Yesterday the call came in on the Phoenix job. It was a negative. Not surprised.
During the interview I heard the concern I’d be bored several times. The thought was I’d be bored due to how hands on I am with systems, standards development, etc.
So I asked the $47 million question yesterday when the manager called me. “What’s wrong with the resume.” The answer was, “Nothing.” I interview well, the resume is fantastic, etc. So, why haven’t I been getting calls back?
I need to stop applying for engineering positions and apply for Manager & Director level roles. That’s the answer I was given. Oh. Well, there aren’t any at the moment. I’ve been hunting nationally, not just in AZ. And there aren’t many of those positions. The ones that exist, I’ve applied for.
It’s funny how narrow people think. I’m willing to take a lesser role than previous roles because staying here is extremely important to me. I feel decent physically, and that’s huge. So, my extra compensation is the location and improving health. Unfortunately most hiring folks and HR folks don’t get that. Honestly, I think the concept of quality of life in exchange for lower pay doesn’t register in most folks minds. It’s too foreign.
Well, I’ve applied to two other roles in the Prescott area. Comspeed and Bulleri Networks both had jobs listed in the recent Sunday paper. Each has been sent a resume and cover letter regarding my interest in the roles, and my highly overqualified resume. Sorry, a little sarcasm there. 
Next week my new site expires here. The 10th to be exact. If I have no calls this week on the Prescott College role, LifeLine, Bulleri, or Comspeed, I’m taking a trip. Think it’s time to go hang out in Hovenweep for a while, and take another ride through Mesa Verde. Heck, maybe I’ll drive up to see Bert & Janie and get some photo tips from Bert! 
Entries (RSS)
Gadget,
Don’t know if this is helpful or not. I have not had to got through what you are doing now for a LOT of years.
It seems to me however if the problem is that you’re “over qualified” perhaps you should take some of the detail out of your resume? It certainly is not deceitful to not brag? Being humble is good right?
His-Self
Too true Larry. Don’t know how I can cut out my management roles. While I was management, I still stayed hands on with all the systems.
Met many managers recently who have told me directly they no longer know the systems they’re charged with managing, and leave it to their techs and engineers.
One day at a time.
Gadget, I completely understand your frustration! HR folks are so “slot” oriented that they cannot fathom that someone can be happy in a hands-on job and not be a manager. They just can’t think out of the box.
Larry has a good suggestion to “play down” some of your experience. Sad, isn’t it?
Hubby is a contract engineer. He works with industrial controls. With his level of experience, folks are always trying to pigeon-hole him into Mgr positions…Not him, he just wants to play with his trains (his PLCs).
I’m in the same boat. Folks want to make me a higher positioned worker than I want. I want sanity, peace of mind, and MENTAL HEALTH. That’s what keeps me happy and productive.
it’s all about QoL (Quality of Life)
Keep us posted on the jub hunt…
Lois,
It’s funny about pigeon holing!
When I first became a manager my techs picked on me. I’d go out into our transport room and do cross wires on our DSX. It’s a big frame where you wrap new connections from one side to the other. Wrapping the wire is actually fun!
My techs and engineers often pointed out, “You’re a manager now Rich, you don’t need to do that.” Ah, but I liked doing it! I also liked working on all the systems, monitored them, and did night work with my techs too. I wanted them to have a manager who was still hands on and was willing to do the “bad” work along with them.
I wouldn’t mind management, provided I can still be hands on. Sad talking to several managers recently who all confessed it would be better they not get their hands on the systems. Who do the techs and engineers turn to for a mentor if their boss doesn’t know about the system?
In the end, quality of life is what I’m after. I’m also after some income and medical benefits! But I would really like to find a role here in Prescott that can entertain and challenge me, and allow me to stay in the place I like so much!
Hang in there, hon…your time will come. Soon!
Hugs!,
Lois
Rich, would enjoy having you up here anytime, and would be flattered to show you what I can about photography. You’re doing pretty darn well, however!
Cheers,
Bert