I've worked at several companies doing national chain store re-brands and researching code, translating that to how it affects allowable store presence within image guidelines, and how it affects general product manufacturing and installation, logistics, project schedules, coordination with construction phasing etc. Assembling proposals on projects up to $100K... I've never had a workload like this current position, it seems as if by design.
1) Where to find new employment these days? I've always applied directly to local businesses I wanted to work for due to our niche industry. LinkedIn postings are targeting well educated and experienced. ZipRecruiter leads to a lot of spam from recruiters. My industry specific recruiters don't have any positions available better than my existing. Indeed seems all over the place with less opportunities. I perused Monster and didn't turn up much.
2) Has anyone had a similar experiencing entering this profession without an education? Education barring me from all gainful employment in this profession it seems. I'm afraid that my time in this career has been wasted, as I could have progressed much further salary-wise even being a used car salesman for the right dealership. Management is touting a 'Senior PM' role later down the line, but based on their last minute surprises that happen frequently, I highly doubt this will happen. They seem to value constant change over a surefire process. Also, without adequate income I wouldn't want to accept the added responsibilities and workload.
3) Any general life advice? I'm absolutely dredging along day by day and very discouraged. I haven't applied to a single job this year, I just keep looking and saying "they wouldn't hire me". I've worked at other jobs in this industry I've truly enjoyed, but this one is all the worst parts of the industry without the sense of satisfaction. I did much better doing similar projects for small business.
I'm also running a business part time to keep up with CoL. I am extremely burnt, I can't tell you how many times I've gotten phone calls while on-site running my evening business. 6AM-7PM is a pretty typical weekday for me. Constructive, nonconstructive criticism, shrewd and disparaging comments all welcome.
> 3) Any general life advice? I'm absolutely dredging along day by day and very discouraged. I haven't applied to a single job this year, I just keep looking and saying "they wouldn't hire me".
Talk to people at these businesses. Network, even minimally. You say you've had other jobs in this industry, did you leave those jobs on good terms? Talk to the people you worked with/for at those companies. Let them know how good you felt about your jobs with them, and how you feel about your current job and prospects. Complaining about a current employer is okay if it's in the context of praising a past employer.
> My industry specific recruiters don't have any positions available better than my existing.
In terms of salary, or also in terms of workload? Because it sounds as if workload is a bit more than half your problem. If you jumped ship for similar pay but a lower (or at least more structured) workload you'd have more time for your business, self-improvement, or at minimum to destress.
> I've worked at several companies doing national chain store re-brands and researching code, translating that to how it affects allowable store presence within image guidelines, and how it affects general product manufacturing and installation, logistics, project schedules, coordination with construction phasing etc.
Does this qualify you for any jobs in local or state government, such as code enforcement?