Everything is always peaches and cream when you start a job. Optimism is brimming. You feel appreciated (or should), and the sky is the limit. But often (or eventually), reality sets in, the culture becomes toxic, teammate's self-interest puts their priorities over "the team," and you sense that your job security has evaporated. You need an "Exit Strategy" and it's better to have one before someone else does it for you, vis a vis, you are fired, laid off, or put on a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) - even if you don't deserve it. Enter the "Exit Strategy," which may include a horizontal shift (function change), vertical change (promotion, or, yikes, a demotion), or a move to a different company entirely (by your efforts, or the gentle nudge of being layed off - nothing a healthy severance package won't cure). Change is good. Every time I've had a traumatic (i.e., forced) job change, I have always come out the better (higher salary, better title, better company, 6 months of severance pay, etc.). Share your voluntary or involuntary job exit anecdotes or perilous current situation, and we'll crowdsource the best solution so you can come out on top!

LinkedIn. Yeah, you get it. But do you really? LinkedIn is the single most powerful component in the job search funnel. Not only can you find job postings there, but you can network, connect with recruiters, message hiring managers, and build your professional brand cachet. If you aren't active on LinkedIn (not just when you need a job, but at all times), then you are leaving money, literally, on the table. Ask your deepest darkest (and most obvious, don't be ashamed) questions about how to turn LinkedIn activity into dollars and sense.

You have the job. BUT, you have to negotiate your salary. You don't want to be greedy (you are grateful), but you also need to feel adequately compensated and appreciated. There are no "re-do's" in salary negotiation. Remember, your employer is trying to hire you for as little as possible. Can asking for what you are worth and what the market will bear result in an offer withdrawal? Get all of your salary negotiation questions answered so you can make negotiation a non-negotiable.

Interview? More like interrogation...Even the thought of interviewing can make a person's palm sweat. But, if you can get a head of things and drive the conversation with your "career arc story" you can greatly simplify the process. Share your deepest, darkest questions about the interviewing process.

Cover letters. The great job search mystery. Do I even need one?!? Does anyone even read them. I mean, doesn't the resume say it all? What questions do you have about cover letters?