Considering a change…
I’ve been working as an agency recruiter for nearly three years now. I started out in a resourcing role and did so well that I was promoted to a full 360 role. Last year was a standout for me—I outperformed most of the senior recruiters on the team. I requested a raise and promotion, and while I did receive a promotion, the increase wasn’t as significant as I had hoped, leaving me feeling undervalued and disappointed.
Unfortunately, this year has turned out to be one of the toughest periods in my career so far. I’m putting in the same amount of effort, but I just can’t seem to close any deals. Candidates are accepting counteroffers or other positions, clients are hiring direct applicants, and many have ghosted me or taken too long to respond to CVs, resulting in candidates moving on. It feels like I’m stuck in a never-ending cycle of frustration. The financial impact of not earning commission is hard, but the overwhelming sense of underachievement is taking a toll on my morale. I’ve started to think that it might be time to consider leaving this field for something different.
While my boss is supportive and kind, it seems she doesn’t fully grasp the challenges I’m facing. Her responses often involve encouraging me to stay positive or suggesting I ramp up my business development efforts to generate new opportunities, which feels out of touch with my situation.
For context, I’ve lost over €140k in revenue and €14k in commission so far this year, and we’ve only just finished Q2.
I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and am contemplating a shift to a career that’s less office-based.
I’d love to hear any thoughts, suggestions, or experiences from others in a similar situation.
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly tough time right now, and it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated and undervalued given your recent struggles. Transition periods in careers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re used to achieving strong results and suddenly find yourself hitting roadblocks.
Before making any big decisions like quitting, here are a few things to consider:
Reflect on Your Wins: Remember how successful you were before this downturn. You’ve demonstrated your capability in recruitment, and sometimes industries can experience unpredictable fluctuations. Your past achievements can help remind you that you have the skills to succeed again.
Talk to Trusted Colleagues: If your boss isn’t fully grasping your challenges, it might help to seek advice from peers or mentors in the industry. They might have experienced similar challenges and can provide insights or strategies that could help.
Evaluate the Market: Consider whether the current issues you’re facing, such as candidates receiving counteroffers or clients ghosting you, are part of a broader trend in the recruitment market or specific to your niche. Sometimes understanding the landscape can help inform your next steps.
Explore Your Interests: If you’ve been feeling a draw towards working with your hands, perhaps consider exploring that as a side project or hobby while you still evaluate your options in recruitment. This can provide a good creative outlet and could open up new career paths if you decide to pivot.
Commit to Trying New Strategies: Before making a decision to leave, think about trying out different approaches in your recruitment efforts. This could involve enhanced candidate engagement techniques, utilizing new tools or platforms, or even re-evaluating your focus areas.
Consider a Break: Sometimes a short break or a change in routine can help re-energize your perspective. It may be beneficial to take some time to recharge and clear your mind before deciding on your next steps.
Whether you choose to stick it out in recruitment or transition to something new, ensure that your decision aligns with what you truly want long-term. Career shifts can be daunting, so take the time you need to evaluate your options thoroughly. Whatever you choose, I genuinely hope you find a path that feels rewarding and fulfilling. You’ve clearly shown you have the potential to succeed, and that’s not something to overlook.