I did something dumb and I am not sure how to move forward.

Anonymous

April 13,2022 at 6:57PM UTC

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I did something dumb and I am not sure how to move forward. I'm graduating next month with my dual MSW/MBA degree. I was working at a rehab hospital as a social service assistant to gain clinical experience, and still attend university - management supported my education and special working hours. I worked there eight months. The corporation that owns the hospital had an internal change of executives, CEO, and Board at Christmas. There was a mass layoff of over 300 managers and executives nationwide. I lost my manager, her manager, and up to the top position (lower level workers were not affected). The new manager who replaced my old manager informed me verbally that she didn't support my education, and told me to choose between work and university, since there was no written contract about my situation (true). I was overwhelmed with the stress of working there - deliberate short staffing, 12 hour days, staff breaking down emotionally, pressure to move patients through quickly for more money, so I quit. I didn't finish my two weeks notice because of the new manager's behavior. I am now concentrating on graduating and getting licensed. I never quit a job like that before and for some reason I feel guilty that I quit, have an employment gap now that may last over six months, and I am not young. How should I handle this going forward?

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KatApril 13,2022 at 7:26PM UTC
Don't feel guilty about quitting. The new boss made her priorities known (work) and you made yours known (school). It wasn't a healthy situation for you to be in. If anyone asks, just say that you quit because you needed to focus your attention on finishing your degree and licensing. That's an understandable reason for an employment gap. No need to say anything else. Make sure they know not to contact your previous employer for a reference - if it comes up. Have other references available when it gets to that point. Good luck with finding a job and congrats on getting your degree!
AnonymousApril 15,2022 at 2:18PM UTC
Thank you, that is good advice. I worked steadily for 14 years, then took the nursing home position for experience. Huge mistake, because nursing homes are for profit cash cows that neglect their patients because they are only being held for their estate money and government funding. It's awful how the elderly end up because families can't take care of them, and many elderly did not understand how to take care of themselves throughout life and ended up with infirmities that were preventable.
AnonymousApril 13,2022 at 7:55PM UTC
Guilt implies you did something terribly wrong and your conscience is engaged.
If you feel guilt you must somehow make it right. Perhaps volunteering your time or creating a program for the company as pay back for what you did wrong.
If you're instead feeling regret for quitting and having a gap on your resume then ensure you are filling that gap with your studies, internships or additional work related endeavors fir continuity. With finishing your degree and any certifications you might need , I'm quite sure you can explain away any confusion regarding your gap
AnonymousApril 15,2022 at 2:13PM UTC
I'm old school, and the guilt comes from a time when you never quit, never admitted to being a sissy, lived for your corporate master and died at your desk. You live to work because you were made by a god to work to make his chosen men wealthy. Not working has been hard because I am not used to it and feel like I am lazy. No one has hired me for part time work and I am volunteering for a research study.
AnonymousApril 15,2022 at 7:04PM UTC
I'm 65 and never adopted this thinking.....not even close. I make decisions on what is best for me and what serves my priorities.
AnonymousApril 16,2022 at 7:24PM UTC
I came from old fashioned religious blue collar stock, even though I ended up pink collar. You work because God said so, you don't question, you accept your lot, and you serve your betters. I still carry a lot of that thinking that I wish I could erase
AnonymousApril 13,2022 at 8:38PM UTC
You won't have a gap because you will be finishing your degrees. You have NOTHING to feel guilty about!
AnonymousApril 15,2022 at 2:09PM UTC
Thank you. It was rough, and now I have seen how awful long term care facilities (nursing homes) are when they care about syphoning grandma's estate into their pockets while cutting costs on her needs (the food is so bad that those lucky enough to have family will have the family feed them). Don't ever use a nursing home - find any other way.
Leslie MillsApril 13,2022 at 9:06PM UTC
Hello!
It is unfortunate when the organization you enjoyed working for changes upper management. and the last people to know are the ones laid off. You are unprepared to deal with the change and the previous arrangements that are no longer honored. I have been through a similar experience, and I empathize with you.
These changes appear to be expense reduction., "tightening the belt", which is rarely handled tactfully.
The organization didn't offer two weeks' notice to the layoffs. You should not feel any guilt. After you were treated so unprofessionally, two weeks' notice is more than they deserve.
Don't look back. A better opportunity is waiting for you.
Stand tall, smile and go for it!
Best wishes,
Leslie
AnonymousApril 15,2022 at 2:05PM UTC
Thank you, that makes me feel better. I will be graduating next month at age 57, and I have been told that there is no age discrimination in social work so I should be able to find a position. I'm also a war veteran from a long time ago so I checked in with the state employment agency.
Kristin VelaApril 13,2022 at 9:17PM UTC
very nice!!