I am feeling down lately about my career trajectory.
I had a job I loved as a Risk Manager, but had to quit 4 years ago when I got divorced and remarried someone who is a professor. I had to move two hours away to a new city for our family. I found a job with a great company, and though the position was more limited in the title, I took it 1. as a growth experience in a new industry and 2. because everyone I interviewed with told me how I had so much opportunity for growth and future leadership roles.
Nearly three years in, the job turned out to be stressful and a lot more sales than risk mgmt/insurance. I spoke with my manager about expanding my role, what steps I needed to take, and the answer was not great. It was vague and "be more aggressive" and eventually you will be prepared to manage people. The job I had left, I was already managing 5 people successfully and I reminded her of that. I felt undervalued and stressed, looked for jobs but due to my location in a small city, there are no Risk Manager jobs.
So I found a remote risk consultant position and took it with the understanding that the work was "already in the pipeline" and that I would be very busy. However, this is turning out not to be the case. Again, I am in a position with a sales emphasis, and no clients right now. I just want to be a Risk Manager for a good company - what I am trained for and passionate about. I am not sure what I am asking, but maybe this is just a vent. If anyone has any tips for the geographically challenged I would appreciate it. I have had people reach out to me for amazing job opportunities, but I can't move. I have only been in this position since April.
Saudia Santure
257
08/26/21 at 12:53PM UTC
I'd agree with pursuing a company vs a job. Many are much more open to remote working n situations now.
Good luck to you!
Leslie WoodHead of People for fast-growing start up
275
08/15/21 at 8:36PM UTC
Have you reached out to your previous company to see if they are hiring remote risk managers? Or if they have openings on their website that are not listed as remote, you might reach out to your previous manager if that person is still with the company to see if they would consider that option. A known employee who is passionate about their position and the company they work for may just sway them, especially if their staff were/are just working remotely due to Covid.
Jackie RukaProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
2.72k
08/13/21 at 8:08PM UTC
Can you consult as a Risk Manager? Perhaps your direction is NOT working for a company but working for yourself?
Perhaps look for remote Risk Manager or consultant positions that are 1099?
Kat Karpinski
195
08/13/21 at 1:51PM UTC
Here's the problem and I know for a fact after spending 15 years in commercial P&C insurance company - they advertise the job as "Risk Management" but they want insurance sales people. In my ex-company they automated almost all risk management to get rid of paying risk managers and just had a crew to review inspections and send memos to fix stuff. And a "leader" (LOL- NOT!) to micro manage his team and crack the whip to review inspections fast and furious. More output got promotions. Thoughtful risk management got dings on reviews for not speedy enough. I think you should research the companies themselves and see if they really have an active risk management department or are just turning this into a selling insurance position after they get you in there. Just my experience one company but listening to friends a lot of companies are doing that. Same with our "underwriters" - everything is in the box, automated, the underwriters are not allowed to think outside the box just input quotes into a system that says yes or no to the risk. Many got disillusioned and left for a job where they had autonomy to think and not just feed data in and get appraisals based on quantity not quality. I wish you all the best. I am passionate about risk management also (spent last 7 of my 15 years on the job in that field) and it is truly fascinating! Good luck!
Anonymous
08/13/21 at 6:08PM UTC
Thanks Kat! I tend to agree with you and glad to find someone as passionate as me about RM.
Jennifer TaylorCommunications Professional
1.28k
08/13/21 at 1:34PM UTC
Like Stephanie said, network! How active are you on LikedIn? I swear that is the best way to meet people in your industry, and get noticed by recruiters. Be active, like posts, send connection requests to people in your industry: managers, talent acquisition folks, directors. Create content and publish articles. Revise your profile and keep it fresh.
Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachRecruiter & Job Hunting Coach for Millennials
499
08/12/21 at 9:16PM UTC
Perhaps you've already done this, but I think you need to put more effort into networking with Risk Managers at companies that you want to work for especially if you're going to remain remote. Even if the company doesn't allow for remote workers now, perhaps they will in the near future to attract more talent, or maybe they will consider a hybrid arrangement. Could you go into an office one or two days a week? Do your research and see which companies are hiring remote workers. There may not be a position available now, but you've got to establish those relationships with the idea you'll be on the top of their list when one does open up. Keep searching for remote jobs on LinkedIn, FlexJobs, and Google even allows you to search for remote jobs through it's own aggregator. Good luck!
Anonymous
08/13/21 at 1:02PM UTC
Thanks - I really do need to network better, I guess I am not very good at it. I will keep trying.
Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachRecruiter & Job Hunting Coach for Millennials
499
08/13/21 at 5:19PM UTC
Feel free to message me and I can give you some help.
