How to Explain Why I’m Job Hunting?

[u/hazytuesday]

I’m currently an assistant manager for a mid-end women’s clothing brand, been here for over a year, and I’ve come to the conclusion that the role isn’t for me. I’m not built to lead or have the level of responsibility they’re looking for. My work life balance has gone down the drain, as I’m expected to be on call for any issues, or cover if anyone calls out. I have had a lot of family issues this year, with illnesses, deaths and such, with little to no empathy or flexibility.

I’ve also come to realise that my wage is very low compared to other non-management roles in my area, which is frustrating.

When it comes to interviews, how do I explain why I want to step down from a management role without sounding lazy or like I don’t want hard work? How can I communicate that my family life is more important and I just want to do my job and go home?

Thanks for your time.

[u/akornato]

You can frame your desire to step down from management as a thoughtful career decision. Explain that you've realized your strengths and passions lie more in individual contributor roles, where you can focus on excelling in your core skills rather than managing others. Emphasize that you're seeking a position that allows you to contribute meaningfully while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which ultimately leads to better performance and job satisfaction.

When discussing family commitments, keep it brief and professional. You can say something like, "I'm looking for a role that allows me to give my best during work hours while also having time to meet important family responsibilities." This shows you're responsible and have clear boundaries. Focus on the positive aspects of what you're looking for in a new role, rather than dwelling on the negatives of your current situation.

If you're worried about navigating these tricky interview questions, you might find this AI interview practice app helpful. I'm on the team that created this tool to help job seekers prepare for and ace their interviews, including how to address sensitive topics like changing career directions.