OT: Explaining why I'm leaving the company

[Red Tornado]

I've been at my current place of employment for a little over 18 years. My goal was to retire from here, however things have deteriorated to the point I may need to find something else.

I'm pulled away from my core duties so much, it has a serious negative impact on my ability to get them completed, or even started in some cases, even though I'm evaluated against them annually. My department is half the size of what is was this time last year, but expected to put out the same amount of work. Our current manager micromanages, randomly assigns work with no regard as to what we're already working on or how far behind we are, and he's on a major power trip since being hired back in. He worked at my employer once before in a different area, and was extremely disliked there, too. The last 1-2 years we've also had some turnover in our upper management and we're heading back to what I would call the 1950's/1960's style of management. Be glad you have a job, work as many hours as it takes to hit "our goals", get by with providing as little resources as possible, employee engagement or valuation - what's that? - and if you don't like it get out. We are continually amazed how things spiraled downwards so quickly, at what was once probably one of the top 25% employers in town.

I'm not looking to leave because I need a new challenge, my core job responsibilities provide that. I get along fine with my co-workers in my department, no personnel issues there. If we changed some managers, got our staffing back up to reasonable levels, and if I could spend more time on the job they hired me to do, it would all be good. There's nothing about my job itself that's a problem. The one and only reason I am considering leaving is I'm tired of working in a sh1thole.

It's been nearly 20 years since I've looked for a job, and last time around I seem to remember being told not to mention negative things about my current employer as reasons for leaving. That's understandable, but how do you handle that when that is your only reason for leaving? I can't outright lie at an interview, but I do understand being honest about my reasons could easily raise a red flag.

Hoping some in our group have successfully navigated these waters before and can provide some feedback. TIA

[Louis]

I'd just say that the job morphed away from the things you really enjoy and are good at doing, and you'd like to continue to do. Be sure to describe w/ the most positive spin possible what those things are and why such and such potential new job seems like it's the right fit.

Good Luck

[eddief]

what you love to do. Be able to back it up with measurable accomplishments that match what the new employer is looking for. And prepare a calm, upbeat reason for leaving statement. AI is not all bad:

Key points about a reason for leaving statement:
Be honest but positive:
While you should be truthful about your reasons, avoid negativity or criticizing your previous employer.
Focus on the future:
Highlight the opportunities you are seeking in your next role rather than dwelling on issues at your current job.
Tailor to the situation:
Depending on the context, you can provide more details about your reasons, but generally keep it concise and relevant.
Examples of reason for leaving statements:
"I'm leaving to pursue a new opportunity that aligns better with my career goals and allows for greater leadership responsibilities."
"I've accepted a position at a company that offers more competitive compensation and benefits."
"I'm looking for a role with a stronger focus on [specific skill or area of interest] that aligns with my current career path."
"Due to personal reasons, I need to relocate to a new area and am seeking a position closer to my new home."
"While I've enjoyed my time here, I'm looking for a role with more opportunities for professional development and growth."

[AngryScientist]

I have no idea what your job is but things have changed a lot in 20 years.

You used to be seen as a needy liability if you sought a semblance of work-life-balance, but that's now a usual goal of most employers you actually might want to work for.

You certainly dont owe them a detailed recommendation, nor would I expect they would seek one.

Suffice to say: I'm ready for a change, and I think I'll be a much better fit at your company.

[Ken Robb]

Are there effective recruiters(headhunters) in your field? If one or more of them are looking for people like you they might place you in a better job with better pay and benefits. Would you be willing to relocate? How soon could you expect to retire if you hung in where you are?

[redir]

Was your small company bought out? Because that's the same old story when it happens sadly.

If an employer likes your resume they might ask 'why are you leaving' because it's on the list of dumb questions they ask but they don't really care. If you look good, have the skills they need, they will want you.

[windsurfer]

Why do you feel the need to explain? If you are not happy, just go.

[eddief]

but the new company will ask why.

Originally Posted by windsurfer

Why do you feel the need to explain? If you are not happy, just go.

[rccardr]

Retired now, but have 40+ years experience in employment.
My best advice is find a new spot before you leave your current job.
Ageism is rampant but never mentioned; if you’re over 45 you’ll experience it.
You may find it easy to locate a new position based on skills and location, but you never really know until you look around.

[redir]

Originally Posted by rccardr

Retired now, but have 40+ years experience in employment.
My best advice is find a new spot before you leave your current job.
Ageism is rampant but never mentioned; if you’re over 45 you’ll experience it.
You may find it easy to locate a new position based on skills and location, but you never really know until you look around.

This 100% and probably why my wife has not gotten a job in a year. She's stopped putting her earliest work history on her resume for that reason. She does look younger than she is but once they find out it seems to jsut turn the lights off.

[rice rocket]

I told the truth, said why I was unhappy. I was a 6 year employee at the time when I quit.

I was rehired 3 years later, with a 50% raise and flexibility to change what I wanted on my team.


The "don't tell the truth" applies maybe if you're not looking to get rehired ever? I tried to be constructive.

[rwsaunders]

My better half has been an HR executive for the majority of her career and she sent me the list of reasons that most people leave a job/firm. Comp/benefits top the list at +/- 60% and it slides from there. The median amount of time an employee stays at a job is 4.1 years, with older (55-65) employees averaging almost 10 years and younger (25-35) employees averaging a little under 3 years, so your 18 years is commendable.

Age discrimination is very real and with most firms using LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. as application portals, the screening and interview process has become faceless. It doesn't take any skill to search a profile on LinkedIn, add up the years of work experience and do the math in terms of an applicant's age. She's seen managers run the numbers comparing salary, benefits and projected longevity and make decisions based on those factors, which really isn't kosher, but that's what happens behind the scenes.

1 Compensation and benefits
2 Company direction and stability
3 Manager relationship
4 Toxic culture
5 Flexibility
6 Career advancement
7 Entrepreneurial pursuits
8 Purpose and passion

Good luck with your change. 21 years ago, I had enough with a firm that I thought would be my home until retirement. I had invested 15 years of my career, managed the technical staff, was tied into the profit-sharing and owned a proportional segment of our HQ. Items #3 and 4 were enough to have me do a deep look into what I wanted to do for the next 20 years. The thought of working with two of the future partners almost made me puke, so I gave notice and wrapped things up. No job, just some ideas and connections in the industry.

Tough at first when you have 3 kids and you walk away from 1/2 of your income, but I was able to be part of a startup that today has 27 employees and growing. I love the work that I do and the people/clients that I work with, and I'm almost finished with the process of selling my shares to three partners, who have been with me for 15-17 years. I'm very fortunate indeed, so keep your chin up as they say and be open to new ideas and opportunities.

[Permanent socks]

Originally Posted by rwsaunders

Age discrimination is very real and with most firms using LinkedIn, Indeed, etc. as application portals, the screening and interview process has become faceless. It doesn't take any skill to search a profile on LinkedIn, add up the years of work experience and do the math in terms of an applicant's age.

When I started looking for a new job, the consultant I was working with parsed my cv down to the last 15 years of experience. I also amended my LinkedIn page to reflect my current cv.

What I was doing before that is largely irrelevant unless I have a many page cv full of incredible accomplishments. Keep it simple and no one will know your as old as their parents...

[AngryScientist]

Originally Posted by Permanent socks

When I started looking for a new job, the consultant I was working with parsed my cv down to the last 15 years of experience. I also amended my LinkedIn page to reflect my current cv.
.

I agree. If you've been in the work force for a while, no need to list the first job on the resume anymore.

[Gsinill]

Originally Posted by eddief

but the new company will ask why.

That shouldn't be an issue, really.
Why not just say that you are looking for a new challenge: "I've been with my current company for almost 20 years, in the same position for 'x', and just want to do something new where I can leverage, blah blah..."