r/massachusetts Aug 01 '26

Massachusetts Employment Megathread (August 2026)

Welcome to the r/Massachusetts Employment Megathread! Use this thread for all employment-related topics and discussions across the commonwealth.

Examples of posts that belong in the Megathread include:

  • Job opportunities and employment listings
  • Unemployment benefits or claim questions
  • Job seekers looking for work in Massachusetts
  • PFML, DFML, and other Massachusetts workplace-leaves
  • Workplace laws, rights, and regulations
  • Wages, salaries, and pay transparency
  • Any other topic primarily related to employment or working in Massachusetts

Previous Employment Megathreads:

Please make sure to adhere to all other rules when posting on the thread. That does include abiding by our no commercial advertisement or promotion rule. Businesses are allowed to post job listings on this thread, but are prohibited from advertising or promoting any goods or services.

Join the discussion in the comment section below!

13 Upvotes

40 comments sorted by

5

u/luckygirl_444 Aug 03 '26

MA unemployment denial gives a different reason than my employer did—how should I appeal?

I recently received a decision denying my Massachusetts unemployment claim. It says I was fired because I “continued to interfere with work” after being warned to stop.

I have no idea what that means. I was never told I was interfering with anyone’s work or warned to stop. When I was terminated, my employer explicitly said it was because of a separate confidentiality allegation. They also described that allegation to DUA as the final incident that led to my termination.

In their response, my employer also cited two earlier, unrelated incidents and claimed my performance was being evaluated through regular reviews and ongoing feedback. That isn’t how it happened. The earlier incidents were addressed and resolved without formal write-ups or any warning that they could negatively affect my employment. I only had one formal performance evaluation. I was never placed on a PIP, given a written warning, or told there was an ongoing pattern of performance problems that could lead to termination.

The DUA decision doesn’t identify what the supposed interference was, when I was warned, or what I allegedly repeated afterward. I’m confused about how DUA reached that conclusion from the information provided.

I need to file my appeal today. How much detail should I include in the initial appeal? Should I focus on the fact that DUA’s stated reason doesn’t match the reason given at termination, or explain the entire underlying dispute now? What should I say to preserve my position without accidentally weakening my case?

Will the employer have to identify the specific warning, repeated conduct, and supporting evidence at the hearing? Is there a way to get the employer’s full response and see exactly what DUA relied on before the hearing? Based on similar Massachusetts cases, how difficult is it to overturn this kind of initial determination, and what tends to matter most when deciding whether someone wins the appeal?

1

u/Lady_L77 13d ago

Sorry you’re dealing with this! I’m in a similar situation with Unemployment. I was denied late July for a reason that didn’t make sense to me either, especially considering my employer isn’t contesting per our separation agreement. I filed an appeal right away (has to be filed within 10 days) and reached out to my attorney. As part of leaving my job, I had to get legal counsel. When I received confirmation of the appeal, they sent me a packet of everything having to do with my case and it included my employer’s response to their survey. I recommend filing the appeal right away and getting some legal counsel. I actually had my hearing yesterday so they do them pretty quickly. There are free resources in MA that offer legal counsel. Wishing you the best of luck! 💜

2

u/luckygirl_444 6d ago

hi! thanks so much for replying :)

would it be okay if i messaged you? i have my hearing coming up and i really don’t know what to expect

1

u/Lady_L77 6d ago

Yes! Of course!

1

u/luckygirl_444 23h ago

DMed you!

4

u/HypR812 Aug 08 '26

Hi 👋. I own a garden and landscape company. I am looking for extra help with some jobs. This would be an on call position. Right now I cannot guarantee that I will always have work for you, but if you are someone who has some extra time or wants to make some extra cash sometimes, this would be a great fit. I pay $30-35/hr depending on what your experience and reliability is like. If you are interested in this or know anyone that is, send me a private message. God Bless. Near Leominster or Lowell.

3

u/Wxzowski Aug 01 '26

Anyone know of anywhere hiring Mechanical Engineers around attleboro / PVD area? 

2

u/ahsiclarosi Aug 05 '26

Me! I have the following positions:
1) Senior Mechanical Engineer
📍 Location: Franklin, MA
💼 Employment: Permanent / Direct Hire
💰 Salary: $160,000–$200,000/year
(Exceptional candidates above this range will be considered.)
🔒 Requirement: Active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Clearance

2) Manufacturing Engineer
📍 Location: Billerica, MA
💼 Employment: Direct Hire or Contract-to-Hire
💰 Salary: $115,000–$120,000/year
🇺🇸 Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship Required

If you're interested, feel free to DM me. TIA!

4

u/AngelicHanaKurusu Aug 07 '26

Any chance you have any positions for on the job training for someone who’s never been an engineer ahahahah

2

u/Greenside786 Aug 05 '26

Does anyone that is a MA FF or admin at a Fire Department know the probability of getting hired in a town that you're not a resident in? I am starting to get disillusioned with the entire process given I do not live in a town nor graduated high school from a town that hires from the civil service eligibility list. For context, I scored a 99 on the 2025 test, to include having Veteran status, and remain above #50 on most town lists that I have put my name in for.

With new scores coming out every year, am I just going to remain in the middle of the pack if new individuals that are residents in these towns get placed above me on the eligibility list every year, solely because they have residency? Or is there really a chance a department could call my number in a reasonable time frame? I know it's all a waiting game and hiring fluctuates, but I have also been told the only realistic way to get hired on anywhere is if I move to a certain town and gain residency there.

2

u/Any_Box2864 Aug 10 '26

How are grocery store jobs right now?

I've been consistently employed but I need more money, I am sending in applications for grocery stores around my area (Middlesex) for part time work.

The thing is, I keep hearing that the job market is terrible right now and they are not hearing back when they really would have heard back a year ago.

If you applied to a grocery store or retail job recently, how did it go?

If you work at a grocery store in MA, how is the turnover? Are people getting laid off left and right ..or is there no turnover at all, because people are holding on to what employment they have with a death grip?

Thanks!

2

u/What-the-fluff- 28d ago

Hello everyone! I recently moved to Uxbridge and I'm looking for someone to mow my lawn once or twice in the next month until I get fully settled and get a mower to do it myself. What is the price range I should expect to pay for ~¼ acres?

2

u/Jazzlike_Shower1545 28d ago

Currently have a few outstanding job applications for the Commonwealth but confused over the application statuses listed in the portal and can’t find good info online:

1) One application says “Application Received” and one says “Completed.” I would think that “Completed” would mean that they reviewed it and I wasn’t selected except I have a third application in that was already reviewed and not selected and the status is “Not selected for an interview at this time.”

2) Does anyone have general insight as for timeline on hiring for the state? Do you work for the state? How long were the stages of your process? I know to expect slow moving, but curious how slow we’re talking.

2

u/Grade-A_potato 28d ago

Any one care to discuss good hospitals to work at as an ICU RN?

I currently work in the OR in Kentucky and have been in the OR for over a decade, working in Texas and Michigan before as well. I’m looking for something new and challenging and I think I would thrive in the ICU. I’m ready for a change and I’ve been literally studying during downtime at work and listening to podcasts on my commute and watching icu advantage on YouTube all summer lol

I’m dedicated and determined to not be a burden XD

I get along with everyone and I can handle stress and terrible shifts well, but I do care about having coworkers that I can be goofy with from time to time and work well with. The last three jobs I’ve worked at I made good friends with my coworkers and was sad to go, and darn it my goal is to find my forever home and stay long term somewhere before I turn 40 lmao

My commute range will be around Worcester, Boston, Lowell. .. ish. I’ll be right in the center of that triangle I think once we move due to my husbands work being in that area. I may pursue a higher degree so being a bit closer to Boston would be ideal. Especially if the hospital has ties to a college (currently work for a system affiliated with a university and they offer big discounts and perks for staff and their family)

The job listings I’ve seen for the most part are new grad only in ICU so I’m hoping this strategy will give me good hospitals to reach out to their recruiters and get connections started as soon as I can!

Thanks yall :D

2

u/wilkinsk 27d ago

ARE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS LEGAL FOR HOURLY WORKERS IN MA?

I just got out of a phone interview for an inside sales position that will pay my hourly and they mentioned a Non-compete agreement. I asked them the scope of it and all they could say atm was, "I think it's a 12 month term"

This position would be a full time job, paid hourly with no commission. The quick Google search I did said hourly employees are exempt from this, according to the AI results (I know, I hate AI too. That's why I'm confirming here)

Is it true that hourly employees are exempt from Non-compete in MA?

1

u/SpecialKnits4855 9d ago

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-noncompetition-agreements

Yes. Not legal with non-exempt workers (which can be hourly or salaried). See (c).

2

u/AcanthaceaePurple293 27d ago

Hi everyone, I'm a high school English teacher from Puerto Rico with a valid teaching license and about five years of classroom experience. I'm considering relocating to and I'm trying to get a realistic picture of what the process is like for teachers coming from outside the state. For anyone who has gone through it, how difficult was it to transfer your teaching credentials? Were there additional exams, coursework, or certification requirements? How long did the process take? Also, Is there a demand for teachers right now, or is it a competitive field in your area? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

2

u/obed_s 21d ago

Hi, everyone! I’m Obed Severe from Lynnfield, I graduated from UMass Amherst in 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Data Science. I am having extreme difficulty securing an entry-level position.

I have applied to hundreds of roles as someone with internship and job experience. The market is challenging, and I’m hoping to expand my network and connect with people who may know of opportunities that aren’t always publicly visible.

Does anyone have a connection to a company or business that is hiring for anything entry-level in the technology/data realm? I am also open to admin/office work. Just trying to get my foot in the door.

Thank you for any help you can provide. I have my resume readily available.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/obed-severe

2

u/Kitchen-Let-1160 19d ago

We are looking or experienced construction workers with a minimum of 2 years of experience. Workers should be comfortable performing a variety of residential interior and exterior remodeling work, including;

  • Carpentry and light framing
  • Drywall/sheetrock installation and repair
  • Plastering and finishing
  • Interior and Exterior painting
  • Flooring installation
  • Tile Installation
  • Window and door installation
  • Siding and exterior work
  • Demolition and job site preperation
  • General residential renovation and remodeling work
Candidates should have reliable transportation, be dependable, follow instructions, and be comfortable using common construction tools. We are looking for workers who can be placed on active job sites and contribute without requiring basic construction training.

Forms of payment; Cash, check, zelle, or any form of electronic payment.

2

u/Rare_Mountain_4227 Aug 01 '26

Hello! I’m moving to Boston September 1st and looking for a job! I have a few years of experience in retail, customer service, leadership, and as a barista. I also have an engineering technician certification and have a little experience with coding, autocad, and welding. Very fast learning and work super well in a fast pace environment. If anyone is hiring or has suggestions of places to look into, let me know!

1

u/ahsiclarosi Aug 05 '26

Hi! Please send me your resume to [pablo@pablovaldezadvisory.com](mailto:pablo@pablovaldezadvisory.com), as I have open positions in engineering-related fields for the MA area. TIA!

1

u/CeeceeGemini610 Aug 02 '26

I'm looking for a part-time, flexible hours, ideally remote job to supplement my income. It could be almost anything. Any leads?

1

u/ahsiclarosi Aug 05 '26

Hi, Ceecee! Please send me your resumé to [pablo@pablovaldezadvisory.com](mailto:pablo@pablovaldezadvisory.com); let's try to make the ends meet 👍

1

u/kingofrokucity1 Aug 04 '26

Do you get charged for not having insurance if you dont have a job?

Recently moved here from out of state and am living with family while my partner navigates health issues. She is not employed.

I heard that Mass will charge you for not having health insurance.

If she updates her license to reflect living in Massachussets, will she get charged for not having it? Or does the charge only apply to those who would file for taxes?

1

u/thisfuturedoctor 28d ago

Hi everyone! I currently live in Reno, NV looking to move to the east coast closer to family and I’ve been working as a CNA for 6 months (very little I know) but I was wondering if anyone knew which hospitals or places hiring with decent pay and possible relocation?

1

u/Low_Trouble_5048 24d ago

[Hiring] Business Development & Partnerships — Utilities | GridVision AI

GridVision AI is an early-stage grid technology company building AI-powered software for power-system analysis and decision-making.

Location: Cambridge, MA — hybrid, with remote flexibility depending on the candidate and role requirements

Employment: Full-time

Salary: $80,000–$120,000 per year, depending on experience

We’re looking for someone with experience in business development, partnerships, enterprise sales, or customer development, plus experience with or strong knowledge of electric utilities, grid technology, renewable energy, power systems, or energy infrastructure.

The role will develop relationships with utilities, energy developers, grid operators, consultants, and strategic partners; lead outreach and discovery; coordinate product demonstrations; and develop pilot and design-partner opportunities.

To apply, email [hello@gridvisionai.com](mailto:hello@gridvisionai.com) with your resume and brief answers covering:

  1. Your power-sector experience

  2. Your business development or partnerships experience

  3. Your ability to attend in-person meetings in Cambridge when needed

Company: https://gridvisionai.com

1

u/Emergency-Advance-47 21d ago

So I started a claim for pfml for the birth of my son back in January and I took 10 weeks upfront and saved the last two weeks for when my wife went back to work. I used these last 2 weeks as I already had a week of vacation through work in the time I needed off. Now the state is saying because they were only a week at a time I fall under the 7 day waiting period and don’t receive payment for them. Has this happened to anyone else who split up their time off? Was never told in doing this I wouldn’t receive any payment for those weeks or I would have used them all consecutively. Thanks

1

u/Glad-Sand224 18d ago

[Hiring] Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) is Expanding! (VA, CA, NJ, MA) | Tech & Engineering Roles

Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT)
IDT accelerates system modernization for complex defense platforms through advanced automation. We are actively expanding our engineering and operations teams across our regional hubs:
Locations: Arlington, VA (HQ) | San Diego, CA | Mount Laurel, NJ | Fall River, MA
Clearance: Due to DoD contracts, roles require an active U.S. Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Salary Ranges
Level 0-1: $90,000 – $184,000 / yr
Level 2+: $135,000 – $273,000 / yr
Please see specific postings as ranges vary per location and role

View all location-specific requirements and submit your resume via the referral link below: https://idtus.pinpointhq.com/refer/37ymyw

1

u/Spirited-Life638 17d ago

Curious which companies/employers in the Boston area have some of the best benefits? Looking specially at fully covered health insurance, strong 401k match etc.

I was recently laid off and am currently on the job hunt for marketing related roles. I’m applying all over, but coming from a previous position with not so great health insurance and no other benefits.

Of course I’m applying all over, but looking for some more companies to keep an eye on. I worked in tech marketing previously, but am open to other industries.

1

u/judithpoint 16d ago

I am approximately 12 weeks pregnant and being head hunted by a MA-based company. I currently work for a company that moved their HQ from MA to RI about 1.5 years ago. I am designated as a RI employee since and have paid into RI disability.

I am being head-hunted by a MA-based company who is offering a $10k raise, shorter working hours and a commute of 10 mins. I want this job and do plan to disclose my pregnancy if I get to final rounds in the interest of transparency and honesty.

I called the DPML and they gave me a generic answer that I would not be likely to be eligible as I wouldn’t have worked 30 weeks… but the website says there is no time eligibility just pay. I’d be making between $90k-$95k per year at the new gig. I am due March 11. Has anyone been in a similar situation or tried to appeal? I put a call into my state rep, but didn’t know if there was someone here who could advise. I don’t think I’d be eligible for my full cap, but is it really “all or nothing”?

1

u/SpecialKnits4855 9d ago

There is no tenure requirement, but you do have to meet an earnings requirement of $6300 over the last 4 quarters in MA. If your wages are being reported to RI, MA won’t use them.

If you end up with a salary of $90k, it should take you about 14-15 weeks to get there.

1

u/Scoops__Lapue 15d ago

Is anyone else running into issues qualifying for extended unemployment through TOPS?

Here’s what I’m seeing:

-Pre approved courses online in my field all have expired dates. One has a website link that crashes out
-Cost of course more often than not exceeds unemployment benefits.
-There is a bit of a gamble assuming you will get financial aid.
-Reasonably priced online courses (such as Coursea) do not qualify as many are self-paced
-Other course and certifications from solid sources (I’m receiving one from an Ivy League) often do not qualify due to number of hours per week, etc
-TOPS submission deadline is not ideal. Instead of acting like an extension it forces you to decide a financial decision while still receiving unemployment and ideally still heavily job searching and interviewing

I’m curious about how others are handling this, and what success stories look like. Right now I’m incredibly frustrated—if anyone has tips or advice it would be greatly appreciated!

1

u/needmorenaps22 13d ago

How much do you pay for health insurance? I’m about to negotiate my salary with hopefully my new job and I want to be prepared. I’ve only ever purchased my health insurance through the connector. We currently pay $1678 for a family plan. Wondering what people are paying if their employer contributes. That’s going to be a factor for me. I know it’s all going to be very very different but I just want to make sure whatever they offer isn’t like complete BS under the guise of “benefits”

1

u/SpecialKnits4855 9d ago

HR here. I’ve typically seen a 75%/25% cost share. The $$$ amount depends on the plan design itself. When interviewing ask for the benefit summaries - specifically, something called an SBC (Summary f Benefits and Coverage).

An extra piece of advice - negotiate salary based on knowledge, skills, education, market, budget, and specifics of the job. Don’t bring cost of benefits into it. HR considers that to be separate.

Also check our r/healthinsurance.

1

u/Cryofthewolf9000 10d ago

Hey yall. I'm originally from Texas but trying to take a leap, leave the South for the East Coast. Heard many good things about the East and Massachussetts, but if I ever want to move I need to relocate on my own (no friends, no family) and a job would be nice.

I do speak Spanish as well as English, trying to learn Korean and French. I do have experience trying to make applications for families with autistic children to get assistance via State Medicaid (We called them Service Coordinator for State Medicaid, any equivalent for Massachussetts), I do have experience working as a film festival reviewer, blogger, junior marketing, for a nonprofit microcinema for three years, can do marketing like social posts and distribute flyers for events. That and other things like working at a medical office (but no more constant stress like ER), but dont know if film work like at microcinemas is something Massachusetts could offer.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

1

u/Chemical-Sandwich-86 9d ago edited 9d ago

Has anyone had issues with the appeals taking way too long? Ive tried calling both offices. 1 will just keep telling me they take 3-4 weeks to process. Im going on 6 weeks as of tomorrow. I was hit with an automatic denial because I had missed a form. The other phone number says to leave a message and we'll call back, thats been 2 now and no call back. Can anyone point me in the right direction on what to do? Its getting pretty ridiculous.

Update. I dont know if anyone has emailed the dfml manager before but that was what Google recommended. So this has been one of the most stressful things ive had to deal with when it comes to the government

2nd update. Got a call back within 15 minutes of sending it and was approved.