I feel like quitting, unfortunately. I had always associated my identity with my career. My career was going fine until I was mass-laid off because my consulting division didn’t have enough work. I had 8 YOE and was new immigrant in Canada. Canadian banks took advantage and hired me at lowest level. It’s been 5 years and I can’t move up because I’m not good at politics (despite “exceptional” rating). I am not good at interviewing. Had 5 leads last week, 3 gone in a day.
TD RBC BMO CIBC Scotiabank
My opinion: begin the process of quiet quitting by allocating your free time (both on & off the clock) to finding a new job.
I resigned back in July from Job1 for various reasons (overworked, poor management, underpaid, toxic work environment, etc).
Like yourself, my career is a significant portion of my personal identity… so I wouldn’t recommend quitting without having an offer lined up. I quit before I began the job hunt process, which significantly impacted my mental health & I would not recommend this.
It took me less than a month to get an offer for Job2, which included a significant pay bump, less hours, better company, & a better work life balance.
Some companies are stuck in their old ways valuing Time & Office Politics over Skill & Quality… so take the leap of faith and find a company that’s a better fit and get your 💰
I've been in your shoes and I know it's not easy. What turned it around for me was hiring a career coach. Through this process, I was able to work on my weak areas and improve my strengths to make myself more valuable to potential employers. I know you said you are not good a politics (assuming you mean internal/office politics) or interviewing. The first one may be resolved by learning how to network and nurture professional connections. The second one is more urgent, and something a career coach can definitely help you with. I realize it's not free or even cheap, but think of it as an investment into yourself and your future. Trust me - it will pay off tenfold in the long run.
Thank you for your advice. I did hire a career coach 4 years ago before I was laid off (anticipated). But he was only focusing on my psychology. May be I ran into a wrong one. Would you mind sharing who helped you and how? I’d appreciate if you can share their name in DM. 🙏
Rising Star
First thing you should learn - separate your work identity from your personal identity. There is more to life than work.
With that said, if you want to move up, it’s more than just politics but more so alliances. If you are liked and respected by your peers, natural progression is for your peers to move up and move up with them. Remember, he/she who is not part of the alliance, the good work goes unnoticed
I think ED1 is spot on here personally. Work is just one part of you - it should not be all of you. I would consider working through these feelings in therapy to help you separate the two and also to sharpen up interpersonal skills so you can move up the ladder.
You should try applying somewhere else. I'm sure you'll have a chance of getting hired. Don't be discouraged! :)
I would also recommend talking to people internally in roles that you would be interested in to learn how they got their and if they have any recommendations for you.