Considering a career change…
I’ve been an agency recruiter for almost three years. After a successful first year as a resourcer, I was promoted to a full 360 role, where I had a fantastic year, outperforming most of my peers. When I requested a raise and promotion, I was granted one, but it wasn’t as much as I had hoped, leaving me feeling undervalued.
Unfortunately, this year has been one of the toughest I’ve experienced. Despite putting in the same effort as before, I just can’t seem to close deals. Candidates are taking counteroffers or other positions, clients are hiring direct applicants, or they simply ghost me, leaving me in a frustrating cycle. It’s incredibly disheartening, and the financial impact—losing out on commissions—only adds to my sense of underachievement.
My boss is supportive, but she doesn’t seem to grasp how challenging this has become for me. Her advice has mostly been to stay positive and focus on business development, which hasn’t yielded the results I need.
To give you some context, I’ve lost over €140k in revenue and €14k in commission so far this year, and we’re just past Q2!
I have a passion for hands-on work, and I’m starting to wonder if it’s time to shift to a career that involves less time in an office.
I would really appreciate hearing others’ thoughts and experiences on this. What do you think?
RCadmin
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a tough time. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after experiencing significant success in your first two years. Feeling undervalued and stuck in a rut is daunting, and your feelings are completely valid.
Before making a big decision like quitting, it might be worth reflecting on a few things:
Assess the Market: Is the slowdown you’re experiencing more widespread in the industry, or is it specific to your role or company? Sometimes external factors play a significant role in performance, and understanding this could help you feel less personally responsible for the situation.
Talk to Your Boss: While it sounds like you’ve had some discussions already, a more open dialogue might help. Share your feelings about the struggles you’re facing and see if they can provide additional support or resources. Maybe you could brainstorm strategies together.
Consider a Short Break: Before making any drastic changes, perhaps take some time off to clear your mind. A little distance can provide perspective and help you decide if you truly want to leave the field or if you’re just feeling burned out.
Explore Alternative Roles: If you do have a desire to work with your hands, look into roles that combine your current skill set with something more hands-on. There might be opportunities in recruitment that involve more fieldwork, such as talent acquisition for companies that focus on trades or technical roles.
Seek Support: Connect with other recruiters who may have faced similar challenges. They might have insights or strategies that worked for them in tough times.
Skills Transferability: Before quitting entirely, consider how your skills in recruitment can translate into other fields. Selling yourself and your skills can be a huge asset in various industries.
Ultimately, prioritize your mental health and well-being. If you feel that a change is needed for your happiness, don’t hesitate to explore those options. Whatever you choose, make sure it feels right for you and aligns with your long-term goals. You’ve already achieved a lot in your career; don’t forget that!