c/career-advice

I asked for a $5,000 raise at my last review and got a promotion instead

My boss said the budget was tight for salary bumps, but offered me a lead role on a new project starting next month. Has anyone else had a raise request turn into a bigger job change?

Hit 1000 days on my current job tracker app and it made me think about quitting

I opened the app this morning and saw the number, which felt huge because I almost left this mail route after the first six months. That little digital pat on the back made me realize I've built up a ton of specific knowledge about this neighborhood that feels hard to walk away from. Has anyone else hit a random work milestone that made you pause about a career move?

My old boss told me to never take a pay cut, but I just did and it's the best move I've made.

He said it was career suicide and that companies would see me as less valuable. I mean, I was scared, but I left my $85k marketing job in Chicago for a $72k role at a smaller tech company six months ago. The new place has way better projects, I'm learning actual coding, and my manager actually gives a crap about my growth. I was so wrong to think salary was the only thing that mattered. Has anyone else taken a step back in pay for a better long-term fit and had it work out?

I completely blanked during a panel interview for a warehouse manager job

It was last Tuesday in a small, hot conference room with three people staring at me. They asked about a time I handled a conflict between two team members, and my mind just went totally empty for a solid 30 seconds (I know because I watched the clock). I finally just said, 'Honestly, I'm drawing a blank right now, but I can email you a detailed example later.' I sent that example two hours after I left, and they actually called me back for a second interview. Has anyone else just admitted they didn't have an answer ready in the moment?

Tried a 'no thank you' email after a job rejection and got a weirdly good call back.

After getting turned down for a marketing manager job last month, I sent a short email thanking them for their time. I didn't ask for anything, just said I enjoyed learning about their team. A week later, the hiring manager called me. She said my note stood out and they were creating a new role that might fit. I learned that a simple, polite follow-up can keep a door open in a way pushing for feedback doesn't. Has anyone else had a small action lead to a big, unexpected chance?

Why I finally stopped saying yes to every extra project

I used to take on every extra task at my job, thinking it would help my career. Last year, I decided to start setting clear limits and only accept projects that fit my goals. For example, when my manager asked me to lead a low-priority committee, I said no and suggested someone else. This freed up my time for work that really mattered, and I got promoted six months later. My stress went down, and I feel more in charge of my career. Has anyone else found that being picky with projects helped them?

Skipping out on industry meetups cost me a job lead

I always thought networking was pointless until a friend told me about an opening I missed. Now I make sure to show up even when I don't feel like it.

When I got fired, it actually helped my career move up

Tbh, I was let go from my sales job six months ago. Honestly, I was upset and worried about money. Ngl, looking back, losing that job made me try something new. For example, I started learning about digital design online. Now I have a remote job that I like way more. What do you think? Has a tough career moment ever worked out for you?

Showerthought: I cut out all small talk at the office and my work got way better

I used to waste time chatting with everyone. Now I just focus on my tasks, and I finish things faster with less stress.

PSA: I stopped agreeing to last-minute meetings and it saved my schedule

I used to jump into any meeting invite, even if it popped up five minutes before, thinking I had to be available. I mean, it messed up my whole day because I couldn't get my own work done. For example, last month, I missed a key deadline because of a sudden team call that could have been an email. So I started blocking off focus time on my calendar and politely declining unless it was urgent. Now, I actually finish tasks on time and feel way less rushed. Idk, maybe it's just me, but setting that boundary made a huge difference in how productive I am.

Update: Took a leap and switched departments, best move I EVER made!

Can we talk about automated resume screening?

I applied for several jobs last month and got instant rejections. It seems like the software only cares about keyword matching. What tips do you have for beating these systems?

Struggling with job ads that demand a degree for no reason

I've applied to roles where the tasks are simple, yet they want a four-year degree. It's frustrating because it blocks capable candidates from even getting an interview.

Caught in a bind: should I help train the new guy or focus on my deadlines?

My boss just asked me to show the new hire how things work. I think it could be a way to grow and help the team. But I have a big project due soon and my own tasks are piling up. I'm stuck between being a good coworker and meeting my own goals. What do you think is the right call here?

Thinking back to my first job hunt with paper resumes, struggling with digital applications now.

I got my first job ten years ago by dropping off a printed resume at local shops. The manager called me the same day to set up an interview. Now, I spend hours filling out online forms and often get no reply. It feels like my applications vanish into a black hole. I want to connect with real people but don't know how in this system. What can I do to get better results with online job searches? Has anyone found a way to stand out without that old personal touch?

Rant: ATS makes applying for roles feel like a lottery.

One side says it's needed for big firms, the other says it misses talent. Where do you fall on this?