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Anonymous

08/26/20 at 2:48PM UTC (Edited)

Career

Job search motivation and rejection

I hate my current job. I really can't take it anymore, I've reached the point that I don't even care anymore. I don't insist to get new projects, I loathe every meeting.. I've been job searching for the past six months, but haven't been successful at all with the pandemic and everything. I'm starting to get really desperate. I mean, I'm keeping my job to pay for my bills and because I think it's easier to find a new job when one is employed, rather than unemployed. Do you have any tips to keep motivated on job searching (mostly with so many rejection replies)? Edit: As I hate my job, I don't think changing company/employer would be enough. I've been trying to change industry. So it's a bit harder and maybe the reason I've been getting so many rejection replies.

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Natalia

Global Executive & Leadership Coach

08/26/20 at 6:20PM UTC

While you're right that having a job while looking for a job might make the search easier, if you're having such a hard time with your current job right now, I wonder if that is actually creating an unproductive environment for you to focus on your search. My recommendation would be to try and find a way to make your current job "better" in any way...I know you've gotten to the point where you are not even asking for new projects but is there anything in your current company that might give you happiness or a sense of satisfaction? This could be getting a mentor, learning a new skill, seeing a different function, etc. Basically, try identify something that would make it easier for you to navigate your day to day until you find a new job as I think finding something positive that brings you happiness might actually help you get more clarity in your search. In terms of changing industries, have you already decided the new industry/industries where you'd like to focus your search? Something that might help is identifying people in your network who might be connected to those industries in some way. You can ask them for an informational meeting and use that time with them to learn about the industry and what you could do to make the transition easier. Are you thinking about changing functions as well or just industries? Many companies are now focused on learning agility (as long as you don't need technical education and expertise for the jobs you're looking at) so don't get discouraged!

Anonymous

08/27/20 at 4:40PM UTC (Edited)

Hi, Natalia! Thanks for your comment. I definitely need to look for anything that could make my day-to-day on the job I hate better. You're right! I've been asking for informational interviews and I think it's been really helping. I'm also studying very hard to get a certification that would help me to get into this new industry (even though I work so many hours on my current job). I think the worst part is knowing I'm doing everything I could possibly do and having no power over things I cannot control. I'm really doing my best here, but I'm getting so frustrated that nothing is working out properly even so. :(

Sharon Marks

Unapologetically opinionated

08/26/20 at 4:05PM UTC

Hi there. I understand that. I've had a job or two that I hated because the environment gave me agita (horrible boss and unfulfilling work). When you dread going in every day, it's definitely time to leave. But don't do it yet! It sounds like you not only need to change the industry but the role you're filling as well. Are you able to identify what you absolutely love--or at least enjoy--doing and translate that into a career? For instance, if you've been an administrator in the telecom industry and you really love healthcare and taking care of others, your resume could be revised to talk up your interpersonal, organizational, and other relevant skills using a specific job description from the healthcare/wellness industry. And in the meantime, focus on all the benefits you have: a job; the ability to contribute to something and to gain experience; opportunity to make connections, and most importantly, to continue to build your resume. If there are free training courses available through the company, take advantage of as many as possible, especially if they are in line with what you'd like to do. Also check out Udemy.com. Lots of great courses and certifications at reasonable prices. The one thing I wouldn't do is leave the job before securing a new one. For whatever silly reason, it seems to count against you if you are not employed while job hunting, and the longer you go without a job, the worse it seems to get. So stay put and get yourself ready. Good luck!