Job Security and Misery, or a Fresh Start?

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  lisabauer08/16/07 Report as spam
  1

  Misery or Fresh Start

  I've been there and done that. I worked in a job for 16 years where the work itself was very satisfying but the environment was staunchy and demeaning. I did ultimately file a grievence against my boss and ultimately left with my pension. It gave me time to do some serious soul-searching and re-invent myself. I've realized I no longer have to have one career or stay in a job I hate for 30 years. I don't regret my decision and I'm happier and more satisfied than I've ever been.

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  qtrback08/16/07 Report as spam
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  A Fresh Start

  One thing that I suggest is not to offer any negative information on your current employer while interviewing. As a hiring manager, it hasd been my experience that occassionally when the "former- or soon to be former" employee has made the decision that their carreer would be better serviced elswhere, they feel a relief and can be viewed by a prospective employer as a whiner. Just be careful how you refer to your current/soon-to-be-former employer. Having 8 years on te job is a definite plus. Find a legit, positive reason for seeking other employment.

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  glenaduncan08/16/07 Report as spam
  3

  another scenario

  We all "hit the brick wall" (I believe) in our careers at one point or another. We stop moving forward, start looking around, and don't necessarily like where we are, what we make, how we feel. All normal. (I'd be worried if you WEREN'T evaluating.)
  
  But you are in a very nice spot - a year away from a pension, you said. So, find some energy and a means of renewing yourself for the next year. Fight the good fight, and at the same time put out the antennaes for something to do a year from now. You'll reap the rewards of a long-career with one company, and rejuvenate yourself with a job search (you might be surprised at what you find - or who finds you if you get the word out.)
  
  Good luck, hang for a year, and then start a new career!!

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  trudiamond08/19/07 Report as spam
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  Prep for the fresh start

  Don't shoot yourself in the wallet to spite your paycheck. You've got one little year until you qualify for the pension. Use that year to prep for your fresh start. Join a professional organization and attend meetings, check their job postings. See what latest tools are in demand and take online tutorials in them or get the latest "hot" certification in your field. Update your resume, and start sending it out to test the waters. Pensions are hard to come by any more. Your next employer is unlikely to offer one, even if the job is hugely fulfilling. If you're 50+, you're likely to find only contract work -- so talk with an accountant about the financial logistics of turning yourself into a freelancer (sole proprietorship), and get the bookkeeping set up.

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  tobikid08/22/07 Report as spam
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  Fresh Start

  Even if you're not dead set on a fresh start, as long as you're confident in your value to the organisation, you may be able to shake thing up a bit by approaching the boss and 'making him/her aware' that you're looking around...just in case they receive any requests for references, you understand.