Have I lost my drive or just need a career pivot?

Anonymous

October 23,2023 at 1:00PM UTC

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Have I lost my drive or just need a career pivot? How?

I have 20 years of marketing experience, working at major consumer facing brands at Fortune 50 companies. I’ve gone from performance marketing to social to brand and dabbled in corp strategy, and am really proud of of the skill set I’ve developed. But I have stalled at the Director/Sr Director level for the last 9 years, and I find myself feeling bored doing the same types of campaigns and projects (similar work, different co’s). I don’t want to advance just for title, but to have greater scope, ability to set direction etc. I know I’m capable of it but not sure I have it in me to prove it at the company I joined just one year ago. I don’t just want to “take on more projects”. My company already recognizes me and has identified me as a top performer, and I have given feedback that my current scope is narrower than I expected based on my exp in previous companies, and gave ideas for what else I’d like to work on to expand my remit.

I know it’s a lot to expect advancement in a short time at a large company, but I’m considering all my previous experience, not just the work I’ve done there. So I’m in the mindset of either they see I have “it” and will let me take on more, or they won’t. And if they won’t, then quiet quitting is most certainly on the docket.

I could look for Marketing VP level opps at other co’s, but as many of you on here likely know, making the leap from Director to VP is a hard one, especially when it’s cold applications on LinkedIn. And remote roles are becoming less available, and I’m not able to relocate.

So, I’m left with this feeling of existential dread. Am I really “done”? Do I give up on looking for a VP level role? I see two paths but would love your feedback, too….

1) I could work with a head hunter? Does anyone know of any good ones for marketing? I’ve tried basic searches but they seem to be hard to find.

2) the idea of pivoting my career path to something new has a certain appeal. You get that rush of learning something new and getting to grow again. But I have NO idea where to start. I don’t love the idea of cutting my income in half. Does anyone know of any career coaches that could explore this convo with me?

Thanks for reading. Overall just feeling very stuck and demotivated and want to get out of this rut!!

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AnonymousOctober 23,2023 at 1:18PM UTC
You may be qualified for a VP role, however, is that role needed at your company? You may need to propose the role and benefits/impact it can have positively on the bottom line.
Your mention of quiet, quitting, however, is not a VP mentality. And certainly won’t position you for a promotion.
AnonymousOctober 23,2023 at 1:57PM UTC
I would start networking and find a startup or younger company that needs your skill, vision and expertise. They partner welll, allow you to take on the leadership and provide the direction required to impact the business. You will be shaping the identity, reach and impact a company develops. No it won't be well resourced and you won't have a large team to work with so you will need to get resourceful and creative but you can be a leader whose presence is felt. I think you'll need to step away from that very large traditional company.
Anna Lovell-Nesmith Professional Burnout SpecialistOctober 23,2023 at 5:29PM UTC
It sounds like there may be some burnout happening. It sounds like the ambition and vocational fulfillment has subsided which can be an indicator of burnout. If you would like, I would be happy to jump on a free, absolutely no obligation call to talk with you more and share some proven strategies with you. At the very least, you'll be able to walk away with discernment about what may be the issue.
Heather (she/her)October 24,2023 at 7:58AM UTC
Definitely don't give up! There will be something out there that works for you. It may be possible for you to change careers without starting over, since you can bring your leadership experience to the table.
AnonymousOctober 28,2023 at 5:21PM UTC
Big company girl you are not! The wheels clearly move too slowly for you and the confinement is choking your creativity. Find a great startup that will move you into the VP role by using any number of the websites devoted to VC backed companies, is there a risk going smaller yes! but the rewards are greater and your job sat will improve. Hands on everything wide unbridled control and if you work in a company that is on a strong growth trajectory you will have much to take wherever once you spend a year or so there. Good luck.