I have a few questions about interviewing and need a new perspective.

Jennifer Wehrend

October 5,2021 at 2:08AM UTC

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I have a few questions about interviewing and need a new perspective.

I've been in my current job for 11 years. I'm mentally burnt out, have been for 5 years now and I've injured my neck and back to the point I'm physically not able to do this much longer. I work at hospital and do patient care. I want to get back to a M-F job in an office setting, which I've done the majority of my working career.

I've applied for a few jobs in different departments at the hospital where I work and when asked why I'm applying for the job, I say I've been doing my current job so many years and I'm ready to learn and do something new. Is this not an appropriate response? Should I add that I'm almost at the point I can't physically be active on my feet 12 hours a day?

Also, if you are applying for a job in a different dept, do you tell your boss that you are doing so? I've never done this in my previous jobs.

I recently applied for a job outside of my current dept and received an email today from HR asking if I informed my boss that I did this and is there anything they could do to make me stay in my current position and why after all this time do I want to leave? I've never received an email like this from HR before and they haven't requested an interview from me. Help.

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AnonymousOctober 5,2021 at 2:36AM UTC
Be clear that you'd like a change of pace and would very much like to try another department. You feel you have a lot to offer and would like to stay and grow with the hospital if possible.
AnonymousOctober 5,2021 at 3:46PM UTC
I think you can let your boss know that you're looking for something new as long as you have a good relationship with them and know they won't retaliate when you tell them. Giving the reason of you're ready for a new experience is perfectly fine especially after you've been at your current role for so long.
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 10:59AM UTC
Sounds like they feel blindsided by your actions. You must be good at your job for HR to say what they did. I would use the reason that you have physical limitations, maybe a disability (?), & that's the reason for your desire for something else.
Andrea JanovOctober 8,2021 at 8:09PM UTC
I agree with the responses here, as an HR person, it is great to see that your current department wants to keep you because they feel that you are valuable. Someone asking what they can do to get you to stay is a great compliment, but you have to do what fulfills you (and is good for your physical wellbeing too).
One piece of advice I want to offer is, positioning the fact that you want to "learn and do something new" as you want to "grow and expand your skill set in a different area". It sounds like you are experienced and the word "learn" may be a red flag in terms of the new dept having to teach and invest, when really you can transfer and apply your existing skills.
Jennifer WehrendOctober 9,2021 at 3:00PM UTC
Thank you Andrea for the advice. I will put it to good use.
Shannon RussellOctober 17,2021 at 9:50PM UTC
I am in a similar position. I have been at my job for 3 years and have been placed in many situations that are harmful and abusive to me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I am now at the point where I cannot physically handle the demands any longer. However, I live in a location that can be difficult to obtain a job and since I want to be a teacher, leaving the school district could be detrimental to my future career. I have tried to speak to my supervisor about the situation and she goes straight to my leader to notify them of what I said. There is no protection or safety. Just a note to help you know you're not alone in this struggle. Hope you find a better situation soon. You deserve to be happy, fulfilled, and safe in your workplace.
AnonymousNovember 23,2021 at 1:49PM UTC
I think the email you got from HR is a good sign - workers like you, i.e., your profession, are likely in short supply. Here is your chance to have your say and tell HR what would or might improve things so much that you'd consider staying in your current role.
In terms of your applying for jobs outside of your department and in a different role: I have always worked in government (not by design) and applying for jobs outside your own department, especially that involve a complete change in role, is often frowned on. In fact, it can be much easier to get into a position from the outside that it is to apply as an internal candidate. Once you're known as something I think it's hard for others to think of you differently. I've seen this even when people returned to school, changed professions, and tried applying to different jobs internally.
Thomas GillSeptember 2,2026 at 4:23PM UTC
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Thomas GillSeptember 2,2026 at 4:24PM UTC
A https://srd370check.co.za/ helps you see exactly where your application stands, whether it is approved, pending, declined, or ready for payment, using official South African Social Security Agency systems.