Unhappy and trying to figure out what’s next

Question

After spending a decade working in advertising and not feeling fulfilled, I decided to pivot to a career in sales because I thought it would be a good fit. I’m a people person and I’ve always found satisfaction in helping my clients solve their marketing/business challenges. I worked in a sales role for a little over a year and hated my manager, and I’m now working in SaaS sales and hate it. I realize now that I’m more of a strategic person and less technical, but I feel like my resume is all over the place with the last two positions I’ve held being so different.  I started looking again but I just don’t know what to do next and feel like I’m just applying for anything that will get me away from this job. Does anyone have experience with making a successful career pivot? What field did you pivot into and how did you do it?

Anonymous · Answer

Hi! Often times it's hard to redirect our career towards a different path if we think only about the job itself because it may not match exactly what you want to do.  I think it would be useful if you focus instead on what makes you feel satisfied or happy. Make a list of those activities/skills/situations that have brought you satisfaction (could be at work but also outside of  work - you can be surprised at what you find out!) Think about what is your purpose? and from that point of view it will be easier to find the type of role that will bring you closer to it. 
Also, leverage your network: after you have identified what makes you happy, identify those individuals in your network that are doing what you aspire and get guidance from them. 
Hope this helps and I wish you all the luck and success in your search!

Maggie B · Answer

If you're thinking strategy, that sounds more like market research and sales enablement!

Jackie Ghedine · Answer

Sales is such a wide range so you can do a different type of sales if you like it, outside of the technical stuff.  Maybe adtech or media sales?

Have you thought about what you are interested in next?

Megan Smolen · Answer

Hey Anon, checking in and thank you for sharing. There is definitely hope in making a career pivot.

And if you haven’t already, I’d love to invite you to our new professional profile (which is different from your current community profile) and quick apply feature –– which gives you closer access to recruiters who are actively looking to hire more women.

These features helps you avoid the job application black hole by receiving updates on your application status in real-time and the option to message the company directly after submitting your profile (link below).

https://fairygodboss.com/users/job-profile?LAC=UGC&LAT=JSP

Please let me know if you have any questions, best of luck with your search and please keep us posted!

Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675 · Answer

Sales can be so competitive. Advertising is too! Do you like that atmosphere? Do you want something more altruistic? Or possibly something involving training or education? Just fishing-- take some online aptitude tests to gain some direction. Good luck!

Unhappy and trying to figure out what’s next

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