How to keep my confidence while sticking out a job that is below my skill level.

Anonymous

April 5,2024 at 1:09PM UTC (Edited)

I am trying to protect my resume and feel like I am regressing. I've been studying for a certification and hope that I pass and then can justify moving into a different role after 18 months. I have had a rough couple of years with two crummy jobs and now I am in a role that pays the bills but is below my skill level, but the people are nice and it is a good reprieve to recover from my previous poison manager. I used to do so much more and I want that again! What are strategies to keep up my confidence while I am sticking it out? I don't want to job hop. I want to recover from the two short stints on my resume, take time to find a great job, and build myself back up. I am middle aged and I don't want to waste 5 years in this role just to protect my resume.

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.

11 Comments

Anonymous

04/05/24 at 6:01PM UTC

Why do you feel it is protecting your resume. If you worked in a hostile workplace and got out for safety share that without giving too much information but to say I worked until the company no longer aligned culturally with what I wanted in my career and I was willing to move laterally to get to a better place. Keep going and support your needs with good people around you stay positive and don't look in the rear view mirror that toxic place is behind you.

Anonymous

04/08/24 at 5:21PM UTC

Because the next potential employer may not care about any previous "poison" or "toxic" bosses, managers, etc. All they (want to) see is you left after a year, or worse, under. I left a toxic workplace and it's on me to explain why I left without another position waiting for me. Short stints that aren't contract and temp-to-perm positions need to be explained.

Anonymous

04/09/24 at 6:08PM UTC (Edited)

It is tough because there are many companies out there who misrepresent the job and have good answers to questions (bait) only to change once you get hired (switch), in addition to thinking they can treat you badly, because what are you going to do? My last job said no travel was required, which was one thing that was important to me. They also did not tell me that my purpose was to fill in for the manager who was about to go on leave. They did not care how they treated me. I stayed through her leave because I tried to "do the right thing" but I left as soon as she returned because I did not want to subject myself to this horrible manager. It is on us to explain short times at jobs, but at my age, I want to work for a company who wants to hire ME. I have a job now which is below my skill level, but I hope to find at some point a job that better matches my skills where I can work to a higher potential. I have to park myself here for a good amount of time before I find that next opportunity. I don't want to stay long term because I need to maximize my earning potential, especially at my age. I am hoping 18 months will be acceptable.

Anonymous

04/09/24 at 5:36PM UTC

If they don't care about you getting out of a place that is unsafe where you are being tormented or abused then they are similar to the place you just left...it's a sign

Explorer168843

04/05/24 at 4:02PM UTC

I would suggest using this time to care for yourself. So many of us are overachievers and Type A and sometimes sharpening the saw is what will help us most in the long run. If you feel like you have lots of extra capacity you may look into an ERG and volunteer opportunities or even join a board of a non-profit you believe in to continue to build your resume.

Anonymous

04/05/24 at 5:50PM UTC

What's ERG please?

Anonymous

04/05/24 at 4:47PM UTC

This is great advice. Thank you!

Browse recent posts

Looking for advice about workplace safety:

I currently work in a dangerous industrial job. I really like the work, however, if I do not know how to do something safely, of course, I ask. However, sometimes, when I ask a question, some bosses (but not all) take it…

1 Like • 1 Comment

I've been hired to work full time remotely as a Junior Graphic Designer for a well established pharmaceutical company.

BUT, I am more apprehensive than excited because the communication has sole been via chat and email, they're going to send me a check to pay for my own mini-office with a list of vendors I must purchase the their required items from.…

4 Likes • 18 Comments

Turning 30

i will be turning 30 in February 2026. I did not realize I'm not set for life up until recently. I am a South East Asian chartered accountant living at home and single.…

1 Like • 4 Comments

Starting before background check clears

Is it normal to start employment before the background check clears? Mine is taking a while but the new company is pushing me to start before the background check clears. I'm not expecting any red flags to come up but I also don't feel comfortable starting without the contingencies…

1 Like • 8 Comments

Should I move on after a week of not hearing from the recruiter ?

I recently got a verbal offer for a Senior Role and decided to counteroffer for 10k more. The recruiter said they would check with the hiring manager but I have not heard back from them for a week now. Is it too early to consider the offer has been withdrawn?…

4 Likes • 4 Comments

We're launching something new...and YOU'RE INVITED!

We’re selecting a small group of community members to join our VIP Power Circle pilot. You’ll help shape the future of the platform and get some amazing perks while you’re at it. Apply by May 23:…

18 Likes • 14 Comments

Get your questions answered.

Our free online career community for women is here to help you solve your toughest work challenges.

)