Hopefully this group can help.
I am looking for advice on how to downsize my career, if that's a thing? I guess it is for me, I am in a very demanding 60 hours + a week role where weekends are the expectation. I cannot meet the expectation nor do I want to, in November of 2019 I had my one and only son. I am a single mom, with amazing support but my priorities have changed.
For the last two years I have been trying to transition to a support role and a new industry and am really struggling with anyone taking me seriously. I need a more balanced personal life, I am financially able to take a pay cut and would welcome the opportunity to learn a new industry, new process, new hours and more of a balanced approach to life.
Has anyone stepped back there career successfully? How did you do it? There are no opportunities in my current workplace nor any flexibility offered. I want to learn a new industry outside of entertainment/hospitality industry and think my marketing experience would be valuable in a new role.
I kind of feel that I want to leave management all together, but think I maybe a bit emotional because of burnout. I don't want to start my own thing, I like working for others but I know I need to change it up. Any advice?
Anonymous
04/02/21 at 10:30PM UTC
It's definitely a thing and it can be done!
So many people, women particularly, are taking a step back and reevaluating their careers in this most strange difficult of times.
And even without a pandemic, motherhood changes our priorities and life values. So good for you for recognizing that.
Reinventing your career is really an inside job. Many women don’t spend enough time up front doing self-reflection work before embarking on a change.
You need to spend time gaining a clearer understanding of how you want to add value in your next chapter.
That means assessing your values, skills, strengths and how you want to make an impact. And thinking about what you love to do, what you want your work/life balance to look like.
There are a lot of online resources to help you out with the process.
But if you can find a group of likeminded women to go through that process with in a structured way, it's much easier and more successful. So don't go it alone!
Check out our website: evolveme.work. We have a resources and several events coming up in April for women looking for career change as well as a membership community.
And pop into Fairygodboss community events that speak to you as well!
Nicole Farr
Virtual Project Manager
122
04/02/21 at 1:45PM UTC
Hi! I’ve been there! And I’m in a place now I didn’t really consider a few years back and I love it! I find that I am happiest in a support role as well. After years of soul/career searching I began applying for virtual assistant jobs last year (yes, like most people) and I found one rather quickly because of all my past experience and once I got hired it was more than a virtual assistant position in a good way - I project manage and handle most of the day to day operations for this company in an industry I knew nothing about and am loving what I learn. I am an independent contractor so I do have a lot of control over my schedule, no benefits at this time so I have to manage that but the people I work with are awesome. Here’s the company I went through to find this for anyone looking: Great Assistant/Profit Factory - its a search firm with a wide variety of opportunities.
Jen SlagleCareer + Leadership Coach
337
03/31/21 at 1:43PM UTC
I would love to connect with you! You get to live in the AND - you don't have to choose! I am working less hours and yet making more money. I chose a new career path that is aligned with my value of balance. I get to work when I want. It is all within your power here.
I am guessing you are packed full of experience, skills, strengths and gifts that can lead to other opportunities. Don't settle and feel stuck. There is always a way to live in the AND if you declare it.
What a fantastic space you are in!
Amanda JohnsonExperienced Marketing Professional
21
03/31/21 at 3:46PM UTC
Thanks! I feel like I keep hitting dead ends based on feedback from interviewers they are nervous about my personal choice to step back. I am a Regional Director of Marketing with experience in every area in marketing but a focus on database/analytics, marketing campaign management and digital marketing. I have leaned on many in my network but still get the same fear from employers about my desire to "under apply".
Jen SlagleCareer + Leadership Coach
337
03/31/21 at 5:31PM UTC
It's all in how you approach the conversations and relationships. You get to re-create who you desire to be. Make the choice for that vs the decision.
Anonymous
03/31/21 at 11:41AM UTC
Hi, I don’t usually answer here, but maybe if I try, some others will answer too. Theres nothing wrong with wanting or needing to step back, and it’s great that you can afford to do so. I also prefer to work for others, so I hear you... the thought of being on my own does not appeal.
A few years ago I took a contract job for a much lesser title so that I could enter a new industry and learn the ropes. It was tough at first but looking back, it was what made the next several years possible. I got this job bc i was recommended by a friend who knew what i was good at... can you reach out to a few trusted people in your network and tell them what you’re hoping to do (what kind of marketing) and ask if they will introduce you to anyone who may be looking for the specialty skills you possess.
Good luck and all the best to you ?.
Amanda JohnsonExperienced Marketing Professional
21
03/31/21 at 3:47PM UTC
Thanks for the advice and reference to your personal experience doing something similar, I appreciate it!
