Tomorrow is my last day as a recruiter. I love you all, but I am extremely excited to not be doing this anymore.
Transitioning Careers: Embracing New Opportunities and Reflecting on a Journey in Recruitment
As I prepare to step away from my role as a recruiter tomorrow, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences and lessons I’ve gathered along the way. While I love the community I’ve built and the colleagues I’ve worked with, I am genuinely excited about the new chapter ahead—venturing into sales within the staffing industry, focusing specifically on the scientific sector.
A Fond Look Back at My Recruitment Journey
My entry into staffing was marked by enthusiasm and a desire to grow. Starting from a managerial position and advancing to a corporate recruiter role, I rapidly filled over 70 positions within just four months. This achievement was not solely my own; I was fortunate to have a dedicated mentor who guided me through the nuances of the profession. She emphasized the importance of leveraging my prior experience in the field and my managerial background, which helped me build authenticity and confidence in my approach.
Her mentorship taught me that success in recruiting relies heavily on genuine understanding and tailored techniques. It was through her guidance—and the support of many others—that I learned to refine my skills, filling in gaps and developing my unique style of engagement.
The Realities of Agency Staffing
My move into the agency world was driven by a desire for higher earning potential and broader experiences. As a corporate recruiter, I traveled extensively and held a prominent position. However, my transition to an agency recruiter brought immediate challenges. I faced mixed receptions: candidates often disliked the process, sales teams sought control, and management tried to fit me into a rigid mold.
I observed many talented professionals, including myself, hired into roles where initial success was quickly undermined by management’s insistence on conformity. The common belief that new hires should abandon their proven methods in favor of a prescribed “perfect” approach often stifled the very talent that made them effective. This disconnect highlighted for me the importance of respecting individual strengths and the pitfalls of micromanagement.
Lessons Learned and Personal Growth
Over the past seven years, my career has been a series of growth and resilience. I expanded my technical skills by learning Python, placed hundreds of candidates, and navigated through multiple layoffs—experiences that tested my adaptability and perseverance. I was promoted to leadership roles that allowed me to mentor others, which have been some of the most fulfilling and joyful moments of my professional life.
Yet, amidst these successes, I recognized a recurring frustration: my achievements are often tied to sales performance and the unpredictable priorities of upper management. At one point, I nearly lost my house, despite doing everything in my power to succeed. The common response was to blame my efforts on the sales team’s performance, which felt dismissive of my dedication.
Looking Ahead: A New Direction
With these reflections in mind, I am ready for change. Starting tomorrow, I will enter the sales domain within staffing, working alongside a team composed mostly of scientists who have transitioned into sales themselves. I have built relationships with management beforehand, and I am genuinely excited to forge a new path.
This shift symbolizes a desire to align my career with areas where I feel more fulfilled and autonomous. I believe that finding a role that recognizes and harnesses my strengths is crucial—not only for personal growth but also for professional happiness.
A Message to My Colleagues and Peers
To those I’ve had the pleasure to work with—your integrity, dedication, and kindness have made a lasting impact on me. Success in any field can often depend heavily on the support and environment provided by those around us. If you find yourself content in your current role, continue to thrive. But if you’re feeling disillusioned or undervalued, I encourage you to consider exploring full desk or sales opportunities—they might just be the change you need.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on this new journey is both exhilarating and humbling. I hope my experiences resonate with others who may feel similarly constrained or overlooked in their careers. Embrace change, trust your instincts, and enjoy every step of the ride.
Thank you all for being part of my story thus far. Here’s to new beginnings!