Changing jobs - advice required

[ChablisLover]

I need some advice.

I am having to get up earlier and earlier to get to work due to traffic and parking issues. This is really getting me down as I am leaving at silly o'clock and not seeing my DC until late afternoon and we are both tired after a long day at work/school and stress is really a factor for me and would like to move to a role closer to home. Agencies have told me that this really isn't possible and would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Would you:

a - accept this and just get on with it?
b - start sending CV's to local companies who would have similar/same roles or push agencies

Dont really know whats for the best

I have a good job but the travel and other issues are making it unbearable and I cant go on like this.

thanks for reading

Well there is certainly no harm in sending out CV's, can you also check the websites of local companies and see if there is anything going? Or your local newspaper?

Why have agencies told you that a job closer to home isn't possible? Are you in a niche industry with nothing nearby or something?

If the job is making you unhappy and stressed then look for a new one. I wouldn't take too much notice of what recruitment agencies say.

You got nothing to lose if you do both. Carry on with the ion, and also look for a new role.

Carry on with the job, not ion!

its not really a niche role noodlenuts but is specialised and more opportunities are in my nearest city not in the so called sticks where I live.

There are firms around and maybe bigger than my current firm who do the jobs I do but its finding a vacancy to suit and with flexible working (I kinda want the cake and eat it at the same time you see )

Definitely B!

Do some research on the company first, find out who the hiring manager is and do a very tailored application to each one.

Many companies don't advertise, and particularly smaller firms, are likely to go through CVs received speculatively before contacting agency or advertising. You might just get lucky and hit on an opportunity.

That is exactly how agencies work - cold call companies in the hope that they get one with a vacancy they can work on.

Just seen your last message.

Best not to mention the flexible working etc until you have met the company and established some mutual interest.

Definitely look for another job. A lengthy commute is awful (I know) and really makes going into work the pits (even if the job is ok).

Stay working while you look as it's easier to get another job if you already have one.