During this transition period, since I was laid off in June 2017, I applied for over 100 jobs. In the beginning, I wasn’t that selective about the companies or segment. I would never apply for a job in the tobacco industry, obviously. But I sometimes applied for jobs in companies I had no interest in. And in about a year I only had one interview, early in my search.
While going through the outplacement process I made a list of 10 companies I’d love to work for. Most were in the beauty or fashion segments. But I didn’t find any jobs in any of them. As the months went by, I developed other activities – sale of cosmetics, work as a consultant and partnership in a business in the training segment. Since then, I applied for fewer jobs, only those that really made sense with my current moment (I value quality of life even more nowadays), my career goals and interests.
In April I saw an ad for Education Manager in the top company in my ‘target companies’ list, those I would love to work for. Yes, I found a job in the segment I was interested in, in a company I admired, which carried brands I identify with, whose products I use, and in the area I wanted to develop myself in. I applied an waited. Days later I was contacted by the recruiter responsible for the selection and had the first interview.
By some weird coincidence, that same day I was contacted by another headhunter, recruiting for another company, and by a third one the next day. After 11 months without any interviews, I suddenly had 3 in 2 days. I found myself in 3 different selections. In addition to the ‘number 1’ company, one of the others was also on my target list and I had already applied for a job there, unsuccessfully. Talks continued and I was informed that I hadn’t passed. The company was looking for someone with experience in the segment, which I didn’t have. That wouldn’t make me so sad, had someone else been hired. But the ad was actually reposted. I didn’t lose my job to someone else, I lost it to the job description.
There were two very challenging jobs left, with huge growth potential. But although the positions were similar, the conditions were very different: one of them would allow me more quality of life, the other would give me generous salary and benefits. I must admit I never expected to have a ‘problem’ like this one day.
I eventually chose quality of life. Working close to home has always been a priority of mine and this influenced my decision. Flexible hours and the possibility of working from home are very attractive, as it allows me to take care of my health, workout every day and stay home when needed. After all, life happens regardless of our plans. And nowadays I value that more than other things.
And so I end this career transition period, which was very rich, by the way. I took care of myself, I learnt about myself and about topics I didn’t have time to study before, I met incredible people and I am sure some of them will be friends for life. I also grew professionally in different aspects. I learnt to be a consultant, I learnt to sell, I became my own boss.
In June I’ll start a new chapter. I’ll be PPS Manager in the Beauty Care division at Henkel. A very large and traditional German company, with a portfolio that encompasses things like Pritt stick glue and Schwarzkopf hair colour, as well as Persil cleaning products which are not available in Brazil. I am very happy with the opportunity to work in the segment I wanted, in a company that values the employees and their quality of life and that makes products I like and use. I am also excited about the possibility to learn and develop myself.
I wish the best to the other two companies and I hope they find the right people to take over those positions. I will continue to admire them and hope for their success. And to those who somehow helped my development and this process – career and personal coaches, headhunters, friends who offered me an opportunity or invited me for a coffee, family and, especially, my husband who put up with me 24/7 for almost a year – my sincere gratitude. Thank you for being part of this change.
Now cue Natasha Bedinfield’s anthem to finish reading this on a highly motivational note:
