'm left wondering if I'm being kept warm while they consider other candidates or if there are genuine delays.

I've been feeling really frustrated with my job search lately. I've had four interviews in the past month where everything seemed to go well, but then I was completely ghosted afterward. Companies act like they’re really interested in me during the interview, even promising to call me on a specific date, but then they just disappear. One company even told me they were definitely hiring me and just needed to sort out some logistics before calling me the next day to get started the following week. But that call never came, and when I followed up, they ignored my message. It's really disheartening and has made me feel discouraged about finding a job. Am I the only one experiencing this?

Today, I found myself reflecting on the concept of giving a two-week notice at work. I've been considering leaving my current job for something that aligns better with my career goals. However, I've heard mixed opinions about the whole notice process. Some people have shared experiences where their managers either denied their resignation or even went as far as to rip up their resignation papers, which really makes me question if giving a notice is even worth it. A co-worker advised me not to mention my job search to anyone at work, suggesting that I could be fired on the spot if I did. This has left me feeling confused about the etiquette of resigning. I understand that in many at-will employment situations, I technically don't have to give any notice, but it feels like a courtesy to do so. Yet, if the company can react so negatively, it makes me wonder if it's really a good idea. I’m eager to find a new role, but I also want to handle my current job transition professionally.

I recently got a job offer from a greenhouse that operates Sunday to Thursday, which is a significant upgrade from my current position at McDonald's. However, I'm in a tough spot because I have a blackout week coming up at McDonald's, and if I call out, I risk being fired. The greenhouse job wants me to start on Monday, but they have a two-week trial period to assess if I'm a good fit. This puts me in a precarious situation: if I leave McDonald's and the greenhouse decides not to keep me after the trial, I'll be unemployed and struggling to pay my rent. I'm weighing my options: 1. Jump into the greenhouse job and hope they like me, risking my current job. 2. Stay at McDonald's and continue with a job I want to leave. 3. Ask both jobs if I can delay the start at the greenhouse by a week, which is risky since I need both sides to agree. I've expressed my concerns to the greenhouse, but they didn't take it well. I'm feeling extremely stressed and would appreciate any advice.

I recently applied for a position at a local animal shelter, which is a government job. This role is really important to me because my passion lies in helping and caring for animals, and while I can't afford vet school, I see this as a great opportunity to make a difference by helping animals find their forever homes. I'm considering whether I should follow up on my application to express my enthusiasm, but I'm unsure if that's appropriate for a government position. I've heard mixed advice about following up—some say it shows commitment, while others warn that it might annoy the hiring team due to their strict timelines. I plan to do some research to find the right contact person, but I'm also trying to be patient, as I know these processes can take time.