I need some cheerleaders, please.

Anonymous

August 13,2023 at 7:49PM UTC

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I need some cheerleaders, please. I've been out of work since February (only two interviews and no offers in all that time). I am going to interview soon for a marketing assistant position (I got a very positive, "will reach out next week to set up" email.) It's at an organization related to one where I had been executive editor for 20 years. It's less money than I was making, but a lot more than zero. I had to give myself the "get over yourself" pep talk just to apply, and tbh I don't know enough about marketing to be in the lead position, but I could use a few more people assuring me I should not feel embarrassed to consider an assistant position. Thanks in advance for your support.

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AnonymousAugust 13,2023 at 8:00PM UTC
Research the job and the industry as well as the organization.
I'm sure there are specific interview questions on each topic. I'd start there. Definitely do your homework. Sounds obvious, but trust me..... Goes a long way towards success. Gotta rise above the competition while proving what you got to give.
MARKET YOURSELF!!
Phyllis BraunAugust 15,2023 at 6:53PM UTC
Thanks.
Shelly EdwardsAugust 13,2023 at 9:00PM UTC
In the assistant role, you can learn the knowledge and skills you are missing for a lead position. Then you use your current experience with new knowledge to fast track to a more senior position. Sometimes taking a step back is exactly what we need to do in order to get to a bigger future. Go for it and stop dismissing yourself and your path. Good luck!!
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 6:07PM UTC
Thank you!
AnonymousAugust 16,2023 at 12:32PM UTC
I love this so much.
AnonymousAugust 13,2023 at 10:08PM UTC
Sometimes one step back = 2 steps forward and it sounds like that is the case for you. Here is your opportunity to learn to be in this lead role or somewhere else. You are putting yourself first by taking the chance and being open for this role. Good luck and many blessings!
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 6:05PM UTC
Thank you!
Lorena DiazAugust 14,2023 at 12:31PM UTC
Hi--There is absolutely no reason for you to feel embarrassed. I took an assistant job that is way, way lower than the type of jobs I have had in the past. But like you said, anything is better than zero. In the beginning, I did feel embarrassed and like I had "failed"--it's been three months and this job has given me the opportunity to pursue my real passion, which is starting a business to help women entrepreneurs. Sometimes, these things are a blessing in disguise. It will be tough at the beginning, no doubt. But it is all about your mindset--look for the opportunities that are present too.
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 12:59PM UTC
I've had that same pep talk many times. You're right, less money at a new job is better than zero, so I wandered in the wilderness multiple times doing things like retail and car sales to pay rent and buy groceries. The right thing finally did come along and at precisely the right time. Hang in there. You'll do fine. As long as you make enough to pay the essential bills (rent, utilities, car, food), consider this a way to beef up your resume.
Megan LeasherAugust 14,2023 at 2:00PM UTC
A career path isn't always like climbing up a ladder; once in a while we take a step down and/or over for a greater, future good. Remember you are not your job; your amazement is not defined by your title.
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 6:04PM UTC
Thanks, love this.
Just MimiAugust 16,2023 at 12:30PM UTC
Thank you for this helpful insight. It really puts things into better perspective, and it’s exactly what I needed, too. Your message is right on time. Thank you for sharing it!
Erin-Kate WhitcombAugust 14,2023 at 2:43PM UTC
A sabbatical is taking time away from a job and returning to the same
job, so unless the breaks were within employment by a company to which you returned, that wouldn’t be an accurate word to use. Someone else suggested using “Family Leave” on your resume and then explaining that if/when you are asked in an interview. I concur with that advice.
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 6:09PM UTC
I think this answer belongs to a different question, but interesting nonetheless.
Erin-Kate WhitcombSeptember 7,2023 at 5:43PM UTC
HA! You're absolutely right. My apologies...
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 4:18PM UTC
Definitely take the job if it is offered to you. If you are amazing you may find a short path to more money and more responsibility there in very quick time if you are.
Glad you can do the get over yourself talk because many in the same situation cannot, and find that it will ultimately hurt them more than a company they reject. The market is rough, so being honest about the things you can do and going in with full intentions is your best recourse. Go for it!
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 6:03PM UTC
Thank you!
Gretchen SkalkaAugust 14,2023 at 9:09PM UTC
This is a very difficult thing for many people, so you are in good company.
But don't be embarrassed.
Don't allow even a smidge of ego or pride to stand between you and opportunity.
Because that's what this is.
Chaining yourself to a number becomes very restrictive.
You can free yourself from that kind of mental burden, find a role you enjoy and see where it takes you.
You never know what can happen once you're in the role.
If you're offered the job - go for it with gusto!
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 11:39PM UTC
Thanks, Gretchen!
Erica LanyonAugust 16,2023 at 1:36PM UTC
From one 20 year work veteran to another - you got this!!
AnonymousAugust 16,2023 at 3:17PM UTC
Thank you, Erica.
Evelyn LivantAugust 16,2023 at 5:59PM UTC
I did a career change later in life and I'm in junior roles. You got this! You're not crazy for considering less money or status. What rule determines that you constantly grow at some pre-determined rate? There are many stories of people re-inventing themselves. I've accomplished more in my second career than I did in my first.