Thinking

I'm currently working as a Patient Scheduling Representative in healthcare, but I'm feeling completely burnt out from the job search. I've been in call centers and customer service roles since COVID, and the low pay isn't helping either. I'm eager to pivot into something more technical, like healthcare IT, Epic, data analytics, or business analysis. I hold a BS in IT Management and have some previous engineering and technical experience, which I enjoyed, especially my time at a nonprofit. The challenge I'm facing is that most jobs require 3-5 years of specific experience, which makes it tough to break out of the customer service cycle. On top of that, my wife is currently laid off, adding more uncertainty to our situation, and we’re considering relocating, possibly back to her home country. Job searching feels exhausting; I find myself scrolling through LinkedIn, Indeed, and other platforms, seeing the same listings over and over again. It's frustrating to be looking for jobs while already working. I have a passion for reading, writing, and music, and my dream is to write full-time someday, but I know I need to find something stable that pays well and offers growth. Ironically, I just received a text about a Border Patrol position, which I never thought I'd consider, but I'm exploring every option at this point. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has successfully transitioned from customer service to IT or analytics—what worked for you? Did you get certifications, network, take a lower-paying role, build a portfolio, or just keep applying? I’m looking for some perspective on how to keep moving forward when the process feels so draining.

I recently graduated with a BTech in AI and Data Science and received an offer from TCS. However, the joining process is taking longer than expected, and I anticipate it could take another 2-3 months or more before I get my joining letter. In the meantime, I've been considering taking a temporary position at Sutherland as a tech customer support representative to gain some experience. I'm unsure if this is the right move. Should I accept the role at Sutherland while waiting for TCS?

I currently work at a tech company that is set to be acquired by a larger tech firm, with the acquisition expected to be finalized by mid-next year. This announcement has left me feeling anxious about my job security. I'm in a mid-career role, and while I believe my position is valuable, I'm aware that during acquisitions, companies often streamline operations and eliminate redundancies. Given the current job market, I'm torn between staying put and starting my job search. I've been advised to maximize my options and begin applying for new roles while I still have a steady income. It seems like a tough situation, and I'm not sure what the best course of action is.

I'm currently in the process of applying for state government jobs, specifically for a Sales and Marketing Specialist role and a License Permit Program Associate position. However, I'm facing a dilemma regarding my resume. I've had two previous government jobs from which I was let go. I lost both positions due to challenges I faced after starting a new medication for ADD, which affected my focus and made me more irritable, leading to mistakes at work. Right now, I'm working as a Sales Associate/Optician at Target Optical since November 2023, where I've been successful in my role. However, I'm looking for a job with a more consistent schedule, better pay, and benefits. The issue is that if I omit my previous jobs as a Deputy Clerk at a Municipal Village (September 2021 - January 2022) and as a Customer Service Representative at my State’s Department of Transportation (March 2022 - July 2022), I will have a two-year gap in my employment history. I'm unsure how to handle this situation on my resume.

I recently received a job offer from a local hospital, and they are using Hire Right to conduct my background verification. I worked as a nanny from 2020 to 2023, but it was under the table, so I only have Cash App transactions as proof of payment. I'm unsure whether to include this job in my employment history or leave it out. Hire Right states that I need to explain any gaps in employment over 6 months within the last 5 years, which adds to my confusion. I'm seeking advice on how to handle this situation.

I was laid off from my position at a small company due to a "reduction in workforce" about two months ago. The owners assured me it wasn't due to my performance but rather a lack of workload in my specific group, which I know was true since we had discussed it in meetings. It's been a tough seven weeks since then, and I still haven't found a new job. I'm hesitant to return to a private company, and the public sector jobs nearby haven't been hiring. To add to my frustration, I just discovered that my former job has been reposted at a lower level and with a salary about $15,000 less than what I was making. I'm feeling really frustrated and I'm left wondering if this is even legal.

I recently found myself feeling lost in my job search after taking a break to raise my kids. My experience feels outdated, and I'm struggling to find a part-time job close to home since my husband travels frequently. I applied to McDonald's, but the application process was disheartening. Instead of submitting a resume, I had to complete a 30-minute AI questionnaire that felt more like a personality test than a job application. I never got to showcase my management experience or skills. I also tried applying to TJ Maxx, where I used to manage, but it seems they have also shifted to an AI-driven process. I’m open to both part-time and full-time opportunities, but the reliance on AI in hiring has really dampened my hope. I just want to find a job where I can contribute and feel valued.

I’ve been working from home for 15 years at a government contracting company, and I’ve recently come into a significant financial windfall that means I never have to work again. While my job is fairly easy and I only have to interact with my manager twice a year, I find it quite lonely sitting at home all day. I’m ready to travel for a few years while I’m still young enough to enjoy it. I’m considering how to get laid off, as I think it might be a challenge given my long tenure. My company requires 40 hours of training each year, and I’m wondering if I could cut back on that without them noticing. However, I’m not sure if they would care about my training since it wouldn’t cost them anything if I don’t complete it. I’ve received some advice from others suggesting that if I have enough money, I should just quit and enjoy life instead of trying to navigate a layoff. It’s a tempting thought, but I’m still weighing my options.

I'm currently navigating a chaotic job situation after owning my own business in Central Florida for 13 years. My operation was thriving until late 2024-2025 when I got shorted $400k by two contractors—one went bankrupt and the other essentially robbed me. This led to a drastic downsizing from 25 employees to just myself and one other person, and I'm now facing foreclosure on my home. The last 18 months have been incredibly tough, and I've exhausted all my savings and retirement funds trying to recover. I'll be turning 41 soon, which adds to the stress. I started applying for jobs about six weeks ago and quickly realized how dire the job market has become. Although I've received offers, the wages are shockingly low. However, I finally got an acceptable offer for a project management position at $120k with a schedule of 26 weeks on and 26 weeks off, starting on October 5th. In the meantime, a contractor I used to work with reached out and offered me a project that also starts on October 5th, which will pay around $40k for a two-week turnaround. Another contractor accepted my bid for a project worth $211k, estimated to take about 90 days. Both contractors are reliable payers, which is crucial in this industry. Additionally, I’m waiting to hear back from an engineering/design firm about a full remote position that pays $140k. I really want this job as it would allow me to finish my degree and gain valuable experience, but I don’t have it yet. On top of all this, there’s a possibility of receiving a settlement from the contractor that wronged me, which could be around $180k. My financial situation is precarious—my power was almost shut off last month—but both contractors are willing to front materials and expenses for the projects if I can sign contracts. I'm feeling overwhelmed with all these opportunities happening at once and need to make decisions quickly, as everyone wants answers by Monday. If anyone has advice or suggestions, I'm all ears!

I’m currently in a tough spot as a college student in my third year of game design. I’m desperately looking for a part-time job, ideally one that allows me to work 8-hour shifts. However, I’m concerned about how to balance this with my massive college assignments, especially since I have a major project due soon. I’ve been thinking about negotiating for night shifts or scheduling around my classes. My main worry is what happens if I get hired and then find myself overwhelmed with assignments, unable to pick up shifts. Would that be seen as unprofessional? I know I need to pay my college fees, and I might not have another job opportunity after graduation. I’m trying to figure out how to manage my time effectively and ensure that my education remains a priority while still being able to support myself financially.

I recently discovered that Dell EMC has been conducting silent layoffs without any mention in the Washington WARN report. It seems like a lot of employees are being let go without any formal announcement or notification. This has raised concerns among the staff about job security and the company’s transparency. I'm trying to understand how they can manage to do this without it being officially reported.

I had a phone screen with a recruiter two days ago for a position I was really excited about. I felt like the conversation went well, and at the end, the recruiter mentioned she needed to discuss things with the hiring manager on Friday and would update me on next steps afterward. Now that Friday has passed and I haven't heard back, I'm starting to worry that I might be rejected. I did send a thank you note the day after the interview, and the recruiter responded positively, saying she enjoyed our conversation and would reach out soon. I'm wondering if the lack of follow-up means bad news. Based on others' experiences, should I send a follow-up email on Monday to check in?

I recently completed my job search journey in Canada, which was quite challenging due to my lack of local experience. Initially, I was hesitant about taking contract roles because many people in my network advised against them, citing instability and lack of benefits. However, I decided to give it a shot, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. The job market for permanent positions at major banks was incredibly competitive, and I found myself getting nowhere without any Canadian experience on my resume. Contract roles offered a much lower barrier to entry, and the hiring process was significantly quicker. Once I secured my first contract role at a big bank, everything changed. I was no longer just someone with international experience; I had relevant local experience that made me a more attractive candidate for subsequent applications. Through this contract, I gained valuable insights into the tools and processes used by Canadian banks, which enhanced my resume further. Although my first contract didn't pay well, it opened the door to a much better second contract role, which came with a significant pay increase. Ultimately, after gaining this experience, I was able to land my first permanent position just a few months ago. I learned that for those stuck in a similar situation, taking a contract role can be a strategic move to break into the job market.

I recently quit my job after 10 years because I was feeling extremely burned out and needed to prioritize my mental health. To avoid the awkward questions about my next steps, I told my coworkers that I had found a better job, even though I actually don't have one lined up. I feel guilty about lying, especially since I'm not good at it, but I felt it was necessary to dodge the probing questions about where I'm going and how I got the new position. The pressure from my colleagues made it even harder, and I regret not just saying I prefer to keep my future plans private.

I was placed on my first Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) last week at my current job, which I absolutely despise. The work environment is incredibly toxic, largely due to my manager, who has made my life miserable since I started here. I suspected that she was trying to push me out, so the PIP didn't come as a surprise. However, I've been actively job hunting and have received several interview requests over the past two weeks. I'm currently going through the interview process and I’m hopeful to secure a new position within 2-3 weeks so I can escape this toxic workplace. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has had a successful experience with a PIP and managed to land a new job before the 90-day period was up. I could really use some positive stories to lift my spirits and improve my mental health.

I was recently laid off from a biotechnology company where I had worked for six years due to restructuring. This has been a tough transition, especially considering my husband was also laid off three years ago from a high-paying job and has only managed to find work in food delivery, bringing in about $2,000 a month. Our savings can sustain us for about 8-9 months if we manage them strictly. Since my layoff, I've been actively applying for new positions for the past three weeks, but I've only received radio silence in response. I've reached out to my connections, but it seems they aren't able to help, despite what I've read about networking being beneficial. I've been following all the advice I can find: tailoring my resume for each job to pass ATS, writing cover letters, applying through job portals instead of using Easy Apply on LinkedIn, and even trying to find emails of key people at the companies I'm applying to in hopes of pitching myself directly. It feels uncomfortable to reach out to strangers who may not want to engage with me, and I'm starting to doubt whether this approach is effective or if I'm just wasting my time. After living in the USA for 25 years, I used to love my life, but everything feels different now. For the first time, I'm considering returning to my country of birth, something I never thought I would do. It's strange not to miss my former job, which I genuinely liked, and I left with a clear conscience knowing my performance was not the issue. Right now, I feel uncertain about my future and whether it's realistic to find a job in the senior mid-sector. With zero traction from my applications, I'm starting to lose hope. On the bright side, I've been keeping up with my fitness routine, doing yoga and strength training, and I'm in the best physical shape of my life, but unfortunately, that doesn't help pay the bills.

I just accepted a new in-person office job that starts on Monday at 8 AM, but I'm feeling a bit anxious about the lack of reporting details. I completed the offer letter and the I-9 form, and I received a general email from HR today about getting my badge and finishing the I-9, but that process starts at 9 AM. There's also an onboarding meeting scheduled online at 10 AM. The email mentioned contacting the person who interviewed me for reporting details, but I reached out and haven't heard back since it's after hours on Friday. The only information I have about my start time is what was mentioned during the interview, which is 8 AM, but no specific confirmation was given in any of the emails. My plan is to arrive at the office around 7:40-7:45 AM, let the front desk know who I am, and ask for guidance on where to report for my first day. This is my first job, and I can't shake the feeling of being a kid waiting for my mom to finish shopping. I'm just hoping everything goes smoothly.

I recently found a full-time role posted by a company I used to work for earlier this year. I was in a contract position there but had to leave before completing the full 12 months because I was offered a full-time opportunity elsewhere. I left on good terms and really enjoyed my time with the team. Now that they have a permanent position available that aligns with my skills, I’m considering applying. However, I'm a bit concerned about how it might look since I left the contract early, even though it was for a stable full-time role. I was laid off from my previous job about 7 months into that role due to organizational restructuring, which adds to my apprehension. I’m seeking advice, especially from recruiters or hiring managers, on whether applying would raise any red flags. I’ve read that if I left on good terms, it shouldn't be an issue, and I’m thinking about reaching out to my former manager to express my interest in the new role. I hope that could help smooth the process.

I'm currently seeking legitimate remote customer service jobs that hire from Chile. At 53 years old, I have extensive experience in customer service and call centers, including remote work across phone, chat, and email support, as well as basic technical support and handling escalations. My native language is Spanish, and I have a B2 level in English, approaching C1, which allows me to work effectively in both languages or in a bilingual capacity. The motivation behind my job search is deeply personal. I have an autistic son who is undergoing treatment, and it's been financially challenging to provide him with the support he needs. Call center jobs in Chile typically offer low pay, and I believe that working remotely for an international company could help me better support my family. I'm frustrated by the fact that many remote jobs advertised are only available to US residents. I'm specifically looking for companies that hire individuals living in Chile or Latin America, either as direct employees or remote contractors. If anyone has experience working for such companies or knows of any that hire internationally for customer service, chat/email support, or basic tech support roles, I would greatly appreciate any company names, websites, recruiters, or personal referrals. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any leads or advice would mean a lot to me.

Today, I applied for a video editor position at Base360.ai through LinkedIn. Shortly after submitting my application, I received an email stating that only about 5% of applicants move forward in the process, which felt like a tactic to boost my confidence despite knowing it was likely an AI reviewing my application. They requested a practical task where I needed to edit a 90-second video, but I decided to test the waters instead. I submitted a second application with a photo of a donkey I found online instead of my resume and intentionally chose the worst answers on the application. To my surprise, I received the same email about the 5% progression rate again. This experience has motivated me to call out both Base360.ai and TheFlex, the agency involved, because I believe more people should be aware of these practices.