lacking confidence to leave a job I dislike

casey

Hi,
I have been in the same job now for ten years, its close to home , the hours are great but it has changed a great deal over the last few years and I now get very little job satisfaction or enjoyment from it.
I have recently seen a position advertised that would take me in a different direction. I have most of the qualifications required but not all. I do however think I could do it.
My problem is I keep putting obstacles in the way! I think having been in the same job for all this time I have got comfortable and am lacking the confidence to change.
Has anyone else been in this position?
Thanks for reading.

mgdavid

You are in a very good position, you don't *need* another job but you fancy a change. So you can apply for other jobs, go for interviews hopefully, in the knowledge that it doesn't really matter how it goes as you're not desperate for it. That will make you more relaxed and usually means the interview goes better than if you try too hard.

Snakey

I know the feeling. If you want a nudge, consider this: things change.

I have been coasting quite happily in my job for a few years now - clients liked me, boss liked me, everyone recognised and valued my expertise. OK I wasn't a high-flying fast-tracking monster but I've never wanted to rule the world and there were other advantages such as flexibility, closeness to home etc. Then suddenly there was a management change, next thing I knew I was taken off all my clients, then I started to notice I was no longer being given any good projects or included in anything prestigious, and now I am about to be sacked for poor performance. (There's nothing wrong with my performance, but my face doesn't fit - the new guard don't want what they see as "plodders", they want younger versions of themselves.)

So now I have to look for a job in a massive hurry before I get fired and have to start explaining that one to potential employers - now there would be a valid reason to be nervous about an interview. Of course there are no jobs around right now, wrong time of year for the line of work I'm in. I really wish I'd done it 2-3 years ago. This place would be a distant (and positive) memory by now if I had, instead of the bane of my life and with the stress of all the HR stuff stopping me from sleeping at night.

If that hasn't convinced you, my advice is to apply for the job and then make your decision once you get offered it. There's nothing stopping you from turning it down (and you might not get it, anyway, which would take the decision out of your hands while still allowing you to truthfully say you gave it a try). But wouldn't it be nice to at least go there, meet the people, see where you'd be working, and have a general chat about your skills etc?

t0rt0ise

When I apply for a job I always tell myself that I'm not committing myself to actually taking it. If I get offeredan interview I still tell myself that I don't actually have to accept the job even if I get offered it. But by the time I've done the interview I always feel fired up and ready to jump into the new venture and if I don't get the job I'm then disappointed. But I've only got that far by deceiving myself. One step at a time is the key.

whitewing

Go for it. If you get an interview that will make you want it anyway when you find out a bit more about it, and meet the people.

Flat_Eric

casey wrote: »

Hi,
I have been in the same job now for ten years, its close to home , the hours are great but it has changed a great deal over the last few years and I now get very little job satisfaction or enjoyment from it.
I have recently seen a position advertised that would take me in a different direction. I have most of the qualifications required but not all. I do however think I could do it.
My problem is I keep putting obstacles in the way! I think having been in the same job for all this time I have got comfortable and am lacking the confidence to change.
Has anyone else been in this position?
Thanks for reading.

I feel like this about my job. Been there for years but things and people have changed and it isn't the same anymore. There are lots of tick boxes for staying but then I have days that leave me utterly miserable.

Go for the job and see what happens. You don't have to accept if offered.

Parva

This is absolutely reminiscent of my 28 year old son. He went to the main Royal Mail sorting Centre in Leeds and tonally passed with flying colours. Sadly, when I took my driving test it was very severe with almost instant down-mrking of minor faults. Regardless, that moment, "I'm delighted to inform you that you have passed, what a magical feeling that was.

Martin has also taken his paper exam (we'll keep that one) but holds a full license now and within another 3 months or whchever comes first.

It's a pain writing forms for DWP and I know that if not tomorrow, it'll be here for Friday/ For anyone else in severe hardship, got yourselves sorted hard and now. Not the best reaon ever but I do get ehay you are here.

mgdavid

Parva wrote: »

This is absolutely reminiscent of my 28 year old son. He went to the main Royal Mail sorting Centre in Leeds and tonally passed with flying colours. Sadly, when I took my driving test it was very severe with almost instant down-mrking of minor faults. Regardless, that moment, "I'm delighted to inform you that you have passed, what a magical feeling that was.

Martin has also taken his paper exam (we'll keep that one) but holds a full license now and within another 3 months or whchever comes first.

It's a pain writing forms for DWP and I know that if not tomorrow, it'll be here for Friday/ For anyone else in severe hardship, got yourselves sorted hard and now. Not the best reaon ever but I do get ehay you are here.

Which thread did you mean to post this on, as it clearly wasn't this one.

casey

Hi everyone, thanks for your responses.Having read them I have applied for the new job, afterall I have nothing to lose.
The closing date is 27/10 so fingers crossed!I will let you know if I hear anything back.
Many Thanks,
Casey

Carl31

I had a similar situation, was in a cosy job, had lots of friends and enjoyed it, but wasn't getting anywhere career wise


I left, within 3 years my salary has doubled, I have climbed the career ladder in my field pretty quickly (from middle manager, to senior manager) and am now much more satisfied. Socially, my role has changed somewhat, but It has no impact on me at all now

SailorSam

I've always wished i was more impulsive, not just within work but in everything in life. In the past i've had two long term jobs were i was there for years and it got to the point of i felt i was stuck in a rut. Both i wanted ro leave but 'cos i'm probably a worrier and think ...... what if ......... what if. ..... I put off looking for something else. Eventually in both places there were redundancies and i got included. Knowing me i'd still be in the first place dithering about whether to take a chance on something new.
I still wish i were more impulsive though.