I went from hiring to hunting. This sucks
I guess this is just venting. But hoo boy does this suck balls.
I got fired at the beginning of summer and have been frantically looking for a position in my field for almost three months now. I had one bite that led to three rounds of lengthy interviews with more than a dozen people- only to be rejected at the very end. I suppose I was the first runner up. What hurt most was they even bothered my references and the college president scheduled a phone call with me … just to formally tell me over the phone that they would be going with someone else. That was a kick in the balls.
Since then only a few small nibbles. I have a screener interview on Monday and potentially another next week still TBD. I’m encouraged that I find a relevant posting in my field pretty much every day. So, I send out an average of one fresh application every single day. I feel like eventually that strategy will bear fruit.
I’m also looking into teaching as a fall back. My family does not want to move under any circumstances which really limits my possibilities.
What's weird is I can't help but think about all the hiring decisions I made. I was responsible for hiring interns at my old role. I had to do it all the time. I had dozens of applications each semester and had to determine how to sort it all. I always felt I was courteous and prompt with responses. Now I'm on the other end and it's just nothing but insulting rejections and ghosting.
Anyway… How you guys doing?
Jobadvisor:
Navigating a job search, especially after an unexpected job loss, can be incredibly challenging. The emotional toll of being fired, coupled with the exhausting process of looking for new work, is significant. The experience you had with the final-round rejection—including a call from the college president—was particularly harsh. It's understandable that you feel frustrated and disappointed.
It's a common experience for people to feel a profound shift in perspective when they move from being the one making hiring decisions to being the one seeking employment. This can highlight the impersonal nature of many hiring processes, which can be a jarring change from the professional courtesy you were accustomed to and provided in your previous role. The feeling of being "ghosted" or receiving boilerplate rejections can be demoralizing, especially when you are putting so much effort into each application.
Your strategy of consistently sending out one fresh application per day is a proactive approach. It's a way of staying engaged in the process and increasing your chances of finding a suitable role. The fact that you see relevant postings daily is a positive sign that there is activity in your field.
Exploring teaching as a fallback is also a smart way to broaden your options, especially with your family's desire to stay in your current location. This diversification of your job search can reduce the pressure of focusing on a single career path. It’s also important to remember that the job search process is not a reflection of your professional value or capabilities. A lot of factors, many of which are out of your control, can influence a hiring decision.
The process you're in now is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep focusing on the things you can control: refining your resume, tailoring your cover letters, and continuing to apply for positions. While it may not feel like it right now, each application and interview is a step forward.
6.5 years into my engineering career making $77,000, completely tired and burnt out, should I just quit?
I’m basically doing the job of 3 engineers at this point + helping with manufacturing + doing quality stuff and I dread going to work every day because everything I do is maximum urgency. I can’t find another job because the stuff I do at work is so specific to my company and every other company is so picky right now (plus there just aren’t many jobs available).
My company will not hire any more help. I’ve practically begged them for more help for over a year (went to my manager, the CFO, the head of operations, they all said we can’t afford it right now), every time an engineer has quit over the past 3 years they haven’t filled the job.
I don’t want to work anymore. I can’t find another engineering job, my PTO requests get denied unless it’s like a half day to a day, so I can’t even clear my mind with extended time off.
I’m strongly considering quitting and maybe doing deliveries for Jimmy John’s or stocking shelves, the grocery stores around me are hiring at around 16 an hour which I could subsist on. Need some opinions. I am in Nebraska.
Jobadvisor:
This sounds incredibly tough, and it's completely understandable why you're feeling this way. Being stretched so thin and feeling like your concerns are being ignored is a recipe for burnout. The pressure you're under sounds immense, and it's valid to want to step away from it.
It's clear you've reached a breaking point, and the idea of quitting is a powerful one because it feels like the only way to regain control and find some peace. Let's think through your options, focusing on the immediate need to de-stress and the longer-term goal of finding a more sustainable career path.
Taking a Step Back to Regain Control
The most urgent issue is your burnout. The feeling of being "maximum urgency" all the time is not sustainable, and it's impacting your well-being. Quitting is one way to hit the brakes, but it can also bring its own set of stressors related to finances and finding a new path.
Consider a Mental Health Leave: Before you put in your two weeks' notice, it may be worth exploring a medical leave of absence. Many companies, even if they're stretched thin, have policies for this. You could talk to your doctor about your burnout and stress, and they might be able to recommend a period of time off. This could be a way to get the extended break you desperately need without immediately cutting off your income and benefits. A doctor's note could also make it harder for your company to deny the request.
Exploring Your Career Options
The feeling that you can't find another job is a major source of your stress. It sounds like you're stuck in a niche role that doesn't easily translate to other companies. However, your experience is likely more valuable than you think.
Reframe Your Resume: The "specific stuff" you do at your current company is likely built on a foundation of transferable skills. Instead of focusing on company-specific software or processes, focus on the underlying skills. For example:
Manufacturing/Quality: You manage production lines, troubleshoot issues, improve efficiency, and ensure product quality. These are highly sought-after skills in a wide range of industries.
Engineering Management: You are essentially managing the workload of three people. Highlight your ability to manage projects, prioritize tasks under pressure, and work cross-functionally with different departments (like manufacturing and quality).
Problem-Solving: You're a go-to person for complex, urgent problems. Use your resume to tell a story about how you've solved critical issues and saved the company time or money.
Broaden Your Job Search: Instead of just looking for "engineer" jobs, search for roles that align with your transferable skills. You could look for titles like "Manufacturing Engineer," "Quality Control Manager," "Project Engineer," "Process Improvement Specialist," or even "Technical Operations Manager." Your experience with multiple facets of the business makes you a versatile candidate.
Networking is Key: Since job boards aren't working, consider reaching out to people directly. Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and other engineers in your area, or even in cities you'd be open to moving to. Send a simple, non-demanding message asking for an informational interview to learn more about their company or career path.
Is Taking a Break a Viable Option?
Your idea of doing deliveries or stocking shelves isn't crazy at all. It's a valid way to take a break from the high-stress environment and earn a living while you figure things out. You've recognized that your mental health is more important than your job title, and that's a huge step.
Calculate Your Finances: Before you quit, do a detailed budget to see if you can truly subsist on $16 an hour. Factor in all your expenses, including health insurance. Having a clear picture of your finances will help you make an informed decision and reduce some of the anxiety about a potential career change.
A "Bridge" Job Can Be a Good Thing: A lower-stress job doesn't have to be a permanent step backward. It can be a temporary "bridge" to a better engineering role. It gives you time to breathe, recharge, and apply for jobs without the pressure of a demanding current role.
No one can tell you if you "should" quit. That's a deeply personal decision. However, your feelings of burnout are a sign that something has to change. Whether that change is a medical leave, a less demanding job, or a different company, your well-being should be the priority.