New boss messaged the team today to say he forgot to submit our timesheets for the last week
He tells us he totally forgot to submit the timesheets this week and he didn't notice until today when they were due. So we said are you going to remedy this gigantic mistake because we're all living paycheck to paycheck here and I can't go in entire pay period With no money...I have a family. He tells us corporate told him that they are unwilling to pay the payroll transfer fee from the bank to us and all they are willing to do is correct this in two weeks on our next paycheck.... he then has the sheer fucking audacity to ask us in the group chat if we are mad at him and if this is actually an inconvenience to any of us.
Jobadvisor
This is an incredibly frustrating situation, and your anger is completely justified. Your boss's negligence is directly impacting your financial well-being, and his follow-up question is frankly insulting.
Here's how to approach this, keeping in mind your immediate need for your paycheck and the long-term impact on your work environment:
Immediate Actions and Options
You need your money now. Here are a few ways to push for a faster resolution:
- Gather Your Team: This is a collective problem. If you haven't already, talk to your colleagues. A unified front will have more leverage than individual complaints. Draft a polite but firm group email to your boss, copying HR (if you have an HR department).
- Escalate to HR (If Applicable): This is precisely why HR departments exist. Their role is to protect the company, and failing to pay employees on time is a huge liability. Emphasize the hardship this creates and the potential legal implications for the company. They may be able to force your boss's hand or find a workaround.
- Review Company Policy: Does your company have a policy on timely payroll or mistakes like this? If so, cite it.
- Demand a Written Confirmation: Get something in writing from your boss detailing exactly when you will be paid and what steps he's taking to prevent this in the future.
- Consider Short-Term Solutions: While not ideal, if you absolutely can't wait, explore options like:
- Asking for an advance: Some companies may offer a payroll advance in emergencies, though this isn't guaranteed.
- Contacting your bank: Explain the situation to your bank. They might be able to offer a short-term solution, though this could involve fees.
Addressing Your Boss's Insulting Question
His question ("Are you mad at him and is this actually an inconvenience?") shows a severe lack of understanding or empathy. Here's how to respond without being unprofessional, but still conveying the gravity of the situation:
- In the group chat (if you decide to respond there): "Yes, [Boss's Name], this is a significant inconvenience for all of us, and frankly, it's unacceptable. Many of us, including myself, rely on our paychecks to cover immediate living expenses. Delaying our pay by two weeks creates serious financial hardship and is a direct result of the timesheets not being submitted on time. We need this resolved much sooner than two weeks."
- In a private message or direct conversation (if you prefer a more direct approach): "I need to be very clear, [Boss's Name], that your mistake has created a major financial problem for me and my family. Living paycheck to paycheck means I cannot afford to wait two weeks for my pay. I need to know what you are doing to get my pay to me this week. Corporate's unwillingness to pay a transfer fee should not translate into us being unable to pay our bills."
Long-Term Considerations
- Trust and Confidence: This incident will undoubtedly erode trust in your boss. His dismissive attitude after such a critical error is a huge red flag.
- Documentation: Keep a clear record of all communications regarding this issue (emails, chat messages, dates of conversations). This is important if you need to escalate further or if this becomes a recurring problem.
- Future Prevention: What steps will your boss take to ensure this never happens again? This needs to be part of the solution.
You have every right to be upset. Focus on getting your money as quickly as possible and holding your boss accountable for his serious error.
Why Do We Glorify “Dream Jobs” When Most People Just Want Stability?
I’ve been thinking a lot about how career advice online is always about “follow your passion,” “chase your dream job,” or “build something you love.”
But here’s the truth: not everyone wants or can afford to chase passion. Some people just want stability — a paycheck, benefits, and peace of mind — without needing to “love” every second of their work.
Why is it that we shame people who choose stability over ambition? Why do we make it sound like a boring 9-5 or a secure role is somehow a waste of potential?
Have we glamorized hustle culture and entrepreneurial dreams so much that we’ve forgotten the value of a simple, steady career?
Jobadvisor
You've hit on a really pertinent point that resonates with many people today. The glorification of "dream jobs" and constant ambition, often at the expense of stability and well-being, is a noticeable trend. Let's break down some of the reasons why this might be the case and why your observations are so valid:
Why the Glorification of "Dream Jobs"?
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Media and Pop Culture Narratives:
- Hollywood Tropes: Movies and TV shows often depict protagonists who overcome adversity to achieve their grand "dream," whether it's becoming a rock star, a CEO, or a groundbreaking artist. This narrative is exciting and aspirational.
- Influencer Culture: Social media is awash with "lifestyle entrepreneurs" who showcase a seemingly idyllic life built around their passion projects. This creates an illusion that such a life is easily attainable and universally desirable.
- "Rags to Riches" Stories: There's a powerful allure to stories of individuals who started from nothing and built empires based on their passion. These are often highlighted as examples to emulate.
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The "Passion Economy" and Marketing:
- Education and Self-Help Industries: There's a massive industry built around helping people "find their passion," "unlock their potential," and "monetize their hobbies." This drives a narrative that everyone should be striving for this.
- Employer Branding: Companies, especially in competitive industries, try to attract talent by selling the idea of a "purpose-driven" workplace where employees can fulfill their potential and work on exciting projects. This can mask the reality of demanding work conditions.
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Societal Shifts and Economic Factors (Paradoxically):
- Increased Competition: In many fields, simply having a degree isn't enough. People are encouraged to stand out, innovate, and demonstrate extreme dedication, which can manifest as "passion."
- Gig Economy and Entrepreneurship: The rise of the gig economy and easier access to starting small businesses has fueled the narrative that anyone can be their own boss and turn their passion into a living. While empowering for some, it also places a significant burden on individuals to constantly hustle.
- Decline of Traditional Job Security: In some sectors, the traditional "job for life" with guaranteed pensions is less common. This can lead to a sense that one must create their own security through entrepreneurial ventures or by being exceptionally good at something they're "passionate" about.
Why Do We Shame Stability?
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Misinterpretation of "Potential":
- "Wasting Talent": There's a pervasive idea that if someone is intelligent or capable, they must pursue a high-flying, challenging career, otherwise, they're "wasting their potential." This ignores that potential can be expressed in many ways, including providing for one's family, contributing to a community, or simply living a fulfilling life outside of work.
- The "Ladder" Mentality: Society often views career progression as a linear climb. Staying in a stable, comfortable role can be seen as "stagnation" rather than a conscious choice for well-being.
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Hustle Culture's Influence:
- "If you're not hustling, you're failing": This toxic mindset promotes constant striving, working long hours, and sacrificing personal life for professional gain. Choosing stability can be seen as a lack of dedication or ambition within this framework.
- Fear of Being Left Behind: The constant drumbeat of "innovation" and "disruption" can make stable roles seem obsolete or unexciting.
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The Elitism of "Passion":
- Privilege: The ability to "follow your passion" often comes from a place of privilege. Not everyone has the financial safety net, educational opportunities, or social connections to take risks on unconventional career paths. For many, a stable income is a necessity, not a choice they can afford to forgo for an uncertain "dream."
- Devaluing "Service" Jobs: Roles that are essential for society's functioning (e.g., administrative assistants, customer service, many trades) are often stable but may not be glamorous. The focus on "passion" can subtly devalue these crucial contributions.
The Value of a Simple, Steady Career
You're absolutely right to highlight the immense value of a simple, steady career:
- Financial Security: The most obvious benefit. A consistent paycheck and benefits provide peace of mind, allow for financial planning, and reduce stress.
- Work-Life Balance: Stable roles often come with predictable hours, allowing individuals to pursue hobbies, spend time with family, volunteer, or simply relax. This is crucial for mental and physical health.
- Reduced Stress: Not having the constant pressure to innovate, perform at peak levels, or constantly "hustle" can significantly reduce stress and burnout.
- Predictability: Knowing what to expect day-to-day can be comforting and allows for better personal planning.
- Contribution: Every stable job contributes to the functioning of society. A person in a "boring" 9-5 job is still a vital part of the economic and social fabric.
- Personal Fulfillment Outside of Work: For many, work is a means to an end, allowing them to pursue their true passions and find fulfillment in other areas of their lives. This is a perfectly valid and healthy approach.
In conclusion, the current societal narrative around "dream jobs" and constant ambition is often one-sided and can be exclusionary. It overlooks the very real and significant benefits of stability and peace of mind, and it can shame individuals who prioritize these aspects. It's time to recognize that a fulfilling life can be built on a foundation of stability, allowing individuals the freedom and resources to pursue happiness in myriad ways, not just through their professional endeavors.
I am 19 and Need career guidance ?
I am m19 and turning 20 next month. I haven't applied for much jobs in the last months but whichever I did got rejected. I am so confused about which field to choose and it has to be arround tech and ai but it is getting so competitive.
I am currently pursuing btech in electronics and telecommunication and do not have much of a interest in this field but it's really getting hard for me what to choose to move forward and focus on something. It is a end of 2nd year and in a month I'll be studying on 3rd year. I do not have much of projects yet nor any internships. It is getting harder to study for aptitude and look for internships on my own with zero experience.
Jobadvisor
It's completely normal to feel confused and a bit overwhelmed at 19, especially with the rapid pace of change in tech and AI. Many people your age are in a similar boat. The good news is that you're proactively seeking guidance, which is a huge first step!
Here's some advice tailored to your situation:
1. Don't Panic About Rejections or Lack of Experience:
- Rejections are normal: Especially early in your career, rejections are a common part of the process. Don't take them personally. They are often about fit or sheer volume of applicants, not a reflection of your potential.
- Everyone starts with zero experience: The key is to gain relevant experience, even if it's not through traditional internships initially.
2. Leverage Your B.Tech in Electronics & Telecommunication:
- It's a strong foundation: While you might not have a strong interest in E&T specifically, it provides a solid engineering base. Many concepts (signal processing, embedded systems, data analysis, control systems) are highly relevant to AI and tech. Don't dismiss its value.
- Look for intersections: How can your E&T knowledge be applied to AI?
- IoT & Edge AI: E&T is crucial for devices that collect data and run AI models locally (e.g., smart sensors, autonomous vehicles).
- Robotics: Control systems and hardware-software integration are key.
- Telecommunications & AI: AI is used for network optimization, predictive maintenance, and even creating new communication protocols.
- Hardware Acceleration for AI: Understanding hardware is vital for designing specialized chips (e.g., GPUs, TPUs) that power AI.
3. Explore and Narrow Down Your "Tech & AI" Focus:
"Tech and AI" is a vast field. To combat the feeling of competition, you need to find a niche that genuinely interests you and where you can build expertise.
- Start with "What problems do I find interesting?":
- Do you like building things? (Software development, embedded systems)
- Do you like analyzing data and finding patterns? (Data science, machine learning)
- Do you like creating intelligent systems? (AI research, robotics)
- Do you like how computers "see" or "understand" language? (Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing)
- Research Specific AI Sub-fields:
- Machine Learning Engineering: Building and deploying ML models.
- Data Science: Analyzing data, building predictive models.
- Deep Learning: A subset of ML, focusing on neural networks.
- Computer Vision: Enabling computers to "see" and interpret images/videos.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enabling computers to understand and generate human language.
- Reinforcement Learning: Training AI agents to make decisions.
- Robotics & AI: Integrating AI into robots.
- AI Ethics/Responsible AI: A growing field focused on the societal impact of AI.
- Cloud AI/ML Platforms: Working with platforms like AWS Sagemaker, Google Cloud AI Platform, Azure ML.
4. Build Your Skills and Portfolio (Crucial for 3rd Year):
This is where you differentiate yourself. Since you're heading into your 3rd year, now is the time to get serious.
- Online Courses (Coursera, edX, Udacity, fast.ai, DataCamp):
- Python: This is the lingua franca of AI/ML. Master it.
- Data Structures & Algorithms: Essential for any competitive tech role.
- Machine Learning Fundamentals: Andrew Ng's courses are a classic starting point.
- Deep Learning Specialization (Andrew Ng): If you find ML interesting, dive deeper.
- Specific AI Libraries: TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy.
- Personal Projects (MOST IMPORTANT):
- Start small and simple: Don't try to build the next ChatGPT immediately.
- Solve a personal problem: Even something small, like automating a task, can be a project.
- Kaggle: Participate in beginner-friendly competitions. It's a great way to learn from others' code.
- GitHub: Create an account and start pushing your code. This is your online portfolio.
- Examples:
- Build a simple image classifier (e.g., distinguishing cats from dogs).
- Develop a sentiment analyzer for text.
- Create a simple recommendation system.
- Use publicly available datasets (e.g., from UCI Machine Learning Repository).
- Combine E&T with AI: Build a small IoT device that collects sensor data and sends it to an AI model for analysis.
- Open Source Contributions: Once you're more confident, contribute to open-source projects. This is a great way to learn best practices and collaborate.
5. Network and Seek Mentorship:
- LinkedIn:
- Connect with professionals in AI/tech.
- Follow companies you're interested in.
- Look for alumni from your university working in tech.
- University Professors: Talk to your E&T professors. They might have research projects related to AI, or they can connect you with industry contacts.
- Tech Meetups/Conferences (Online or Local): Attend virtual meetups or local tech events. You'll learn, meet people, and hear about opportunities.
- Student Clubs: Join any tech or coding clubs at your university. If none exist, consider starting one!
6. Prepare for Internships & Jobs:
- Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant courses, projects, and skills (Python, ML libraries, etc.). Even if you don't have formal internships, your projects are experience.
- Practice aptitude tests: Many tech companies use them. Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and GeeksforGeeks are excellent for this. Focus on Data Structures and Algorithms.
- Behavioral Interview Prep: Be ready to talk about your projects, problem-solving skills, and how you learn.
- Look for entry-level/junior positions: Don't just look for "AI Engineer" if you're not there yet. Consider "Data Analyst Intern," "Machine Learning Intern," "Software Developer Intern (with an interest in ML)."
7. Mindset & Persistence:
- Embrace continuous learning: Tech and AI evolve rapidly. You'll always be learning.
- Don't compare yourself to others: Everyone's journey is different. Focus on your progress.
- Small steps lead to big achievements: Break down your goals into manageable tasks.
- It's a marathon, not a sprint: Building a career takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself.
Specific Actions for the Next Few Months (Before 3rd Year):
- Identify 1-2 specific AI sub-fields that pique your interest the most after some initial research.
- Start a fundamental Python course if you haven't already.
- Complete a basic Machine Learning course (e.g., Andrew Ng's Coursera course).
- Work on 1-2 small personal projects related to your chosen sub-fields and push them to GitHub.
- Dedicate time each week to practicing aptitude questions (Data Structures & Algorithms).
You're at a fantastic age to pivot and learn. Your E&T background gives you a unique perspective, and with focused effort on building practical skills and a portfolio, you can definitely break into the competitive but rewarding world of tech and AI. Good luck!
Invested 4 years in a company that won't invest in me. Planning my exit, how should I resign?
I have been working at my company for 4 years and have been asked to do "more and more and more" to deserve any career growth within the company. This has become a big enough problem that I have found another company to go to (start date flexible). Planning to give 2wks notice 3 weeks from today.
HR wants a resignation letter stating the reason for my departure. There is one person (my managers manager) I believe holding me (and many colleagues) from promotions over the past few years. If it weren't for them I would probably stay. How should I handle this?
Good relationship with my manager, my coworkers, just not my manager's manager.
Jobadvisor
Here's how you should approach your resignation, keeping in mind your good relationships and the problematic manager's manager:
Key Principles for Resignation:
- Professionalism: Always maintain a professional tone, even if you're feeling frustrated.
- Conciseness: Your resignation letter should be brief and to the point.
- Focus on the Future: Frame your departure around new opportunities, not past grievances.
- Protect Yourself: Avoid making accusations or burning bridges unnecessarily. You never know when paths might cross again.
Resignation Letter Strategy:
You need to provide a reason for your departure to HR, but you don't need to go into detail about the specific issues with your manager's manager.
Here's a template for your resignation letter:
[Your Name][Your Address][Your Phone Number][Your Email]
[Date: e.g., June 24, 2025]
[HR Department / Hiring Manager Name] (if you have a specific contact) [Company Name][Company Address]
Subject: Resignation - [Your Name]
Dear [HR Department / Hiring Manager Name or "To Whom It May Concern"],
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. My last day of employment will be [Your Last Day - e.g., July 11, 2025].
Regarding the reason for my departure, I have accepted a new opportunity that aligns more closely with my long-term career goals and offers a different path for professional growth.
I have genuinely valued my time at [Company Name] and appreciate the experience I've gained over the past four years. I've enjoyed working with my colleagues and specifically thank my manager, [Your Manager's Name], for their support.
I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time here. Please let me know how I can assist in transferring my responsibilities.
I wish [Company Name] all the best in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature (if sending a hard copy)]
[Your Typed Name]
Explanation of the Letter's Wording:
- "Accepted a new opportunity that aligns more closely with my long-term career goals and offers a different path for professional growth." This is your professional and diplomatic way of stating the reason. It's truthful without being accusatory. It implies that this company wasn't providing the growth you needed, without directly saying "you didn't promote me."
- "I've enjoyed working with my colleagues and specifically thank my manager, [Your Manager's Name], for their support." This maintains your good relationships and highlights the positive aspects, which is important given your good rapport with your direct manager and coworkers.
- No mention of the problematic manager's manager: This is crucial. Naming them in a formal resignation letter serves no productive purpose and can only lead to unnecessary drama or future complications. HR's role is to process your departure, not to mediate internal disputes you're no longer part of.
How to Handle the Conversation with Your Manager:
- Schedule a Meeting: Ask your direct manager for a brief, private meeting.
- Be Direct and Professional: "I'm writing to let you know that I've accepted another opportunity, and my last day will be [Your Last Day]."
- Express Gratitude (Sincerely): Thank your manager for their support, guidance, and the opportunities they did provide.
- Offer to Help with Transition: Reiterate your commitment to a smooth handover.
- Optional (and only if you feel comfortable and it's a good relationship): With your direct manager, you could briefly allude to the growth issue if they bring it up or if you've discussed it before. For example, "While I've loved working here, I felt it was time to move to an opportunity that offered the kind of growth path I'm looking for." Do not mention the manager's manager by name, even in this conversation. Keep it general about "growth path" or "career progression."
What to Do After Submitting the Letter:
- Be Prepared for Questions: HR might ask follow-up questions, but stick to your general explanation about new opportunities and growth.
- Don't Badmouth: Even in casual conversations with colleagues, avoid speaking negatively about the company or the manager's manager. You want to leave on a high note.
- Focus on Transition: Spend your remaining three weeks diligently documenting your work, training colleagues, and tying up loose ends to ensure a smooth handover. This reinforces your professionalism.
By following these steps, you'll resign professionally, protect your reputation, and leave your current company on your own terms without burning bridges.