After being laid off for a few months I accepted a role I was very happy about.

18 Comments

1. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJanuary 28,2024 at 3:25PM UTC

   How many jobs have you had in the last five years? If you have demonstrated an inability to stay on any job for a reasonable length of time, then yes, you have a problem. If you have a somewhat stable work history and you hate this job, then you can overcome this unfortunate situation. If this is a pattern, then as a recruiter my companies would probably not be interested in interviewing you.

2. AnonymousJanuary 29,2024 at 4:48PM UTC

   My average tenure is 3-4 years. This will be the first jump ever in less than 1 year at a role.

3. AnonymousJanuary 28,2024 at 4:15PM UTC

   Ugh, this is the worst! Sorry you’re going through it. Can you take this kind of approach? Something like, I’ve found that the rapid leadership changes and the prevailing management style have limited my ability to implement the strategies and improvements I was hired to do. I’m seeking an opportunity where my skills and strategic approach can be more effectively utilized and where the company culture aligns more closely with my professional values.

   I think you can point to the leadership without being overly harsh, the CFO train should be enough evidence of the choppy waters there and the reason why you want to leave quickly and not invest your time. And then a more accessible crux of why you’re looking to go, which is a bit of admitting it’s a loss but it happens to all of us.

   Best of luck!

4. Kristie WhiteJanuary 28,2024 at 4:21PM UTC

   Sounds like you have two options- stand up to the CEO with credible backup for your advice, or quit. Sometimes when you face a bully down, you find someone you can work with. It can be very scary, but you ARE what the company needs.

5. AnonymousJanuary 29,2024 at 2:31PM UTC

   Except some CEOs are the company or speak for the owners or shareholders, and they retaliate of you leave after losing a showdown.

6. AnonymousJanuary 29,2024 at 4:53PM UTC

   Hi Kristie, OP here. I have stood my ground on several important points, only to get lip service and then have it flipped after the fact. My initial two "showdowns" were successful, until what was said wasn't what was ultimately done. I agree that the company needs strong leadership in this team, however are they READY to accept a strong leader? All signs point to no. It is a CEO led company to the core, and everyone is terrified to make decisions without getting the CEO clearance first. While I certainly don't shy away from difficult situations, this isn't my first rodeo and I know when I can push ahead and do good work vs trying to throw myself at a brick wall. This is not a good use of my skills, time, or energy and wouldn't be worth "sticking it out". hence me trying to be productive in leaving so they can hire someone who can thrive under micromanagement.

7. Kristie WhiteJanuary 30,2024 at 7:09PM UTC

   In that case, you have tried and there is limited if any progress. The culture of the organization cannot change until something drastic happens to make it painful to continue as they are. It doesn't sound like a positive place for you to be because there is no end in sight to the toxic behavior. I would go.

8. AnonymousJanuary 28,2024 at 4:24PM UTC

   Hi, I truly hate this for you.
   I was in the same position as you were previously. I did stay until 90 days but then I left. When I have been asked why I only stayed 90 days I told people that there were some business processes that I did not feel were the right way to handle things within my industry. I then stated that although the company was a great company that I could not risk my career, my reputation or my knowledge of wrong doing by staying at that company.
   Point being, I made it about something that had to do with the work, not the people or company. If you go into an interview bad mouthing a company they may think you will do the same to them. So maybe think of how their goals or procedures did not align with where you want to be and go with that. I also would not bring up the 5 CEO's when talking about it.
   Good luck and I hope you find something amazing soon.

9. JYJJanuary 28,2024 at 4:47PM UTC

   I really feel for you. This happened to me as well. Consider that it's only been 2 months. If you decide to leave, you don't need to put it on your resume.

   When speaking with recruiters, it's essential to be honest about your reasons for considering a change while also maintaining professionalism. Instead of directly criticizing the CEO or the company culture, focus on the misalignment between your professional values and the current environment. For example, you could mention that you're seeking a workplace where your strategic insights are valued and where there's a healthier leadership dynamic.

   Any recruiter worth their salt knows the market has changed significantly over the past few years and the "stigma" of employees leaving due to bad environments has softened considerably. People aren't putting up with bulls%$# anymore.

10. AnonymousJanuary 28,2024 at 5:18PM UTC

    You've only been there 2 months. Remove it from your resume. Having it there opens you up to more questions and adds no value.

11. AnonymousJanuary 28,2024 at 5:26PM UTC

    I generally tell folks to not change their LI profile for 90 days or at the very least 60. Remove the evidence of working there and or let them know that there are impending leadership changes that are upcoming that you were not made aware of when joining and they don't suit your wanting to stay. If they press you for details, decline to respond saying it is unannounced at this time and you cannot divulge.

12. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJanuary 28,2024 at 7:15PM UTC

    I agree with this.

13. AnonymousJanuary 29,2024 at 2:21PM UTC

    In a perfect world, we could call out a CEO's bad behavior and hold the company responsible for it.

14. ElizabethJanuary 29,2024 at 4:47PM UTC

    I would make a few bullet point examples of how your role was explained to you in the job descriptions and how your work is being received or has changed, in as neutral tone as possible. Let his actions speak for themselves. Couch it as "I was really excited about this role but it has not turned out to be what I expected. I don't believe I can be my most productive and supportive to my team under the present circumstances." or something like that. And no, you don't want to vent about the boss or company and look dramatic, but if they don't know the place is toxic they may want to so they don't place anyone else there, or can consider that in who they hire. Let them read between your well-crafted, professional lines.

15. AnonymousJanuary 29,2024 at 9:32PM UTC

    I worked with a really great recruiter in my field and we could have honest conversations and they helped me translate that to HR speak for interviews. But also, if you are a CFO you probably have great experience and that should count for something.

16. AnonymousJanuary 30,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

    At 2 months you are still getting a feel of the role and your position, and if you are coming off a layoff you likely need some stability and a chance to replenish your savings. I would "lay low" and stick it out for 6 months while networking actively amongst your contacts. I have honestly found that recruiters have been worthless with my own job search and if they do not know your industry well enough to be aware of the problems at this company they are doing you no favors anyway.

17. AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 10:17PM UTC

    Sometimes recruiters guarantee a placement for a position and will have to refund the company or find another replacement. So there may be other motives in discouraging you from leaving so soon. May be look for another recruiter.

18. Donna ShiflettJanuary 30,2024 at 3:59PM UTC

    If the culture doesn’t fit, you should find a career that aligns with your goals, culture, etc.