First time in 5 years, I'm not happy with my job.

10 Comments

1. Christine JohnsonApril 5,2022 at 11:27PM UTC

   Certainly this is a time of enormous change.
   Change is difficult and in the absence of direct communication, we all make assumptions and can become disengaged. Also, during change, the focus may have shifted from growth and development to reorganizing the structure. This may be temporary.

   I would suggest taking time to explore what you want and observe what is taking place. Leaving a company where you were happy during restructuring may be more disruptive to you than being patient to see the outcome of the restructuring. When the dust settles, then make a decision on your future.
   I would also take this time to prep your resume, practice interviewing skills etc. You will be ready should you decide you want to exit the organization.

2. AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 3:08AM UTC

   Ride it out and use the position to your advantage. Relax and let the restructuring take its course. Be smart and use this time to get your exit strategy together. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Slowly and methodically manage your job search. Take your time because you can. Get your ducks in a row.

   And if by chance things work out at your current company great. But you have the luxury of a nice paying, flexible job and benefits to support you and your decisions on your terms.

   So while you prepare for your future, take care of yourself, use your benefits to get all your annual appointments taken care of. Medical, dental, vision. Line up those appointments because if you decide to jump to a new job, you'll want to use the time you have now to get things in order.

   People always say "if I'd only known then how things would change..." well this is your down time. While things are in flux. Use your time to support YOU.

3. AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 2:41PM UTC

   Awesome advice. You never think about the practical stuff when you're on a sinking ship. You come so far out ahead when you approach things with this approach. I could see the signs at my job 6 months earlier so I paid down debt, got my car tuned up, put a bit more in savings, caught up on all my appointments as suggested and relaxed into my job search. I landed a great gig mainly because I was so relaxed and comfortable. I took a nice little vacation before I gave notice and once I started I had all of my personal details and errands taken care of and could devote my attention on learning my new job responsibilities.

   I would never ever sit back and wait for stuff to happen. Being proactive is power and calm.

4. Sophie JoernApril 6,2022 at 3:08PM UTC

   To start, I think it is awesome you are are able to recognize that you are unhappy or uncomfortable with your current situation. Often, this is something that others can have a really hard time with realizing and then being able to address, so you are already off to a good start! Change and uncertainty is naturally uncomfortable, no matter what the time frame ends up looking like. I would start by having conversations with your direct leaders or HR department and explain your feelings and why. This way, they can offer support, assurance or guidance to help you make your next decision. If you like the company you are with, sometimes an internal job transfer may be a good option; this would be an opportunity to not fully start over, but maybe have a change of pace into something you would enjoy better!

5. AnonymousApril 11,2022 at 12:12PM UTC

   It doesn't hurt to prepare. Are there new skills you can learn for your job? There are many online courses available to fill in learning gaps. Brush up your profiles on professionally-based social media sites. Check in with colleagues in your industry. It would stink to have to start over at your age (I know), but better than being blindsided.

6. Susan KuhnApril 11,2022 at 12:56PM UTC

   Don't be reactive in how you think about your situation or in what you do about it. This is the best time in years to change jobs. I'm not saying you should, but you sure sound like you're in a rut. Opening your mind and looking around will help you see new possibilities, either in your current job or in a new role elsewhere. Doors don't open until minds do.

7. AnonymousApril 11,2022 at 12:58PM UTC

   No job is perfect. A couple years ago the company where I work got a new CEO and chaos ensued for many, many months. A lot of people left. After the dust settled, friends who had left started talking about the issues in their new companies. :-) Never hurts to look. I've been much happier at my current company than the mediocre one I worked for previously. But take a deep breath and be sure to weigh all the pros and cons.

8. Jacqueline CutlerApril 11,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

   It stinks to be not happy with your job, and I would trust your instincts if you feel you're being shunted to less important work. But there is a middle ground. While riding it out, just quietly start looking. At 56 (I am older and do relate), it makes sense to not want to start over -- unless it's the perfect match.

   For now, can you set up a couple of projects at work that would be rewarding while doing what your bosses need? And, away from the job, can you quietly begin the hunt? Do you have any contacts who are in your field but not at your organization? This would be to have a chat with someone who has insight into the same field and might have another perspective on the market.

9. Susan Heidi WolmanApril 11,2022 at 3:52PM UTC

   Start working on your resume. You know where this is going. You need not be aggressive in your search but start putting out feelers to see what is out there. Work your network and let people know you would be open to a change due to a restructuring. See who reaches out to you and what comes your way

10. AnonymousApril 12,2022 at 3:52AM UTC

    Experiencing Same.
    Many of these companies are under the delusion that younger talent is available at half the price. Agree with Susan, polish the resume and start shopping. Open your heart and mind and great things will come your way!