I recently quit my job that I’ve had for 8 years.

15 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 12,2023 at 3:58PM UTC

   I think you have all the soft skills to be a great employee in many areas especially since people relations is a highly desired skill, but as you noted, the technology may hold you back. I would suggest taking a bit of time to up your technology skills. Coursera and Udacity have courses (some free) that can help you learn Google Drive and other skills you may need for you next role.

   It may also help you decide better what you want. if you hate the course, you definitely don't want a job focused on that tool every day and if you love it, you may find a new career avenue to explore.

   With your skills, I think you have a lot of options. Good luck!

2. Jennifer HunsbergerApril 12,2023 at 4:24PM UTC

   Thank you so very much! I do appreciate your feedback and will look into those courses!

3. AnonymousApril 13,2023 at 12:47PM UTC

   I would also recommend looking at your local library or your state's workforce development website. Some offer free training classes, in person or online, for technical skills. Also, look at any local universities or tech schools. Some have programs that allow older learners to audit classes for very little expense. Udemy and Coursera and really great and both will run sales where you can get a really good deal on classes. Also, don't underestimate the power of YouTube. There are tons of practical short videos that can show you the basics of a lot of different programs.

4. AnonymousApril 12,2023 at 5:21PM UTC

   If you have (or purchase) a jobseeker premium LinkedIn account, their LinkedIn library (of thousands of courses) is free. Coursera and Udemy you pay by the course. Your local library also may offer some upskilling courses.

5. Jennifer HunsbergerApril 12,2023 at 5:30PM UTC

   Thank you for both of your suggestions! I do have LinkedIn, but not premium. I will look into that!

6. AnonymousApril 12,2023 at 5:22PM UTC

   Also, think about using the Clifton Strengths finder to find areas of interest that match your skill set. It will also help you define what you're looking for vs. your burnout skills.

7. AnonymousApril 13,2023 at 12:09AM UTC

   Thank you for this comment. I had to google burnout skills - only to find out that’s what’s killing me atm.

8. Maggie StoneApril 13,2023 at 1:01PM UTC

   I am glad that you are out of the toxic environment. 2 thoughts come to mind. I highly recommend the book “What color is your Parachute.” It has invaluable information for career changers at any level. It should be available at your local library. Also Monster has some free career tests that may be useful. Here’s the link: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/best-free-career-assessment-tools if you want to stay in a given field, I would suggest that you take this time to update your software knowledge in that field and any common software like adobe, Ms office and the Google suite( knowledge of these is pretty much assumed). Good luck in your next adventure.

9. Christi LopezApril 13,2023 at 1:22PM UTC

   As others have said, adding to your knowledge base is something that's easily remedied. Definitely check with your local library. I know my local library used to offer free access to Lynda.com (before it was acquired by LinkedIn).

   Something you may want to add that will make you stand out is accessibility training. Not necessarily from a web design or UX standpoint, but from a document creation standpoint. Microsoft offers free training: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/accessibility-fundamentals/ Having the knowledge to set up documents correctly makes it much easier for those who are potentially posting them on a website or sharing them digitally.

10. AnonymousApril 13,2023 at 2:49PM UTC

    Hi from another mid 50s gal! :)

    A lot of these replies mention your local library. I'm not sure where you live, but since I work in my public library, I can say we don't offer anything like what is mentioned here. You may need to go to a larger city library to access such free tutorials, but I want to add, like someone else, did ... YOU TUBE! It's an AMAZING way to learn things, and free!

11. Susan MyersApril 14,2023 at 2:08AM UTC

    Hi!! I feel for you!!! As a 66 year old who was terminated last July after 3 years building the HR department including people engagement in a substance abuse and mental health facility as a one person department, I was blind sighted, gaslighted and terminated with warning. My accomplishments were amazing during my tenure - my annual evaluations are remarkable. It's been a long 8-9 months starting over. I have a great resume, work ethic and solid experience. I have applied for over 175+ job postings from July 8 through today. I have some experience in GSuite, but most of my experience has been Microsoft Office (Self taught over the last 25 years). I know Sharepoint and Microsoft 365. The new programs, I had learnt over the last 6 years. My MANTRA is I may be an old dog but I can learn new tricks - it just takes stamina and giving your self the grace to make mistakes and learn. At this point I am finally working in a new role. I wanted to be able to bow out gracefully when I am ready and feel good about my last years of working. I have worked in healthcare for 30 years from entry level to management and have had great opportunities. Spent the last 8 months feeling useless and demeaned.

    My post isn't providing much help except to jump in, learn and practice. It will come to you!! Be patient with yourself!! Do the research to find free learning tools. Wishing you the absolute best!!! Grammy :)

12. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 14,2023 at 3:19AM UTC

    Sorry to hear about your crappy boss but they're in your rear view mirror now so good for you.

    You should be able to get yourself up to speed technology-wise (within reason) with free resources. Make a note of the technologies you're seeing mentioned in the job postings you're interested in and bone up on those.

    What have you done so far in your job search?

    Where do you have your resume posted? How often are you updating those profiles?

    Is your LinkedIn profile filled out and up to snuff? Do you have the green “open to work” banner on your LI profile and the other “open to work” indicator that recruiters with a LinkedIn Recruiter license can see?

    Are there specialty job sites you could be using? Do you have a degree? If so, are you utilizing the University's job site or alumni network?

    For someone like you, I would highly recommend posting your resume. Yes, you'll get junk emails but some of the best jobs I've ever had were those where they reached out to me. I don't know that I would have responded to their job posting if I saw it. I'd suggest you set up a separate email address to use just for your job search.

    There are recruiters and sourcers and staffing firms that spend all day, every day looking for candidates - if you're in an active job search, I recommend you put yourself where they can find you. Also, if you don't post your resume, you're doing all the work.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

13. Jennifer HunsbergerApril 19,2023 at 2:54PM UTC

    Hi Joan! Thanks for all your feedback. I am working on my LinkedIn profile - and at making connections. Trying to learn how to use that tool as I know it is an excellent resource for networking and job hunting.

    In regards to posting my resume, where would I do that? I have been told that I should cater my resume to each job I am applying to, which is incredibly time consuming, but, I am happy to do anything if it helps!

    I do not have a college degree, but I have 30 years experience as a professional.

    I know it has only been a couple weeks, but this process already has me feeling defeated. Mainly because I have never really had to job search like this before.

    Please let me know any tips....thanks!

14. AnonymousApril 14,2023 at 11:32AM UTC

    Stayed way too long in the first place. Your next journey I would focus on the people building and development of others with bringing that value to a new team. Working remote is going to be less and less in certain industries so stay open as the move to hybrid is real. Good luck.

15. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanApril 15,2023 at 5:54PM UTC

    First thing to look for is courses to get your skills up ad running. Reach out to local groups such as Parks and Rec, or if your local high school or college have any Life Long Learning classes, see if there are any computer courses.

    Then, I strongly suggest getting together with a recruiter, even if it is just to have your skills accessed. This will give you a better idea of where to put your energy.

    And finally, as someone else has suggested, emphasis your skill at relationship building and management. Those are invaluable soft skills. Latest Microsoft? You can learn.

    Good luck!