I will address the elephant in the room regarding my short time on the job within the last two years.
The Director of Admissions position at OSU-OKC seemed like a great opportunity. I jumped in feet first and began fixing 16 years of bad decisions made by others in the position. I built a team and brought in a consultant to train them, and together, we cleared a 4-month backlog of work, voicemails, and emails. We chiseled a positive roadmap forward, including a 24-48 hour turnaround on all communications to our office. Unfortunately, our new provost told me twice in a private 10-minute conversation that she planned to outsource my entire department entirely within the next three months. I spoke with my direct supervisor and my staff. I provided all of my staff with a letter of recommendation and told them to expect the best but prepare for the worst. Finally, I submitted my letter of resignation. I have never been a person to wait to be laid off.
Following my resignation from OSU-OKC, I contacted my manager from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. She went on to unofficially hire me back into the Content Coordinator role I previously filled as a contractor, but this time, I was a full-time employee for the state. Everything was going well; through my team’s work, we got the state through the first release of their website redesign. Shortly after, and abruptly, I was fired with no reason given. I was told the agency had decided to go in another direction.
During this time, I had three family members fall incredibly ill, and I was notified that my biological father had passed away. I had to take many trips to Houston, Texas, to claim my father’s body and make arrangements for his memorial. I was also traveling back and forth to various hospitals to visit my other three dying family members.
I knew I had a lot on my plate, but I still needed to work, so I put my professional career on hold and took a regular clock-in, clock-out job with a local nursing facility in their kitchen. I couldn’t manage people and projects at this time. I was extremely exhausted and overwhelmed. I was grieving over the loss of my family members (all four passed away in a short amount of time). The nursing home kitchen went through a massive turnover until only one other employee worked there with me. We were working triple shifts with no days off. When I asked for 4 days working with 2 days off schedule, I was told it was unavailable, and they understand if I can’t continue working at the same capacity. I submitted my resignation for my health and sanity.
After the funerals were over and I passed through the grieving period, I began to look for a professional position again. My most recent job history kept me from being considered for many positions, yet I persevered and searched for something that fit my skill set. I applied for a financial aid counselor position at my alma mater. Although my experience working in the Financial Aid Office there the first time was less than desirable, I wanted to give the new leadership a chance. I knew the pay would be below market, but I had hoped I found somewhere I could get some time at one company while enabling students to find ways to afford their educational pursuits.
I regretted accepting this position almost immediately. The Director and Associate director expected me to know all their office policies changes over the last five years with no guidance, training, or assistance. Their “leadership” consisted of belittling and unfounded accusations. I constantly received snark or threatening tones when I asked a question or was unsure how their university policy would apply to a student’s situation.
I was distraught. Anytime I asked my direct supervisor for help, she would say that she didn’t know the answer, even though she had been employed there for over twenty years. The only training or guidance I received was from another employee who kept answering emails and phone calls while showing me one procedure.
I got tired of crying while walking to my vehicle to leave each day. I felt defeated, and the working environment was utterly hostile. My direct supervisor told me that the VP of Enrollment Management was against rehiring me as I don’t stay long (even though I previously worked for the university for nearly four years)! I finally took my concerns and my resignation to the HR department.
While I understand there has been little time on the job for the last year, I want employers to understand the story behind it, including the series of unfortunate events. Although the post seems grim, I have my head held high, and I know I will land a position that is mutually beneficial to myself and the company that takes a chance on me.