Hi all,

Anonymous

October 4,2021 at 1:05PM UTC

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Hi all,

I'd love some practical advice, I have spent almost 10 years in international development (which I love) but my current job is draining me.. in the height of COVID last year, I was able to work remotely, live with my partner and be close to friends and family which helped a lot.

But after accepting an extension to my current job earlier this year and finding out that even though I've been promoted, I won't be getting a salary increase while other colleagues have, am not a member of our Senior Management Team ( despite having a senior role), I've really lost my drive for my current role. I feel like dont like I'm valued or respected by my employer, I feel stuck.

I'm applying for jobs and have had some interviews, but after relocating back to my job's country office away from my partner, family and friends, I have zero motivation. I'm planning to have one final conversation with my manager to see if we can come to some kind of compromise and if nothing changes, I will give my month's notice in December and continue looking for work but, I'm seriously considering leaving sooner. I've already mentally written my resignation..

I know it's always better to transition into something.. any advice for keeping myself motivated at least until December? Any job hunting tips are welcome to!

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Bretley DannerOctober 4,2021 at 1:22PM UTC
I was in a similar situation, working so hard, not part of senior management, and totally taken advantage of. A world wide corporation came in and bought our small company. Everything was changing and they were basically lying about all the changes taking place. I took my two week vacation thinking it would improve my feelings of discontent - I could never go back. Went in my first day back, and by noon I was quitting. I have gone back to working for myself, and another part time job with tips. I am so much happier, healthier, and motivated !! It was the best decision I could have made! My income is the same, and I treat myself much better then my old bosses did!! Guz I am my boss now! Lol
JenOctober 4,2021 at 1:57PM UTC
I understand feeling tempted to walk away before you have something else, given the circumstances.
One thing that could give you some of your energy back is to think about parts of your job (whether it was something that happened recently or 3 years ago) that you have really enjoyed. And once you isolate those things, write out which of your strengths was crucial in you accomplishing whatever you accomplished in those situations. Tying what you've been enjoying to your strengths can help you get your "why" for doing this type of work, and remind you of your value (even if your current employer isn't making you feel valued.)
If you haven't already, I recommend taking the Clifton Strengths assessment. (This helped me a lot at a time when I was feeling kind of low in my work)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi1lKqA9LDzAhUvMlkFHTkuBvoQFnoECAYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gallup.com%2Fcliftonstrengths%2Fen%2F252137%2Fhome.aspx&usg=AOvVaw3hslJAq-IDFEF3O3yFZhaj
Job-hunting tips:
Follow people on LinkedIn (or wherever you do social media the most) that inspire you. I really like Portia Obeng, and attending a LinkedIn profile improvement workshop she ran that had a lot of good tips.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/portiaobeng/
Best of luck, and hang in there!
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterOctober 4,2021 at 3:01PM UTC
Here's the best news I can possibly give you: Your motivation is 100% in your control - no one can "give" you or "take away" your motivation. Decide, every morning when you get up (and maybe several times throughout the day) that you are going to give 100% NO MATTER WHAT is swirling around you. Not because you are trying to win anyone's approval or acceptance, but because you want to look in the mirror each evening, give yourself a wink, and say "I slayed it today!"
As for job hunting tips - I have a million! I am a job search coach, and I highly recommend listening to my podcast, The Exclusive Career Coach. All things job search AND career management! Here's an episode that will really help with the (extremely important) mindset piece of your job search:
https://www.exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2020-11-18-154-5-ways-mind-drama-can-creep-into-your-job-search-with-jane-springer
Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you!
LindaOctober 4,2021 at 3:18PM UTC
When one door closes, another opens. Follow your heart.
I found a company that I work from home with since 2012.
Maybe it will be helpful for you. I’m happy to show you what I do.
All the best,
Linda
AnonymousOctober 4,2021 at 3:31PM UTC
Thank you all so much for your comments and tips, they were really helpful. Sometimes it's also just nice to know you are not the only one going through something. I've re subscribed to LinkedIn Premium and have the job alerts switched on and try to do a scan of the major job boards every day ie: Reliefweb, Charityjobs, Devex, Idealist while still working full time. I definitely want to make a change out of my current org and am committed to putting my best foot forward to make that happen!
Karen GongawareOctober 6,2021 at 1:47PM UTC
Sure, be happy that you will be leaving! Keep a smile on your face, start planning what you will do once you leave, and proactively search for jobs in the country/area YOU want. Take online classes to further your worth to another company. And turtlewax it from now til December. Just let crap roll right off your shoulders. Their attitude towards you fosters a "good enough" attitude right back. Just do your work, "good enough, " to get by. Then happy dance out of there in December.
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 6:36PM UTC
Are the you trying to be motivated to do your current job or motivated to keep looking for a new opportunity? At your current job, just keep the lights on and know it's ok that you no longer love this job.
Then focus on what you really love about the field and all the possibilities that are out there for you. Put yourself into the future. Envision yourself 1 year from now. Where are you, what are you doing? What do you see around you? How do you feel? Create an inspired future to get excited, build momentum and see yourself as moving toward something, not running from something. Good luck!!!