NBR: Job networking (long, sorry)

MrsHughesNC

So many of you probably know about my tumultuous job situation over the past few years. But if not, here's the gist...

I lost the job (due the the business shutting down) I'd been in for 4 years when I was 4 mos pregnant with Holly. It was time for me to leave that position anyway, but it was a drama filled separation (not my doing--the previously cool, generous owner turned kind of shady), and I'd really hoped to just stick it out until after Holly was born. I should have seen the writing on the wall months earlier, but I'll admit, I failed to really believe it, mostly because I was trying to be optimistic. Big mistake.

I got a contract job when I was 5 mos pregnant that I was told (by the staffing agency) would likely go to a permanent position, but that was nixed soon after the company found out I was pregnant. I was replacing someone who had left after having a baby, so I feel like they didn't want to commit to a 2-3 mo maternity leave with the risk of me not coming back again at all--even though that was never my plan. Then I was unemployed until Holly was 10 months old, when I got the job I'm in now. I've been here for 1.5 years.

It's been a bad fit from the start, pretty much, and I've been looking for other work since I started here. If you'd have told me a year ago that I'd still be here, I would have been very upset! I was in a position where I pretty much had to take the first reasonable offer that came along. I've probably had about 4 interviews in the 1.5 yrs since I've been here, and one offer (it was part time, and at the same time, my current job offered me full time, so I felt I needed to stay). Lately things at work have gotten worse, and I'm beyond frustrated and feeling hopeless. I've been in limbo in one way or another, and searching for a job, for about 3 years now. My self esteem (professionally, and quite honestly, just in general) is nearly non-existent, and I'm at the point where I'm just completely exasperated and exhausted by it all. I break down in tears over it at least once a week, if we're being honest.

I'm proud of the things I've done to attempt to network, and while I've met some nice people, so far it's not proven to be very fruitful. Here are some things I've done over the last couple of years to try to help my job search (I am in Human Resources):

• -Earned a highly regarded HR certification
• -Joined HR industry organizations (both national and local chapters)
• -Attended networking events w/ the local chapter
• -Joined LinkedIn, and have stayed active on it, and reached out to contacts on it
• -Consulted with career services with my college alumni association
• -Sent "cold call" type emails to connections from my alumni association, and members of the local HR association.
• -Had personal business cards printed that I pass out to everyone and their mom. :-)
• -Took a rather expensive HR class (which thankfully, my company paid for), and used that as a chance to network
• -Met with several staffing agencies

 

In addition to all that, Daily I search all the main job boards, Craigslist, the job sites of companies I'm specifically interested in, the job boards of the local HR association, and I'm sure plenty of other things I'm forgetting.  

I'm tired of searching for jobs. I've done it for 3 damn years, every day, and I'm tired of it. I'm at a point where I want to be focused on a career, not just "have a job," which is how I feel right now. I feel like I'm backpedaling with developing experience in this job, because I'm just really not learning much of anything. I feel like I'm not where I should be at this point in my career, and my resume isn't impressive enough, especially with the break in employment, contract job, etc. I'm very self conscious of it. Jobs are still hard to come by, and very competitive, and I feel I'm just lost in the black hole of hundreds of other applicants. I'm ready to be in a more professional environment (where I am is far from professional), and ready to really be involved in something, and take pride in my work, not just go through the motions.

I know few are lucky enough to find their dream jobs, but I'm ready to be in a situation where I'm at least content to stay for a few years so I can get on with my life. I feel like my job situation is dictating things like when we have another baby-- I'd like to be settled in a new job before I get pregnant, and have enough time under my belt for FMLA and STD eligibility, and I'm very resentful that my job situation is dictating things like that. :-(

If you've read this far, you deserve a drink. LOL.

The intent of this sob story is to get other ideas of things I can do that maybe I'm not doing. Or, to see if anyone might have any contacts, especially in HR, that you might be willing to pass on. So if you do, I greatly appreciate it! (and appreciate you taking the time to read this!)

 

Temp782982187506089

I have no contacts in HR, or any other real "help" that I can offer, but wanted to say I'm sorry.  I know exactly how you feel with wanting to be in a career and tired of having just a job, this economy sucks and good opportunities are hard to come by.  When one does come along, there are 300 other great candidates shoving you out of the way for it and it's rough, and it can definitely make you feel bad.  I hope that things get better soon. 

Mrs.KatieGnowC

I don't have any great advice, but I'm sorry!  I know it is frustrating to feel trapped in a job.  I hope something comes along for you soon.

uncjules

I am so sorry you are dealing with this, Hughes. I know it's been really hard on you and I just want this struggle to be over for you. As someone who has found her career path in the past 6 months, I understand how frustrating it is to just be in a job.

The only other thing I can think of for you to do is try to cultivate relationships with some of the people in your HR associations. Reach out, go to lunch, get to know them professionally and personally so that they will think of you if they hear of other jobs.

Actually, that leads me to one other thought. I had a neighbor who sent her cover letter and resume to everyone she knew. I mean everyone. She briefly described what she was looking for and asked that if they felt comfortable doing so, please pass her info on to their hiring personnel and even their friends at other companies. You just never know who may have an opening.

Good luck! ::HUGS::

 

cate1119

I know first hand as well just how frustrating it can be to be stuck in a job that you have no passion for and every day you're just trying to get by and hope no one notices you're just going through the motions!  A couple of thoughts came to mind - are you targeting a particular industry or are you open to all?  What about size of company? Is there a certain path you could take that could get you in the right fit (even though it may not be ideal)?    Sorry - i know how hard it is, but hopefully something is right around the corner for you since it sounds like you're doing everything you can to promote yourself in your field. 

tracelini

Sorry!! No advice, just know the feeling from just coming out of job that was just a job and a super boring one at that. It totally drags you down because that's where you spend so much time. Hope things turn around soon for you and you find something that makes you happy!!!

mrslsb

I'm sorry you're dealing with this and from what you described it sounds like you have been searching tirelessly. Clearly you are highly motivated and doing whatever it takes. Good for you for upping your certification and investing in your career -- even though it hasn't panned out yet, that should be helpful in the long run.

A few other thoughts (again, you may have already tried these) -- have you met with an actual recruiter rather than a staffing agency? Hopefully a recruiter would be able  assess your skills, resume, etc. and give you some sense of who you're competing with here in the Triangle and set you up with new connections through their network. Have you been sending out very personalized cover letters to companies you would love to work for -- so rather than working with connections, just go straight to the companies themselves and hope they call you in or at the very least keep your info on file?

At my company, we interview candidates all the time whether we have an opening or not, just to keep an eye on the talent out there. The people that we call in have shown initiative, are qualified, and demonstrate that they are specifically interested in our company.

 Again, sorry you are dealing with this, and I admire your perseverance despite being in an undesirable position right now.

kerrymass

It sounds like you're on the right track... it's just a rough market.  I'm also in HR and have my SPHR, etc.  I've switched careers to be able to work from home in preparation for our first child (due this December).  My current job is with a vendor that I used in my last job.  It's all about connections.... I'd keep networking like crazy and not just with other HR-people.  If you haven't joined many groups on LinkedIn, I'd do that too (it makes it easier for recruiters to find you in a search).  Good luck!  (And if you'd like to connect on LinkedIn, feel free to send me a PM and I'll give you my contact info).  

markyslove

When I was looking, I went to LinkedIn Live and met a lot of people in different industries.  The next one is in July:  https://www.empoweredideas.com/linkedin/linkedin-live-raleigh-at-the-union/

I've heard that there are lot more people there now that are looking for candidates than are looking for jobs (the opposite was true when I went).  It could be worth a shot

tracey4228

I'm in HR as well (CLT market) but feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn - tracey4228 at gmail is the address I'm listed under.

Good luck!

MrsHughesNC

Thanks for the advice and kind words, everyone. I'm just tired of being in limbo, and hope things work themselves out soon. I will definitely look into the recs you guys have made.

tracey--i think we are already connected on LinkedIn..I'm pretty sure you offered to connect after last time I lamented about my job situation! Thanks!

kerrymass--I'd love to connect but have no idea how to send a PM.. LOL. My first name is Jill (you can figure out my last name), if you're interested in looking me up!

Thanks again y'all (just for reading that novel, if nothing else!)

tracey4228

Talk about timing! I received an email this afternoon about an HR Generalist position in the Raleigh area. May be a bit out of your way but I forwarded to you just in case. It came through the Charlotte Professionals Group (via Bill Crigger) in case the recruiter asks.

MrsHughesNC

tracey4228:

Talk about timing! I received an email this afternoon about an HR Generalist position in the Raleigh area. May be a bit out of your way but I forwarded to you just in case. It came through the Charlotte Professionals Group (via Bill Crigger) in case the recruiter asks.

Thanks so much, Tracey! I will definitely check this out.