Confused about next career steps, does anyone have any advice? - General - Careers Clinic

7 Confused about next career steps, does anyone have any advice?

2 Dec, 2024 15:17

I'm currently on mat leave and due to return to work Jan, with a staggered return.

I am a HR Manager with 4 years' experience, I've gained lots of experience along the way and touched on everything but TUPE and unionised workforce.

I love the company I work for, they have been so supportive, they are a 4-day week employer, 32-hour week, pay is great, super flexible, I get on great with the SLT, I'm incredibly lucky.

Butttt, as the business has changed, my demand has lessened, I used to deal with complex people problems, the head count was higher, there was lots of room for growth and development but now there is not. The Business is at a steady stage with no major plans for growth.

I've had my last baby, so that part of my life has ended and whilst I can't dedicate fully to work with having two young children i need more, i need to feel needed if that makes sense. I'm a worker, I'm best when I'm busy.

However, my confidence is now super low, I've not been able to practise my skill set for some time now, my creativity has been dulled and the thought of moving jobs terrifies me, I'd be giving up so much security and probably have to take a pay drop and work more hours which makes things more difficult with two young children.

I don't know what to do, working KIT days has given me more anxiety as the problem is presenting itself again whereas I could ignore it whilst on Mat leave.

Don't know what to do and not really sure what I'm hoping for from this forum, perhaps someone has some good advice?

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Philip | 0 Posts

2 Dec, 2024 15:28

Hi Hannah,

I can't really give any great insight that you don't seem to have already considered.
However, if the employer is really that good, along with the hours and pay, perhaps explore whether you could continue on there for now whilst underpinning your next steps. It would be a shame to walk away from something that seems to tick the majority of the boxes until you're sure what it is you're looking to find.
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Hannah | 0 Posts

2 Dec, 2024 15:32

In reply to Philip :
Thanks for your response Philip,

I need to have a conversation in the new year with my boss about the company's growth plans and whether there is any path for my development, but I think I know the answer.

I'm pretty gutted to be honest, feel like I'm at a crossroads and either way isn't great, its keeping me up at night.
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Clare | 0 Posts

2 Dec, 2024 16:45

Hi Hannah, just a quick response for now, not sure if this will help but a quick glance at the careers guidance pages on this website might be worthwhile, link as follows:
www.cipd.org/.../

In the meantime I'll have a think around some other potential sources. I get a sense of your general mood right now, let's face it, being a parent to young children and one half of a partnership ain't easy. I was thinking this morning I've got just under 3 weeks before my Christmas break and I just can't wait to switch off. The shorter daylight hours, bad weather and endless bad news all take their toll at this time of year and I guess this is also impacting your situation so please don't be too hard on yourself. If you get some time to yourself it may also be worth searching for historic threads on this forum as career dilemmas tend to crop up so there may be some wise words to read. :-)
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Hannah | 0 Posts

2 Dec, 2024 19:22

In reply to Clare:
Thanks Clare,

I think I have avoided the issue for some time now and just going back doing a few KIT days really brought it home that the issue needs addressing and that time is approaching.
Your also right though, everything takes its toll and i was looking forward to going into work for a 'break' from a crying baby (ridiculous i know), but I'm not getting anything from it.

It just seems such a bizarre concept to leave a job to work somewhere for less money, more hours and more days with a young family to support but the alternative is to stay somewhere I feel I've outgrown and am unfulfilled by and quite frankly feel unhappy there
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Clare | 0 Posts

2 Dec, 2024 22:39

In reply to Hannah:
Actually I don't think it's bizarre to seek a 'break' by going to work, not at all. It gives you time to 'take off your mum hat' to reconnect with a 'previous life', plus I remember my godson's mum telling me she relished going to work as she could sit and drink her coffee while reading a magazine without any interruptions. Especially important as he was her first born and also a premature baby so tough all round. Sure makes sense to me. And also, the concept to change jobs in your situation makes equal sense, your priorities are different now, there are little bundles of joy who are very dependent on you although that will pass gradually as they learn to become more independent. Reading your words - while I don't doubt the changes within your organisation - I wonder if you are still recovering from your recent pregnancy while adjusting to additional demands on your time? If your employer offers an employee assistance service (EAP) or if your GP provides any health checks they might be worth following up.
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Steven | 0 Posts

2 Dec, 2024 23:40

Steady state can be such an interesting time. During expansion it is too easy to mistake effort for productivity but now you can start to think about all the real development work.

For example, I love continuous improvement but most organisations make it over complicated. You are effectively asking staff to think about an improvement to their job which is almost embarrassingly small. You could do this before returning to work - is there a drawer full of stuff waiting to be decluttered or location of something which irritates you eg a kettle? Fix it and find something else to improve.

In work, HR can play a fundamental role in continuous improvement. Removing some of the tiny and silly things which add no value improves employee engagement by magnitudes as you are saying to the staff we want you to improve your own job.

Of course not everyone is exciting about continuous improvement but the point is, there will be lots of things you will now have time to do in depth and have the thinking time to make it work.
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Hannah | 0 Posts

5 days ago

In reply to Clare:
Hi Clare,

Whilst I do have a lot going on, I'm pretty clear in my thought train and am aware of the changes that lie ahead and I'm a big planner, so its hard for me to not worry about what's next and put plans in place. I'm absolutely fine in myself, nothing a GP or EAP could help with, unless they want to help me find a dream job haha.
I've had time to think and have a loose plan in place for the new year in terms of next steps and timeline. I suppose what will be will be.

Thanks for getting back to me :)
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