Lost my mojo
I am an overachiever. I've had a successful career for 20 years, and was laid off, like so many. I've been looking for a while, and while I've gotten close to offers, nothing has panned out yet.
Problem is, I've completely lost my drive. I have done it all -I i've joined networking groups, I've tapped into my network, and have hired a coach, I apply to roles and reach out directly to a contact or the recruiter, and I'm just so burned out.
My confidence is shot and I don't know how to keep going. Does anyone have advice for getting myself psyched up again for this? Not working is not an option and my severance has run out. Any tips for getting my mojo back?!
I am currently working, but I am looking for a job. Reading all these job hunting posts makes it seem like an uphill battle.
Anonymous, you are not alone. I also could have written this post.
I'm particularly demotivated because at the start of COVID-19, I actually had the "good fortune" to find something just in the knick of time after being downsized. Unfortunately, I ran afoul of a bad boss who failed to communicate clear expectations and when I approached my boss for clarity, I was seen as a threat. My boss retaliated by placing me on an improvement plan two months in to my new position. Any attempts to appeal to HR about the unreasonable conditions that my boss was placing on me and her lack of communication and support in bringing me up to speed on my role and the organization, fell on deaf ears. When I finally realized that my boss was dead set against me moving into my role and taking on the affiliated responsibilities, I submitted my resignation.
I don't list this last experience because it lasted a handful of months, and I don't feel particularly excited to talk about it. It now appears as if I've not been working for many months.
I am traumatized from my experience and have found it hard to even want to apply to jobs. The few interviews I have managed to muster the strength to go on haven't panned out. It's a competitive market and employers are taking their time or are having trouble making decisions in this environment. Add to that the inane hiring practices of my industry -- six hour on-sites of technical grilling .
I go for long walks, binge-watch shows, and read books. I take baths with lavender bath bombs when I feel stressed or down. I don't force anything, Some days I don't have motivation to do anything job search/interview related and I honor that. When my motivation returns -- it does from time to time -- I lean into it by networking, submitting applications, working on interview prep, or brainstorming about where I might want to head next in my career. It's baby steps for me while I process my fears and frustrations.
I believe things will get better for you, for me, for everyone. Good luck to you and everyone here who is going through the same.
Not sure if it helps to know I too am in the same place. I have 20 years experience. I've been looking since July, using the outplacement, networking groups etc. I am treating my search as full-time role.
Things keeping me sane. Connecting with people in my network, old friends & colleagues. Walking every morning. Watching movies/shows to take my mind off of things.
My frustration is the companies that are hiring, wanting some with all the skills and experience and they want to pay half of the market pay.
I am hearing of people landing. Wishing you all the best!
I have been seeing that for months! Companies posting for someone with 6+ years experience, but the description is clearly written for someone with 20+ years experience. I am currently interviewing for a role in which they have consistently expressed the need for a more senior level person, but paying half of what it should be. Yeah, that will work out long term for them....
I feel for all of you here! I am "lucky" enough to still have a job, though things have been very rocky and I am actively looking. I was once laid-off from my job and can relate to the feelings of having lost self-worth and questioning your value. Make a list of those skills that you can transfer possibly to a totally different industry. I've been in healthcare for most of my career and really enjoy some aspects of it, interestingly, I've had many positions that were different and afforded me to learn new things/aspects of the business. Be open to getting your foot in the door and having the opportunity to look around and see what is available in an organization. Don't stay fixated on a specific role, new can be scary but also very exciting!
This is definitely me. I have been working so hard refining, rehashing, reworking and all of that. But nothing has panned out. So very discouraged and now it's getting critcal money wise. Please keep me in your thoughts.
Have you thought about changing careers or pivoting to something similar to prior jobs? Maybe part of why you've lost your drive is because your current field no longer interests/challenges you. You might need some time to re-evaluate if you want to continue with that career path/field or do something else entirely. Taking a part (or full time) job in a different field (like retail) just to pay the bills while you figure out what your next move is won't hurt.
I could have written this post. As a matter of fact, I was going to write something like it. It has been 7 months for me. I could write the playbook on all the right things you're supposed to do to land a job. Jobs have disappeared or gone on hold. After lots of time invested in interviews and told the job is mine, I've been ghosted. I'm flexible and have a skill set that can translate into many different fields. Like you, I have always been a high achiever. I know I'm not a loser, but I sure feel like one. It's a lonely path and I'm exhausted, but I can't quit because I have a mortgage to pay and no family to take me in if the worst happens. So I will say this--learn to rest, not to quit. You are not alone and this will pass. You've always succeeded and you will again. It's just a matter of time.
I just started reading all of these and it's making me feel better that I'm not alone in what is happening to me! It's been a nightmare, but I won't give up. Every day I have to dig deep to stay positive. I've been out of work since the end of February and it was a traumatic exit having to do with gender discrimination and being stabbed in the back from someone who I once trusted - my boss. One day at a time and hoping that everyone finds something good soon.
I can totally relate with you on this. I've tried taking a step back & focusing a little more on myself personally and trying to figure out what my ultimate goal is.
Try adding in some walking/exercising, reevaluating your resume, doing practice interviews with friends. Talk to your close friends and family and ask them what your greatest traits are, compare them to what you think they are. Play off those traits and use them to motivate yourself.
I am on 6 months of looking myself after 17 years, but I am choosing a whole new path and have taken a part-time job to be able to keep my spirit alive. The part time job allows me the flexibility to look and helps me feel good about myself.
Hope some of this may help you as well.
All of this is so helpful. I need to make more time for exercise and I have been thinking about a part time job, so get me back into a groove with a schedule (and money). I appreciate it. Good luck to you too!