Ready to give up the job hunt
I live outside of Boston and I have been working in the Architecture/ Construction field for 24 years. I am ready to move on from the senior management role I have held for 10 years but cannot seem to find work. The roles are either in Cambridge (2-3hr commute) or just don't seem to exist.
Last year I hired a resume writer, took some networking courses, revamped my LinkedIn profile, worked with my college job placement office and nothing came from it! I had 3 interviews, 1 was an outright disaster (the manager told me he didn't think girls could do this role) and the other 2 did not produce offers.
I have 3 school aged kids, a husband, a house in the far off suburbs (so we can't move to the city) and just feel lost. I have never had this much difficulty getting a job before. I have leveraged my connections, many of whom talk about how much of an asset I am and they refer me to other people for openings but again, nothing happens!
I am at a loss!
I find the A&D and Construction industry to be notoriously outdated in their attitudes towards women and minorities (am a veteran in this industry myself- 20+years). Ever considered going over to the Owners' side? They sorely need our expertise :)
The first time I met my current boss (moved under him during a merger restructuring) he told me to "shut your mouth and do as you're told". Needless to say, I'm open to new prospects. Good luck and here's to the search!
I have stepped back my search, to the point I haven't applied to anything in a few months, but need to get back into it, just so discouraged.
I feel for you -- this is so deflating and frustrating. It sounds as if you've checked all the boxes.
Is there an opportunity for you to let go of the hard focus and hunting, just for a little bit, so that you don't get totally burned out by the process? Sometimes by taking a break things can fall into your lap.
And I agree -- that comment sounds illegal!
The economy is strong. The job marketing is hot. Unemployment is down. We hear these things and think opportunities are abundant. Sadly, I work with many mid career women who struggle with finding their next job. I'm sorry to hear you have done so much and not seen any rewards.
I'm appalled that a hiring manager said that, shame on that organization for having someone like that in their company representing them, but good that you heard that before taking the job.
Don't give up.