Why does it feel so deflating being sought after in the job market?

[Shiprex]

I am currently in the job market seeking jobs around the world. This is nothing new, I've worked in a range of countries both in Europe and Asia and found the cultures rewarding, interesting and worthwhile, but there comes a time when honeymoon periods end and itchy feet make the status quo become demoralising. So the job search begins and

Is the outcome. Almost every application comes with a hassle of interview after interview after meeting and it's such a fkin drag.

The process is filled with experiences where you give an interview then their manager needs to interview then the big boss has to interview as well so they can do what? Make a decision that I may or may not accept? For a start 1 out of about 10 have actual salaries mentioned in their advertisement? None are in the same country so everything is done remotely and it's only the good points about living there you get to see. It's not even about rejection either. Turning down offers feels kinda shitty because the people at the other are kind and pleasant but the offer they give doesn't cut it even though the lifestyle could be good. I just don't get it. Why does it feel so meh to have almost every application turn into a disappointing interview experience where nothing offered seems to be worth accepting?

Updates

3 mo

Just sat through the second remote interview for the day after one last night and another scheduled for 2 weeks from now that lasts 2 days where there are 2 remote interviews, a tour of the place and a written "test". This is after one potential job set 4 stages of managers, clients and Big Boss then THIS LAST one for working Seychelles starts off "the internet may die so we may lose contact mid interview", and proceeds to make it worthwhile applying. Personality sells the job. NOW there is hope

[DishLady]

Tbh, sounds like you're being a brat about the entire process.

The fact is... these people don't know you... they've probably made bad hires in the past so their asses are on the line when they interview folks for a job... they're also probably wondering wtf is wrong with you that you keep job hopping... and if you are REALLY in your 50s they're wondering what an old man is doing interviewing for things like a guy 1/2 his age... So they put you through the interview process just like everyone else.

No one says they're going to hire you after all this. No one says they're going to even offer you a chance to work for them. So there's no need to act like you're God's gift to the workforce as if YOU have infinite options and are simply annoyed by what is the established hiring process of most countries across the world. Get off your high horse.

If you don't like it... and the process is SOOOO beneath you... don't f-ing apply.

So simple.

[lightbulb27]

Yes! And start your own company and hire others. Pay them insane amounts with your huge profits;)

[Shiprex]

JOB hopping? Are you serious? First job 10 years next 8, then 6 and 6 is hardly hopping.
All in the same profession for that matter.

When the process is so long winded and nothing inspiring from the people seeking new employees (no they aren't hiring new people all the time because the posts tend to be maybe every 3 to 5 years)

[Shiprex]

And did you miss the bits about turning jobs down only after 3 or 4 steps the they tell you the package?

[Mangospacho]

But, seriously, there is no reason to go through more than 2-3 rounds of interviews in the process and still not be able to make a decision about the candidate. That’s an HR department that is just trying to look busy.

If companies don’t want employees to “job hop”, then they need to start rewarding their employees for their dedication instead of giving 1-2% annual merit increases. Companies go straight to outside hires and do not promote from within causing this problem.

[Shiprex]

@Mangospacho Interestingly enough one of the reasons for leaving this country is THAT is the standard advice even unions use for anyone seeking to improve their salary. Even vital employees are unlikely to ever be able to negotiate a salary raise much above the locally agree terms between employers and unions. It's frustrating af.

[lightbulb27]

I've heard of guys recently doing 6 interviews and followups... no response. But he and another guy your age got jobs, USA and good paying ones. I suspect a lot of it is age and skills. at your age, you gotta be refined and specialized. It sucks...

[KrakenAttackin]

@Shiprex. You should have an idea of compensation by the end of the first interview.

[Shiprex]

@KrakenAttackin I look at the country I am applying in and you'd be surprised how varied the rates are and in the profession I am in they won't even let you speak to the big boss till 3rd or 4th round of bullshit interviews.
Even here where I work the same job in the same place can see as much as 20% variance (this is country according to some in the US).

[Shiprex]

@lightbulb27 I get that so that's why it's focused applications and not blanket. I find the whole process quite eye rolling tbh. It seems like it's a management quagmire where they want to be seen to be doing something worthy but can't just say YOU GOT THE JOB or GTF which would be a bit easier.
I like the idea of being refined though but not in a sugar sense where you're some kind of weird parody of the job.

[DishLady]

@Shiprex Yeah, when someone moves around too much (even within the industry) it can raise a red flag or two. They’ll tell you they appreciate your diversified experience but then mutter to one another that it looks too good to be true and what’s wrong with this guy?

[DishLady]

@lightbulb27 VC/entrepreneurial stuff IS the way to go for some guys in his position. It takes care of the wanderlust factor as well.

[DishLady]

@Mangospacho Depends on the industry… Some have levels beyond just the hiring manager and the executive supervisor, especially for higher-level posts.

[DishLady]

@KrakenAttackin Usually true if you’re starting with a clear job description and meeting with the hiring manager. Sometimes the process in some executive spheres makes the question of compensation a bit “delicate” and you have to dig for it, read between the lines, etc. till you know you’re one of their final picks.

(It’s like dating when you’re not sure whether the guy thinks he has better options or is willing to “put a ring on it.”)

[Shiprex]

@DishLady
It's not the getting the job that's the issue here but the time consuming drag of every managed and his assistant wants an input as well as the unfortunate (for me) experience and skillset brought on to the post BECAUSE of the range of experience (teaching internationally) that makes it a pain in the ass to keep applying and then not being inspired by those interviewing or the opportunities being offered. Folk will say go for promotion and take the higher up position which is NOT the reason for doing the job that could have been a lifetime commitment or have followed the actual "climbers" who gave no shits about the job but bumped around FOR promotions and aren't necessarily competent at any level THAT would be a red flag parade, but this industry has plenty of them (sometimes doing the fkin interviewing).
At 5 to 10 years in each post is hardly moving around too much. If an when a job becomes stale and unrewarding then it's not smart to stick with it in the hope things/rewards get better. That's masochism.

[DishLady]

Ok, @Shiprex, noted, but it's just part of the process. If you don't like it, you seem like you're experienced enough to just branch out on your own and start your own thing, no? You're obviously frustrated with the mainstream manner in which interviews tend to take place in the 21st century... There's not much to do about that.

I've managed to keep my post for over 20 years with relative upward mobility while pursuing other professional interests to keep things fresh and interesting. But you do you.

[Mangospacho]

@DishLady Agree for C-Suite positions but no more than 2-3 rounds of interviews for non-supervisor roles.

[DishLady]

@Mangospacho Yes, agreed! I figure based on Ship’s posted age that he’s not going for a low-rung post, though.

[Shiprex]

@DishLady
No it's a professional post that's hugely variant based on place in the world and cultural social values based on state or commercial/private involvement.

[Shiprex]

I absolutely could have remained in the first job I had. I chose to do something else and each post has not been about promotion because that's of no interest to me. The upward mobility is more associated with the opportunity to do the same job in different locations with different structures and environments. BUT the compensations are not always tangible for what I am seeking.

[Anonymous]

I am currently in the job market seeking jobs around the world. This is nothing new, I've worked in a range of countries both in Europe and Asia and found the cultures rewarding, interesting and worthwhile, but there comes a time when honeymoon periods end and itchy feet make the status quo become demoralising.

.. And yet here you are wasting your time on g@g.

[Shiprex]

I've in between interviews, earlier Thailand, next one Seychelles, last night USA yet not feeling anything toward any of them.

[blueonblack22]

I have a full time job but this is one of the reason I’ve always done side hustles for extra income (which is also very important in an emergency).

You can’t put all your eggs in one basket.

[Shiprex]

Yeah that's another route tbh. I joined the national home defence forces but that's nowhere near what I wanted in terms of opportunities for courses, operations or even deployments because the role is just security guards.

[blueonblack22]

I work in digital marketing which gives me a lot go flexibility for side hustles.

But even if it’s just driving Uber or something a side hustle is never a bad idea.

[Mangospacho]

Seriously, the job market is so screwed up now with the fake job listings and the 8 rounds of interviews just to get turned down is demoralizing, to say the least.

[Shiprex]

Also there doesn't seem to be any hiring folk (it's not HR interviewing but managers) aren't all that inspiring during the process. Except 1 so far in probably the nicest location but most difficult to get to places.

[exitseven]

I was unemployed for over a year when we had covid. I found a new job a few weeks after my benefits ran out. I went on may interviews both online and in person. I interviewed for one job that I was very interested in and when I had a second interview and the HR lady called me the next day for some more information I thought I would be hired. A couple of weeks went by and I heard nothing and nobody would return my calls. Another company sent me a job offer. It was a good commute and the boss seemed like a good guy and The job seemed like It would be good. They offered me 10K more than I asked for so I took it.

Two days later the other place called me and asked if I was still interested.

[Shiprex]

That's just it, you jump through hoops and they seem real keen then ghosting until they make their mind up. I think your point has brought out something that COULD or SHOULD be done and that is that employers should tell you promptly what they're doing.
I had one place seem super keen and arranged the interview a few weeks ago then they ask me for some further details because I'd worked in that part of the world before only for the contact at the place to be moved on with no forwarding details or anyone else to contact so the interview went ahead without me receiving any of the details about role before hand such as the format of the interview and the follow up routines or length of time the process should take.
It's almost like they want you to be expendable for their disposal.

[KrakenAttackin]

Let's add that about 50% of jobs are "ghost jobs" with no intention of hiring anyone.

[Shiprex]

PLEASE don't say that. Although it's targeted jobs I am aiming at and I haven't yet experienced any not returning my applications.

[KrakenAttackin]

Do a search for the term "ghost job".

[Tomisworthless]

They just dont see your worth like jesus sees you

[IWILLPLEASEYOU]

Is he still available

[Shiprex]

@IWILLPLEASEYOU LOL I doubt it, there hasn't been any ads for his role of imaginary sky person or zombie.