I'm in my early 40s and still looking for the right job.

I'm in my early 40s and still looking for the right job.

I feel like I am never going to find a job that not only values my skill set, but is willing to compensate me fairly. At my age, I feel like job hunting is risky. I found my niche in my field, but finding a way to incorporate my program and training development, as well as opportunity to be a supervisor... it seems to be elusive. I thought I had found opportunities earlier this year at two different agencies, but ended up working under 2 directors who were highly toxic with their employees. From not respecting boundaries to asking employees to commit fraud... I couldn't stay. The job I have now is not doing work I enjoy, but it pays decently. I thrive on my passion for helping clients and assisting agencies in growing to better serve clients. I honestly am reaching a point where I don't know if my passion is enough anymore. 20+ years of work and volunteering, and while I've helped so many, I've overlooked what I need. So do I keep looking for the perfect job? Do I stick it out with the job I have now - that I don't enjoy? Or do I switch fields?

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3 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Have you looked into breaking off to provide your own services to clients?

  2. Yichen Zhang

    Kudos on getting yourself out of toxic work environments. https://hbr.org/2022/08/dont-focus-on-your-job-at-the-expense-of-your-career has suggestions for next steps, including discussing with your manager if that's something you feel comfortable with. (I don't agree with the last point to "experiment with '120% time'" at work, but I am more open to dedicating time for my own growth)

  3. Audrey Campos

    I would keep the job I have since the pay is decent. In your spare time, I would further explore branching off on your own. That way you will still have the stable income, but will have an opportunity to create your own business. Start will one client and it usually grows from there.

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