Hello everyone.

Anonymous

January 3,2023 at 4:54PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Hello everyone. This is my first post. I have been in HR for 25 years. To say I am burned out is an understatement. Somehow I end up in leadership positions taking over for others who were not effective and it always is a struggle. Major messes to clean up. And most companies have no idea what a VP level HR person should be doing.

I have been trying literally for years to figure out a way to use my skills in another field. I am 60 but I really want to work as long as I can and just not sure how much longer I can hold out in HR.

I have used career coaches but it just has never led to a good alternative.

Has anyone had the experience of working with a creative out of the box coach who has helped you make a change like this? If so, I would so appreciate a recommendation. My motto “nevertheless she persisted.”

Thanks and here’s to a great 2023!

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

12 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

12 Comments

Join the conversation

Laura CasaleJanuary 3,2023 at 5:16PM UTC
Happy new year and congrats for doing your first post!
I can definitely relate to what you shared, having gone through a career transition after 20+ years in HR. I am making a transition and made it my mission to help professional women in their career transitions. It does take time and you have to be open to exploring -- about you, about work outside of your area, meeting new people, and more.
I don't usually offer my services in a forum like this, but if you'd like I could do a free consultation to see if I'm someone who can help you. Here's a link to schedule time with me: https://bit.ly/3GDBLn2
Cynthia KeatonJanuary 4,2023 at 12:52AM UTC
Thank you. Just scheduled.
AnonymousJanuary 3,2023 at 7:45PM UTC
Why did the career coaches not work out? I am considering doing the same, since I resigned from a similar situation in terms of being left and taking on unrealistic workloads.
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 12:54AM UTC
I take the same interest and skill inventories. I know what my skills are, what I care about, what my weaknesses are, I need someone who can help me figure out what to do with all of that. That is the missing piece for me.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 4,2023 at 6:38AM UTC
I may have someone to refer you to - let me check.
Cynthia KeatonJanuary 5,2023 at 3:48AM UTC
Thank you. I would appreciate it!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 6,2023 at 12:42AM UTC
Cynthia - message me, I have a referral for you.
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 4:55PM UTC
This post hit home for me. I have 15 years in HR and feel exactly the same way. I too have not had success with career coaches, the career office at my alma mater, or therapy. All of the tests, assessments, and talking exercises indicate that I'm already in the field best suited to my personality, skills, etc. But I'm so tired, and tired of it. Without direction/something to move towards, I feel very stuck. I'm sorry I can't offer some practical advice, but I hope it helps knowing you're not the only one. Good luck to you!
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 6:16PM UTC
We are definitely in the same situation. Everything points to what I am doing. I felt like this after 10 years. My advice is don’t give up like I did for a long time. Once you feel this way, in my experience, changing companies is not the answer. I have tried several times. It is just the never ending stress and unrealistic work demands of this field especially the higher you go. Sorry I sound negative just sharing my experience.
AnonymousJanuary 5,2023 at 12:32PM UTC
Hello,
I myself have changed careers three times. What kind of things do you like to do ? What direction would you like to go ? I was a certified nursing assistant because I thought about being a nurses , turns out I didn’t like nursing, so I went into retail worked up to manager did that for 15 years got tired of it went to college for a degree in computers this I like , you know , if you like technology there are a lot of fields in tech and they are always looking for people who have people skills , I have never used a career coach I was going to but never did , however I think you should have some idea of a new field you might want to try then talk to a career coach on how to transition but to look for direction from one I’m not so sure only you really know what you like so maybe take a inventory of your skills and things you like to do start there, for example you might project manager or scrum manager if you are organized and like to see results . Just some ideas good luck!!
AnonymousJanuary 5,2023 at 6:34PM UTC
Its fairly typical to get burnt out in HR, it just happens because we are the shock absorbers for most bad behaviour in a company. You could actually become a coach, that often is the next path for HR pros. Alternative for something perhaps still touching people but differently would be customer success. Phone support is generally a good way to go, though it pays far less than most HR roles it does provide the satisfaction and short transactions that help people to be happier. Good luck finding your purpose and even at 60 you still have value!
AnonymousJanuary 6,2023 at 2:56AM UTC
Thanks for the suggestion. I have actually considered being a coach for HR. To help younger employees navigate the land mines and politics. I wish I had a coach in my early career!