I'm a huge believer in ice breakers... If they don't suck.

I posted "A Coup D'Etat" here earlier. Short version, one of 2 founders of a nonprofit decided she was going to boot the other out of the org, using a series of underhanded tactics, with cronies who have committed illegal acts like wage theft. I've been looking for work, got 3 interviews and was ghosted by all of them afterward. I've had a lot of one-step-from-rage-quitting moments at work, but this one took the cake. I can't go into detail without outing myself (it's a very specialized area), so let's just say the 2 directors had opposite visions. I'm biased, but I'm going to say that the one who got kicked out would be like a hospital CEO that championed chemotherapy cancer treatments, while the one remaining is a big fan of essential oils. In other words, going with the new vision would not just be the opposite of what the hospital was known for; it would also be dangerous to the patients. And after looking at our financials, I discovered our hard-earned fundraising monies are being funneled to an essential oils MLM. The only reason I'm still there - and I mean the ONLY reason - is because I don't get unemployment payments if I quit. Is this the type of thing where it would be appropriate to write a resignation letter saying "I cannot in good faith support this new vision"? I'm somewhat under a time limit in finding a new job, because they will probably just let me go anyway - after milking me for all the knowledge I've accumulated over my time here. These are people who are supposed to understand large computer processes, but can barely turn one on. I so desperately want to leave them hanging. I have a fair amount of savings, but I wanted to use that for a down payment on a house, and it's already significantly smaller after a year-long period of unemployment some years ago.

It is too much to ask? To be reliable? To get things you earned and didn’t kiss up for? Sorry I had to vent…

I’m in the middle of a job search, and send thank you notes after each interview to everyone I meet with. However, for the first time in my career, I have people responding back to my thank you notes, which is lovely but it makes me wonder is this now an uncommon practice and that’s why people are responding? Even if it is outdated, I’m pretty sure I’m going to continue doing so if only out of habit.

I've always wanted to live abroad and gain international experience. How do I find people to network with in other countries? For background, I have about 5.5 years of professional experience in engineering. Curious to hear about those of you who have done it!

Hope to see you there! Register now, https://fairygodboss.com/events/5wog-bVeD/together-we-rise-empowering-women?utm_medium=fgb&utm_source=fgbcommunityfeed

It was one of the hardest things I've done, professionally. I had been let go with very little warning by a supervisor who just couldn't be pleased. The organization offered no constructive feedback, no mentoring, and no work/life balance. The days immediately after that were a mix of fear and relief that I was out of that awful environment. I won't lie. I spent six very hard, discouraging months looking for a role and being rejected before I took a "survival job." I spent about 18 months there until a position in the agency where I had always wanted to work opened. I got it and just celebrated my third anniversary here. I've even been promoted and am now in the position I wanted most. I shared this in the hope that someone who is facing the same thing right now will read it and know that things won't always be as hard as they are today. In the meantime, take care of yourself and your family, and remember that work is what you do, not who you are. You are worthy and valuable, no matter where you do (or don't) work.