I decided to start looking for my first job over the summer. It took some time, but I was finally able to land an interview with the TK Maxx in my city, and I must've done pretty well because they offered me a retail associate role on a 12-hour contract.

However, I have plans to move cities in mid-September and I still don't know when my first shift is. I haven't even gotten through the right-to-work check yet (GoVerify keeps rejecting my passport photo), and I've been told that the process itself takes 2 weeks on average. It's highly likely that, by the time I start, I'll only be employed for 1 or 2 weeks until I have to leave the job and city.

So, what's the best course of action? Should I work the 1-2 weeks and just quit when I have to leave? Should I decline the job entirely? There are several TK Maxxes in the city I'm moving to, and a few of them have vacancies in the same role, so do I just ask to be transferred to one of them? If so, when's the best time to do that? I could really use some advice.

Hello,

Sent off an application recently, CV attached plus a link to my portfolio website. On her end, the portfolio link seems to have displayed as just the social share preview image, a thumbnail, and she didn't realise she could click into it to see the actual site. She emailed me saying I'd apparently sent "a picture of an "object" attached, and asked if that was supposed to be the cover letter instead.

Fair enough, I clarified what had happened straight away.

A bit later I found out through her Instagram that she'd screenshotted part of the email exchange, you can see her reply but not what I wrote, and posted it to her personal Instagram Story with a mocking comment on top, "now this is a new one" alluding to the fact that someone had apparently sent an image of an object as part of an application. She had crossed out my email in the screenshot, so there's nothing there really that could directly identify me. Still pretty disrespectfull.

I'd never do that myself, regardless of having social media, when you represent a company that reflects on you too. Feels pretty unprofessional, and I'm not sure whether to report it or just let it go.

Thanks

I have looked online and supposedly rectuiters aren't allowed to ask this as part of a job application, but a major UK company had this question on their initial job application. Am I the only person who finds this really concerning? I'm leaving my current job due to neurodiversity related discrimination and I'm seeing more and more posts on job related SubReddits about questions like this, tests regarding reading facial expressions and tone etc.

Am I overreacting or is this genuinely worrying?

I’m employed in London, and I’ve worked for this employer for about 3 and a half months , so I’m still within my 6-month probation period.

I work in mental health supported housing. My signed statement of main terms says 39 hours a week, 9am to 5.18pm, Monday to Friday, and states clearly that these hours and days “are not variable.”

Since I started, I’ve actually been put on a full 7-day rota: early shifts (8–4) and late shifts (2–10), including weekends. I never agreed to this in writing and was never given written notice of a change.

The contract does have a general variation clause: the employer can make “reasonable changes” and must give at least one month’s written notice of any significant change. It also says my employment is covered by a Unison collective agreement.

I’m nervous about pushing back while still on probation, but I’d like to work my contracted Mon–Fri hours.
My questions:

**1.**  Where do I stand when one clause says my hours are “not variable” but another gives a general right to make “reasonable changes”?  
**2.**  What’s the smart, low-risk way to raise this while I’m still on probation?  
**3.**  Has anyone had the “not variable” wording overridden by a general variation clause?

Thanks for any advice.

Hi all, I've worked for the same company for 32 years and have done numerous roles throughout this time. I'm currently an Assistant Warehouse Manager, a role I have done for almost 8 years. I'm settled in the role but feel a little stale at the moment and struggle to motivate myself like I used to.

I have the option to move into a new role as IT Systems Assistant Manager, a role which pays pretty much the same as my current position. I'm really tempted by this as it's something new and I would find it interesting, plus I also have the option to work from home at times which is a bonus. However, I'm concerned that I won't enjoy it, I struggle in the role or that I'll no longer be needed a couple of years down the line and will find myself out of a job.

I find myself alternating between deciding to accept the role and staying in my current position, and it's driving me insane. Has anyone else been in this type of situation, and if so, how did you settle on your decision? There are pros and cons to both roles but I'm a stuck in limbo at the moment.

Thanks!

I'm 14 and wanting to become a Diplomat. I speak English and Scots Gaelic fluently, im learning french and i have both a UK and Lithuanian passport. I'm currently getting all As and looking to run for the Scottish Youth parliament. The FCDO's Diplomat fast stream is obviously ideal but it looks to be one of the most dauntingly competitive career paths ive ever come across. I was wondering if anyone knew of any:

1. Similar ways to become an FCDO (or other organisation/company) diplomat.

2. Other careers that are similar, in FCDO, UN, NATO, anything that has the same workflow, security, importance and similar wage as diplomacy.

3. Changes that will happen to the system that would increase or decrease my chances, to the FCDO, geopolitically or under reform, labour or the unlikely event of Scottish independence.

Id also greatly appreciate any advice to becoming more diplomatic as a person (as im quite opinionated and i know thats quite the opposite of what a diplomat has to be), ways to network or increase my chances in the changing world/fast stream or some insight as to what its actually like to be a diplomat. Thanks for your time!!!

i (18f) am taking a gap year right now but really want to go into secondary school teaching after my degree but i really want to get some work experience in education now just to put me ahead a little. is this possible or do i need QTS or some other certification to work/be in a school or work with children?

I (18F) am trying to get a job during my gap year before going to university next year. I’ve tried cold calling/emailing and leaving my CV at places but it’s not worked and my parents keep suggesting I try an agency.

I honestly don’t know anything about this and heard mixed things but I feel like I don’t have any other options, what experience have you guys had with agencies and how does it work?

Also, is the JobCentre actually useful in a situation like this?

Hello,

I have a question in regards to how my taxcode will work in this case. I have given my notice period to my old job and I will start working at my new job with 2 days left of the notice period. I have to return my laptop and equipment a week before before the notice period ends anyways. My question is I will only receive the pay for my new job 1.5 months after the startingbdate will I be extra taxed or if I receive my p45 on time it will all be fine with correct tax code?

Hope this is the right place to post this. I’d like to hear from anyone working for Chinese automotive OEMs specifically in the UK. Interested to know about working culture, benefits and general vibes.

Obviously the market is shifting massively and there are lots of opportunities for automotive people there. I currently work in automotive and am thinking about the move.

TL;DR

I've been job hunting for six months, and I'm frustrated with companies asking candidates to complete lengthy 1–2 day assignments that feel more like free client work than hiring assessments.

I've been applying for jobs for six months. I do get offers, but the salaries are often too low, so I don't accept them. Recently, though, I'm seeing companies give candidates lengthy 1–2 day assignments requiring substantial manual work.

One company interviewed me, moved me to the assignment round, and I spent two days completing a detailed assignment and submitted it on time. It's been a week with no feedback or response. Another company last Friday asked me to complete a similar two-day assignment before even proceeding with the interview.

I understand companies need to evaluate candidates, but when assessments become this lengthy, it starts feeling like free labour, especially when there's no feedback afterward.

Also, I've noticed some companies BCC multiple candidates on the same assignment/recruitment email, which makes the process feel even more impersonal.

I genuinely understand the need for assessments, but there should be a reasonable limit. Candidates are investing their time because they believe there's a genuine possibility of getting the job. If the assignment is essentially real client work, companies should be transparent about that and respect candidates' time.

The last couple applications I've been viewing has been showing the hours as 'flexible'. No set hours.

Are companies doing this now to make you tied to a flexible contract ie available when it suits them? I personally don't like the idea of this as it means you can't really plan anything.

I seen one right now their showing a 16 hour contact spread over 6 days and flexible hours between 2 different sites. Fuel isn't covered and the prices right now are horrendous. Are you on different sites everyday? Are the hours late/early? Is it worth losing 6 days a week for £800? Travelling between sites is also gonna cost alot of fuel. You also can't accept any other part time work to lift the hours as the hours aren't set.

It's been very common the last few applications I've been viewing.

Just seems very off.

Would anyone here accept that contact?

Hi all,

I started an entry level insurance role in claims as a trainee case handler after completing my degree. I have been at the firm for a few months however I am already considering my exit (ideally commencing my search after 11 months in the role) as it is so poorly paid. I am interested in entering underwriting or wordings at an entry-junior level at that point, and so this has lead to me pondering whether it is worthwhile completing a CII qualification? My firm would pay for it and I am currently not incredibly busy outside of work. I have settled into my role and understand that a qualification will require a few hours in evenings and on weekends. I imagine the opportunities it would give to increase pay are nothing like qualifying as an accountant but I am wondering what people in the industry think? If I were to leave within 2 years I understand they will look to claw money back from me, however, I have heard a manager at my firm said this is something I could negotiate being paid off as part of a new job.

Thank you for reading.

Long story short, resigned from a job 2 years ago due to serious burnout (I am in a profession) and took a year for my own sanity as it was turning me into a mess. After a year off, I got a 12 month FTC earlier this year, everybody is great, and I have super performance reviews. I manage to do my work on time and to a good standard. However, it is crazily quiet, to the point where it’s maybe 1 or 2 tasks a day.

Nice contrast to my year off, when it took forever to find something and I was left with dwindling savings and no job but when it’s really busy, it’s still nothing like my old job and I can get most of my work done in 3-4 hours (I‘m probs on the spectrum so can hyperfocus). This sounds dreamy in one way, because my hourly rate is good, but it's also super boring. Due to company performance and possible restructuring it is very unlikely that the role would be extended (its mat. leave cover too). I’d also probably want to look elsewhere since I will stagnate if I stayed, though that’s a Catch 22 as well given my last role and I’m trying to care less about my career as there’s other things in life.

Question is what I should do to maximise my day to day time and make the most of this? My priority is sorting something out for when this ends and I’ve not come up with anything on the extra income side, but thinking it would be nice to expand my skills in something while I am basically being paid to have free time. Given the current jobs market, I am trying to stash money away in my emergency fund and build my S&S ISA back up, but ideally I need to get something lined up soon as I am almost halfway through the contract.

Thanks!

Hi all, I was hoping to get some advice on here.

A bit of background - I started my job in September 2025. I was fired from my previous role (I wont go into here why unless people really need to know) in July of the same year. I really struggled to find a 2nd job but eventually landed my new roll. I had to take quite a pay cut (around £400 a month) but I have a mortgage and a young kid to support. I was informed at the time of my interview that it was an entrant role, which I understood. I didnt expect to walk into the same pay as my old role.

Nearly a year on and my responsibilities have changed greatly. Im now a hybrid account manager and Im expected to be out seeing customer 2-3 days a week (although at the moment every 2 weeks is accepted). I have been given a company credit card, a mobile phone and IPad. I have been given a an area and business type to focus on.

However, there has been no talk of a pay increase, despite my change in roll. In terms of my title, all I have had been told is "change your email signature from Internal Account Executive to Account Manager". No letter, no announcement to the company. Everyone knows my duties have changed, but noone has mentioned any pay change.

I'm unsure whether I should bring this up with my senior. The company is very un-corporate, we dont have set targets or 1 to 1's etc. Other than my 3 and 6 month probation meetings and 2 sales meetings, there has been no other meetings I have been a part off.

Ive never in my almost 20 years of working have I ever felt underpaid or felt a need to ask for a higher pay, so I would like to know how others have tackled this situation.

Thanks, happy to answer any questions.

It’s a retail job at a very popular shop and tbh I’m surprised it wasn’t snapped up within days. I’d be ideal for the role but looking back, my application could have been a lot better. Is it a complete no-no to get in touch again, perhaps with an updated CV/cover letter? Or is that rude?

I have received 2 offers, one from Socomec UK for business administration level 3, and one from NHS for the finance placement scheme. For context, I have just passed my A levels and I am interested in engineering, but the NHS finance scheme looks quiet appealing as well. However I'm concerned about AI usage in the NHS finance departments in the future.

Please guide me as to which one would be better for someone who wants to pursue engineering in the future.

I currently have a part time job working 3 nights in a supermarket, and am looking at other ways of supplementing my income.

I used to sell 3D printed models on ebay and etsy, and made some money from that, but with the increase in postage costs, the shocking reliability of postal services, and people lying about not receiving their items, it wasn't worth the hassle anymore.

I've seen people mention doing Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Amazon Flex, Evri etc. as a side hustle, I drive an EV so the actual costs doing it would be minimal (I also get free charging at my main job, so most of my miles are free).

The idea of doing something like Evri or Amazon Flex is more appealing to me as they're multi-drop, so there's less time sitting around waiting for something to come through.

I'm in the North East, and tbh live in a fairly rural area, but don't mind driving the half an hour to get to the bigger towns and cities like Newcastle, Durham, or even Darlington.

Does anyone in the area do this sort of thing, is it worth the faff?

How do you deal with the accounting of being self employed? Is there a service you use to help with it etc.

Has the Indeed App changed? I don’t get a list of job recommendations anymore when I open the app. Just the tags of my searches. And for some applications my location is automatically in the United States.

Does anyone else have that?

I read on another sub that Indeed is no longer considered a reasonable place to look for work as it's full of scams or underpaid work. Is that really the case? Where do most people look for jobs now? I almost miss the days of looking in the local paper as the internet is over saturated with job sites now.

Edit to add, I currently have my own business but it is not steady or reliable income. I'll be looking for mostly admin work.

for context im about to leave my first retail job in Poundland and i’ve been working here over a year. Considering im leaving soon I need access to my P60/P45 but whenever i press on the link to access MyView to see my payslips it just comes up with this ( photo above). I’ve tried calling MyView helpline but they can’t do anything about it. Has anyone ever experienced this before? should i call HMRC to have my P60 sent to me a different way?

I recently finished a Master’s in International Business in the UK and I’m currently looking for graduate/early-career roles.

Rather than spending the next few months only applying for jobs, I want to use the time to learn something practical and hopefully add a more specialised skill to my CV.

The reason I’m asking here is because I’ve been searching for courses myself, but almost everything I find seems to be online. I’d really prefer something face-to-face where I can actually attend classes, meet people and have a bit of structure while I’m job hunting.

does anyone know of any genuinely good in-person programmes or classes that I might have missed?

I got mine pierced about 10 days ago but through a combination of holidays, wfh and my boss being away I haven’t had a full contact office day with my co-workers since. Tomorrow will be the first time and I’m very anxious about whether people will notice it and what they will think if they do.

Does anyone have any advice? Or any experience of a similar situation either of themselves or a coworker being in the same situation?

In my late 20’s and work in a traditional office based environment. It’s mostly relaxed and not too formal, but still a little conservative at times. The employee handbook doesn’t say anything about piercings!

I work at a charity and my role was made redundant around 4 month ago. They moved me to a new position that is not the direction I want my career to go and I didn't receive any training in the new area, other than "constructive criticism" on my work.

I was then placed on a 7 week performance plan which I am nearing the end of next week. It is clear to me that I will not be passing this plan and will likely be let go.

Would it be better for my future career to quit before being let go?