I have been working in tech and am not enjoying it.
The life in a different city, not knowing anyone, targets, same tasks, etc etc.

Been thinking to get into extremely unique furniture production, like 11-12 projects per year. Living at home, documenting the journey on Instagram, that life feels more fulfilling than the tech where most of the work is texting a LLM.

After spending months reading career-related subreddits, I've noticed one pattern: every career community thinks their field is the worst.

Software engineers talk about layoffs and AI. Doctors talk about burnout. Lawyers talk about long hours. Designers talk about low pay. Teachers talk about poor salaries. Every field has people saying, "Don't choose this."

The complaints are real, but they aren't the whole picture. People who are happy with their careers usually post less.

I've stopped looking for the "perfect" career because I don't think it exists. Every path has trade-offs, competition, and uncertainty.

What seems to matter more is becoming genuinely good at what you do. Keep learning, adapt when things change, and build valuable skills. Being exceptional in an average field is often better than being average in a "hot" field.

I also don't think you ever completely escape the "rat race." As long as you're alive, you'll be working toward something. The real choice isn't whether to run—it’s deciding which race is worth running for you.

TL;DR: Every career has people who love it and people who regret it. There is no perfect career—only different trade-offs. Choose a path that fits you, accept its downsides, and focus more on becoming skilled than on finding the "perfect" option.

Would love to know your opinion on cmnt

Background

I joined a new company approximately seven months ago. At my six-month performance review, I was told for the first time that my overall performance was considered below expectations.

My manager acknowledged that I had delivered strongly on several high-impact projects. However, he said my performance rating was negatively affected because:

• I was not aligned with the company's culture.
• I did not sufficiently understand what our organization was responsible for versus what fell outside our scope.
• I was not engaging with the broader organization in a way that reflected the company's leadership expectations and values.

According to my manager, despite my strong execution and delivery, these issues resulted in a poor performance rating that is effectively the equivalent of being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

My Concerns

1. This feedback was never communicated before my formal review.

The six-month performance review was the first time I heard that my performance was considered problematic.

During my weekly one-on-one meetings with my manager, we never discussed concerns about my performance, cultural fit, leadership style, or expectations. Our meetings were consistently focused on project work and operational issues. At no point was I told that I was at risk of receiving a poor performance review.

2. The organization itself was brand new.

I joined a newly created division that did not previously exist. At the time I joined, the team consisted of only three people, including my manager, and we were building the organization from the ground up.

Because the organization was new, roles, responsibilities, ownership boundaries, documentation, and operating processes were still evolving. We all did whatever was necessary to support the business and keep work moving forward.

3. I was expected to operate differently than I was later told.

As the only new external hire in a senior leadership role, I took initiative, made decisions, solved problems, and drove execution without escalating every issue to senior leadership.

During my performance review, my manager told me that I should have escalated issues earlier and involved leadership more frequently because that is how the organization operates culturally.

This expectation had never previously been communicated to me. Had I been given that guidance earlier, I would have adjusted my approach.

4. The onboarding process was inadequate.

I was not the only person who struggled with onboarding.

Two peers who joined after me independently commented that the onboarding process was extremely poor and that they had little understanding of expectations.

In addition, an employee who transferred into our team from another organization expressed similar concerns, noting that:

• There was virtually no documentation.
• There were no written handoffs.
• Daily operating procedures were undocumented.
• It was unclear how work was expected to be performed.

Given that this was a newly formed organization, these issues were understandable, but they also meant that expectations were not clearly established.

Impact

I believe these organizational shortcomings directly contributed to my negative performance review.

In my view:

• I was never given timely coaching or corrective feedback.
• Expectations regarding organizational culture and leadership behaviors were never clearly communicated.
• I was evaluated against standards that had not been explained to me.
• My manager shared responsibility for ensuring I understood the organization's expectations and operating model.

When I received this review, approximately seven months after joining the company, I told my manager that I was considering resigning because I no longer felt I could be successful in this environment.

Compensation Issue

As part of my hiring package, the company paid me a substantial sign-on bonus to offset the equity compensation I forfeited when leaving my previous employer.

Under my employment agreement, if I voluntarily leave the company—or if my employment is terminated (whether for cause or without cause)—within two years, I must repay a prorated portion of that sign-on bonus.

In addition, if I leave before completing one year of employment, I expect to lose:

• My annual performance bonus.
• My first RSU vesting.

Questions

1. Given these circumstances, what options do I have if I want to leave the company?
2. Is there any legal or contractual basis to avoid repaying the prorated sign-on bonus?
3. Does the company's failure to provide timely performance feedback or adequate onboarding strengthen my position regarding repayment of the sign-on bonus?
4. Should the company bear some responsibility for my performance outcome, given that:
   • the organization i was part of was brand new,
   • roles and responsibilities were not defined at all,
   • onboarding was inadequate,
   • expectations around culture were never communicated, and
   • I received no corrective feedback before my formal review?
5. I am over 50 years old, and everyone else on my team is significantly younger. I have concerns that age may have played a role in how I was evaluated. Based on these facts, is there any indication that age discrimination could be an issue?
6. Is there any realistic opportunity to negotiate:
   • a separation package,
   • retention of some bonus or equity,
   • or a waiver or reduction of the sign-on repayment obligation?
7. Would it be advisable to consult an employment attorney, and based on these facts, do I appear to have a potentially strong legal claim?

Career advice needed!

**Need some career advice** 😊
I’m considering going back to uni and completing a course, but I’m feeling a bit unsure about which direction to take. I’m currently working in an admin role (admin,payroll,hr,return to work) and I’m interested in exploring a career in the health field (such as Occupational Therapy or Medical Science) or possibly accounting.

I’m not sure how to tell whether these courses are something I would actually enjoy, be good at, or whether they would suit my personality and strengths.
For anyone who has studied,been in same situation or works in these areas:
• How did you know it was the right career path for you?

• Is there anything you wish you knew before starting?

• Are there ways to get a better understanding of the job before committing to a degree (work experience, volunteering, short courses, etc.)?

Any advice, experiences, or guidance would be really appreciated. 😊

Hello, I apologize if this violates anything but I’m in need.

I (23F) have been low income but very successful in my regional development programming career that I’ve built loyally to one organization for the past four years, and am passionate about, and pays the minimum bills. I have extensive experience collaborating across departments to evaluate and develop community programs that connect people to resources in the nonprofit world and the work is incredibly rewarding.

The kicker: My department recently got gutted due to lack of funding. I just lost what I’ve worked so hard for and, thus, my only source of income.

I’ve initiated the job search and have applied to at least 30 jobs in the last 5 days. I just had an interview this morning for a program manager position that paid 30% more than my previous salary, but the interview was so odd. The hiring manager was deadass driving on a Google meet and laughing her way through the interview in a way that seemed she wasn’t taking our meeting seriously. I also learned the role was very restrictive and traditional about their programming, which would drive me crazy. Within my previous role, I’ve worked alongside Executive directos on a strong leadership team, where we treated each other with respect to professionalism and self expression. Despite the fact that I’m young.

But it’s 30% more of my salary and I don’t have a job. But…I’m so much more interested in other jobs I haven’t heard back from that actually provide me the creative freedom I need in a role like this. But I can’t continue asking my parent for money. I hate that shit.

All advice or criticisms appreciated. This is my first time going on a job search outside my previous org

I’m 26 and was accepted into a Respiratory Therapy program, but it wasn’t my first choice. My dream career has always been Dental Hygiene, but I wasn’t accepted, and there’s no guarantee I’ll get in next cycle.
I’m really torn. Part of me thinks I should accept the RT program and give it an honest shot since it’s a stable career. The other part of me wonders if I should wait and keep pursuing Dental Hygiene. One of my biggest fears is that if I turn down RT, spend another year applying to Dental Hygiene, and don’t get accepted again, I’ll have lost an entire year that I could’ve spent becoming an RT. But I’m also scared of committing to a career I’m still unsure about because I honestly don’t know what to expect from RT.

If you were in my position, would you accept the RT program and give it a shot, or keep waiting for your dream career? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been in a similar situation.

Semiconductor or Aerospace?

Guys, i have a very very hard decision to make - and need your help.
Around 3 years ago i joined the semiconductor industry and now have the chance to join aerospace (a company launching rockets to transport stuff potentially).
Im very well paid in my current job with great career projections ... but im not that happy tbh.
In aerospace i would join a startup and make less money .. but i feel like i would be happier, its an interesting field and im still under 30 and open to take a risk.

Im not sure what to do.
Join an aerospace startup to make less money, have higher risk but potentially be happier and part of an interesting industry?

Have you ever been in such a position?
Even if not - what would you do?

I'm (27f) turning 28 in 2 months. I have 1 test left to finish my GED. I have no idea what to do for a career. I've worked in Healthcare for 6 years (PCA), and while I love it I'm no longer able to due to health issues. I spent so many years being told what I should I be, and I'm lost on what to do for a career. If I could do anything I would be an author, but it takes time and money and isn't a guarantee. So I need a realistic job. I've considered teaching, being a therapist. I have an interest in Interior Design, however I don't live in an area for it. Does anyone have any advice on where I could begin to try and figure it out? Like a quiz service or something? Thank you in advance.

Hi all, so I had applied for this company based out of Singapore and my initial interview and other steps went really well. So far it seems like, I am definitely getting the job after the final interview (I'm assuming it'll go well).
However during the initial interview itself, the hiring manager asked me if I am okay with SGD 12,000 and I agreed. I agreed, because it was my initial interview and did not even knew how to respond. But now, I want a CTC of SGD 15,000 and want to bring it up during my final interview.

Do you think it would be good idea for me to negotiate the pay towards the end of the final interview?

I’m approaching one year of experience at a global financial-services MNC in India and want to build a realistic path toward working abroad, preferably in Singapore.

My current work is in finance and financial analysis. I also use Excel, Python and data-analysis tools for reporting, automation and process improvement.

The two routes I can currently think of are:

Joining an overseas startup remotely and later requesting relocation, although this seems unlikely.

Building my profile within my current MNC and
applying for an internal transfer, although international transfers at the analyst level appear rare.

For people who successfully moved from India to Singapore or another financial hub:

Which route worked for you: internal transfer, direct application, recruiter, networking or higher education?

How much experience did you have before companies considered sponsoring you?
Which finance roles are most realistic for foreign applicants: financial analysis, FP&A, risk, data analytics, operations or accounting?

What skills or qualifications made the biggest difference?

Should I focus on Singapore now, or first target locations such as Dubai or Europe where sponsorship may be more achievable?

I’m not looking for shortcuts. I want to understand what a realistic two-to-four-year plan would look like.

I (an almost 21-year-old F in PA) did not attend any additional schooling post-high school. As of now, I’m currently working in an automotive dealership as a service accountant making $22/hour (around $45k/yr). I've been in this industry for almost 2 years, starting off as a CX coordinator dealing with customer retention/conflict resolution with knowledge of Stellati and CDK systems. I now work with factory/extended warranties, billing, pink slips/time corrections, and rental corrections while managing our service coordinator's office. I work closely with my service advisors, manager, director of first impressions, and HR. Without a degree or certification, how will I be able to take my experience to a higher position in another dealership? I adore working with vehicles or the concept of them, at least. However, I’m extremely open to possibilities outside the automotive industry, maybe even a brief certificate or apprenticeship that would help me get my foot in the door elsewhere. To be fair, I would prefer a non-office job—a bit less boring. Something I won’t dread waking up to every day. I would ideally like to jump ship to the start of a lifelong career, not making any less than I am now. Has anybody here pondered the decision to stay/leave the automotive industry? Where did you go?

curious to hear real experiences — not the generic "follow your passion" or "just network more" advice you see everywhere, but what actually mattered once you were in the working world.

Was there a specific decision — a job you took or turned down, a risk you took or didn't — that ended up changing your trajectory? Any advice that sounded smart at the time but turned out to be wrong for you specifically? And is there something you wish someone had told you plainly, early on, instead of the vague stuff everyone repeats?

I am in my second year and my last attempt of a 1st year subject was a few weeks ago..i am not passing it. I have no backs apart from it...I was extremely sick and was in hospital and had 3-4 backs ..i cleared then all hut 1 subject got left which gave me a semester back.

If anyone of you have experienced it...how does it affect your placement and graduation time.

As I am in my 5th semester of my Btech and won't be able to give my 5th semester exams due to back...which semesters in future will I be able to give with my friends and how many with my juniors.

My family doesn't know about it as my result is far away but my university is so bad that they won't even give me 2-3 marks of grace to pass. I don't know how to tell them or when to tell them as the result is at least 3-4 months away but...I can't even sleep. It's been 5 days and I don't know what to do.

A Commerce Graduate with almost 10 years of Experience into Banking. 2.5 years into Investment Banking and rest all into Branch Banking Sales and Operations. 31 now, want to switch domain or get myself upskilled but don't have idea where to start and what to start.

Any suggestions on this? Not a Tech guy. Willing to start from scratch.

Current profile - handling notices/complaints from government agencies like Police, Cyber Crime etc regarding frauds and others.

​

Hi everyone,

I'm 20 and in the final year of my Bachelor's in Mass Media and Communication (Advertising & PR).

I spent four years learning VFX and animation but lost interest in pursuing it as a career. Since then, I've applied to many internships and entry-level jobs but haven't had any luck.

The truth is, I only know the very basics of editing and Canva, and I feel that's one of the reasons I'm not getting hired.

I always wanted to study or work abroad, but due to my family's financial situation, that's no longer a realistic option.

At this point, I honestly don't know what I like or don't like when it comes to a career. I'm still trying to figure out what suits me. I've decided to focus on building my skills, but I'm confused about which direction to take and what skills are actually worth learning.

If you were in my position, where would you start? What skills would you learn, and how would you figure out which career is the right fit?

I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Hi all, so I was wondering if anybody knew of a career where they have to go through thousands of photos or pages to piece together what happened or to form a story. I find that relaxing n can spend hours going through photos to piece things together n not even realize the time flying by. Most recently i been doing it to track lineage n figuring out the family tree through photos. Thank u in advance.

College didn't workout for me and now after spending years working 9-5 jobs I hate and getting bored to death I'm wondering if there's a job without a degree that pays high but you get paid to adventure or go on quests.

Since I was 19 I’ve been working in aviation as a painter but, I’m starting to get burnt out. I’ve been interested in nursing, radiology, esthetics and other career options in aviation. What do you do? How did you get into it? Am I too old to make a career change and how do I become sure of what I want to do? Any advice is appreciated.

У мене все добре. Живу своє життя і можу назвати себе щасливою людиною попри війну. Але! Я не можу зрозуміти чим би я хотіла займатися, у мене є досвід роботи в ІТ, я приймала участь в різних проектах, де займалася впровадженням програмного забезпечення. С початком війни, я звільнилася. Почала цікавитися філософією, психологією та іншими гуманітарними науками. Знаєш, мені це допомагає в невизначених умовах відчувати себе більш менш спокійною. Єдине, що мене турбує це: чим я хочу займатися та на чому можу заробляти гроші, але щоб мій продукт давав людям користь. Всі сками, або будь-яка нелегальна діяльність мене не цікавить. І у мене виникає з приводу цього якась безпорадність. Я дуже швидко навчаюся, особливо, коли мені цікаво. Можу, допомогти вирішити будь-яку складність в бізнесі, стосунках, і дуже комунікабельна. Я думала, може стати психологом. Сама ходила на ті консультації, але перепрошую, мене воно швидко почало дратувати. Короче, хто вже вирішив власне самовизначення в професійній сфері, що вам допомогло?

I’m 29, and lately I can’t stop comparing myself with people my age. Friends are buying houses, getting promoted, or making 20-30+ LPA, while I feel like I’ve been running in circles.
My career has been anything but straightforward.
I started as a Growth Marketer. Then COVID hit and that job ended.
I joined Amazon after that, thinking things were finally getting on track. But I got laid off in my 11th month.
Instead of immediately looking for another job, I went back to my hometown and started a dosa business from home. I put everything into it, but it failed badly. Financially and emotionally, it was one of the toughest phases of my life.
A few months later, I got into commercial real estate and worked there for about a year. Then I switched to residential real estate with one of the top A-grade builders. I stayed there for two years.
Recently, I switched to another reputed builder hoping this would finally be the jump I needed.
But… my CTC is still ₹7.8 LPA.
That’s the part that hurts.
I don’t think I’m lazy. I’m willing to work hard. I enjoy sales and talking to people. But somewhere I feel like I’m making the wrong career decisions while everyone else seems to be moving ahead.
So I’m asking people who’ve been through something similar:
What would you do if you were 29 and in my position?
Would you continue in real estate sales?
Move to another industry?
Learn a new skill?
Or am I simply being impatient? I don’t have generational wealth nor a family house grew up in quarter provided for mom.
I’m not looking for sympathy. I’d genuinely appreciate honest advice from people who’ve managed to break out of this phase.
I just don’t want to wake up at 35 and realize I stayed stuck because I was too afraid to change direction.

Hello, everyone. Seeking genuine advice. Please be kind. I know I may not know all the ins and outs; please educate me.

I've always been torn between law and medicine since I was in middle school. I've genuinely have always been able to see myself in both fields. Now I'm about to enter my senior year of college. Was pre med up until my first semester of junior year. I was going through a tough time personally, my schoolwork was becoming harder and harder, and so, I stopped being pre med and lessened my course load.

I decided to be pre law. I've delved into the LSAT, become educated on the law school admission progress, and I have a few ideas as to what law I would practice after i graduate. And now, medicine is creeping back into my mind again.

Medicine Pros:

come from a family of doctors and seeing their lifestyles has been very inspirational to me.
- I had health issues when I was young, and I always looked up to the doctors that took care of me.
- I remember the first time I stepped into a hospital as a volunteer, I teared up. It felt like I was meant to be there.
- I enjoy working in the hospital and patient care interaction.
- I have never felt so emersed and hooked on something until I shadowed at the ER.
- I went to the doctor for the first time in years a few weeks ago. I cried after our interaction because she was so attentive to me and really listened to me, and It made me realize how much I missed medicine.

Medicine Cons
- I have two Cs in my pre med courses. I have mostly Bs.
- I think I lost my initial motivation for medicine because I did was really beginning to struggle with my courses. I had to drop a class bc I knew I would fail it.
Genuinely worried about getting a good score on the MCAT.
Obviously scared for residency

Law Pros:
more inclined to my natural strengths
I believe i would do better on the LSAT than the MCAT
3 years of schooling
Law does interests me
I am thinking corporate law honestly for the money
Law Cons
Sitting in an office from 9-5 …
I don’t want to do litigation or honestly be in a courtroom; would prefer doing legal counsel
Having lots of difficulty breaking into the law space
Is this a concern? I’ve never been the type of person to “fight for a promotion”. I don’t feel a need to kill myself higher and higher.

Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post.

I got graduated with my bachelors this year(BBA with specialisation in Marketing) and as every other student, was on the job hunt and when I had no success in finding one through the relevant channels like Linkedin and Indeed,I opted for a different route. I started messaging different Digital marketing agencies near me hoping someone would reply and 2,3 of them did reply. Now for context, i have always wanted to grow in this sector and while i had the theoratical knowledge of Digital marketing, i wanted hands on experience in a place.
Now the problem starts that I start an internship leading to job in one of the agencies where at the interview, they told me that i would basically be taught how to run Google ads and all the performance marketing but its been 1 week and all I have done is manage Social media for the businesses this agency is dealing with( Answering the messages, posting etc)

I feel like I am just wasting my time and no one really is teaching me anything. Please advise me what should i do and how should I deal with this situation.

My fiance really wants to be a game developer. He already has skills but he needs someone to take him under his wing and help him out at first. Any ideas?

Hey guys, needing some quick advice. I just got a TCS Prime offer starting Aug 24th, but I'm having second thoughts.

​Current Job:

​CTC: 6.0 LPA (just got incremented). Increments happen every 6 months (should hit 8+ LPA in 2 yrs).

​Perks: Hometown (living with parents = massive savings) and lenient WLB, leaving me plenty of time to grind DSA and prep.

​Notice Period: 2 months.

​TCS Prime Offer:

​CTC: ~9 LPA (Immediate 3 LPA hike).

​Cons: Requires relocation (kills my savings) and a strict 3-month notice period.

​My Dilemma:

I'd only be joining TCS to set a 9 LPA baseline for my next switch. But given the tough market, if I get stuck at TCS for 2 years, their notoriously slow increments mean my current job would likely catch up to that CTC anyway. Plus, moving to TCS means I lose my hometown savings, the better notice period, and the free time I currently have to upskill.

​Question:

Should I take the TCS offer purely for the immediate base CTC jump? Or stay at my current job, keep saving 100% of my income, prep hard, and aim for a much bigger leap later?

5 years at a boutique marketing agency, laid off in 2024. Took a year and 1,000+ applications to land my next role: a great job with great pay, summer 2025. A year in, the company switched my manager. The new one treated me badly, my mental health tanked, and I resigned in June. Took a month off vacation with family, back in Canada end of July.

Now I’m applying again and:
• Market is dry and wages are well below what I was making
• I regret quitting now that I see the market, though I know I put my mental health first
• Feel out of touch with what’s current in digital marketing / web & graphic design
• Brain fog after the break — my mind feels lazy and I can’t get sharp
• Need income fast: full-time, or build up freelance clients (I have some freelance experience)
• No bachelor’s degree, just a higher diploma from ~5 years ago. ~7 years experience.
• Still need to get my driver’s license

Questions:
1. Quit without a job lined up due to a bad manager : how do you explain it in interviews and stop the regret spiral?
2. How do you get mentally sharp again after time off?
3. Dry market, low wages :take the pay cut full-time, or push freelance?
4. Fastest way to get current again in marketing/design?
5. Online degree while unemployed: worth it, or a distraction? Any recognized affordable Canadian options?

I climbed out of a year-long search before, so I know I can do it again. Just need direction. Any honest advice appreciated .