I'm stuck. Applying for jobs but want a complete career change e.g. degree based professional career to something like receptionist, delivery driver, working from home or anything not as heavy. I am wanting to shift due to completely burning out and experiencing anxiety any time I think about going back to my previous profession.
Bit of background, we are talking about not getting home until after dark every day and not being able to have a weekend away from work. It took over my life and the employer expected it and actually commented on my kids interfering with my work. I kept trying to put boundaries in place and she kept ignoring them. So I left, but not until I had literally started shaking first thing in the morning. Believe me I tried to stick it out.
Add some trauma to the mix and I was a mess. I am a year on the other side now but am so worried about how to explain this to a prospective employer and whether they won't hire me due to wondering why in the world I would be applying with my experience. I have just put 'looking for a career change'. It's also hard to accept that I may not be using my brain as much, I enjoy learning and being a little challenged.
What would you do? Any advice appreciated 🙏
3 Replies
I did this the year I turned 30, I called it my quarter life crises 😂😂
I just said that I was sick of my previous industry, I was burned out and now just looking for a job that I can do well and enjoy, but leave it at the office at the end of the day without it taking over my entire life.
Everyone accepted that.
I've kind of been there, done that and my advice is to get another job, back in your professional field.
The problem wasn't so much your job, but your employer.
Don't let them steal your career from you.
When you go to interviews, really vet them, look up reviews online, ask loads of questions (like staff turnaround, how they would handle xyz situation).
Don't run away, empower yourself and the first sniff you get of a toxic environment, get the hell out of there, you know better now, don't stay.
Good luck.
I have very nearly left teaching this year. I was on my last legs. Thankfully my admin listened and took me out of the class I hated and back in with my original class.
I was very happy to go and work at coles or Woolies. A job where I could clock in and clock out. Still a chance I may yet.
Since that time I have been pushed by a student and very nearly punched in the face by another, let alone how many times I’ve been sworn at. I love being a teacher but teaching is wearing very thin right now.