Prioritizing your mental health can be more challenging than one might think. The immense pressure to perform and constantly drive the marketing engine can become all-encompassing. However, for marketers who are currently out of a role, the circumstances can be even tougher, as many businesses are attempting to reduce costs and achieve optimal outcomes.
Since work is intricately linked to mental well-being nowadays, it's easy to become overwhelmed and exhausted. According to one senior marketer interviewed by Our Website, the situation is taking a toll on individuals. They stated, "We are constantly told to be agile, but when projects and campaigns are put on hold and teams are expected to pivot on a weekly basis, it can become draining, leading people to lose their motivation and passion for their roles."
According to her, the marketing industry currently experiences a state of "change fatigue," which influenced her recent choice to resign from a prominent consumer brand. She believes that there comes a point in one's career when it becomes necessary to evaluate if they are contributing value and feeling appreciated. Frequently, individuals remain in dissatisfying roles and tolerate undesirable behavior, which is not ideal.
The marketer's situation is not unique. NABS, the charity that supports the wellbeing of professionals in the advertising, marketing, and media industry, witnessed a significant 100% year-on-year rise in the utilization of its essential services.
Liz Moseley, managing director at Good Housekeeping and The Good Housekeeping Institute
: Strategies for Marketers to Avoid Burnout During the Job HuntTony Miller, former CMO at WeightWatchers
: Liz Moseley - Transition from Tortoise Media to Good Housekeeping"When transitioning out of a role or experiencing redundancy due to a restructure, it is crucial to exercise caution with your use of LinkedIn. It is important to carefully manage your presence on the platform.
This is because your feed will be inundated with individuals boasting about their excitement, showcasing their impressive promotions, and highlighting their supposedly incredible achievements. However, it is widely understood that these proclamations often contain exaggerated claims."
"LinkedIn operates similarly to Tinder in the realm of recruitment - mindlessly scrolling through profiles is counterproductive. Set a designated time limit. If you prefer to dedicate your Monday afternoons for conducting thorough research and posting, that's fine. However, mindlessly scrolling through LinkedIn while in the mindset of seeking career opportunities is detrimental.
Be realistic. If you desire a significant career change, attempting to magically make it happen won't be fruitful. You must ensure that you can financially support your lifestyle and maintain peace of mind. It may not all occur instantaneously; planning a transitional phase may be necessary."
“So look after yourself, and be a grown-up about it.”
Jessica Houston, global marketing planning lead at the Body Shop
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After establishing his career in Adland, Tony Miller decided to leave behind his agency role and transitioned to the brand-side, working for renowned companies such as Disney and WeightWatchers. He emphasizes the importance for marketers to actively listen and dedicate time to reflect on their career goals.
Listening to your intuition is crucial. I always assumed I would stick to working on the agency side, as it felt like it was in my blood. However, I reached a point in my career where I realized I didn't want to keep doing the same thing. Although I lacked experience on the brand side, I saw it as a chance and a challenge for personal growth. Paying attention to those inner voices within your mind is paramount.
In December, I made the decision to leave my position at WeightWatchers for various reasons. This departure provided me with an opportunity to take a step back and truly contemplate what I desire to pursue next, rather than rushing into another job. As part of this journey, I have been reconnecting with recruiters and rebuilding my network.
{{h1_placeholder_4}} The marketing industry offers abundant opportunities to establish a thriving career and to develop meaningful connections with both friends and colleagues. These individuals will undoubtedly support you when you need it the most.
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Having established herself in B2B marketing, Jessica Houston transitioned to the realm of consumer brands during her tenure at The Body Shop. Recounting her experience of applying for her first B2C position, she reveals grappling with a staggering number of 200 job applications. Houston emphasizes the importance for marketers to perceive the interview process as an interactive dialogue between both parties involved.
To job-hunting marketers, my biggest advice is to trust your instincts. Have confidence in your own career goals. If your gut is urging you to switch jobs or pursue a different path, evaluate it logically, but if you truly believe it's the right decision, go for it.
In my early days, I actively attended numerous events to expand my network and opportunities. It proved to be a valuable strategy for meeting new people and opening doors.
During the interview process, it is important to prioritize your own interests. Remember that you are not just being evaluated, but also evaluating the company. Feel free to inquire about various aspects such as the organizational culture, the team dynamics, and their work methods. This will help you gain a better understanding of whether this is a suitable workplace for you.
Approach the interview as a two-way conversation, rather than a one-sided interrogation.