My current work situation is negatively impacting my health & home life.

Anonymous

July 13,2022 at 7:49PM UTC

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My current work situation is negatively impacting my health & home life. Worse yet, my husband works at the same employer and is similarly impacted. I'm job hunting, have applied to many roles, but no luck so far. I have 20 years experience in HR, but mostly on the administrative side. I am an introverted empath and don't prefer to move into management or employee relations, its too draining. I feel I do well on the administrative side, but I fear employers view my experience as stagnant and that I don't have drive. I do have drive and work my tail off for my employer. Any tips for escaping a hellish situation and still landing a role where I can contribute and will be appreciated? I feel like I'm stuck and its slowly killing me.

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AnonymousJuly 13,2022 at 8:23PM UTC
The good news is that HR skills are very transferable if you can find the right company. Have you considered a Chief of Staff type role? or being a virtual assistant? From my experience being in HR a long time as well in many types of roles, is that you always have to consider - can my role be outsourced or automated? If the answer is yes, you need to diversify your skills in areas that you might be interested - Total Rewards or L&D for example (if you haven't done that already). Also, if you have access to an external coach, they can get you unstuck. Good luck!
AnonymousJuly 13,2022 at 9:46PM UTC
try usajobs.gov For ex FAA allows folks to work from home telework and report to work 1x per week.
AnonymousJuly 13,2022 at 11:17PM UTC
There are a few things you could look at.
1) Talk to a recruitment specialist. Not sure if situation is the same in the US but a lot of the times jobs that are already filled are posted. I've gone through periods not too long ago where I'd apply for two dozen jobs I am qualified for and only hear back from one. More recently, I've found it more effective to just keep my profile updated and let recruiters come to me.
2) Is your resume solid? This needs research as well. Recruiters/hirers don't waste time reading resumes. There would be specific things they scan for in your desired role. Even if you think you have a killer resume, you could be doing a lot of things wrong. Try to get opinions of people who recently changed jobs.
3) Are you looking for the right roles in the right places? If you have 20 years of experience and don't want to be a leader/manager, there might be aspects of your job you need to compromise at for your next role.
4) Don't be afraid of leadership / management. There are no such things as roles you are not suited for. You'll get used to the draining aspect two weeks into your role. There are specific skillsets you'd need to start learning, practicing and mastering. Once you do, you have the potential to become a far better manager / leader than someone who has become one because they think they are naturally gifted at it and has more or less gotten lucky to get there. I've worked for too many managers/leaders who sat in management/executive positions for decades and hasn't got the basics down when it comes to leadership. They jump from company to company showing their prior experience but introduce toxicity into company culture and destroy good teams wherever they go. Stay focused on practical leadership skills building in whatever role you take and this will feel like the most natural transition.
If you are feeling powerless and stuck at work, something has gone seriously wrong. Try to talk to people and focus on building/maintaining relationships. Stay positive and focus on things like skills building. Be patient with recruitment.
Beth Whight MoralesJuly 14,2022 at 1:34AM UTC
Can you look at getting a new HR certification? It’s not too big of a commitment but would get you up-to-date knowledge while also giving you a chance to make new contacts.
It may also be helpful as a professional exploration that has nothing to do with your current position and give you a chance to make plans.
AnonymousJuly 16,2022 at 10:51PM UTC
Apply for administrative jobs where you can shine, including administrative jobs both in and outside HR.
Present yourself as a top administrative professional who prefers to stay in administration. I suspect that many employers will be delighted to hear from you.
As to why you want to leave your current company: to sharpen your skills in (pick new skill from job description); because you are interested in the new industry; because you are interested in the new company.
Anthony HallSeptember 25,2023 at 2:42PM UTC
This job has made me a lot more nervous. I've always had a hard time talking to people or being in crowds, but now my insecurity is at an all-time high. Check out the best products https://www.shrooms-online.org/ , at least the ones I've tried that help me relieve some of my tension and anxiety. I recommend you try magic mushrooms.