Q. I’m a freelancer — pretty successful, but it’s lonely. I work in graphic design and at this point want a full-time job so I actually have coworkers. How do I explain this on my resume without looking like a failure since I’m not?
A. First, congrats on having specific goals in mind. Second, you’re not alone in feeling isolated. Unfortunately, the loneliness epidemic is real and prevalent. Last year, the United States surgeon general indicated in an advisory that approximately half of American adults are lonely. Ramifications are stark: Social isolation and lacking social connections can spike the risk of premature death by 60%! Social isolation may increase risks of heart diseases, stroke, dementia and more.
Supportive and collaborative work families can help lessen the isolation. The wrong work environment and its people, however, such as a toxic workplace can be downright alienating and gaslighting, so choose wisely.
Regarding your resume and job interview question, you may want to articulate the exact thing you mentioned above in your question: You’re successful, love what you do, but it’s incredibly isolating — you miss having colleagues and being part of a team. That’s the truth and also shows the employer you’re team-oriented and would likely contribute to the organization.
That said, as you’re job searching, you may want to focus on hybrid or full-time office locations rather than working remotely because the latter will be more challenging to establish those connections you’re craving.
Q. My mid-year performance review should happen in a few weeks. I direct a large team, but my boss is MIA. He’s always absent during our reviews (it’s not just me — it’s everyone), but I document my work anyway. Should I just keep doing this though it feels like a moot point?
A. Yes, continue documenting your wins even though your boss is consistently absent. Technically, it’s not a moot point. If your boss ever leaves or HR or someone else gets involved to conduct the reviews in lieu of your boss, you will have already done your part. You’re engaged and productive, even when your boss isn’t. Your boss’s absence is overall a bigger issue, but hopefully, at least you can get their ear for an informal conversation so you can outline your mid-year wins to loop them in.
Plus, your input on your performance reviews with achievements, skills, experiences and more can help provide a copy-and-paste situation for your resume. If you start looking for a new job at any point, one with a more active boss, you won’t have to re-create the wheel. Refer to quantitative metrics from past performance reviews to include them in the latest version of your resume.
Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to hello@vickisalemi.com. For more information visit www.vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @vickisalemi.Tribune News Service
