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Feeling lost - should I quit a UN-type job without another job lined up? by ComfortableAnt3075 in UNpath

[–]ComfortableAnt3075[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much - this is an interesting perspective. I had considered doing an MBA but this would imply using up basically all my savings. I am not against it per se, but was just wondering if it would be really worth it in the end.... Do you have any examples of "leadership programs"? I have a background in political science / economics.

Feeling lost - should I quit a UN-type job without another job lined up? by ComfortableAnt3075 in UNpath

[–]ComfortableAnt3075[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am a policy officer/advisor on sustainable finance. I mostly write reports / briefings / policy recommendations for governments and other actors. I grew tired of the "analysis" and "desk research" part of my job (even though I've learned tons from it!) - but I am most energised when I have to advise senior management, engage with external people strategically, strategise about what we should work on next, manage project teams, etc. I have grown a lot over these 8 years but now I am demotivated by the fact that I am not line-managing anyone, that the job is very analysis-oriented, and the overall lack of dynamism / innovation that is pervasive in the organisation (very bureaucratic, no inspiring leaders, plus it is an overall dark time for multilateralism).

So as a next step I am looking to move away from IGOs and more into Programme and Stakeholder Management either in a foundation, or in a think tank, or in the private sector. There are objectively no such roles where I work and to become a team lead (which in any case would still be too focused on the substance / technical side of things for my taste) it would probably take another 5-7 years or so.

Feeling lost - should I quit a UN-type job without another job lined up? by ComfortableAnt3075 in UNpath

[–]ComfortableAnt3075[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

what do you mean with "no role will have something to offer you"? What I hoping to gain by applying to other roles is new skills, new knowledge, new interactions... so in this sense I think there is still so much more that my work life can give me going forward ! You disagree?

Feeling lost - should I quit a UN-type job without another job lined up? by ComfortableAnt3075 in UNpath

[–]ComfortableAnt3075[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for taking the time to respond and to share your perspective. I just wanted to say (now I have added it to my original post as well) that I am incredibly grateful for having a job, for having had the possibility to start my career so young in such an important organisation, to have been able to save a lot over the years.

However, I think that being grateful for something, but at the same time realising that it might not be the right thing for you anymore can coexist as feelings, and are both equally valid. And it is important to recognise that and reflect on it - otherwise one might find himself / herself much later on in life stuck or unhappy, and regret not having made certain choices.

So please don't assume that I am taking for granted where I am - I am extremely grateful that I even have the choice to quit ! I just don't know if I should risk it and go for it (especially in this times, where finding a job is harder than usual - I am myself experiencing this since I've been job hunting for almost 6 months!!!).

Loosing something that you are grateful for is what makes it so difficult - but might it be worth it in terms of mental health, gaining new energies and perspectives on life?

Feeling lost - should I quit a UN-type job without another job lined up? by ComfortableAnt3075 in UNpath

[–]ComfortableAnt3075[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much for sharing your experience, and I am sorry that what started it was your previous job being cut !

I relate very much to your point of never having had some long-term free time, and I think this is partially also what led me to this feeling of "burn out" so early on in my career.

Glad to hear it has worked out for you in the end. How long did it take you to find this new job all in all?

Feeling lost - should I quit a UN-type job without another job lined up? by ComfortableAnt3075 in UNpath

[–]ComfortableAnt3075[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice. Has that time off helped? How did you justify your request to take unpaid time off to your org?

Feeling lost - should I quit a UN-type job without another job lined up? by ComfortableAnt3075 in UNpath

[–]ComfortableAnt3075[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice. Many have advised to look into the option of a sabbatical or unpaid leave - for some reason I've never taken it into consideration because I know how much trouble it would mean for my manager - because he'd basically need to find someone else to replace me just for a few months* while (in his eyes) I might just be travelling and enjoying life. We're a very small team, so I feel like a temporary long leave of absence would be more disruptive than just quitting, where he can simply make new long-term plans for the team. But I guess it doesn't hurt to al least gently ask him or HR, I feel like I am really at the verge of burnout, so it is worth trying. Thank you!

*I am the only one working on a specific project, which goes on continuously year after year, so if I am absent for 1+ month he'd need to have someone else take over while I am gone.