Job search is bleak, can anyone help?

Last year I (31F) was dismissed from my workplace due to changes in personnel, department restructuring and relationship dynamics. I was told this was due to performance issues but I had only ever received positive appraisals and feedback from other staff and my line manager. I work in sport and was not the only member of staff to be let go.

Anyway, fast forward 9 months and I am still unemployed. I have been tracking every job I have applied to and it is now well over 300. I’ve had some interviews and even been offered another job, however this offer was withdrawn based on the reference from my previous employer. I gave the name of a senior staff member who was my former line manager as my referee but he was not the line manager when I left the workplace, I’m not sure how but the new employer said this was inappropriate and someone else gave the reference instead.

I have over 9 years experience in the field, an undergraduate and Masters degree, I’m working on my PhD, alongside several industry-specific qualifications. When applying to roles I am qualified for and have experience in, I am either receiving feedback saying “other candidates more closely matched the skill sets” or “someone has more experience”. Even feedback after interviews is “you came across really well, you have great technical knowledge and experience but we’ve just gone with another candidate”.

The field is not well paid, I previously was on ~32k but I am losing out on roles that are paying less to lads with much less experience and qualifications.

I do not want a pity party, but I’m very frustrated and think my career in sport could be done or at least temporarily. I have some experience working within retail / travel / sales to an extent but am just at a point where I would like to earn a lot more money so while I may not love the work I do the same, I could enjoy life outside of this.

Does anyone have any advice on getting a job or career options to look in to? I am currently based in London / Surrey.

Jobadvisor:

It's incredibly frustrating to face so many rejections despite your qualifications and experience. It sounds like you've been diligently tracking your applications and seeking feedback, which is excellent. Let's break down some potential strategies and career options:

Addressing the Reference Issue:

• This is critical. The withdrawn job offer due to a reference is a major red flag. You must control the narrative here. Your previous employer is clearly sabotaging your job prospects. Consider legal advice. What they are doing might be considered defamation if it's untrue. Even if it's "true" from their perspective it may not be legal.
• Stop using your old line manager as a reference. He is actively harming your chances. Think about who else you can use. Even if you didn't work directly with them, could a colleague speak to your skills? Could a professor from your Master's or PhD programs attest to your work ethic and abilities? Anyone who can speak positively about your skills, character, and work ethic is better than someone who is actively working against you.
• Be upfront (carefully) with potential employers. If you get to the reference stage, you might preemptively explain the situation briefly and professionally. For example: "I'm happy to provide references. My previous line manager has unfortunately been unable to provide a positive reference due to [vague reason - e.g., company policy, personal differences]. I can, however, provide you with references from [list of other people] who can speak to my skills and experience." This at least gives you a chance to frame the narrative.

Job Search Strategies:

• Target your applications: 300 applications is a lot. It suggests you might be casting too wide a net. Focus on roles that are a very good fit for your skills and experience. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each specific job.
• Networking: Networking is crucial, especially in sports. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to people working in roles you're interested in. Even informational interviews can open doors.
• Skills Assessment: The feedback you're getting ("other candidates more closely matched") suggests you might need to highlight your skills more effectively. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased membership by 15%"). Consider taking additional short courses or certifications to demonstrate in-demand skills.
• CV and Cover Letter Review: Get your CV and cover letter professionally reviewed. There might be areas where you can improve the presentation of your skills and experience.
• Practice your interview skills: Practice answering common interview questions, especially behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge"). Record yourself and analyze your performance. Mock interviews with a career counselor can be very helpful.
• Consider a career coach: A career coach can provide personalized guidance and support throughout your job search.

Our CEO preached about "victim mentality" and our work doubled. Is this a red flag?

I've been at my job for about five months now, and three weeks ago, our CEO gave a presentation on "victim mentality" and how it's detrimental to the workplace and our quality of work. It was a long presentation with considerable buy in from my colleagues.

Since then, our workload has doubled, and we're all barely keeping up with the number of projects we're handling. I'm struggling, and when I brought it up to my manager, they brushed it off and gave me MORE work.

My gut is telling me this is a red flag and that it's time to start looking for a new job. Is it just me, or is this a true red flag?

Jobadvisor:

Yes, this is a huge red flag. The CEO's presentation, combined with the subsequent doubling of workload and your manager's dismissive reaction, points to a toxic work environment and a serious disregard for employee well-being. It's not just you; your gut feeling is absolutely valid.

Here's a breakdown of why this is so concerning:

• "Victim mentality" is often used to silence legitimate concerns: The term is frequently weaponized to shut down any discussion about problems within a company. It suggests that anyone complaining about workload, unfair treatment, or lack of resources is simply playing the victim and not taking responsibility. In reality, pointing out a problem is the first step to solving it. By preemptively labeling any complaint as "victim mentality," the CEO has created an environment where legitimate concerns are likely to be ignored.

• Doubling the workload after such a presentation is highly suspicious: It suggests that the CEO's intention wasn't to improve the work environment but to extract more work from employees under the guise of eliminating "victimhood." This is a classic tactic of exploitative management.

• Your manager's reaction is the biggest red flag: Brushing off your concerns and assigning you more work is a clear sign that they are either complicit in this toxic behavior or powerless to change it. Either way, it indicates a lack of support for you as an employee. A good manager would listen to your concerns, acknowledge the increased workload, and work with you to prioritize and manage tasks effectively.

• The sudden increase in workload without corresponding increases in resources or support is unsustainable: This kind of pressure leads to burnout, decreased quality of work, and ultimately, high employee turnover. It's a recipe for disaster in the long run.

• The implied message: "Work harder, complain less": This is the underlying message being communicated. It discourages open communication and creates a culture of fear. Employees are less likely to speak up about problems, leading to a decline in overall organizational health.

What you should do:

• Document everything: Keep a record of your workload, deadlines, and any communication with your manager. This documentation can be helpful if you decide to escalate the issue or if you need to provide evidence of unfair treatment.

• Start looking for a new job immediately: Don't wait. This situation is unlikely to improve. Focus your energy on finding a healthier work environment where your contributions are valued and your well-being is considered.

• Consider talking to HR (with caution): If you feel comfortable, you could try talking to HR. However, be aware that HR's primary function is to protect the company, not the employees. If HR is aligned with the CEO's thinking, your concerns might not be taken seriously.

• Prioritize your mental and physical health: Don't let this job destroy your well-being. Set boundaries, take breaks, and make sure you're getting enough rest.

In short, your instincts are spot on. This situation is a major red flag, and you are absolutely right to consider leaving. Don't underestimate the impact of a toxic work environment on your health and well-being. Your best course of action is to prioritize yourself and find a company that values its employees.

Everyone is getting fired now what?

I been at my job 2 years. There are multiple rounds of layoffs each yea and also a ton of people resign yearly. There have been a ton of C suite people fired in my time here.

This year has been particularly worse. C suite and a good number of upper mid levels cut even outside of the normal expected layoff rounds.

This organization is pretty chaotic and we just absorb the extra workload with no replacements. Our head count is capped and we are in financial trouble.

I’m fine doing my job and helping my department. Since a ton of people have bee fired, I can just walk into any improvement project which is great for experience.

Is it better to get fired and take the opportunities to learn? Or just job search and quit before they chop my head next to reduce overhead?

Jobadvisor:

It sounds like you're in a tough spot, but you've got a good attitude and are thinking strategically. Let's break down your options and the factors to consider:

Arguments for staying and potentially being laid off:

• Severance Package: Layoffs often come with severance packages, which can provide a financial cushion while you look for a new job. This can be a significant advantage over quitting.
• Unemployment Benefits: In most places, you're eligible for unemployment benefits if you're laid off, but not if you quit. This can provide additional financial support.
• Skill Development: As you mentioned, taking on extra projects due to others' departures can be a fantastic opportunity to expand your skillset and build your resume. This could make you a more attractive candidate in the long run.
• Internal Networking: Even in a chaotic environment, you can still build valuable connections within the company. These connections can be helpful in the future, even if you leave.
• Less Stress (Potentially): While the uncertainty is stressful, actively job searching while working can be even more stressful for some people. Staying put for a bit might allow you to focus on skill-building without the added pressure of applications and interviews.

Arguments for proactively job searching and quitting:

• Control: You have more control over your timeline and the type of job you get if you're actively searching. Being laid off puts you in a more reactive position.
• Avoid the "Chaos Tax": While taking on new projects is good for skill development, it can also lead to burnout if the workload becomes unsustainable. You might be doing the work of two or three people, and that's not a long-term strategy. You're essentially paying a "chaos tax" with your time and energy.
• Mental Health: The constant uncertainty and organizational chaos can take a toll on your mental health. Leaving a toxic environment can be a significant relief.
• Market Advantage: Sometimes, it's easier to find a job when you're currently employed. Prospective employers might see a layoff as a red flag (even if it's not your fault), while someone who is employed and looking for a new opportunity for growth might be seen more positively.
• Timing: You can choose to leave on your terms, rather than when the company decides. This allows you to plan your finances and job search more effectively.

Factors to Consider:

• Financial Situation: How long could you comfortably go without a paycheck? A severance package and unemployment benefits can bridge the gap, but you need to assess your own needs.
• Job Market: What's the job market like in your field and location? If it's a hot market, you might have more confidence in finding a new job quickly.
• Risk Tolerance: Are you comfortable with the uncertainty of potential layoffs, or do you prefer the security of proactively searching for a new job?
• Company Culture: How much longer can you tolerate the chaos and uncertainty? If it's significantly impacting your well-being, it might be time to leave regardless of the layoff situation.
• Your Career Goals: Does staying in this role, even with the added responsibilities, align with your long-term career goals? Or would you be better served by finding a role that offers more stability and growth opportunities in a different company?

Recommendation:

Given the information you've provided, it sounds like proactively job searching is the stronger option. The company's financial troubles, the constant layoffs, and the "chaos tax" you're paying with your increased workload suggest that the situation is unlikely to improve. While the skill development is valuable, it's not worth sacrificing your mental health or career trajectory for.

Start your job search now, while you're still employed and have some leverage. Focus on highlighting the skills you've gained from taking on extra responsibilities. If you happen to be laid off before you find a new job, that's okay – you'll have a head start on your search and the benefit of severance and unemployment. But don't rely on being laid off as your primary strategy. Taking control of your situation is empowering and will likely lead to better outcomes in the long run.