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Would it be unwise to leave a ‘secure’ (but dead end) job now?

6 replies

Jakarta · 26/05/2021 02:03

Just sharing this in hopes of getting some other perspectives. Sorry it’s quite a long post.

I’m a graduate and have been in the same job for over a year. It’s an entry level marketing role in financial services (small-ish national company though, not a large international bank!)

I don’t want to drip feed so will mention the fact I’m autistic too and struggle selling myself in the interview stage. Fair to say my communication skills are below average compared to other entry level job seekers. Even before the pandemic, I would worry about my chances of finding work. I’ve been job hunting since Dec 2020, mostly rejections, and just one short internship offer.

I actually posted about how I hated my current job (in like 2019), mainly because I have very little to do. My team are okay but I have no real relationship with them and feel like the outlier of the group.

Since I’ve been WFH, its made my job much more manageable. Went from hating my job to being okay with it (mainly grateful to still be employed). I didn’t have to pretend to be busy and could simply leave my laptop on whilst going about whatever at home.

By June we’ll be returning to the office though (only 1 day of week allowed WFH). It sounds silly... but I feel sick at the thought of being stuck at my desk, where I’ll be watching the clock tick all day. I know some will read this and think being paid to do very little sounds great - stop complaining... but in my experience it’s soul destroying and makes you feel worthless (there’s arguably very little point in my job).

Not only do I dislike my role, there seems to be little chance of progression. It’s a small company with a small marketing department, and generally things are pretty slow paced.

I’ve recently been offered a finance nternship with a much larger international company. I applied through a specialised recruitment agency for disabled people. The opportunity seems more exciting on paper, but it’s only a 4 month FTC with no chance of being offered an extended role afterwards (already asked during interview - I don’t meet their graduate job requirements).

Despite that, I thought maybe I could gain some fresh experience and raise my confidence if I were to accept this internship offer.
tldr I just don’t know if it would be a bad idea to give up a depressing yet secure job for something short term given the current job situation (I know plenty of more talented candidates are struggling to find jobs). Also, if I were to at least stick out my current job for a few more months I’d then have 2 years of marketing experience on my CV which may increase my chances of finding another job (won’t be starting completely from the bottom if that makes sense).

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 26/05/2021 02:09

If you've been jobhunting since December, and this is only 4 months, I'd stay in your current job.

Unless your current job would offer you a 'sabbatical' to try it out. That's what I did. And never returned as I was offered permanent.

Jakarta · 26/05/2021 02:10

Also if you were hiring for an entry level role...

During the initial CV shift would it be more desirable to see experience from a ‘big’ company (albeit only a short internship, and potentially a gap after the internship)

or

Longer industry experience with no employment gaps, but at a smaller company

OP posts:
Librariesmakeshhhhappen · 26/05/2021 02:11

Could you ask for 4 months unpaid leave from your employer? It's a long shot, and if they figure out they can do your role without you then you might find yourself made redundant but its bigger than quitting.

What would happen if you did leave the job? Financially, what would you do? Unfortunately, sometimes the answer is just that you need to work and if this is your only chance at being employed (as you've been unable to change jobs) then can you afford to give it up?

blueshoes · 26/05/2021 02:27

If you were in the job for over a year, then most of it would have been during lockdown. Marketing activities (like events, pitches) may have taken a dive over this period. I wouldn't necessarily see your sitting around twiddling your thumbs a template for the future at your current place of work.

Once the 4 month FTC ends, are you able to survive without a job and for how long? If you cannot be confident you can find another decent job before your finances run out, then sorry, you don't have a choice to take the FTC. You just have to stick it out at your current place of work until you find a better one that is permanent to move into.

You say you do not interview well. I feel for you as my dd will be in a similar position, so it does hurt me to say this. Better to stick with your current employer until something better comes along.

Jakarta · 26/05/2021 02:50

Thank you all for taking the time to respond - really helpful. I think I can agree with a lot of the logical points you’ve raised.
I hadn’t though to ask about taking unpaid leave, but will do thanks

I would be able to survive financially once the FTC ends as I live with family, rent free. But I don’t think a CV gap would be great, being out of work will likely knock my confidence too considering I already have low self esteem.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 26/05/2021 02:53

I hadn’t though to ask about taking unpaid leave, but will do thanks

All the best with this. It worked for me and reduced stress!

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