I have decided to leave my current position due to pressure from supervisor and director.

17 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 7,2023 at 5:18PM UTC

   One of the things that we forget while we are in the process of transition is that other people have been through this process as well in their career.
   A good hiring manager will understand this.

   As someone who has been in that situation, I am giving a successful example that may help.

   "Although I was grateful for the original opportunity, I have decided to move in a different direction. I would love to bring those transferrable skills (project management, etc) to this new role ***along with learning new duties***. Additionally, the part-time schedule would also allow me to take classes, volunteer, etc which would be beneficial to this role as well as personally enriching which I didn't have at my old company."

   This made it to where the focus was on what I could bring to the new company (no matter the schedule) vs what was simply convenient (which was true but I needed the money and I did like the new pt role) vs leaving a bad situation. They liked it and I was hired.

   Also, @ Workhap on IG is an important account to follow as he used to be a recruiter and has all the helpful hints, tricks, etc to get hired - especially interview questions!

   Sometimes we can't see blessings in disguise because it looks like a hot mess. Know that you are moving forward and doing what's best for you.

   Good luck and many blessings!

2. AnonymousJune 7,2023 at 6:20PM UTC

   If it's appropriate, get a note from your MD for stress leave. That will allow you to receive some pay from your job and subsidized unemployment for medical leave. Then you can look for a new job while you're recovering from the stressful boss.

   Also agree with other posted response of how to explain to a potential new employer.

3. AnonymousJune 7,2023 at 9:36PM UTC

   Tell them you are looking for a chance to grow and learn as a professional and that compensation is secondary to that.

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 8,2023 at 2:48AM UTC

   Just say you're looking for a part-time position - that it's what you need to fit your family obligations at this time.

   If they ask more specifically, you can say you have a care giver issue. You don't have to be specific - it could be your parents or your children.

5. AnonymousJune 9,2023 at 12:14PM UTC

   Are you staying within your current industry, or would this be something new? It might be something you reframe as a career change, when it isn't uncommon (though also not a guarantee) that people would be willing to take a pay cut.

6. AnonymousJune 9,2023 at 2:54PM UTC

   I am currently in this position. Due to a merger my current role is nothing in line with my skill set. Tried to make work but I’m done. I found a position posted that is 100% what I want to do but it’s a step down for me and a significant pay cut. I was asked the question and my reply was -“my current position does not align with my skills and this opportunity, while a step down, is exactly what I am looking for. I am ok with taking a step down to do what I love versus staying on a role that is not meant for me”

7. AnonymousJune 9,2023 at 3:39PM UTC

   I am in the same situation. I am honest and tell them that the culture of the company (e.g. no communication at all. Not even job essential) doesn't fit me.

   I am also sure that I will have a salary cut. My salary is the highest possible here in the area, and most companies pay a bit more than half...

8. AnonymousJune 9,2023 at 4:23PM UTC

   Honesty is the best policy, a good way is to say the alignment of my career trajectory and the company mission don't match and I thought it would be better to step away take a part time role and spend the rest of my time looking for a better fit. Keep it generic. Don't bash and don't give more details. If they ask tell them you are bound by the previous companies NDA.

9. Afo Ogbeyalu KaluJune 9,2023 at 5:53PM UTC

   If it's a lower paying part-time job, there is no need to disclose the issues you had at the former employer. The PT job could presumably be supplemental income . . . In this economy, many are taking on extra work.

10. GirlBossanova934974June 10,2023 at 12:30PM UTC

    There is no need to disclose your current pay to a future employer. Why even bring it up? If you really wanted to, you could say your current job pays at the lower end of the pay scale for your occupation if the topic came up.

11. Elizabeth HicksJune 10,2023 at 2:05PM UTC

    I actually did this. The way I worked around it was I turned the conversation into focusing on how I was using the lower job to fund me while I was redeveloping my skills and figuring out where I wanted to take my career post covid. It hurt me on a couple interviews (one older person interviewing was quite rude and directly called me a job hopper and mused if they would be good enough for me too, I retorted in that case that it depended on if they were being accurate in their job ad...I had a friend who worked there already and it turned out I dodged a bullet.) the places you successfully sell yourself that are genuinely interested in you will not hold a "lower" against you. but it's all in presentation and focusing on the positives (like getting back to your roots, getting experience in a new field via a side gig, or having to temporarily take care of a loved one) in the end you can even come out ahead. but yes, it may hurt you salary wise as I've also had to disclose. I know what I SHOULD be making, but my area is competitive and I took a pay cut with the job I took after the cashiering one. in my field they directly ask.

    (new job has great benefits though. its out of my field and they're making me start at the bottom (switched to financial from teaching) but itll pay way higher in the end than anything I was pursuing before. Gotta think long term!)

    good luck everyone reading this! just know YOU are a boss babe and can have everything if you are willing to work for it. YOU deserve to be happy at a job where they treat you with respect. do not give up until you get it! keep doing at that hustle!

12. Maggie StoneJune 10,2023 at 6:59PM UTC

    In many cases it’s actually illegal to ask about your current or past pay. I would have a clear and positive answer for why you want the job you’re applying for: excited about the industry, work/ life balance, etc.

13. Erin AskewJune 11,2023 at 2:55AM UTC

    Lower pay is a secondary issue to lower title. Looking for a better cultural fit and work/life balance is a great way to cast leaving a toxic environment. Direct the interviewer's focus back to why you can rock their posted job description and you're golden. You can do this!

14. Crystal HowellJune 11,2023 at 11:25AM UTC

    I think it's best to sign on with a temp agency and try a variety of companies. When they ask, you decided to take a break from full time, and wanted to explore other business interests.

15. AnonymousJune 11,2023 at 6:03PM UTC

    Thank you for the input. Unfortunately I haven’t had good experience with temp agencies. I just did an interview for a non existing position. They always have given me the run around. They would call me with a potential job then ghost.

16. Crystal HowellJune 12,2023 at 10:33AM UTC

    How about googling https://www.ladders.com or executive search headhunters? I don't know what industry you are in, keep us posted.

17. AnonymousJune 16,2023 at 12:49AM UTC

    You want to play the field a little bit before settling down, and I am sure they will guess this, however, you can tell them you want to remain fluid, as opposed to vegging at home.