When I took this coordinator job, our team was losing fifteen to twenty hours every week just updating client logs and manually formatting spreadsheets.

I built a few simple macros and formula templates that cut all that data entry down to an hour. I thought saving twenty hours a week would free me up for higher-level projects.

instead, my manager called me into a meeting last Friday. She told me that because our administrative workload dropped, they are merging my role with a part-time position and letting me go. To get my severance check, they want me to write step-by-step documentation for every macro I set up.

I literally worked myself out of a salary. I should of just kept doing the data entry by hand like the last person.

Do I ACTUALLY have to document processes I created that were not in my original job description?

I'm turning 26 soon and I'm not happy with my career and where I am in life. I'm wondering if anyone who's had a similar experience in their 20's was able to find success later on and if so- how were you able to get to that point?

After a few months in which I (39M) was progressively getting more and more burnt out, I was placed on a PIP the latter half of August - of which I told my manager outright that I was in no condition to be able to meet the demands outlined in the PIP (the terms of the PIP were generally, get your shit together during one of the toughest times of the year for the department). A week later, I was let go with three months' worth of severance via a mutual termination agreement.

It's been a week and a half since I was terminated. Most of it has been sleeping too much during the day/night, probably grieving a company I spent nearly a decade and a half at. My confidence has been shot and I don't know how to solve my overall burnout.

I'm not sure what my next steps are. I have about $65K in emergency funds saved up (non-inclusive of the severance) and about $500K in retirement/brokerage, so while I have a bit of cushion to look for the next job, I expect that time will not pass slowly. Additionally, there are two trips I have planned - one to Costa Rica for a week in November to finish my husband's dental work, and another to Japan for 18 days in December. Plane tickets and hotel have already been paid for and are non-refundable for both trips, but I'm very willing to cancel the Japan trip if it conflicts with any new job opportunity.

This week, I plan on updating my resume and getting it critiqued by friends/AI, and then sending it to a few recruiters. I am not sure if I'm a good fit for corporate finance roles (frankly, not sure if I ever was given my avoidant personality), but am also wondering how I could fall back on my experience as a CPA. I think a big obstacle of mine is reframing how I left/was terminated by the company especially with how poor the job market is right now.

Can anyone provide any thoughts regarding getting over burnout, or reframing leaving my company during a potential job interview? Any advice, similar situation stories, or other help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I’m seeking guidance from anyone who has navigated a similar situation.

I’m a state employee (keeping the specific state private just in case), and I’ve been out recovering from an injury that occurred at work. The injury required surgery, and my recovery timeline has been longer than anticipated.

At this point, I’ve officially exhausted my 12 weeks of FMLA, all of my paid leave, and my short-term disability benefits. HR recently informed me that they "can't hold my position" any longer and expect me to return to full duty soon. My union rep hasn't been much help in clarifying my options, and I'm worried about wrongful termination. 

I’m trying to figure out my legal standing and protect my job while I heal:

• EEOC / ADA Protections: If HR fires me simply because my FMLA ran out without engaging in an interactive process, can I file a charge with the EEOC for disability discrimination or wrongful termination? Is extended medical leave or light duty considered a reasonable accommodation under the ADA? 

• Workers' Comp Retaliation: Since this stems from an on-the-job injury, does firing me while I'm still under doctor-ordered restrictions count as illegal workers' comp retaliation?

• Handling HR & Union: How should I document my communications with HR regarding my restrictions, and what's the best way to escalate this beyond an unhelpful union steward?

• Doctor's Documentation: What exact language should I ask my surgeon to put in writing to prove I cannot perform full duty yet without risking immediate job abandonment claims?

Any insight, personal experiences, or advice on navigating an EEOC complaint or consulting an employment attorney would be greatly appreciated!

I separate in 2027. I joined at 18 and currently work a desk job handling paperwork. I’ve been in for 4 years.

I'm not sure what route I should go in next. I don't have a degree and I don't really care for my current job or being enlisted. I have about 4k saved and plan to move to a new city.

I'm thinking about skill-bridging and using my g.i bill but I don't know what route I should go in from here as the job market isn't in the best place. I'd like to get out and have a guaranteed job. How would you guys go about things? I've done research on trades and different jobs in the IT field, however there's nothing that I feel completely sold on, which is an odd feeling.

I had a job as an assistant in a music studio, practically run by 1 composer. The way it normally worked was he'd call me when he needed help with a project and I'd do whatever there was to do - which normally was a lot and ranged from paperwork to doing his own composition work when he wasn't feeling it.

we didn't have a written agreement but I was getting paid whenever there was work. at some point he stopped receiving as many projects due to war and also I had to take care of my now-ex go through surgeries so we weren't calling eachother as often.

ever since that;

• Ceasefire happened
• June 11th he called and said he needs me, I said I'll be there and the next day he cancelled it himself. June 20th I texted him, he said he's volunteering for a couple weeks.
• July 20th, I called twice, he didn't pick up.
• July 29th, I texted, asking if something's wrong, no response.
• August 7th I replied to his story on instagram, he said "hi - I had severe back pain for a month - I've been offside". I asked if he's seen a doctor yet but, no response.
• August 25th, I called once, he didn't pick up.

I feel like I'm just bothering him at this point. I suppose it is unprofessional to ghost someone you're working with but, he's normally really respectful so I'm a bit surprised. and I don't even mind being broke, side-gigs and saving sorta keep me alive- I can still afford to wait.

should I keep calling? text? forget about it? ask our colleagues if something's up? try to be friendly? professional? honestly I'd do anything for this job. I worked hard to get it.

thank you in advance.

Hi all!

EDIT: I should note, I do not want to pursue alternative roles connected to emergency medicine/medical care, as that portion of my life feels like a closed chapter for me. Thank you 😊

I’m 27F. I was a licensed paramedic in a busy city 911 system for almost 7 years, I started at 18. In that time I also obtained a B.S. in Neuroscience.

I have been deaf in one ear since birth which did not hinder my job, I only needed a few adjustments. Two years ago I rapidly lost the hearing in the other ear due to autoimmune disease. I now have severe and progressive loss in that ear, and am functionally deaf. I do identify with the Deaf community as a Deaf woman, and luckily already knew ASL before this happened, so I’ve transitioned to communicating by a mix of ASL, lip reading + a hearing aid (helps with sound but speech isn’t very clear), and live captioning apps.

Out of necessity I had to immediately stop working, and due to progression of my autoimmune disease I haven’t been able to return to any form of work in the last two years.

I did not plan on staying in EMS long term as it is very damaging to your physical and mental health, but it provided me a huge amount of meaning, fulfillment, and social connection with others. I had planned to figure out next steps when I graduated but got sick the first semester of my senior year and never got the chance. I pushed through and did get my degree though.

While managing my health I’ve tried to do some freelance science writing, I’ve considered becoming a counselor for the Deaf through a Deaf university online MSW, I even tried my hand at reselling clothes online using business structures etc. But I still feel lost as to how to design a new path within my new limitations.

My health has been slowly improving and I’d like to consider next steps and finally have goals again but I can’t seem to figure out what works. Here’s what I’d like:

1. A naturally accessible work environment. Either in ASL, or text communication only, or autonomous without need for that.
2. Non-physical work. Due to my autoimmune disease I can’t be on my feet long periods of time or doing intricate work with my hands or anything.
3. Meaningful. Given the intensity of my EMS job, which I started at 18, I struggle to find anything that feels meaningful in that way. I’d like a career that if I look back in 40 years I know I’ve helped make others or the world better in someway.
4. Self determined schedule. I prefer to be my own boss. I am happy to work hard but I need the security of taking days off if I need to for my health.
5. If I can find the right path with my current education that’s amazing and guess would be ideal. I’m not against more schooling if it’s the right/necessary path though.
6. I could care less how much money I make. I truly just want to enjoy my work, offer kindness and care to others in someway, not struggle to communicate, and not tax my body, and be my own boss.
7. I am currently on long term disability. The goal is to test the waters and see if I can find something I CAN do before officially going back to work and losing my current form of income. Please no unkind comments about this. I was hospitalized just a month ago, I would not be getting assistance if it wasn’t necessary. I am improving with new medication though and my goal is to not need that eventually.

Any suggestions for my very niche needs and preferences are welcomed!

Note- I really thought doing the online MSW that is taught in ASL and then getting my LCSW to be a counselor for others who use ASL might be a good path, but friends and family have voiced concerns over the cost, time commitment, and whether I can reliably do that kind of schooling at this time and whether it would be flexible enough for me as a job in the future. It’s also unclear how school impacts my current disability support I receive. All valid concerns making me doubt that option. Open to all ideas out of the box.

TIA!!

Hi everyone! I could really use some advice!!.

I live in the US and I always thought I wanted to go to med school, but after doing some clinicals, I realized I didn’t really enjoy it. I’m currently pursuing a business degree but had to pause because of finances.
Lately, I’ve become interested in possibly going into law and taking the LSAT, but I have no pre-law background and honestly don’t know where to start.

I’m also not a U.S. citizen, so financial aid/scholarship options are limited, and I’m currently waiting on my asylum decision.

I know I’m only 23, but I feel so lost and behind because I used to be so sure about my future. 🥺
Should I explore law, and what LSAT resources would you recommend for a complete beginner?

I just want to give some background on my situation. I am in federal law enforcement and under the system will be eligible to retire at 50 with the LEO pension and FEHB healthcare. I have been in this job for a few years and am 30 years old.

However, I am miserable. The work/life balance is awful. I do 5 10s which turn into 5 12s if I factor in commuting. This is also a very niche type of LE, so I have no meaningful skills and very much feel like a captive audience.

Should I just push through misery until I am 50? Or should I go back to school and invest in myself?

Would you stay in a career you hated for a pension? I am open to advice from all ages, but am especially interested in what older people have to say.

My fiancé and I currently living in different states, and both trying to apply for roles in hopes that one of us will be able to move to the other ASAP. A role that I am very qualified for popped up in his area, and I don’t want to mess up my application. Should I include that I am looking to relocate in the cover letter, and how so? Additionally, should I put his address on my cover letter?

The reason I haven’t been including his address is because is because my work experience is all with my home state university, so it is very clear where that work is located (and therefore where I am located). The role i’m applying to is with another University, and they will definitely be familiar with my institution.

Thanks in advance.

Background:

Cognitive psychology MSc and PhD Year 1.

My current work focuses more on vision and memory, so I have skills like eye tracking, R, data analysis, research ethics. I have had some conference presentations and working on a publication so I haven't yet totally failed as a student. I have the normal experiences all grad students have, like TAs and such, but not much experience outside of school.

I am open to learning more skills, but hope not to get another degree unless absolutely necessary because a degree is very costly.

Question:

I know for a fact professorship is not for me and I am unlikely to get one. Therefore, I would like to know is there any field I can reasonably transfer into in the industry? I have looked into health information analyst, program evaluation roles, ed tech roles and ux researcher roles. However, I don't know where to start because I don't have industry experience or relevant degree. I am open to any and all relevant advices, especially from people who transitioned out of psychology.

I (F21) am beginning my first official full time job! Its at a warehouse that prints designs on clothing and I will be pressing decals. My schedule is Mon - Fri 7:30-4:00 (not quite 9-5 but same idea). We get 2 15 minute breaks towards the beginning and end of the day, as well as a 30 minute lunch midday. I’ve worked 8 hour shifts before but never in a set schedule like this, and I’m honestly excited for the consistency.

What are some tips and tricks you’ve learned throughout your career in a 9-5 setting that help you stay scheduled, aren’t burnt out, make things easier, idk! Maybe it’s a silly question and the answer is simply show up, bring some snacks, and get through the day lol!

I’m currently looking to move to Europe and want to understand how realistic it is to secure a job while applying from India, rather than moving first.

I have around 1 year of experience as a Technical Business Analyst and 6 months of experience as a Fraud Analyst at a Big 4. My experience is mainly in business/data analysis, fraud-related work, SQL, data analysis, and working with business and technical teams.

For people who have successfully made a similar move from India:

- Which European countries are currently the most realistic for this profile?
- Is it better to apply directly to European companies, use LinkedIn/Indeed/other job portals, or approach recruiters?
- How difficult is it to get visa sponsorship with relatively low YOE?
- Are there particular industries or types of companies that are more open to hiring candidates from outside the EU?
- Should I target Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Fraud Analyst, or similar roles?

I’d particularly appreciate advice from people who have moved from India to Europe through a job offer or have experience hiring internationally.

Any practical advice on which countries/roles to target and how to approach the job search would be really helpful.

Sorry if this is all over the place, I was trying to make it as short as possible and I’m not the best at story telling.

I am set to go back to work tomorrow after being on disability + maternity bonding. However I’m thinking of finding another job. One reason is because my baby will not take a bottle. However the main reason is because of my supervisor who is also my ex mother in law. Because of how specific these details are I’m sure if they have Reddit they’ll know it’s me but I’m over it.
So I was hired in her department soon after I found out her son (who was in the navy) had cheated on me. He got kicked out and she was “trying” to help me be able to support our two young sons. Upon being hired she told me our home problems would stay at the door and that work would be strictly professional. As time went on I would hear coworkers mention things about my life that I never even told them. Apparently she’d talk about my life outside of work and she’d talk so much crap about me. We’ve talked twice in the span of 3 years about keeping work professional and I called her out on her talking behind my back.
Fast forward I get pregnant with my new partner, and unfortunately due to my difficult pregnancy I was put out on disability. Soon after my son was born I received a message from a close coworker who told me she needed to speak with me. She told me that my supervisor had been talking about me again so apparently there was a dinner for our department and she was telling everyone that I got her son kicked out of the military. Honestly so much has happened that my memory isn’t great but I was also told she talked about my 4 year old not being potty trained, she mentioned that I got a new car saying how could I afford it if i wasn’t working. And to top it all she mentioned how she saw my newborn and she said “he’s cute but he’s really dark. He looks like his name would be Juan or Pedro”
I ended up reporting her to HR but nothing was done. Now in recent weeks I had a confrontation with her where she said she hated me, how it was just “gossip” etc etc. We exchanged a lot of cuss words and it was just a lot. Now after all this I’m still expected to show up and be near her. It’s not even her that bothers me, I’m just done with the drama. I have so much going on in my personal home life that the last thing I need is a shitty work life. I know at every job your bound to encounter shitty people but this is on a much personal level that I am just so over it considering I’ve been having issues for 3 years.

Im thinking of not even returning tomorrow and just looking for something else..

As work becomes more demanding, I’ve noticed that exercise can easily become something that gets pushed to whatever time is left over.

The problem is that “whatever time is left” often isn’t very much, especially once commuting, overtime, errands and everything else around work are included.

I’m interested in how people with busy careers handle this without either giving up exercise or building their entire day around it. Some people train early in the morning, some use lunch breaks, and others seem to reduce the logistics by doing shorter strength sessions at home instead of travelling to a gym.

I’m especially curious about people who have managed this for several years rather than just during a short motivated phase.

What schedule or boundary helped you protect exercise time while still keeping work as the priority?

Hi folks, it’s a bit of a long story. I went back to school late and graduated last year (May 2025) with two degrees, one in Emergency Management and the other in political science. Initially I went into emergency management as an alternative to political science, with the goal of going into Homeland Security afterwards. Somewhere along the line I turned a minor in a second degree (poli-sci), this time with the goal of going into the federal civil service.

Well in the last year I’ve admittedly held off on job hunting due to the chaos within the government and just did a bunch of side adventures. Now with 30 around the corner, the need to find a proper job is becoming more apparent but I’m now questioning whether I really want to pursue my previous career goals. I’m just feeling lost at the moment, with one degree that I wish I didn’t pursue and another that I’m unsure where to go with. I feel like I’m well behind most around my age, or some even younger.

Hi,

I’m (W25) currently employed in an office job and have been thinking about doing this after work. I have decent connections in the adult industry, but I’ve never dared to take the plunge until now. Do you think it’s still worth it, or is the market already oversaturated? What would you recommend?

I 21F like most people are trying to figure out what should I do with my life. So I googled up a free career test. I found CareerExplorer I took the test but now I'm wondering hmmm.....is this even accurate??! Has anyone actually followed through on what this test says or are Career Tests a scam nowadays? Any thoughts opinions or advice?? Anyone tried it and followed through??!

Title edit: Ever been passed *up for a promotion?

I’ve been working at a company for 5+ years in the same role and finally, FINALLY, a position that would be one step up from my current one opened up. I had been expressing my desire to move up to my manager for a while, and she encouraged me to apply when the time came. It was nothing but good vibes during my two rounds of interviews (with her and the head of the department). Then, I was told this past Thurs that I didn’t get the promotion. I have been essentially training 5 years for that role and checked off all the boxes, yet I still didn’t get it. Now, I get to learn in the coming days who DID get it, and I’m supposed to act happy for this person, or like I’m not bitter? I’m able to fake it til I make it like the best of them, but I’m only human.

This was really the nail in the coffin as far as my time at this company goes. Anyone else been through this who can share advice how I can “put on a happy face” through gritted teeth so I don’t burn any bridges while looking for my next gig?

I have decided to go all in to upskill myself within this 6-month period. My ultimate goal is to become an Energy and AI Infrastructure Developer. So anybody who is looking forward to rocket launch their career in this domain, this post is only for you. We can share our resources, tips & tricks, roadmaps, skills, AI knowledge and many other things.

If you are interested, DM me to join the WhatsApp group for connecting with like-minded individuals. Don’t leave the group if you join early, because it will be full very soon.

I recently started a job a few months ago. Ever since I’ve clocking between 60-100 hours every week with average of 70hrs per week. Im completely burnt out. My health has turned to shit just over the span of these 4-5 months. Im micromanaged about 60-70% of those hours because my desk is right in front of the managers where he monitors everything i do and whats on my screen. He is constantly checking my gps, and everyone’s gps wherever we go. I think im at my ends Witt’s in such a short period i developed depression and my anxiety is through the roof, poor sleep, poor eating. I have’nt had any time to excercise since i started and have gained a lot of weight. Im not sure if the pay is worth i either even though im getting 120k per year its because of the hours im doing not the pay rate. The standard full time hours is 40hrs per week, so if i was paid 120k for a normal full time position it might be worth it but I’m doing double that each week so my guess is I’m only really making $60-70k per year if i was working normal hours.

[USA] I’m currently a student at my local community college working towards completing an AA transfer plan in psychology. My goal is to transfer to the university near me, pursue a BA in psychology with a minor in biology and a concentration in advanced research, and try my best to get into their Cognition, Neuroscience, and Social Psychology graduate program.

I’m in my third semester now, and with 4 semesters left of my associate’s, I’ve been accepted into the honors program which gives me a chance to join the undergraduate research experience and present research at the symposium. I’ve looked into joining Phi Theta Kappa’s honor society as well. I plan to receive the Honors Laureate designation before my transfer, and continue with honors at the university. I have 3 letters of recommendation from professors so far.

I have also applied to work in the natural sciences lab in my community college as a dish washer.

My goal is to work in research. Whether it be academia, government, medical, it doesn’t matter to me quite yet. Psychology research is the goal.

Any advice or pointers are much appreciated.

After months of searching I’ve finally found a job and sept 8 is my start date.

Unfortunately it so happens that I’m currently sitting in a pool of my own blood on the bathroom and have been profusely throwing up for the past three hours with chills, and really low blood pressure and blood sugar. (I have an endometriosis and am having a flareup)

My flareup started yesterday morning and I quickly deteriorated from there. I can’t walk rn and the nausea is so severe i highly doubt I can get to a full day of work. Given my history of hemorrhaging from severe blood loss I think I’ll end up at the ER if I get worse.

I really really need this job financially, will I jeopardize keeping it by calling out literally on the day of my start date?

I’m struggling because I travel for work. I’ve started to cry for the day leading up to the travel. It’s every week. But I have a family to support, so I can’t just leave.
This amount of travel is making my life feel so disjointed. I miss my kids and my husband.
However, I don’t have a solid step forward to something different and I feel there’s a lot that I will have left unfinished if I just leave. I like to finish what I start and there’s a solid end to a season i could finish out with a more solid plan for myself and tying up loose ends at the job.
My mental health is just struggling and I want to leave sooner. How do I persevere til then?

For Context I’m 16, Just finished my GCSEs and about to start Level 1 Electrical Installation at College
My GCSE Results:
Sports Studies-8
English Language & Literature 6
Geography 6
Business 6
Hospitality & Catering 6
Maths 5
Science 4/4. (So I passed everything)

Is a trade the way to go? Especially Electrical Installation. I feel if I did A levels I would do criminology, English Lang, Sports in the hopes of becoming a sports Journalist and would have to go an get a degree for that but by the time I get my degree, AI would
Of had a massive effect on that as-well as the pay is pretty low. So is electrical installation the way to go despite even if in 2 years I have my level 1 and 2 qualifications but may want to be something else I have these qualifications to fall back on. Am I making the right choice?