[USER]

How do I start working with a recruiter/headhunter? Edit to add Philadelphia/Delaware area.

Long story short-ish.

Three years ago, I decided to leave my high-stress, high-level, managerial position because I was burnt out.

The hours were long, the headaches were big, the stress was real.

I found a role with less responsibility, less stress, and actually a much bigger paycheck.

I thought that although I was completely overqualified (the company thought so too), I would have better life-work balance and less stress, therefore, it would lead to a happier life.

The reality is, I am bored and un-challenged.

I have now learned that stress doesn’t come with the role or title, but with the personality.

I volunteer for any extra work possible, go above and beyond, have received a couple raises, but it’s still not enough.

Boredom is serious.

I want to get back into a managerial position, but I don’t know how to get back on track.

Looking back, I regret taking a position that was lower in the ranks, even if back then it made sense and had a better pay, because I feel like now I am stuck and I need to climb the ladder once again.

What do I do now?

[Yaj]

This is so interesting. I have been thinking about pursuing a lower rank position to have better work life balance, but your point is well taken about the intellectual stimulation component.

I will reach out to your old connections and explore opportunities there first; also maybe get creative with your current title to make it appear like a people manager when networking.

Can you help me understand how you get a bigger paycheck with a lower rank? Thank you.

[Lauren]

I am rarely bored at work these days but when I’ve had positions or jobs that weren’t fulfilling for me I focused on my hobbies and volunteer activities outside of work that I enjoyed and were fulfilling to me.

I still did a good job at work, but I was able to make work the paycheck to be able to enjoy my free time.

That could at least be an option until you find something new.

I would really search the platforms for job opportunities that fit what you are looking for and also reach out to some of the recruiters to see if they have anything you are looking for.

Just be cautious using them – some can be sneaky and underhanded. They can tell you they have positions available but they don’t currently have them.

They rope you in then search for positions (telling the company “I have a candidate, pay me X and I’ll send you a resume” and it can lead to wasted time and empty promises.)

[Sara]

It’s been a LONG time since I was looking, but I had a great recruiter. He encouraged me to work with multiple recruiters to expand my odds of finding the right job for me.

I would probably start with interviewing several and figure out who you feel most comfortable with.

Are you near a metropolitan area?

If you add to your post, maybe others can suggest firms they have worked with.

[Author]

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