Any advice for a career change after 11 months?

Anonymous

September 15,2022 at 1:33PM UTC

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Any advice for a career change after 11 months? In May 2021, I left a company I’d been at for 4 years following grad school for a remote opportunity at a startup in a different industry with better pay and supposedly similar responsibilities (research design, project management, and writing abstracts and manuscripts). By November 2021, there was a mass exodus (75% of the company quit for better roles) following a private equity acquisition due to poor management and lack of training and QC, so I left for my current company. After the stress of dealing with clients who were unhappy with business practices at my former company, I decided to pivot into a programming role, using skills I built early in my career, so that I could continue to build technical expertise and take a break from client management. Admittedly, I decided pretty early on in this role that I don’t particularly like programming full-time, and I really miss doing literature reviews, writing papers and issue briefs, designing studies, and working closely with clients. What’s bothering me the most, though, is working remotely full-time and never going into an office or seeing colleagues in person to build camaraderie or talk about non-work things. (The office is about 5h away from home and my fiancé and I are not moving anytime soon). While I could try to change departments at work, that wouldn’t really resolve the loneliness I feel working remotely full-time, so I think it could be a good move to find a more local role that has a hybrid option. I don’t want to look like a job hopper, but I’m honestly pretty miserable in my current role. How would I be perceived if I started interviewing for other roles and let them know I’m leaving because I decided a hybrid schedule and other responsibilities are a better fit for my career goals and personality? Is there any way I can assuage any concerns a future employer might have about my leaving two roles after <= 1 year?

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Rebecca AliSeptember 15,2022 at 1:46PM UTC
Considering many employers actually want people who are interested in returning to an office (even part-time), I wouldn't be concerned about that part. I would make a list of things that are dealbreakers for you based on your values so that you don't jump to a role that isn't a good fit based on your needs. Also, you tried something that wasn't a good fit - that happens. I would practice explaining that in a positive way - "I learned a lot..." etc. Good luck!
Gretchen SkalkaSeptember 15,2022 at 2:48PM UTC
Before making an all-or-nothing decision, find out if one has to be made at all.
Please reach out to talk with your immediate leadership about your situation. Partner with them to determine what options may be available.
Be prepared with solutions to propose (options in another area, current role modification, hybrid/transitional role to bridge both as a precursor to a complete shift, etc.) and how those could benefit the team and company.
This discussion will have several positive offshoots:
1 - it demonstrates your commitment to the company and team and underscores your professionalism by being transparent about the situation, your experience and possible resolution.
2 - it positions you as someone leadership can trust and work with; an ally they can turn to
3 - it gives you both a true understanding of the current situation and possible outcomes in the future.
It's better to know than wonder because in the absence of information, we make our own realities and often they're just not accurate.
Try to reframe this situation and see what solutions you might come up with if you're looking at it from a different perspective (instead of 'what now' - going to 'what if')
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterSeptember 15,2022 at 5:39PM UTC
I agree with what others have said - both the approach to speaking with your current employer and the "no big deal" of switching jobs so you can be in the office part-time (which many employers are clamoring for). You've got this!
Sabrina CortesSeptember 15,2022 at 7:48PM UTC
If interviewers ask why you're leaving your current role, be honest but emphasize the positive. For example, you can say something like the job isn't a good fit, you want to grow professionally, and you thrive in a team environment. Whatever you do, please don't talk badly about your employers. Unfortunately, interviewers see this as a reflection on you, not the employer.
I'm a professional Resume Writer, and I suggest bringing out your transferable skills in your resume and cover letter. You also want to be sure that you tailor your resume to each job you apply for. To tailor your resume, you want to include the skills, phrases, and actionable keywords in the JD and include it in your resume. This significantly increases your chances of passing the applicant tracking system (ATS) scanning process and gets your resume into the hands of a Recruiter/Hiring Manager.
I'd love to offer you a free resume review and give you feedback on ways to improve your resume. If you're interested, feel free to email me at sabrina@writewithsabrina.com and take a look at my website too!
I hope this helps! Sending you positive vibes!
AnonymousSeptember 16,2022 at 12:27PM UTC
Personally I do not think, especially now, that this would raise red flags. I actually left a job after 11 years to work at a start up and this definitely is not the place for me and have been looking for a job for the last 6 months. When asked, I never bad mouth my employer, I just explain that this is a wonderful company but the role I have isn't what I expected and I want my career journey to go in a different direction. Whatever you say, I wouldn't worry about this. I do always feel the need to say I'm not a job hopper and I am looking for a place to land but is it necessary? No I don't think so. Good luck, I know you will land something hybrid that will fulfill your needs professionally and socially.
Jessica SepulvedaSeptember 20,2022 at 12:46PM UTC
Hi. I understand you 100%.
Going into work to see people you work with, makes the job feel more “real”. My new role is hybrid and my first week, I was fully remote. It sucked. I went into the office yesterday and I felt 1000x better.
Do what makes you happy.
Jessica SepulvedaSeptember 20,2022 at 12:47PM UTC
Also, mental health is real and it’s priority.