Anyone else feel like they need to quit their job but the reality of the job market today is too terrifying to live in reality?

I would love to do something else I actually have a good manager and for the most part it’s fine but there is just a lot going on at work and life right now, but there would be no point at leaving when all the other companies in my industry have high turnover rates and being early in my career I would be through my savings in 5-6 months max with cost of moving and keeping my furniture.

Jobadvisor:

It's incredibly common to feel the pull to quit a job, especially when facing work and life stressors, coupled with the anxiety of today's job market. You're definitely not alone in this feeling. Here's a breakdown of advice, addressing your concerns:

1. Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings:

• It's okay to feel overwhelmed: The stress you're experiencing is valid. Don't dismiss it.
• Burnout is real: Recognize the signs of burnout (exhaustion, cynicism, reduced performance) and take them seriously.

2. Assess the Situation:

• Is it the job, or the current workload/situation? Since you mentioned you have a good manager, try to pinpoint if the problem is the general work environment, specific projects, or a temporary surge in workload.
• Identify specific stressors: What exactly is causing you the most stress? Is it the workload, the company culture, or something else? Writing it down can help clarify the issues.
• Evaluate your current role: What are the pros and cons? Make a list. Knowing the positives can help you gain perspective.

3. Explore Internal Solutions:

• Talk to your manager: Since you have a good relationship, have an open and honest conversation. Explain your concerns and see if there are any solutions, such as adjusting your workload, taking on different projects, or getting additional support.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say "no" to extra work when necessary. Protect your time and energy.
• Take time off: Even a few days of vacation can make a difference. Use your paid time off to recharge.
• Seek internal mobility: If you're interested in a different role within the company, explore internal opportunities.

4. Address External Concerns:

• Job market reality: You're right to be concerned about the current job market. It's important to be realistic.
• Financial planning: Create a detailed budget to understand your expenses and how long your savings would last. Consider ways to reduce expenses.
• Networking: Start networking with people in your industry. Attend industry events, connect on LinkedIn, and reach out to former colleagues.
• Skills development: Identify skills that are in demand in your industry and start developing them. Online courses, certifications, and volunteer work can be valuable.
• Consider a side hustle: If possible, explore a side hustle to supplement your income and gain new skills.
• Refine your resume and online presence: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date and highlight your skills and accomplishments.

5. Long-Term Strategy:

• Career planning: Define your long-term career goals. What kind of work do you want to be doing in five or ten years?
• Explore alternative career paths: If you're feeling unfulfilled in your current industry, research other career paths that align with your interests and values.
• Create a transition plan: If you decide to leave your job, create a detailed transition plan that includes financial planning, job searching, and skills development.

6. Prioritize Well-being:

• Self-care: Make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
• Seek support: Talk to a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend or family member.
• Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Don't let work consume your life. Set boundaries between work and personal time.

Key Takeaways:

• Don't make impulsive decisions.
• Thoroughly assess your situation.
• Explore internal solutions first.
• Be realistic about the job market.
• Prioritize your well-being.

It is important to remember that a job is a means to an end, and not the end itself. Taking care of your mental and physical health is paramount.

Dream job feels like golden handcuffs because of return to office; stay or quit?

I needed some advice about a "golden handcuffs" situation I'm in -

I'm 29F. I accepted a fully remote job in 2022. In 2024, my company announced a return to office mandate for anyone living within state. Out of state folks could stay remote. This was inconvenient but doable because I had an amazing manager who allowed me to come in 1-2x/week (instead of 3), and stay at the office 10am-3pm (instead of 9-5) to avoid rush hour. This was great for me because I have a 3 hour round trip commute.

Unfortunately my performance review for 2024 was too good and I got promoted into a new team this year who are all 100% remote. It's been completely pointless wasting 3 hours driving to/from the office because 100% of my meetings are virtual. All of the employees I work with are remote, which defeats the purpose of coming in. I asked my new manager if he could extend me the same courtesy as the rest of my new team and change my status back to remote, which is what I originally signed up for.

He basically said no, repeated that the expectation is that employees should be in the office 3x/week, and he won't have my back if leadership questions my lack of attendance (apparently they've been doing audits on badge swipes). He also hinted that they're going to make us come in 5x/week starting next year, so I should drop the expectation that I can go back to remote.

I feel pretty upset about how blunt he was to dismiss my question and didn't even try to advocate for me. I feel like I made things worse for myself because he overrode my previous approval to come in once a week back to 3x/week. I literally don't see the point of wasting 3 hours a day commuting to the office, when my entire team is remote, which means ALL of my meetings are remote.

I honestly loved working for this company - I easily saw myself staying here 5+ years. But a 3 hour drive is mentally draining. Especially next year where they're removing hybrid to full time office attendance.

If I resign, I will have to pay my company back $25K (tuition assistance) and lose the company contributed 401k, etc. I'll also have to take a $30K+ pay cut for any other job I accept. Not to mention my company-sponsored degree is only 30% completed so far. If I want to avoid paying back tuition, the earliest I can resign is 2029.

I realize I'm very fortunate to make a good income, have a great work/life balance, work with great people, and get amazing benefits like tuition assistance. But I don't know how I can pull through a 3 hour commute, 3 days a week....which will turn into 5 days a week next year. On the other hand, every time I log into LinkedIn, I see so many of my acquaintances posting about their layoffs from Meta, X, Google, etc these days and try to humble myself on the fact that I at least have a job. I just wanted to get some advice. What would you do?

Jobadvisor:

This is a tough situation, and it's understandable that you're feeling conflicted. You're facing a classic "golden handcuffs" scenario, where the benefits and financial penalties make it hard to leave, even when the job itself is no longer a good fit. Let's break down the factors and explore your options:

Factors to Consider:

• Commute:
  • A 3-hour daily commute is a significant drain on your time, energy, and mental health.
  • The prospect of a 5-day commute is even more daunting.
• Return to Office Policy:
  • The policy seems arbitrary, especially given your team's remote nature.
  • Your new manager's lack of support is concerning.
  • The company's audits and hard line approach indicates they will not be flexible.
• Financial Implications:
  • $25K tuition repayment is a substantial amount.
  • Losing company-contributed 401(k) and taking a $30K+ pay cut are significant financial setbacks.
  • The degree completion is also a large factor.
• Job Satisfaction:
  • You enjoy the work, the people, and the benefits.
  • The commute is the primary source of dissatisfaction.
• Job Market:
  • The current tech layoff climate adds to the uncertainty of finding a new job.

Possible Actions and Considerations:

1. Negotiate Further (with Caution):
   • While your new manager seems unsupportive, you could try a more formal approach, potentially involving HR.
   • Document the remote nature of your team and the lack of value in in-person attendance.
   • However, be aware that this could backfire, especially given the company's strict policy.
2. Evaluate the Financial Burden:
   • Create a detailed budget to assess the long-term impact of the $25K repayment and the pay cut.
   • Consider the potential long-term benefits of a job with a better work-life balance, even if it means a temporary financial setback.
   • Calculate the cost of the commute in gasoline, vehicle wear and tear, and time.
3. Explore Internal Transfers:
   • Are there any other teams within the company that are fully remote or have a more flexible hybrid policy?
   • Even if it's a lateral move, it could be a temporary solution.
4. Consider a Gradual Transition:
   • If you decide to leave, start preparing now.
   • Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
   • Begin networking and exploring job opportunities.
   • Consider part-time or freelance work to supplement your income during the transition.
5. Prioritize Your Well-being:
   • A 3-hour commute can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
   • Don't underestimate the long-term impact of stress and burnout.
   • Your health is more important than any job.
6. Weigh the Long-Term vs. Short-Term:
   • While staying may seem the best option now, how will you feel in 1, 2 or 5 years with a 5 day a week commute?
   • If you leave, how long will it take to recoup the financial loss?
7. Consider the Degree:
   • Can you continue the degree if you change jobs?
   • If you stay, will the degree increase your future earning potential enough to offset the commute?

Recommendations:

• Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with your managers and HR regarding the return-to-office policy.
• Calculate the true cost of the commute: Include time, stress, fuel, vehicle wear, and tear.
• Prioritize your mental and physical health.
• Start exploring other job opportunities, even if you're not ready to leave immediately.
• Create a detailed financial plan to understand the long-term impact of your decisions.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Carefully weigh the pros and cons, and choose the path that aligns with your long-term goals and well-being.

Feeling Stuck Not Getting a job or interviews

Hey everyone,

I’ve been struggling to land a job, and it’s starting to get frustrating. I have a degree in finance with a minor in business law and a couple of years of experience as a financial analyst. My roles have included accounts receivable/payable, forecasting, budgeting, financial modeling, and investment analysis. I also have advanced Excel skills and experience managing customer debts, including old unpaid invoices.

Recently, I’ve been applying to financial analyst, sales operations, and business insights roles, but I usually don’t hear back and land an interview at less than .5% of the jobs I apply for. (Yes I do tailor my cv and cover letter to the role).

I’ve gone to my university’s career center, had my resume reviewed multiple times, and practiced my interview skills. Despite all that, I’m still struggling to land something.

I’ve made it to the final stage of interviews for three different jobs, only to be rejected for “lack of experience.” It’s frustrating because I’m applying to roles that align with what I’ve already done, and I feel like I’m stuck in that cycle where you need experience to get experience.

I’ve also been trading options but I don’t want to rely on trading alone.

At this point, I just want to land something stable. I’m open to new strategies, networking advice, or even a different approach to my job search. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you get through it?

I’m a 23M with just under three years and a citizen.

Jobadvisor:

It's completely understandable that you're feeling frustrated and stuck. Job searching can be a grueling process, especially when you're facing repeated rejections despite your qualifications. Let's break down your situation and explore some strategies to help you break through.

Analyzing Your Situation:

• Strong Foundation: You have a solid educational background and relevant experience. Your skills in financial analysis, Excel, and debt management are valuable.
• Targeted Applications: Tailoring your CV and cover letter is crucial, and you're already doing that.
• Interview Performance: Reaching the final stage of interviews suggests you're presenting yourself well, but the "lack of experience" feedback is a key issue.
• Networking: You mentioned you are open to networking, but it is not clear how much you are actively doing.
• Job Market: The current economic climate can impact hiring, making competition even tougher.
• Age and Experience: At 23 with just under three years of experience, you are still relatively early in your career, and some companies may be looking for more seasoned candidates.

Strategies to Overcome the Challenges:

1. Refine Your Resume and Cover Letter Further:
   • Quantify Achievements: Instead of just listing responsibilities, use numbers and metrics to showcase your impact. For example, "Reduced accounts receivable by 15% within six months" or "Developed financial models that improved forecasting accuracy by 10%."
   • Keywords: Use keywords from the job descriptions in your resume and cover letter. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) often scan for these.
   • Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., "analyzed," "developed," "implemented," "managed").
   • Highlight transferable skills: Even if a job description is not a perfect match, highlight the skills you have that can be used in that specific role.
2. Address the "Lack of Experience" Feedback:
   • Project-Based Experience: If possible, take on freelance projects or volunteer work to expand your experience in specific areas.
   • Online Courses and Certifications: Consider taking online courses or certifications to demonstrate your commitment to professional development and enhance your skills. Focus on certifications that are highly regarded in your industry, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program, or Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification.
   • Highlight Relevant Projects: In your interviews, emphasize specific projects where you demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills, even if they were within your existing roles.
   • Emphasize Learning Agility: Show that you're a quick learner and eager to take on new challenges.
3. Enhance Your Networking Efforts:
   • LinkedIn: Actively engage on LinkedIn. Connect with professionals in your field, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions.
   • Industry Events: Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars to network with potential employers and learn about job opportunities.
   • Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in roles you're interested in and ask for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and gain insights into the industry.
   • Alumni Network: Leverage your university's alumni network to connect with professionals in your field.
4. Expand Your Job Search:
   • Consider Smaller Companies: Smaller companies may be more willing to take a chance on someone with your experience.
   • Explore Related Industries: Look for opportunities in related industries, such as insurance, real estate, or technology.
   • Temporary or Contract Roles: Consider temporary or contract roles to gain experience and build your network.
   • Recruiters: Work with recruiters who specialize in finance and related fields.
5. Refine Your Interview Skills:
   • STAR Method: Practice answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
   • Mock Interviews: Continue practicing mock interviews with friends, family, or career counselors.
   • Research the Company: Thoroughly research the company and the role before each interview.
   • Ask Thoughtful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest and engagement.
6. Trading Options as a Supplement:
   • While trading options can be a valuable skill, it's important to recognize its inherent risks. Continue to develop this skill, but do not rely on it as a primary source of income.
   • If you can show how your trading has increased your analytical and risk management skills, then put it on your resume.
7. Mental Resilience:
   • Job searching can be emotionally draining. Maintain a positive attitude and don't give up.
   • Set realistic expectations and celebrate small victories along the way.
   • Take breaks and engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress.

Example of Quantifying Achievements:

• Instead of: "Responsible for financial forecasting."
• Try: "Developed and implemented financial forecasting models that improved accuracy by 12%, resulting in a $50,000 reduction in operational costs."

By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of landing a job that aligns with your skills and career goals. Remember to be patient, persistent, and proactive in your job search.