I started a permanent job 4 months ago in an area that I thought I was interested in but regret it (job is closer to home, but 1 hour longer work day; more work from home but a little less money).

14 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 20,2024 at 8:19PM UTC

   Consider what type of work makes you happy. Think of the question like this, what environment did you feel you thrived in the most, or made you the most challenged, happy, fulfilled? Then seek jobs in the industries that spark an interest and that maybe match skills in that industry. I've also been a contractor and loved it, but it didn't offer much in the way of permanency. I too left a contract for a more perm role, then hated it, same industry, same type of work, but hated the company. I left, took another contract, that turned perm and loved it! I'm now in a perm role in higher ed and that's an avenue you could explore. Think of what you are good at, what do you like to do and also look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook. I just put a link in another OPs post to help as well. It's a great tool that helps us explore our interests and can help guide you in your next work journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WazXrnsGbQk

   Good luck and wishing you the best!

2. AnonymousSeptember 22,2024 at 12:51PM UTC

   Thank you for this! I’ll check out the links you provided.

3. AnonymousSeptember 21,2024 at 1:56PM UTC

   Perhaps have a single category on your resume as “Contractor” and then bullet point the many positions under it on your resume. Highlight your main contribution or success in each role.

4. AnonymousSeptember 21,2024 at 2:34PM UTC

   The comment about consolidating your contracting positions into a single "Self-employed Contractor" position is spot-on if you are concerned about the number of positions. Then, detail each position in a bullet that identifies the project and the outcome. The "Career Objective/Summary" section should indicate that you want to pivot from a contractor to a full-time employee.

5. AnonymousSeptember 22,2024 at 12:49PM UTC

   Thank you for your reply! I have them consolidated on my resume, as of recently.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 21,2024 at 10:58PM UTC

   Are your contract positions indicated as such on your resume?

   XYZ COMPANY
   Project Manager
   January, 2023 to November, 2023 - Contract

   I would do both - stick it out AND keep applying. Unless you have a large financial cushion, it should reduce your stress to have a paycheck coming in.

   Having a job not be the right fit is nothing to be ashamed of. My goodness - please cut yourself some slack. Most times, you can never really know if the position is the right fit until you start working.

   PLEASE do not lose any more sleep over this. If you're unhappy and want to make a change, keep up the job search. The fact that you've decided to make a change and it's just a matter of time until you find another position, should reduce your stress - not keep you up nights - there's a light at the end of the tunnel for you. You're not "stuck" - you're not an indentured servant - you will find another position. Just look at this current job as a bridge position until you find it.

   Please don't be so hard on yourself.

   GOOD LUCK in your jobsearch!!!!!!!!!!

7. AnonymousSeptember 22,2024 at 12:47PM UTC

   @Joan Williams: Thank you for your reply!

   I did have the contract positions listed individually but decided to lump them into one for (ex: Operations - Nov 2022-June 2023 - and listed responsibilities/accomplishment at these jobs all in one)- not sure if this was a good choice though.

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 22,2024 at 7:29PM UTC

   Well, first of all, if they make you an offer and run a background check, all those positions will have to be listed individually.

   How many positions and how long did you work at them are we talking about?

   In my interview with you, my first question when we got to that section of your resume, would be what company is this operations position for?

9. AnonymousSeptember 23,2024 at 1:50AM UTC

   There were three positions 1 - lasted 4 months, another 3 months, and 7 months for the last

10. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 24,2024 at 12:46AM UTC

    Personally, I would rather see those positions listed separately and noted as contract positions.

    Because no company name would seem shady to me - and I'm going to ask you about it, and then I'm going to need the names of the companies, the dates, the title and which responsibilities you did at which position.

    Combining them - to me - is going to make it a bigger deal. Did you have them listed individually when you got the job you have now?

11. AnonymousNovember 13,2024 at 7:30PM UTC

    Hi, so sorry for the late reply! Yes, I had them listed separately when I applied for my current job.

12. AnonymousSeptember 24,2024 at 2:10PM UTC

    I like what Joan gives as an example. The other thing you can do is treat all the contract work in a single section-giving your title, when you started contracting April 2022-Present, etc. List all the places or clients (whatever makes sense for your industry) and bullet points summarizing your responsibilities and accomplishments. It's pretty common these days so don't worry that you'll "stick out" :).

13. AnonymousSeptember 24,2024 at 4:44PM UTC

    Perhaps you can compartmentalize how you are feeling and just think about the role as one where you get paid, and at the end of the day pull the plug out of the wall. Stick it out for a year, and if you still feel the same then look around. Job hopping in this market is not good for you, and that is what matters most. Find a way to make that hour be a planning hour or take 15 minute breaks in the day 4 times to make up for that hour. Working from home has it's advantages but the disadvantage is you live with work so be sure to close the office door at the end of the day.

    As for your next role, take the time now in your spare time to really be honest with yourself about your motivators, money, time at home, commute, co-workers, boss etc. and then create some well defined questions for the next company to assess if the fit is right. Take time to find what will suit you and make sure you balance work and home life so that you don't feel this way again.

14. AnonymousSeptember 24,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

    Don't ever think that you're "stuck" beyond hope. You're not. Just take a quick step back and develop a list of what your ideal jobs would be. That way, you're so much less likely to end up where you are now. BTW: if where you are now is causing you stress and anxiety, and unless you're in a financial crunch, please don't feel that you have to "stick" it out. It's better to be healthy and whole out in the job market than employed in a job that makes you ill.