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.

[mstateglfr]

Originally Posted by Red Tornado

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

I was at a company for 18 years- started there after leaving college. For years I figured I would be a lifer there, but the last few years were brutal to not view thru pessimistic and jaded eyes. The company is a multinational logistics company and they were basically reimagining entire divisions every year or less. I couldn't keep buying in and engaged.

That was almost 3 years ago and I am happier than I can remember with my professional life.

Since I was leaving a company that I had clearly been loyal to for so many years, and I was interviewing at a job that was outside of my industry, I was asked in a few different ways about why I was wanting to leave.
Yes it is important to not badmouth your current employer, but it is also acceptable to say that your goals and values no longer align with your company.
Or, say that you enjoyed the opportunities you earned at your current employer, but due to changes in how the company is operating, you are looking to move to a company that has a similar mindset as your old company had.

^ That addresses your reason for leaving and also shows you find value in and see a future with your company you are interviewing with.

[shrimp123]

Originally Posted by mstateglfr

Or, say that you enjoyed the opportunities you earned at your current employer, but due to changes in how the company is operating, you are looking to move to a company that has a similar mindset as your old company had.

^this
and be prepared to provide concrete examples when asked

[peanutgallery]

After the better part of 2 complete decades? You owe nothing to nobody. It signals that you're a a survivor (in a good way) and more than functional in your role(s)...otherwise you'd have been nuked 17 years ago. You're a good find and a total performer and they'll know that

Be careful that you don't get low balled, easy to do with folks coming out of your background. Make sure you're aware of the spectrum of pay for your role, pick an amount and stick to it. That 18 years is probably more than anyone interviewing you can hang their hat on

Just don't put your feet on anyone's desk during the interview Good luck

[bigbill]

When I retired from the Navy in 2012, I was in charge of six divisions, about 400 people. To get my son where he needed to be, school-wise, I took an engineering job at a factory in Northeast Texas. I was only responsible for myself unless I was managing a project, which my bosses quickly figured out I was good at. I took a $40K pay cut from what I was making in the Navy, but my son was thriving in his new environment in a good high school with great friends, so I got up each morning, took a big bite of ****sandwich and headed for work. I didn't hate my job, but I resented my bosses trying to teach me about leadership, when they had been in the same job for 20 years.

In 2018, my son received an appointment to Annapolis and my employer announced a restructuring plan and voluntary separation with a severance. I took the offer and went back on the job market. My headhunter got me an interview for a management job. In my interview, my future employer asked me why I thought I was qualified for management when I'd been an engineer for the previous six years. I explained what I had done in the military and that I had taken the lower job for my son to finish school. I got the job which paid about $30k more a year. Sometimes you have to do what needs to be done and hope that an employer will ask you about your resume instead making assumptions.

[Red Tornado]

Lots of good reading so far. Appreciate the input regarding strategies for how to approach my jumping ship.

To address a few replies:
* I don't work for a small company. 15 locations in the US & worldwide. The company, in general, is OK. It's the specific location, one of their manufacturing facilities, I work at that is the problem.
* Definitely not going out the door until I have accepted another offer.
* Late 50's, approx. 10 years until I would be retiring.
* If I were willing to relocate, I would have already had another job. We relocated for this one, and I wouldn't mind going back to where we came from 18 years ago, but my better half doesn't share my sentiment (see below).
* Our adult children are all close by, so mom is not going to be inclined to leave her babies. She also has a decent job with decent pay that she enjoys. So, at least for the time being, I'm confined to probably a 30-40 mile radius from where we live. There is a reasonable amount of manufacturing here, and several new places will be coming to town in the next couple years.
* I really wouldn't mind finding something outside the manufacturing sector, where I've spent my entire career, but at my age and with pretty focused experience (manufacturing/tool/quality engineering) not sure if that's a realistic option.

The rank and file here are just in disbelief at how upper management at our location has taken the place down so quickly. We're on our 3rd quality manager in 3 years, retention rates for hourly employees is at an all time low percentage, a lot of the little perks we used to get have been disappearing a few at a time, key salaried personnel that leave aren't being replaced (part of what's making my job a nightmare right now), etc. Those of us with experience try to advise the new managers/directors, but that usually falls on deaf ears. Plenty of vacation time, very good salary & benefits are the two things that have kept me here - along with the desire not to start over as the low man on the totem pole somewhere else. Even those things are now beginning to lose their luster.

But enough of my rambling...

[Tandem Rider]

Originally Posted by Red Tornado

Lots of good reading so far. Appreciate the input regarding strategies for how to approach my jumping ship.

To address a few replies:
* I don't work for a small company. 15 locations in the US & worldwide. The company, in general, is OK. It's the specific location, one of their manufacturing facilities, I work at that is the problem.
* Definitely not going out the door until I have accepted another offer.
* Late 50's, approx. 10 years until I would be retiring.
* If I were willing to relocate, I would have already had another job. We relocated for this one, and I wouldn't mind going back to where we came from 18 years ago, but my better half doesn't share my sentiment (see below).
* Our adult children are all close by, so mom is not going to be inclined to leave her babies. She also has a decent job with decent pay that she enjoys. So, at least for the time being, I'm confined to probably a 30-40 mile radius from where we live. There is a reasonable amount of manufacturing here, and several new places will be coming to town in the next couple years.
* I really wouldn't mind finding something outside the manufacturing sector, where I've spent my entire career, but at my age and with pretty focused experience (manufacturing/tool/quality engineering) not sure if that's a realistic option.

The rank and file here are just in disbelief at how upper management at our location has taken the place down so quickly. We're on our 3rd quality manager in 3 years, retention rates for hourly employees is at an all time low percentage, a lot of the little perks we used to get have been disappearing a few at a time, key salaried personnel that leave aren't being replaced (part of what's making my job a nightmare right now), etc. Those of us with experience try to advise the new managers/directors, but that usually falls on deaf ears. Plenty of vacation time, very good salary & benefits are the two things that have kept me here - along with the desire not to start over as the low man on the totem pole somewhere else. Even those things are now beginning to lose their luster.

But enough of my rambling...

I've been in the same field for almost 50 years. I left my last employer after 19 years. It was time, I was tech support in my niche (pneumatics) for the state as well as doing my regular job, my reputation was impeccable, but things weren't what i needed and I wasn't happy. I got an opportunity elsewhere and I took a leap, I had to learn a new variation on my previous skillset, but I'm doing great with new challenges and making more $ and better bennies than ever. It sounds like you are good at what you do, you will land on your feet and move forward too.