I'm really unhappy and unfulfilled (and unappreciated) at my current job as a House and Property Manager for a family/private residence.

Maggie

April 13,2023 at 4:24PM UTC

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I'm really unhappy and unfulfilled (and unappreciated) at my current job as a House and Property Manager for a family/private residence. I'm wanting to make a move, but am not quite sure I will be marketable to the "real workforce" since I've been in the private service sector for the past 8 years--I've been a Road Nanny, Personal Assistant, House Manager and Property Manager. I've learned A LOT of things along the way, I'm a quick-learner and have figure-it-out mentality from years of being told to figure it the F* out...years of work in a demeaning job has done a number on my emotional well-being though, and I am very ready for a change and for a job. Ideally one where I can have boundaries at work--the thought of that alone makes me almost cry with excitement, since I haven't been able to have a proper work-boundary in any of my jobs these past 8 years--that sounds like mistreatment, but when you are paid to be on someone else's time, you lose the ability to say "no" or "not right now" or anything of the kind. The bottom line is--I need a career move, but I feel stuck and pigeon-holed in my network and experiences and what my resume will portray of me (that isn't fully accurate because I have learned SO much and have a lot of relevant experience, but I don't know how to break myself out of the inside-the-box type of thinking I'm currently stuck in.) Does anyone have any advice? I'm not really sure what kind of work I want, I just want to be respected as a human and maybe even appreciated for the work I do. I've been looking into Brand Management or something similar. But I'm open to pretty much anything. I have a Bachelors in Advertising and Communications and have had office jobs in the past (that I hated, I was not made for a 9-5, desk job, which is part of why I ended up doing this type of work!) Something that would allow me to work remotely and have some flexibility would be ideal. The other key piece (and the reason I've stayed at my current job so long, despite hating it) is that it pays fairly well, and ultimately I can't pay my bills without it or until getting a new job/source of income. I'm afraid if I move back towards more traditional-type work, that I'll have to start back at the Entry-Level and apart from being bored and uninspired, I think it'll mean I'll be taking a HUGE pay cut. I currently make $92K, but don't have any benefits besides minimal PTO and paid holidays (since it's not corporate, there is no HR, no required benefits, no regulations in way of that, etc.), so if I'd get benefits at a new job, I'd be fine taking a bit of a cut, but not much because I won't be able to pay my bills if I make much less...which again, is why I've felt trapped and beholden to my current job and employers. If I'm being honest, my job has become soul-crushing and it feels like it's robbing me of having a reasonable and enjoyable quality of life. It's time, I'm ready for my next step and I'm open to any and all advice!

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AnonymousApril 13,2023 at 4:30PM UTC
I suggest checking out the Clifton Strengths site. Take their interesting and short assessment to find out about yourself. Likes, dislikes, burnout items, transferable skills, etc.
Your resume says what YOU want it to say. You need to update it to modern verbiage, style, and use your words to convey transferable skills to those found in job descriptions of positions you find interesting.
Update your LI profile as well. Both should be updated regularly.
Use accomplishment bullets: situation, what you did, results (use numbers/% if possible).
Good Luck
MaggieApril 13,2023 at 4:33PM UTC
Thank you!
Katie Ambrose HingleApril 13,2023 at 4:54PM UTC
It sounds like you have an amazing background and many strengths and business skills that could easily transfer to a different type of role. When I was making a journey to decide my next career steps, I leveraged a coach. And she coached me on my Onlyness - that spot that only I can stand in based on my past, my hopes for the future, and my perspectives. Naming that spot - all of that - helped me update my resume, my linkedin profile, and land my next few roles where I have been extremely happy and fulfilled because I get to do what I love. Check it out here: https://nilofermerchant.com/2019/06/06/introducing-the-onlyness-canvas/
Lisa WalkerApril 13,2023 at 6:52PM UTC
Maggie, A few notes:
1) You are well qualified for an executive assistant or executive business partner role or project coordinator, or event planner assistant, and it's not much or a pay cut and includes benefits and vacation. All of these roles have career paths -
2) You CAN set boundaries as a nanny/house assistant and should - include hours of availability, time off, limits, etc.
3) You will be consumed by any job you take - nanny, project coordinator, etc, until you get comfortable advocating for yourself and setting boundaries.
Cyndi RosenblattApril 14,2023 at 2:14PM UTC
My sister-in-law transitioned from a house manager role to managing a small hotel. She could likely move up to a larger hotel now if she wanted to, but is happy where she is.
ANDREA RAGGAMBIApril 15,2023 at 12:57PM UTC
Hi Maggie, it sounds like you really feel stuck. But when you approach options from a place of fear you limit yourself. The suggestions already provided are great. It sounds like the results you are getting are some reflection of how you feel about yourself. This is a great opportunity for confidence building - starting with what you can do right now to create proper boundaries and truly lean into your transferable skills. You have already done lots of great things and you 100% deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. But if you have doubts about your worthiness for that you get what you believe you deserve. That won’t change anywhere else until you truly believe you deserve it. A coach is a good idea - some pro bono options are out there. Check out the international coaching federation site and pay attention to your self talk. Limiting beliefs and language will also severely limit your ability to discover your gifts and open you to great opportunities. Surround yourself with people who support you and believe in you and perhaps start with a gratitude journal and check out the other great suggestions in the feed. You can be and do anything you want if you truly believe you deserve it!
AnonymousApril 15,2023 at 5:40PM UTC
You are not stuck, rework your resume as Executive Assistant to confidential celebrity or confidential exec. Use the pieces of the role that are problem solving and word those without the word "house, etc" in it to show the things you did as projects and programs. Cite examples from start to finish and anything that you did to strategically own the process. The easiest bridge would be an Executive Admin role for a C level person in a major company. If your computer skills are strong add that in there too. Those roles usually start at the 100K range and give you interesting insight into the inner workings of a business or corporation. There are some companies that have offsite EA's that work remotely and do nothing but schedule on calendars and manage peoples book of business arrangements. We used one such firm in the last 3 companies I worked in. They were great. They set dedicated hours with us and literally 100% unplugged when the hours were outside of their time zone. It worked great. You will gain benefits which will offset any financial losses if/when you go to work for an established business where the laws require them to offer things like medical, dental and vision and 401K which can help you save for later in life even if the company does not match your participation. Try to find a place where there is a strong population and there is an opportunity for upward mobility if you choose to go beyond that entry level role. Feature your degree in there and if asked why you chose something outside of that for the last several years the response should be- personal reasons required me to take a role that would allow flexibility to WFH and work different hours but those reasons have changed. They will think you were caretaker for a family member which would be an off limits conversation. Also one more point in some states your current employer would be required to offer benefits and cover your taxes if you are paid on the books more than a certain amount. Check that with your tax person to be sure. Good luck
Lisa MarieApril 15,2023 at 7:12PM UTC
I feel your emotions in your words, and wish you the best in your endeavors. I hope you get a breakthrough real soon.
Rosa GoesApril 15,2023 at 8:26PM UTC
You can start by listing your skills and accomplishments. Create a functional resume to highlight them. There are many templates and samples online you can use to organize your work experience. You can also work with a recruiter, maybe start with one who is in your field of study, i.e. Bachelor in advertising. Also start networking on LinkedIn, attend conferences of interest, let family & friends know you are looking for a change (try to be positive about it), etc. But whichever career path you choose, only you can set boundaries. Good luck to you!
Danielle GenslerApril 16,2023 at 9:34PM UTC
OMG- this is pretty much my story except for a few things. Wow! Interested to hear what others have to contribute.
AnonymousApril 17,2023 at 10:24AM UTC
Your skills are transferable to an account manager position. Check out the medical device world. You'd get trained on their product and you'd work with laboratory directors to ensure their labs are well equipped with your companies products. Try Danaher.