Left a job after 12 years due to new management and became a toxic environment.

Anonymous

February 4,2024 at 1:30PM UTC

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Left a job after 12 years due to new management and became a toxic environment. I’ve now been out of work a year very fortunate that I’ve been able to have family helping me I did work a temp job over the summer, but employers are always so shocked that I left the job after so many years and just saying the things have changed that there’s no Management I have not been offered any jobs. I’ve gotten so many interviews. I’m even willing to take a pay cut as long as his health insurance. Any suggestions on what I should be saying I cannot afford to do this much longer. Obviously unemployment is over. My savings are gone and my family is really starting to get annoyed that they have to keep helping me.

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AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 2:00PM UTC
Never tell a prospective employer about a toxic environment. I know you want to be honest but no matter how much you try to soft pedal it, it will likely come across as you being a complainer and potential problem. Instead, you can focus on the positive such as you want to pivot your career in a different direction or even that there was restructuring that wasn't going to allow you to work toward your career goals. Figure out a way to discuss something other than the new management and toxic environment. Because more often than not, you may be talking to another toxic manager! Everybody's toxic in somebody's eyes!
AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 2:55PM UTC
We never trash an old company or old boss -they side with them.
Your reason for leaving might be better termed:
(2-3 sentences explaining your promotions/skills earned/projects accomplished) - However, it came to a point where there was no room for growth, I was simply maintaing a role and I chose to leave.
Jenn Paster DetmerFebruary 4,2024 at 3:43PM UTC
Let's take a minute to recognize the job market is hard right now. Lay-offs are rampant and companies are hiring for positions very slowly as they are concerned about a recession. From a cyclical basis, more jobs will likely start to open up in next few months as almost every company shuts down hiring end of year to a make their numbers hit end of year on a high note and then pick up again right about now. I love the advice to reposition why you left a bit as to what you want more of (i.e. growth, experience in a certain area, etc.). What's important right now is networking. You want to be on someone's mind before the position ever gets posted. Are you currently involved with any networking groups in your industry? or a local business chamber? Try to connect with people face to face if you can. Reach out to old colleagues and friends that know your value and let them know you are on the hunt. Most people are happy to connect for 20 or 30 minutes to hear what you've been up to and what you need. (The worst they can say is no, right?) Let them know what areas of your work most excite you and go from there. To keep your confidence and motivation high, I would also recommend keeping a "brag" book where you capture all of your successes (professional and non-professional). It will help your mental state during this time AND be a great place to peruse for examples WHEN you nail that interview! Good luck!
AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 1:41PM UTC
it is funny because they say there won,t be a recession. NASDAQ , closed at a record high considering. lawyers are talking about this, guess the job market has not caught up, we still have a ways to go.
AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 5:33PM UTC
It's critical to have a "narrative" to explain bumps in the road in your career - especially when you voluntarily left a job. I would NOT base that narrative on criticism of your old employer - instead, perhaps you could say something about wanting to explore a new field, or personal reasons like a family health crisis.
That being said, after one year it's critical to simply find something to do to keep yourself busy - and have something to put on your resume. Volunteer work is a great place to start and will help keep you positive. Meanwhile, retail work will bring in at least a little money and could lead to health insurance.
For what it's worth, i also have not had an FTE for around a year following a layoff. In my case, anyone in my industry knows my prior employer has been struggling so no one has ever questioned my being out of work - and I also was able to find some consulting work right away so I have plenty to put on my resume and LinkedIn. I'm thankful but still have tough days, so I know how you feel!
AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 5:36PM UTC
Have you done anything during the past year that is resume-worthy? Volunteer work? Up-skill classes? Advanced degree work? These help fill the gap and show you are working toward making yourself more marketable.
AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 2:35PM UTC
It’s possible you may need some coaching on your interviewing skills. If you are speaking with employers and are not getting job offers, perhaps you are not framing your skills properly, and not explaining in a positive light (there is a positive explanation) why you chose to leave your job after 12 years. I’m assuming that you are not mentioning that your job had a toxic environment as that would not be a wise . Focus on the skills that are needed in the job at hand. The longer you stay out of work, and the more despair, you feel and that could reflect in your interviews. Also, make as many connections as you can to let people know you are open for employment. Make an effort to meet people, perhaps a volunteer job that would open up more possibilities for networking. Have a good answer as to why it’s been one year since your last employment and if asked that question, focus on what you have done during your off time for self-development as well as other positive accomplishments, or activities.. Saying anything negative about your last employer is counterproductive. You had longevity in your last job, and I’m sure you accomplished many things. Be prepared to talk about them with employers, but also with people who you meet in networking opportunities, come on Good luck!
AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 7:04PM UTC
Do some blogging or volunteer work in your field. Change the narrative to say you decided to leave the company during leadership changes because you wanted to focus full time on finding a new role in a company that aligned with your career goals. Cite what you have been doing during the time to fill space that is still in your field (aka the volunteer or mentoring work) and use that to fulcrum yourself into something new. Always write a cover note, always follow up use your network, and meetups and other social media sites to share information that can help you (and others) that will keep you top of mind for the right roles. Don't make it about money or taking less for your work, make it about the right fit and content of the role and being able to drop in an make an impact immediately, most employers care more about that than they do anything else. Good luck!
Key GFebruary 7,2024 at 3:33PM UTC
My time at [company name] allowed me to gain and develop many skills. However, I had become at point where I felt undervalued. I am seeking a position with a company who has values that are more aligned with my own. Note:be sure to research the companies! Google them, read their websites, look them up on youtube, so this conversation aligns with this reasoning. Good luck! You really do have this!
Damie WilsonFebruary 7,2024 at 5:52PM UTC
What was your job and what jobs are you interested I doing?
AnonymousFebruary 8,2024 at 2:13AM UTC
This is a tough one since I don't know why you left your job (or perhaps they let you go?).
If you left your job, did you feel like you were on the edge of a mental breakdown? Were medical issues piling up and you needed a break to recover and realized you don't want to work in that field?
Alternatively, if you were let go from your job, why? I can't imagine what type of answer you give in your interview. Honestly, please elaborate so we can better help you.
P.S. I agree with another poster that volunteering regularly somewhere can make your resume look active, help you gain skills, and even be an avenue for a job (happened to me, actually!).
Linda EavensFebruary 8,2024 at 7:24PM UTC
Did you even read her post??
Damie WilsonFebruary 9,2024 at 10:11PM UTC
You're a big help.