BootsnAll Travel Community

I know we have a forum for the rat race, but I think my question is more appropriate for here.

I've been in the same job for over 6 years now and I want a change. But when I read job ads for my profession (Librarian), I think.."Oh my god, I can't do that". It's silly! I know I can do it. It's what I've been trained for. Heck, I've got a Masters degree in it! Why do I feel like this? Is it normal? Is it all about getting old and set in your ways?

I've seen a job I want to apply for but the whole idea of applying and moving are starting to freak me out!

Libby, that is perfectly normal. I am going through a simlar thing right now, and it is just nervewracking to move on to something new, have to learn how things work at a new company, etc.

As hard as it is, you have to gather your confidence, and know that you are an asset to wherever you work! And, even if you can't do everything on the job description, that is part of why you look for a new job...to learn something new and have a challenge.

Much luck!

Libby as a well travelled lovely lady you are probably more sociable, well rounded, confident, and wiser than any other person applying for said job. Go for it and embrace the change in life and I am sure you will be successful in your new job and life.

Thank you both!

One of the things that's making this decision harder is I'm an only child and my mother is nearly 65 and would be on her own. She's as independant as any woman has ever been and tells me I'm crazy to be sticking around on acount of her, but it is a worry. But she gave up alot of her life to look after another person and she's always said she doesn't want me to do that same.

I'm really torn. Part of me wonders if my making up excuses (I can't do the job, I'll never get it, etc) is my way of not being forced to make the decision to leave.

Change is uncomfortable for a while. When you get your self together you might like it better.

We all hate looking for jobs. The job descriptions are usually super inflated, companies seemingly wanting highly qualified people with 20 years of experience, team building and all that bollocks. Most of them are dreaming and will have to settle for the fact that people are never perfect.

You sound like you are well qualified and my advice is don't stress, you probably know the business better than them.

Wow--great advice for Libby and for me, too! Are you quitting your job to travel Libby? I'm sure you will have a whole new perspective when you get back...

just my best wishes for you Libby
go girl, go, you can do it



Gabriela

Thanks guys!

No, I'm not quiting my job to travel, I'm just applying for a job in another province. It will be a huge change for me. I've been looking at jobs for the past 6 or so months (since I got home from my trip) and this is the first one I've really taken a liking too.

Wish me luck!

And you can all come and visit me if I get the job.

Libby, I know the feeling of looking at job advertisements and thinking "I can't do that!". I talked to my dad about it and he reinterated to me that that is why we have interviews and resumes. If you are honest about your abilities and experience (without downplaying them out of a moment of uncertainty) then you needn't be worried. The employer will see that you know what you are doing.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the support, but I think I'm back to square one. I won't be able to get the time off work I need to travel for an interview with the position I've applied for. We're simply too short staffed at work and with regular scheduled vacation, it's just not possible

In my experience your better off looking for work in the new year now anyway. Give yourself a month or so to really get your affairs in order. Perhaps see if there are any training/tutition/learning programs for your particular position ( Although, the masters might win it for you regardless ) and take your time putting together an application plan.

Sounds hokey and tedious and I wont lie to you, it is but when I have done "panic applications" Ive not been hired for any of the jobs I was perfectly suitable for. I have learnt from experience that the right job takes time and preparation to go for.

Also, remember transferable skills. I have a resume that reads like a jack-of-all trades but I configure it each application to demonstrate the key transferrable and relevant skills that I possess.

Finally, its a job. In your field. Its VERY VERY VERY unlikely you cant do it. You might be a little out of your depth to begin with but we all float in the end.

Dan - Last year of retraining...

So Libby, did you get offered an interview?, find a way to get the time off?

If you are still in the process, how about trying the tack of saying out front if offered an interview that your current job commitments and staffing situation make you concerned for the impact of taking time off from your workplace, and offer two alternatives:
1. That arrange for an interview that you could get to on a weekend. OR
2. Suggest whether there is any possibility of them coming to you.
In doing that, you have shown initiative, responsibility, commitment to the team, and a desire to maintain service.

All good things that those bloody HR people love to fatten up Selection Criteria with, and like with Nick, I have been really pissed with all that wording hoopla - don't worry now and just live off accumulated wealth.

The otheralternative of course is face what it is that you would like a change for.
If not people you work with, is it the structure of the work place, and would it be a challenge to go about orchestrating changes - that can happen even without being in charge.
Once you understand the politics and thinking of the chief minister, a few yes ministers that include subtle injections to have those that need to think they have seen the light can work wonders on your own challenges, motivation and reward.

You need to approach such matters from an angle of the bosses perspective of how he/she achives so much more that his/her boss demands, and opening just that topic up with your boss will have you identified as a thinker, somebody that might be suitable for being given a special project, and promotional material.