Contemplating a career change…
I’ve been working as an agency recruiter for nearly three years. I started out as a resourcer and quickly earned a promotion to a 360 recruiter due to my strong performance. Last year was a standout for me, as I consistently outperformed many senior recruiters on my team. I requested a raise and a promotion, which I received, but it fell short of my expectations, leaving me feeling undervalued and rejected.
Unfortunately, this year has been one of the toughest I’ve faced. Despite putting in the same effort as before, I’ve struggled to close deals. Candidates often receive counteroffers or accept other positions, and clients either go quiet, hire directly, or take too long to respond to CVs, resulting in candidates moving on. It feels like I’m caught in a relentless cycle of challenges, and I’m feeling overwhelmed. The financial impact of losing commission has been significant, but even more troubling is the sense of underachievement that’s affecting my morale. I’m seriously considering leaving this career for something new.
My boss is well-intentioned, but she doesn’t seem to fully grasp the difficulties I’m facing. Her response has been to stay positive, suggesting that I will eventually land a deal or to try sourcing more business as a solution.
For perspective, I’ve lost over €140k in potential revenue and €14k in commission this year— and we’re just past Q2!
I find myself drawn to hands-on work, and I’m wondering if moving to a less office-centric role could be beneficial.
I would love to hear others’ thoughts and experiences on this situation. What do you think?
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly challenging time right now, and I can completely understand why you’d be feeling disheartened. First off, it’s important to acknowledge your past successes—you’ve clearly demonstrated your talent and capability as a recruiter, especially in your promotion and impressive performance last year. It’s frustrating to hit a rough patch, especially after achieving so much.
Before making any major decisions, consider a few things:
Market Conditions: The recruitment market can be unpredictable, and external factors often impact candidate and client behavior. It might not be a reflection of your skills but rather the current climate.
Support System: If possible, seek out mentorship or support from colleagues who may have experienced similar slumps. Sometimes, sharing strategies or simply venting can provide a fresh perspective.
Evaluate Your Options: It’s understandable that you’re considering a career change, especially if you have a passion for hands-on work. Before fully committing to a switch, you might explore doing some side projects or freelance work in those areas you’re interested in. This could help clarify your feelings about leaving recruitment.
Skill Development: Engaging in professional development or training can reignite your passion for recruitment and potentially lead to new strategies for overcoming your current challenges.
Consider Taking a Break: If feasible, taking some time off to recharge could help clear your head and give you the space to assess what you truly want.
Ultimately, it’s important to prioritize your mental well-being. If you truly feel that a career change is right for you, that’s completely valid too. However, no matter what you decide, remember that your current struggles don’t erase your past successes or your potential for future achievements. Whatever path you choose, I wish you the best of luck!