A New Chapter: Closing the Door on Recruitment

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I bid farewell to my career in recruitment. Approximately two months ago, I made the conscious decision to transition away from this role. I wanted to ensure I left my team in a better position than when I arrived, so I dedicated myself entirely to tying up loose ends and supporting my colleagues throughout my departure.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my time in recruitment has significantly impacted my mental health, my personal relationships, and my outlook on the future. Although it might sound clichéd, I initially entered this field with the passion to facilitate social change and support individuals in securing meaningful employment. Unfortunately, I now feel that my efforts had adverse effects.

With nearly ten years of experience under my belt—primarily in sectors such as retail, education, and most recently, supply chain—I can’t help but feel like a temporary fix in a broken system. The organizations I worked with often struggled with high turnover due to inadequate employee practices, and my role became one focused on patching up the problems rather than addressing the underlying causes. It seems I devoted much of my career to guiding individuals toward low-paying, exploitative positions in companies that prioritize profit over people. It’s disheartening to witness this pattern, where companies ensnare their workforce, only to later discard them in search of new applicants.

While I recognize that a different path in corporate or executive recruiting may have led to a more fulfilling experience, the current landscape feels discouraging.

Fortunately, I’m not stepping into the unknown entirely. I have some savings to sustain me while I explore new opportunities, and my partner has a small business that’s thriving. She has kindly invited me to join her in managing this venture, which opens up exciting possibilities for collaboration and growth. Additionally, this fall, I am setting out on a new educational journey as I enroll in a graduate program. The idea of returning to school at this stage in my life was unexpected, yet I am hopeful it will help me pave a path towards making a more substantial impact. By the time I turn 40, I aspire to hold my degree and apply my knowledge to truly help others.

I’m not entirely sure what the purpose of this reflection is, but sometimes, voicing our thoughts can lead to clarity. Here’s to new beginnings and the pursuit of a more meaningful professional life!