Suzanne Skees’ Post

I've always been a bit of a nerd, and honestly, I’m proud of it. Back in high school, I’d stay up until 3 a.m. doing statistics because I genuinely couldn’t sleep if I hadn’t thoroughly understood a new concept (hello regression!). Numbers, patterns, and data have always fascinated me, and that passion is the reason I love what I do today. The best part? My work doesn’t feel like work. And I think that’s crucial when choosing or changing careers. If you're passionate about what you do, it never feels like a chore—it's something that energizes you. So, if you’re considering a career shift, ask yourself: What’s the one thing you could lose sleep over because you love it that much? That might just be your calling. #career #careerchange #careeradvice #jobhunters

This post is for people who are struggling in their current jobs and are not able to switch. Feeling depressed about it may affect your future interviews, but here are a few things that one should know before being depressed: 1. There has been a shift from just degree-based hiring to skill-based hiring, so try to learn high-growth skills rather than just relying on college degrees. Find ways as to how you can contribute more to your potential future employer when compared to other eligible candidates. 2. There might be some non-skill based roadblocks that are not letting you switch. For example: 3-month notice period, already earning above industry standards, large employment gaps, etc. Try reaching out to relevant people in your network to solve such problems. 3. Some major macro-economic trends always play a part, especially for experienced professionals with higher salaries. For Example: with the advent of AI, IT consulting industry had to pivot and find usecases to solve for client's problems efficiently using AI. As a part of this pivot, revenues declined, people lost jobs/got lesser hikes and even people with relevant skillsets struggled to change jobs. 4. However, there was a time around 2021-2022 when COVID was at its peak and everybody believed that everything would move online, causing IT companies to trade at very high PEs, thereby letting people with average skillsets hold 3-4 offers. Due to an expected increase in IT services around the world, people were able to double their salaries within months via job hopping. When that bubble burst, people with huge salaries got fired first. 5. One should always aim for growth/better job opportunities but should not feel depressed if it takes time because some things are beyond our control. #CareerGrowth #JobSearchTips #SkillBasedHiring #CareerAdvice #JobMarket #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment #NetworkingMatters #SkillUp #MentalHealthAtWork #StayPositive #OvercomeChallenges #CareerSwitch #Resilience #FutureOfWork #JobHunting #PersonalGrowth #Macroeconomics #AIImpact #AdaptingToChange #layoffs #mentalhealth

Gen Z faces significant challenges in the job market despite being well-qualified. - 🌍 Many Gen Zers are NEETs (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) due to a "perfect storm" of economic factors. - 📉 AI and recession-proofing have led companies to pause hiring and combine or eliminate roles. - 🤖 Employers are hesitant to commit to full-time positions, expecting AI to increase efficiency. - 🏢 Companies are holding onto existing talent, reducing opportunities for new job seekers. - 📜 Traditional job-hunting methods are often ineffective for young graduates. - 🎓 Some Gen Zers are resorting to creative strategies, like pitching themselves at part-time jobs or volunteering at events to network. - 🎥 Social media and unconventional approaches, like viral TikTok videos, have helped some secure employment. #GenZ #JobMarket #CareerChallenges - 🌐 The pandemic led firms to cut positions, and many have not reinstated these roles. - 💼 Even with a cooling inflation rate, job opportunities remain scarce. - 💡 Gen Z graduates must often think outside the box to stand out in a crowded job market. - 🌟 Successful stories include using LinkedIn to connect at conferences or gaining visibility through viral social media posts. - 📈 Companies must balance efficiency gains from AI with the need to support new entrants into the workforce. - 🔄 The dynamic job market requires adaptability and persistence from young job seekers. NEETS are not working by choice—but a 'perfect storm' is creating a pool of highly trained and willing workers who are the 'new unemployables' https://lnkd.in/g_XTdQTj

Being unemployed is an intense experience - humbling, puzzling, a little bit relaxing, a little bit painful, and full of insights. This pause made me realize and accept that it is okay not to have ambitious career goals all the time. Striving to be better doesn't always mean a better job, a higher salary, or a more attractive position. And while I am not giving up on finding a dream job and about to start an interesting project maybe at some point (if AI recruitment takeover happens) I will decide to become a farmer or sex educator 🫣. Skills are transferable after all. Working with smart and ambitious people helps you grow but also adds pressure. Your goals are about your well-being and personal purpose, not just constant racing and comparing with others. Changing careers and industries takes much more effort and courage than growing in the same area for years. So if you are on such a journey - I admire you! ❤️ #careergoals #existentialcrisis #careershift

Probably against better judgment, I want to share why this 18-month journey of finding my next full-time gig has been particularly difficult for me. I haven't seen anyone discuss this, and I hope it resonates with others out there who have been struggling. For me, the hardest thing about being out of work isn't the lack of a paycheck. No—for me, it is the isolation. I was one of those "gifted" kids growing up. Honors student, always going the extra mile. I even was chosen as the student speaker at my college's commencement ceremony (a reward for being the top student in the class). It turns out, there's a high correlation of those who were deemed "gifted" as a child/young adult that also are neurodivergent and suffer from anxiety and depression. I strive for perfection to a fault. And thus, as my various leads and interviews have failed over and over and over, it has struck me at my core. I see on here frequently to remember that there's often not much more that you can do. And even though I believe that, my own reaction to rejection and failure is primal, in that even though I *know* I shouldn't take it personally, I can't stop from doing so. In addition, I am an extrovert's extrovert. My best friends tell me I talk too much. I love making connections and working with people. But the job search is lonely. And the longer it goes on, the lonelier it becomes. I sought out a career search community, which has helped, but I mistimed my entry into that program during a lull, and found myself even feeling isolated in a group setting. I also thrive on recognition and success. Being a valued part of a team is what drives me to be better. Thus, while I have tried to keep myself busy during this time off with upskilling and personal projects, none of these things bring the same sense of joy as hearing from others about how much they value me, as a coworker, friend, or human. While I had the mental fortitude to take on rejection for a few months, I will not lie—I am increasingly finding myself isolated and lost. I have felt strongly that today's internet has only fueled this isolation further. I had to delete my Facebook because it no longer helped me keep in touch with people I cared about, because it's now filled with AI garbage and low-effort engagement bait. I've withdrawn and pushed people away including my family, best friends, and even my spouse. Every new rejection hits at me harder. Last night, I put up my #OpenToWork banner again, and I was reminded of the power of connections. A few people quickly ran to my support and helped make connections—and that simple act helped fill a deep hole I had dug over the last few weeks. Don't underestimate the power a comment or a DM can make. It really has meant the world to me. I hope I find the right company and people to join soon. I'm so eager to be part of something bigger, because I know my body is literally craving it right now. I hope this resonates with others in my shoes. 🙏

This week, I turn 50. As I reflect on my final year in my 40s, I had hoped to celebrate career milestones, proud achievements, and insightful moments. But instead, I have to face a different reality: it’s been the hardest year of my career. As someone who prides themselves on resilience and determination, sharing this publicly is no easy task. However, I feel it's important to shed light on the challenges I’ve faced. 🔍 Over the past year, I’ve applied to thousands of jobs, most of which never even acknowledged my application. I sought guidance from a work coach to understand what I was doing wrong. Meanwhile, I’ve had to take on very short-term contracts and alternative work to keep a roof over my head, while tirelessly pursuing contracts and full-time roles. 👥 I'm a seasoned business development professional, old school in the best way—someone who knows how to knock on doors, build meaningful relationships and pipelines, and get out there to meet the right people for the right product or service. My track record, up until this past year, speaks for itself. ❓ So why am I struggling? An article in The Sunday Times provided some clarity. AI is now dominating the recruitment process, often screening out candidates like me. And the recruiters left behind are biased toward younger applicants. 🤖 AI doesn’t understand my personality, my drive, or the value of my experience. It can’t recognise that I don’t just talk the talk—I follow through. But the automated systems don’t see beyond the algorithms. While I fully support the younger generation stepping into the workforce, there’s a critical need for balance. Experience, expertise, and personal connections are still invaluable. We are losing the art of face-to-face relationship building as digital tools take over. Yes, digital is important, but growing a business requires both human connection *and* technology. --- **If you know of any businesses that could benefit from a seasoned business development professional—someone who’s passionate about building relationships, driving results, and combining traditional approaches with modern strategies—i'd appreciate you passing this on. 🙏** #businessdevelopment #careerjourney #openforwork #AIrecruitment #experiencedprofessional #networking #salesstrategy #relationshipbuilding #careeradvice #jobsearch #recruitment #opentowork

Is the Job Market 2024 a Boom on the Horizon? In 2024, the job market continues to grapple with trends like "quiet quits" and "bare minimum Mondays." As remote work and gig jobs reshape the landscape, the nation’s economic growth remains on an upward trajectory, setting the stage for global influence by 2030. The transition from a job seeker's market to an employer's market has made competition fierce this year. "How can you thrive when the market seems against you?" Instead of rushing into the job search frenzy, consider refining your approach. - Develop In-Demand Skills: Focus on areas like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity. - Strengthen Your Personal Brand: Boost your online presence. - Expand Your Network: Build and nurture professional relationships. - Stay Adaptable: Be open to contract work or part-time roles. "Will #AI be the boon or bane of job creation?"AI's impact on the job market is a crucial factor in economic growth, but its influence on job security remains uncertain. In 2024, the #jobmarket is a challenging yet opportunity-filled terrain. Organizations must adapt to these evolving dynamics to drive growth and sustain job market momentum. The job market is challenging, but with the right strategies, your skills can thrive across industries. #AIAndJobs #EconomicSurvey #SkillsDevelopment #AIInWorkforce #EconomicGrowth #TalentAcquisition #FutureOfWork #GigEconomy #realtek #Innovation #StaffingSolutions

Stuck in IT: What Career Paths Can Spark My Next Chapter? Answers: https://lnkd.in/gWmBGBxF #MidlifeCrisis #CareerChange #CreativePursuits Hey everyone! 😊 I’m reaching out because I'm currently experiencing a bit of a midlife crisis. After spending **20 years** in IT support, I feel like I’ve hit my ceiling and, honestly, I’m just over it. It’s become painfully clear that this isn’t where my heart is, but I’m not quite sure where to pivot from here. Here's a quick rundown: I have a degree in a field that doesn't even exist anymore (definitely not IT), and I've been known as “the IT Guy” since I was 16. Over the years, I've worked for five different companies. At first, I thought I was just escaping bad bosses or poor work environments, but now that I'm with a fantastic team, I realize the issue might actually be me. 🤔 I’ve never really enjoyed working with computers or being on the help desk, despite being decent at it. I got into IT because of my nerdy inclinations, but I’ve always felt more like I was just going through the motions. I've been told that a higher salary might change my feelings about my job, and I get that to some extent. But, let’s be ...

You just never know how your career will unfold. You can plan as carefully as you want, get the degree you think you need, toil, sweat, and bleed for your professional goals… But, invariably, life happens. The economy changes, technology changes, your own desires and aspirations change. At least, that’s what happened in my case. Roughly three years ago, I began trying to get back into the full-time workforce after several extremely rewarding years as a stay-at-home-parent. Prior to that I had worked in the advertising industry as a copywriter. So, with a heart full of optimism and my little digital portfolio, I began applying. Surely, I would be welcomed back with open arms as the prodigal son! After many interviews though, followed by many more interviews, and a few unkind critiques, I became aware that it might be time to pivot. Being skilled with my hands (and still ridiculously optimistic), I decided to give my creative/writing brain a rest and try my hand at the time-honored profession of dental prosthetics! I spent a year at two different dental labs, as a lab technician, making dentures, crowns and the like. It was a dark and disheartening time. I struggled because of a lack of training, the culture was toxic and most of my coworkers seemed chronically ill-tempered. Determined to continue my pursuit of a new professional path, but filled with dread as I arose each morning, I was completely unsure of what to do next. So, I did what anyone would do, I jumped online! I started applying to anything that seemed remotely interesting or feasible. Until, finally, like a miraculous gift, I landed a job in marketing. I was on top of the world. But it was too good to be true. Despite being one of the highest paying jobs I’ve had and all of the perks, again, the culture felt toxic. Secrecy and behind-the-scenes power struggles were rampant. I was a department of one, reporting to three different bosses, all asking different things of me. The interactions, though friendly enough, felt impersonal. Again, I arose each day filled with dread and confusion. Until I was abruptly fired. That simultaneously became my lowest point and one of the best things that has ever happened to me. That experience helped me realize that I needed to go with what my gut had been telling me for a long time, to follow my passion and to find people who value the same things I do. So I turned to what some might call an unlikely avenue, the cannabis industry, and I found some of the most hard-working accepting, genuine, empathetic, fun-loving people I have ever met. I’m thankful for the cannabis industry. I’m thankful for the like minded coworkers that I also call my friends. I’m thankful to spend my days in an atmosphere free of the crippling anxiety and toxicity that permeate so many work places. Go with your gut. Follow your passion. Don’t stop.

Ever stop to think about how our lives are stretching out longer than ever before? We're living longer, which means we're working longer too. The old idea of splitting our lives neatly into education, work, and retirement? Yeah, that's not really going to work anymore. Thanks to better healthcare, nicer living conditions, and just generally taking better care of ourselves, we're sticking around for longer. But what does this mean for our careers? Well, it means we're not leaving the workforce anytime soon and retirement as we knew it is getting a makeover. So, what's how is this going to change how we work? ➡ Embrace the Breather: Views are already changing when it comes to career breaks, but it will become even more popular. It will no longer be unusual to take time off at various points in our career. ➡ Mix It Up: Who says you have to stick with one career forever? With more years to play with, why not try different things? Whether it's starting a new career at 50 or diving into a passion project at 60, the sky's the limit. ➡ The portfolio career: As we rack up skills and experiences, we can create our own mix of jobs that play to our strengths. Think freelancing, consulting, or running your own side hustle. It's all about crafting a career that fits your style and keeps things interesting. ➡ Take Your Time: Graduates today are taking their time figuring out what they want to do. With more years ahead, there's no need to jump into a career right out of school. Explore, experiment, and find what lights you up. ❓ So, how are you going to plan for your one wild, long and precious life? This is something I asked in a recent 'Design Your Life' workshop that I ran with a group of university students. Initially, I asked the participants to design the next step in their career, but after talking about how long each person will be in the workforce, most people chose to revise their plans and pick a different next step! Let's chat in the comments below. What's your take on navigating your career in the 100-year life? *Image generated from Pixlr AI based on the post, I guess lots of clocks will be important in the future of work ? #CareerGoals #FutureOfWork #KnowHowOnLinkedIn