Starting a new career is painful!

Question

I was with my former company nearly 5 years. Over the years the environment became more and more toxic. I decided to follow my instincts and resigned..... but before I got another position.   I had to because I was becoming depressed.   I have a BA and a CAPM with over 8 years professional experience but I cannot seem to get another job in my old profession or my desired profession.  Any advice???

Jackie Ruka · Answer

It does not have to be painful when you know the steps toward the career you want and have a plan with a strategy. I help women with their career pivot if you would like a complimentary clarity session, feel free to reach out!

Katie R. · Answer

Such good advice and support here!  Hopefully this is giving you comfort.  This is a tough time of year to get a new job.  Q4 typically means books are closing and companies are looking to seem as profitable as possible for the year end.  In addition, a lot of companies have hiring freezes that begin in Q4 and if lucky, lift in Q1 of the following year.  Hopefully you are ok financially and can float through the time and take stock of what you need in your next engagement.  Use the time you are in flux to network.  Join meetup groups.  Connect with people on LinkedIn and here, doing what you want to do.  Perhaps you have a dream organization that you have always admired.  Is there a way to get in touch with someone at the organization and ask for an informational interview ONLY.  Use this time as a gift and don't be hard on yourself.  Good luck!!

Kathie Thomison · Answer

I know how it feels to leave security in hopes of something better. It’s scary. Look outside your comfort zone for something different that is exciting to you!

Marissa Taffer · Answer

Hang in there! I have a PMP so I assume we work in similar fields if you ever want to chat!

Maggie B · Answer

Congratulations on getting out of a toxic scenario!  I had an experience like that this spring (though the toxic employer let me go rather than me quitting, which would have been much more fun).
I'm going to go along with what sandmanstone suggested - set a schedule.  When I was unemployed, I still tried to get up every morning, and I set up the same way I did when I was working.  Laptop, podcasts, and I LIVED on LinkedIn.  I kept my profile updated.  As I read job descriptions for jobs I wanted and saw skills listed that I definitely had but didn't have in my resume, I added them.  The morning was reserved for my new 'job' of finding a job.  
If you need someone to look at your resume, please feel free to reach out!  I'm a BA with Project+ certification so I think you've taken over the boat I abandoned on the shore when I found my new role.  I'd love to help!

sandmanstone · Answer

The responses above are great.  I'm going to go in a different direction.  
Make sure you are doing these basic things:  exercise every day, get eight hours of sleep, eat healthy food, drink a lot of water.  These simple things can raise your sense of well-being and confidence, and others interviewing you can sense it.   
Some other practical things - make sure your resume is error-free, and show it to business friends to make sure they agree it is strong and shows off your talents.  Have a great haircut, it will give you confidence no matter your outfit.  Consider watching Amy Cuddy's TEDTalk about body position and confidence.  
When I am feeling down, small things that I can do that help me feel strong can build up and help me solve the problems around me.  I hope this helps, pulling for you, Christine

Anonymous · Answer

Where have you been looking, geographically speaking?  Would you consider a move? Can you look for a job within your state, but perhaps in another town? I was in your same position but ended up going back to school in my late 30's and changing careers. I also moved and am further from the downtown city area. There may be some big changes required in the near future. Are you ready or thinking about this?

Helen Hanison · Answer

It's such a shame to feel at all punished for what was a brave choice in many ways. I would say this. When I see careerists make a plan for situational change, they tend to find it doesn't change what caused them a problem in their professional past. Because situational change is more like pressing 'reset'.  And unless we're lucky, the same issues arise again, over time.  I'd encourage you to unpack what was toxic. I'm not suggesting it wasn't - clearly it was untenable or you wouldn't have left without your next move already in place.  But there will be learnings that play an important part in creating your next move.  Perhaps they're along the lines of what you cannot not have to thrive. Perhaps they're more about clocking ideas for how to navigate the same issues if they arise another time. What could you do differently to secure a different result - the one you want?  Don't spend overly long dwelling here but do confront what matters about your experience.  I suggest until you've unpacked what was untenable, and remind yourself of all that was well-aligned , you're not best placed to dial down the stories that are holding you stuck today and curate your 'what next'. With all that clarity, you'll reclaim your confidence and be unstoppable.  Are you ready to spend time with what's uncomfortable?  If you'd like some help, feel free to let me know directly or join my new group, Career Crossroads.  Good luck.  Warmly, Helen

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