CommunityJobsAdviceEventsReviewsFor EmployersFor ClientsCoach Connect
CommunityJobsAdviceEvents
Career Changers! header image
Career Changers! logo

Career Changers!

Thinking about making a professional pivot? Join this community of other women doing the same!

open group
Erin McCabe-BarberaMlprebleTaylorAntonia CalzettiR.E. Gast2.6k members
Mystery Woman
Tell us more for better jobs, advice
and connections
YOUR GROUPS
Discover and join groups with like-minded women who share your interests, profession, and lifestyle.
COMPANIES YOU FOLLOW
Get alerted when there are new employee reviews.
YOUR JOB ALERTS
Get notified when new jobs are posted.

Group Post

Maribel Morgan
star-svg
23
Change agent
07/11/20 at 11:16PM UTC
in
Career Changers!

"Stop shrinking to fit places you have outgrown."

I am about to leave an organization which has failed to change with the changing times and technologies. This quote stopped me dead in my tracks today: "Stop shrinking to fit places you have outgrown." I am a change agent at heart and a year ago I joined a well known organization whom prides itself on being an innovative and inclusive place to work. From first glance, after reading white papers, reading their website and being very familiar with their product, I was certain this organization would propel me to a place of stability and provide me with the opportunity to reach retirement successfully. Upon arriving, I could not have been more shocked. Training was unheard of. Onboarding was confused with the word "surfboarding" and I found my new team of direct reports roaming, lost, with no clear direction and lacking coaching, support and guidance-- many unable to articulate their current roles and responsibilities. Leadership was being confused with supervision and daily management; all the while being a manager meant you were only really responsible to capture attendance and approve vacation. Systems were comprised of shared file drives crammed with uncontrolled spreadsheets and a special IT ticket request was needed to access the business key workflows which were all a part of a Lotus Notes database (yes, I do know this is 2020!.) I quickly put on my change agent hat and went to work. However, as one of the sites first female Engineering managers I was quickly transported to a time warp of my early days as a young engineer and the misogynistic advice came in waves. With every criticism and commentary-- I provided objective evidence and data driven results. Processes became visible and transparent. Process owners were identified and my team started to speak and I opened my ears , mind and heart to absorb their words and emotions. Yes-- at a small scale there was enough kindling there to start the fire of change. However, this company had already exhausted the ability to convert the efforts and hard work of my local team (as well as the global team) into bottom line results. Due to financial ineptitude the company decided to place a for sale sign on the front door and all opportunities from small purchases (like Post-It Notes and pens) to CAPEX were halted dead in their tracks. We all are familiar with the old adage: "it takes money to make money", well this company was lacking both. It quickly became clear, that I too had exhausted my opportunities to drive change. Leadership was not even interested in ingenious ways to try to progress through short term challenges. I quickly realized that I had outgrown this organization long before I would be given the tools and resources to really start a transformation. I was sad that I was leaving a team that was ripe for change however, I was proud that I was able to see that I would have had to "shrink" my thoughts, ideals and convictions in order remain a part of an organization that valued profit over people. My advice; be bold and never stop growing!

Share

Join the conversation...
Pat Roque, Rock Star Executive Leadership & Career Strategist
star-svg
121
Clarity, confidence, and connections to thrive!
07/12/20 at 10:47PM UTC
Oh I'm so sorry you had this experience because once you've gained clarity on their immaturity and short-sightedness, it's hard to "unsee" the dead end. I love your thought about "stop shrinking to fit places you've outgrown." That said, it's up to you to redefine who you are, what your best gifts to the world are, and what company deserves your strengths and talents. Did you land in a better place already? need help? We're cheering for you!!!
Anonymous
07/12/20 at 3:14PM UTC (Edited)
Wow you've described my office and my feelings so precisely (the Lotus Notes!). Do we work at the same place?? I have been struggling the past 5 years with the same set of feelings. I realized that my efforts to make changes or set up a career path are moot. I picked up a lot of extra responsibilities to try to shape the work environment. Nowadays I feel like I am just being used as an unpaid intern. Thank you for posting this.
Pat Roque, Rock Star Executive Leadership & Career Strategist
star-svg
121
Clarity, confidence, and connections to thrive!
07/12/20 at 10:49PM UTC
Wow, five years is a long time to stay miserable. Have you started redefining your career path? I always recommend that you start with career soul-searching (it's free, but will set you on the right path toward appreciating what you want and deserve): www.rockonsuccess.com/soul Can't wait to hear your AHA moment and your progress, we are rooting for you!
Back to group page

About this group

Join this group to take part in what it has to offer.

Group rules

This group was founded by Career Change Coach Lisa Lewis, and is a space for people in career transition to ask questions or request resources you need to get to clarity. This space needs to be a confidential and safe for vulnerable questions and ideas, so do not share anything you read or see in here unless there's specific and explicit permission granted. Do not come in here as a coach or consultant and sell or promote your own materials -- you can always create your own ...Read more
icon
© 2025 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
  • about
  • careers
  • FAQs
  • privacy policy
  • terms & conditions
Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. Read More