Should I stay in the job I've always wanted (at the expense of a dream) or go on the trip that I've always wanted (at the expense of stability)?
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posted by liquorice
on May 2, 2013 -
25 answers
I just had my first phone interview for a prospective software engineering job, which was a ten minute phone call with an in-house recruiter. I wasn't expecting the topic of salary to come up this early in the process, which I grant was maybe naïve, but they asked me and I gave a lowball offer. Now I'm wondering whether I've screwed myself here.
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posted by Two Stranger
on Apr 30, 2013 -
14 answers
A local web start up asked me to help start their web based business. I would be employee number 1. The venture is being funded by the founder who is a successful entrepreneur.
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posted by burlsube
on Apr 26, 2013 -
5 answers
What are my options in Toronto for a steady entry-level job that I could start within a week? A line of work where they are always looking for new people and are willing to try you out without a lengthy application and interview process.
posted by GleepGlop
on Apr 24, 2013 -
12 answers
I have a tricky job-application scenario: basically, I can do all the requirements that were
advertised, but I have excellent reason to believe they expect the person in the position to semi-regularly do something my health prevents me from doing at all. How do I handle this in the application/resume process?
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posted by Fee Phi Faux Phumb I Smell t'Socks o' a Puppetman!
on Apr 23, 2013 -
10 answers
I sent my resume for a job that I am very qualified for but just received a message that my expectations are above the scope. They did not provide a range, just a requirement to include expected salary in the cover letter. I stated my salary and said that it is negotiable. I have plenty of wiggle room, I am in a new market that is a bit lower than others I've been in (I did lower it from past compensation, but not enough apparently). What can I say to convey I still want to be considered & am willing to take up to $15k less without sounding desperate? I am worth every penny that I asked for, and that is not just my opinion. I am very very good at what I do but again, I realize it is a new, different market so I am ok with lower...
posted by Snackpants
on Apr 22, 2013 -
8 answers
After three and half years as a university staff member, I'm trying to figure out my next step. Tell me about your college staff career and help me decide whether the field is right for me, longterm.
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posted by serialcomma
on Apr 11, 2013 -
10 answers
So, I've recently inherited the community and social media role for the company I work for. I'm hoping to use our social media presence to drive up engagement and get users to use our product (a niche-focused social network in the finance realm), but I want to do it
without being a douchebag.
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posted by SansPoint
on Apr 9, 2013 -
10 answers
I hate my job. HATE my job. I've worked here for 21 years, doing soul crushing work for the state court system. I haven't had a pay raise in seven years, not even a cost of living raise, have had my benefits scaled back and am looking at an even greater workload due to potential layoffs for my fellow employees unlucky enough to have been here as long as I have. Is there any chance that I can pick up stakes, move to Los Angeles, and hope to find a job paying me something comparable to what I currently make? (I apologize for the blizzard of snow flakes within)
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posted by BrianJ
on Apr 9, 2013 -
42 answers
I have a great job... for someone. But it's not a good fit for me, and I need to change things around to make my life a little simpler. I'm looking for advice on how to do that. Details below!
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posted by Gee, June!
on Apr 2, 2013 -
7 answers
How frequently do you screw up at work? I'm wondering if it's "normal" to screw up at work with the frequency that I am, and I should cut myself some slack. Alternately, I'm considering the possibility that it's a big problem.
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posted by silly me
on Mar 26, 2013 -
18 answers
What are your strategies and best practices for being a cog in an inefficient bureaucracy? How do you compartmentalize the frustration and leave it in the office?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 11, 2013 -
14 answers
I'm horribly unhappy with my job, but don't want to quit because of certain reasons. Advice solicited.
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posted by dubious_dude
on Mar 10, 2013 -
26 answers
The question: Should I provide a lukewarm reference for my recently fired ex-manager to avoid awkwardness? Or should I tell him no, and if so, what is the code language to use? I can't say "Sorry, that won't be possible" for reasons outlined herein.
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 5, 2013 -
40 answers
I'm a UI/UX designer who is flat broke and unemployed. I'm independently interviewing for 2 positions at the moment and have 3-4 other positions that I have or am about to interview for through a recruiter. Some are temporary, some are temp-to-perm, and some are permanent. Some are also more interesting to me than others, including one that I'm most interested in which I've been waiting to hear back from for the past week or so. However, the temporary positions (2-4 weeks) have more immediate needs and are more likely to lay something on the table in the next few days if they end up giving me an offer.
My question is: If I get a call that says "We'd like to offer you the position", how do I respond without an immediate yes and still be in consideration?
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posted by gregoryg
on Feb 26, 2013 -
6 answers
Before I start, I'd like to point out that I'm not spoiled or lazy. I've been dealing with the very real problems of depression and anxiety for most of my life, and for the past five years I've been working from home.
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posted by Cybria
on Feb 26, 2013 -
9 answers
Lawyer getting great experience in a shrinking subspecialty. Work environment has flaws. Have the opportunity to move. Worried about grass being greener, frying pan/fire, etc. Special details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 24, 2013 -
4 answers
I interviewed for a remote programming gig recently, and they requested a trial contract before making a final offer. I'd be hired as a long-term remote contractor (year+, 100% telecommuting), not an employee. I have some questions:
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 12, 2013 -
8 answers
I don't know how to find a job. I made good grades in college. I've done some good internships. Usually once I get to the interview process, I get offered a job. I just don't know where to start with my job search.
Looking for anecdotal advice. How did you get your first break into the career you wanted?
posted by sunrisecoffee
on Feb 10, 2013 -
15 answers
Please tell me about the habits and skills you've picked up as a result of your profession. It might be something you don't even notice because it's second nature to you, but others have pointed it out to you, or it could be something you've noticed about others.
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posted by blazingunicorn
on Feb 7, 2013 -
182 answers
I recently began my first job six months ago at a creative agency. Now, I'm unsure if I should continue.
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posted by anonymous
on Feb 6, 2013 -
11 answers
I hope this will be my
last job-related question for quite a while. I want to give two weeks' notice today or tomorrow at
this job and I'm not sure how to go about it.
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posted by trillian
on Jan 31, 2013 -
7 answers
I'm wondering, after breakfast, and a shower, and a commute, and coffee - what is next?
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posted by Lownotes
on Jan 24, 2013 -
23 answers
I'll try to make this brief. I recently turned 23, and due to a combination of drugs and depression since getting out of high school I have essentially no work experience. This makes responding to job postings very frustrating and humiliating as my resume feels like a complete joke.
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 18, 2013 -
16 answers
I've lived in just one city for most of my adult life. I know a lot of people who've spent their large parts of their adult lives working and living in many different cities. Those of you who've done this, how did you go about doing it? How did it work out for you?
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posted by Ziggy500
on Jan 14, 2013 -
8 answers
How do I search for a job in Toronto that fits my special snowflake(but relatively modest[I hope]) requirements?
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posted by Gin and Comics
on Jan 11, 2013 -
6 answers
Corporate dysfunction and general structure is causing my job to be difficult, and sometimes impossible. How can I cope best?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 4, 2013 -
5 answers
I've always had communications-related jobs, but they never seem to be the right fit. I'm a great writer (although I have a love/hate relationship with writing), but I also helping enjoy helping people and interacting with people, etc., and writing is a pretty solitary job. (Well, PR isn't, but that's one area I want to stay away from, as well as fundraising). Have any other writer-types who are like me found a solution? (Oh, and I don't want to take on grad-school loans right now.)
posted by trillian
on Dec 14, 2012 -
15 answers
Due to my dad, I feel like I am stupid and can't do anything right. How can I rebuild my self-confidence?
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posted by stedman15
on Dec 4, 2012 -
16 answers
I have a fantastical dream career. I am something kids say they want to be when they grow up. It's amazing, and I love it. I'm one of the top twenty or so people in my area of my field in the world. On a daily basis, I pinch myself, I cannot believe my luck. Here's the thing: I hate my actual
job so much that I think I'm going to spontaneously combust. Would I be stupid to leave? Is there any way I can figure out how to stay and be happy?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 29, 2012 -
21 answers
I'm currently looking for work in Japan. I'm scouring the internet, Dave's ESL cafe, ALT (assistant language teacher) listings and am not really looking for help in that respect. If you have any suggestions however, I am happy to hear more. The only exception would be if anyone knows of any Eikaiwa (Private school) jobs or any forums that post job listings..
It is my question that since the work is not always steady and there is the possibility I would go there just to tutor, there is waaay too much flux in my ability to pay for rent. I need help figuring outside work.
Outside of selling Japanese items around the world, I'm trying to figure out ways to make money with a general skill set. I'm vocal enough and confident in my speaking ability so I figure I can lead tour groups on my free time and post the listings on craigslist. I'm also looking into working as a waiter or dishwasher, but I was hoping for some help generating ideas.
Thanks!
PS - I alreadly have information on career cross and gaijin pot. If anyone knows any temp agencies are teacher employment agencies, that would be appreciated as well.
posted by Nighthawk3729
on Nov 25, 2012 -
14 answers
You are a high school graduate with no other experience and credentials. You need a higher-paying job to be able to support yourself. What do you do?
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posted by Autumn
on Nov 21, 2012 -
26 answers
Nearly everything I liked about my current job has evaporated, and I am left with stress and anxiety. In addition, I've always been indecisive about what my career should be. At this point should I try to build a career at my current company or leave and try something else?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 19, 2012 -
11 answers
Contacting recruiters on the job search: Should I be cold-calling them? If so, how should I go about it? Any other advice about this topic?
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posted by Che boludo!
on Nov 15, 2012 -
2 answers
What is your job, and how many "tasks" would you say you have in a given week? A given day?
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posted by windbox
on Nov 1, 2012 -
16 answers
Advice Wanted: I'm a MBA graduate with 10 years of business experience and $50,000 in cash and am looking to start my own business. What would you do in my situation? Advice?
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posted by Paalen
on Oct 30, 2012 -
23 answers
Requesting assistance with how to explain in interviews why I am leaving, how/who to ask for references, and maybe just a gauge on whether it really is toxic or not.
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posted by anonymous
on Oct 30, 2012 -
9 answers
Do you work for a small company (less than 10 employees)? Can you tell me what it's like? I've just accepted a job for a small, 7 person company and I am feeling a bit nervous about it.
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posted by thereemix
on Oct 20, 2012 -
17 answers
Hi -- looking to retire soon but am planning to continue working. Interested in a job that is more physically active -- most likely part time and in the AM. I searched for similar questions in the archives --
this one comes very close. Working in a bar or at UPS probably not for me -- hoping to find something that keeps me moving -- perhaps walking 2-3 miles per day. Any suggestions? Thanks!
posted by gilast
on Oct 15, 2012 -
23 answers
I applied for a job requiring 18 months' experience and was rejected (at that point, I had 9 months' experience). I fitted all other criteria. The same job has popped up again, and I now have 15 months' experience. I still fit all other criteria (the requirements for both positions are exactly the same) Should I reapply?
posted by glache
on Sep 29, 2012 -
5 answers
