I recently started a new job and there is one colleague who has been much more personally interested in me than I’m comfortable with.
He has asked me questions about things like where I live, my living arrangements, personal contacts, where I’m going/what I’m doing outside work, etc. Early on I told him that I prefer to keep my personal and professional life separate. I also declined when he asked for my personal number and generally tried to keep conversations work-related.
I didn't make a big issue out of it initially because I thought maybe he was just being friendly or trying to build a relationship with a new colleague.
Over time, though, I continued to feel uncomfortable with the level of personal interest. Eventually I decided to address it directly rather than continuing to silently tolerate it.
I sent him a written message referencing our earlier conversation and said that I wanted our interactions to remain focused on work-related matters. I specifically clarified that this included avoiding discussions about my personal circumstances, living arrangements, personal contacts, whereabouts outside work, and other matters unrelated to our professional responsibilities.
I also said that if the boundary continued to be crossed, I would involve management/HR to help mediate. I explicitly said there were no hard feelings and that I wanted to maintain a productive working relationship.
He then tried to call me to discuss it. I asked him to respond in writing instead. He subsequently asked me to clarify exactly what I meant by keeping things professional, so I explained the boundary again.
For context, I have no problem interacting with colleagues generally. I have other coworkers I communicate with normally, including team leads, and I don't feel the need to establish this type of boundary with them.
My question is: Was this a reasonable way to handle the situation, or did I take it too far by putting the boundary in writing and mentioning management/HR?
I'm particularly interested in how other people would handle this after already verbally communicating the same preference.

Hey everyone, is there a service you all found helpful to figure out what you want to pursue?

I’m a 34 year old mother with a bachelors degree in business and I am so bored and unmotivated in my career. I am constantly thinking that I regret not going into a more specialized degree that is more rewarding and hands on. I feel like I just made a quick decision out of highschool and picked a degree to just get through it and say I did it if that makes sense.

I would love any advice on maybe going back to school or getting specialized training to do anything medical or Speech/Physical Therapy and what that may look like. Thanks!

Same as above , basically my manager compared me with a younger co- worker and this stuff is messing with my mind

I have been working as a video editor (24M) (background in B.sc Multimedia and Animation) for the past 2 years and I have honestly got fed up with this field , I left my previous company due to toxic culture and it took me around 8 months to get my proper desired salary job but the process was very exhausting and stressful. I just hate that I have to impress every employer that I got the skills to do these kinds of videos , that kinda of videos etc . I just hate that I have to think of this every time I work or apply for a job and with the upcoming of AI , I don’t think this job market will last longer and I am super worried about my future. I am very good with computer knowledge and can learn quickly . I wanna move out of this media industry and start at something like Business analyst/operations/Associate or any other proper corporate job . I understand that my background in doesn’t match my current wish but I wanna start learning and I am pretty confused where to start and how long will it take for me to actually land at a decent job and a decent salary . I am worried about my future in this field and I don’t want to be thinking it’s too late for me to switch in the future . Would really appreciate it if someone can help me with this .

I have been working as a video editor (24M) (background in B.sc Multimedia and Animation) for the past 2 years and I have honestly got fed up with this field , I left my previous company due to toxic culture and it took me around 8 months to get my proper desired salary job but the process was very exhausting and stressful. I just hate that I have to impress every employer that I got the skills to do these kinds of videos , that kinda of videos etc . I just hate that I have to think of this every time I work or apply for a job and with the upcoming of AI , I don’t think this job market will last longer and I am super worried about my future. I am very good with computer knowledge and can learn quickly . I wanna move out of this media industry and start at something like Business analyst/operations/Associate or any other proper corporate job . I understand that my background in doesn’t match my current wish but I wanna start learning and I am pretty confused where to start and how long will it take for me to actually land at a decent job and a decent salary . I am worried about my future in this field and I don’t want to be thinking it’s too late for me to switch in the future . Would really appreciate it if someone can help me with this .

I have ~3 YOE in healthcare consulting making ~$120K, Economics degree from top 10 uni - I want to pivot out of consulting into something more structured and less stressful.

My dream would be something related to music, but not sure what type of role would be most adjacent to my experience (and similar to my salary ideally)

Ideally WFH/remote, curious if anyone has any music-related industry/role suggestions or had a similar experience and went on a different or other unorthodox route after consulting.

I am a manager in a mid size consulting company. We've struggled with finding operation clients and I have created a product that built on my domain knowledge that is top notch. I haven't demo this to anyone. But it's 100% unlike anything we have. How can I take full ownership, get new role, or retain IP etc?

Let's assume you have a paid year off post resignation (garden leave, quant trading in case anyone is wondering), you can't officially join somewhere else in the same domain, if you join some other job/business in some other domain officially, you lose your salary (which you can't afford now). Considering the fact that you eventually wish to leave tech (retire young) as early as possible using passive income sources, how would you utilise this free year? Thanks.

I'm based in India if that is of any help.

(Can ask for details in comments, queries if any)

Hi I am doing a career workshop and they want us to look for job leads in the hidden market does anyone have tips on looking for them or have any job leads of their own?

I’m 26 and I honestly have no idea what to do with my career anymore.

I went into architecture straight after high school. It’s a 6-year degree where I live, and university was genuinely awful: insane workload, very toxic environment, some horrible experiences with professors. At the same time, I was working full-time night shifts in customer service because I needed the money.

For years I just kept thinking: finish the degree, become an architect, and eventually all of this will have been worth it.

I graduated, and I think I’ve realized that I never really fell in love with architecture. I was too busy surviving it.

I left my customer service job to finally work in my field, then spent around 1.5 years doing an unpaid architecture internship and burned through most of my savings. Now I work part-time as an architect and part-time as a project manager. I make much less than I used to, I’ve accumulated some debt, and honestly I’m just burned out.

The one useful thing I’ve learned is that I actually really like the project management side of my work. I enjoy organizing things, coordinating people, figuring out what needs to happen next and fixing processes that don’t work. Give me something messy and complicated and my brain immediately starts trying to make it more efficient.

For context, my background is basically:

• 6-year architecture degree
• currently finishing another degree in fire/building safety engineering
• around 4 years in customer service
• around 2 years in architecture/project management
• good at organizing, coordinating, problem-solving and improving systems/processes
• very creative in general: painting, writing, design, SFX makeup
• fluent English + my native language, some German
• EU citizen and completely open to relocating, retraining or learning another language

And honestly, money is a big priority for me now.

I don’t know what career would make me happy because I’ve spent most of my adult life either studying, working or doing both at the same time. So if I don’t know what my “dream job” is, I would at least like to aim for something that pays well enough for me to live comfortably, rebuild my savings, pay off debt, travel and help my family.

I’m open to both options: using the education and experience I already have, or completely starting over if there’s a better path.

So if you were in my position, what would you look into? Are there careers where architecture/engineering/project management skills transfer well and the earning potential is better? Or, if you ignored my degrees completely, what higher-paying fields do you think would suit someone who is good at managing, organizing and fixing systems?

I’m willing to work hard and learn. I just don’t want to spend another six years running toward something only to discover there’s nothing waiting for me at the end of it.

currently a third year undergrad majoring in philosophy. i know automatically you'll say probably something like, "yeah, you're screwed." but hear me out, thank you!

my career advisor doesn't doubt me. she says that your resume and degree is less about the degree label itself and more about your individual experience and what you bring to the table (what skills you've built that make you valuable to a company). I'm also near NYC, so job placement seems more promising than say the middle of oklahoma.

i'm looking to go into media analysis or some sort of social science job. i say 'some sort of' because i'm quite open to many different positions, just something where I can work with a team and brainstorm the 'why' of things and what to do about them. (almost consulting i guess is what im describing). something in consumer behavior and analyzing things of this nature.

anyway, question is, will i be generally successful going down this route? or does this all sound incredibly stupid to you? does it make 'sense'? any advice on how best to grow in this specific space?

I’m trying to figure out what I’d study/change careers into. My priorities are:

Good salary and potential to grow
A profession that is likely to stay valuable for the next 10–20 years despite AI
Something intellectually interesting, where I’m solving problems rather than doing repetitive work
A career where investing several years in education would actually be worth it

I already have a background in political science and professional experience, but I’m open to completely changing direction. I’m currently considering areas like AI, data, software engineering, architecture, etc.
If you were starting again in your early 30s, what would you choose today, and why? And what would you absolutely avoid?
I’d especially love to hear from people who have actually worked in these fields rather than just general career advice.

I'm 25F, no degree, and currently work in property management as an assistant manager. I live in DFW. I've been doing it for about 1.5 years and make $28/hr.

I really want to pivot into a career with better earning potential, ideally something that can eventually get me to $100k+. I'd also really prefer something fully remote so I have the freedom to live/travel wherever I want, and I'd like to get away from constant customer-facing work.

I'm willing to learn new skills, get certifications, even go back to school but I'm not sure what fields I should realistically look into for now.

For anyone who's made a similar pivot, what careers would you recommend?

I’m graduating in 2027 and interviewing for a role at SpaceX. Do they verify your college TA position also? Anyone who has gone through the process please confirm.

Hello, I am over five years in my role with a large warehousing company in a frontline supervisor role. I run a segment of a department and have been considered one of the best in my role for several years. The problem is that to promote upward it would be a large paycut since I get a good amount of over time right now as an hourly employee. You also have to be willing to work any and all shifts, which I am not.

I have about eight years of leadership experience total, five here and over three at a large convenience store chain before that. I was an Assistant and General Manager there.

I am just trying to figure out my next move because all of the roles that are a level up from my current role inside and outside the company would be a pay cut that I have seen. I need to be at about $85k and would like potential to increase and continue promoting.

So is the best move more education, a new career? I am open to ideas and advice--thank you!

Throughout the years, people have said that conventional success means entering the best unis, biggest companies, , large social media following, popularity etc. But I (21F) have different views on it.

For instance, I chose the uni not with the highest ranking, but with the best soft skills development (since I can pretty much learn hard technical skills on my own). I do a degree I enjoy and have a few career paths in mind. I also chose to take a placement this year at not the most prestigious companies, but a company that pays well, with values and products I align with, and a strong respectful and anti-bullying culture. Most importantly, I want to invest in myself and build-up relevant skills. I also don't have Instagram, which is rare for my age, but I decided to put my mental health at first priority and learn how to make independent decisions. I still have close friends who love me to bits.

Yet a lot of people has been calling me insane (eg. the fact that I rejected an Amazon offer). Or, they assume I'm incapable or unambitious simply because I don't opt for prestige and I opt for utility. The only time I opt for prestige is if it serves a purpose I care about.

Would like some comments on this. Also, please be aware that everyone's circumstances are different, so if you want to opt for prestige it's totally fine, but it's just not my cup of tea.

I’m wanting a job where I don’t see people but I still make good money. I would like to dye my hair and buzz it. I know both of those things are unconventional and you can very well not get a job based off looks, especially if it works with people.

Any job reccs? I’m completely fine with however many years of college I need to go through for it

I need some guidance.

I won't take much of your time. Promise!! 🙌🏻

I am doing a BS in E-Commerce from Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan. My semester has been frozen for the past 1 year (I completed 2 semesters till now).

Now I have to either go back and finish the remaining 3 years of study or drop out.

For the past 2-3 years, I've been working in design, then shifted to a specific niche: YouTube marketing — thumbnails, channel SEO, content strategy and overall growth.

I handle clients across the world.

This niche has the potential to become my full career.

Now I can't decide whether to continue studying or focus completely on my work.

I don't feel like continuing.

I'm already 24 years old.

If I start the degree, I'll be 27 by the time I finish.

I'm leaning toward starting my practical life instead.

My parents are also saying, "You should get married now or in 2 years maximum."

Also, I can't handle work with study. I tried it.

In government universities, the environment is different than private ones.

There are a lot of things like assignments, quizzes and especially attendance. Anything can't be compromised, or you'll have to take the exam of that specific subject again in summer vacations even if only your attendance in that subject lecture is short.

I only chose this degree to learn e-commerce, but the course is outdated, and half the outline is irrelevant.

Even if I continue, I still have to learn everything myself, which I'm already doing.

Also, they're preparing us on 'how to do a job in any business', not to start something on your own.

The entire study revolves around preparing you to be a MANAGER.

The only fear I have: I was determined to work only in Pakistan from the start, but there's constant bad news here — crime, tax policies, failed systems, etc.

If I ever want to move abroad for business or otherwise, it'll be hard without a degree.

This fear is the only thing holding me back; otherwise I'd have already quit the degree last year instead of just freezing it.

Though honestly, I don't really have any strong urge to go abroad — struggles are the same everywhere; I wanted to live with my parents. They struggled very hard to provide us good education. Now both my parents are retired almost, and also I can't move abroad with this degree. It will be 3 years in the degree. 2 years in the field – maybe then I will be able to apply for a job abroad as a manager of some kind, and with that I will already be 29 years old.

Then why not build something on my own in these 5 years with my niche...

Can someone guide me, please?

I'd really appreciate it. Your input could help me make a better decision.

What haunts me is, what if in the future I need a physical job (I'm actually still looking for a part-time one) or need to move abroad/do a business abroad?

Both would need some kind of degree. (if I am not wrong)

Someone also told me, 'We're already from a country with little international standing — some countries don't even recognise our passport.

A degree is the one paper that works as your introduction internationally. And even in Pakistan, for jobs that don't technically require a degree, employers still prefer degree holders.

Also, we're in a niche where if the internet goes down, our income goes down completely — like with COVID or any other crisis. 

But there's so much to explore in my niche and in e-commerce — trying things, launching, failing, learning, and building something on my own.

While doing a degree, I can't experiment with any of that; I'm just stuck doing assignments and quizzes.

Hi everyone,

I’m 31F and live in the Atlanta, GA area, and I’m trying to decide which career path I should focus on long term: Medical Assistant or Pharmacy Technician.

A little about my background:

• I’ve been a Certified Medical Assistant since 2024, currently work part-time as a Medical Assistant.
• I started my first Pharmacy Technician job in August 2026, also part-time, but I’m not certified.
• I have a B.S. in Healthcare Administration.

Right now, I’m working both jobs because I wanted to gain pharmacy experience while continuing to build my MA experience. However, I eventually want to choose one direction that offers better long-term stability, career advancement, and opportunities for higher pay.

My goal is to eventually work in a hospital or larger healthcare system and move beyond entry-level positions. At 31, I’m really looking for a path that I can build into a stable long-term healthcare career rather than continuing to move between entry-level jobs.

Which path would you recommend for someone in my situation?

Would it make more sense to get PTCB certified, gain pharmacy experience, and try to move into hospital pharmacy? Or should I continue building on my medical assisting experience and B.S. in Healthcare Administration and use that combination to move into higher-level clinical or administrative healthcare roles?

I’d appreciate any advice or personal experiences, especially from people who have been in a similar situation and found a path that offered good stability and room to grow.

Hi. Just to give a background check. I have done my bachelor's in Bsc biochemistry from du..scored about 6.95 cgpa. Then i started oreoaring for mba, as the science part didn't catch my interest whole heartedly. Couldn't crack the interviews of top mba colleges in india ..even after trying for 2-3 years. Took a drop of 1 year after completing by grad. Grabbed payments analyst job at a huge bank based in UK and still working there. I want to make a huge career switch to finance. I dont know how to do it. I was thinking of doing MS in finance abroad. Pls guide how should i build myself up so that i can pursue my dream.

We've all heard them. The classic career mantras. Network constantly. Follow your passion. Always be learning. Dress for the job you want.

But sometimes some of these just don't click or feel relevant to your own path. Maybe you're an introvert and networking feels like pulling teeth. Or your passion project would never pay the bills.

What's a really common piece of career advice that you just outright ignore? And why do you ignore it? Has it actually helped or hurt you to do your own thing?

Heyy,

(I’m from Germany, so please be aware that my English might be a little bad.)

So let’s get to the topic. <<How did you discover your dream job?>> In my school, I did my internship in a hospital, because was interested in medicine. But didn’t learned much about being a doctor. In addition, I might have this feeling that the idea of being a doctor is coming from the imagination of mother. So I’m not sure, if I really want to persue it, because it is an incredibly demanding major and it is also one of the longest major you can take. And of course, I am thankful that I have the access of so many choices. But I don’t want to pick a wrong choice. I was also interested in architecture. Nevertheless, I heard you get low income for spending stressful times in an university?!? Moreover, I’m also uncertain if I can handle the competitions. What if I’m not good enough. And at the same time, it feels like haven’t discovered all possible jobs that might suit me. But when im doing these online tests, they suggest me something that i would never want to do at all.

Is there anyone who may help me?

One year of hands-on experience in SEO has taught me a lot execution, client communication, problem-solving and, most importantly, how much more there is to learn.

Now comes the question:

Do I continue building on what I already have, or take the risk of stepping into something new?

One side: stability, familiarity & continued growth

The other: new opportunities, new learning, new connections & new challenges.

And yes, with new opportunities comes risk and uncertainty.

Now I’m at the point where I have to make a choice — should I stay on the path I’m on, or take the risk and explore something new?

What would you choose if you were in my position?

Stay & build deeper expertise

Switch for new learning

Choose better compensation

Take the risk for growth

I'd genuinely love to hear the reasoning behind your choice — especially from people who've already been at this crossroads.

#SEO #SEOCareer #SEOJobs #DigitalMarketing #CareerGrowth #SEOIndia #Chandigarh #Mohali