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Why do I have to step backwards to enjoy job?
Having gained a degree in Industrial Design and worked in both production and construction industries (planning / site management), I feel it is time to move on and develop my career - this is largely due to a lack of training, career path and, of course, salary.While I have sought some relatively expensive professional careers advice, the only apparent route open to me is to start at the bottom (yet again!!) and work my way up - taking a hefty cut in salary in the process.
This situation I can ill afford due to personal circumstances and so a balance has to be struck between gaining the career that I know I will enjoy and excel in against the sheer practical necessity of a decent salary.Am I doomed to being trapped in a dead-end job?, working for a clueless company whilst being financially unable to better myself?
Any suggestions would be warmly appreciated!
Comments
No...of course not, although the recruitment industry is not geared to deal with career change particularly well. They are better suited to fitting square pegs in square holes.
If you have truly found a career worth pursuing, then you are far better off to target the companies who may enable you to pursue that career. Starting at the bottom is one option; however, for the more experienced/mature candidate, an alternate approach is to target a small selection of companies you would like to work with. Tell them very clearly that you have skills and experience that you can apply to their company to help them (ie what you are doing now). However, make your proposition conditional on them providing you the opportunity to pursue the change in career you are looking for.
Remember that organisations will always value someone with skill, knowledge, capability and experience. They will often assume that because youŽve done it in the past, you will want to continue doing it in the future.
So make your discussions with them a trade. In other words, IŽll give you this, if you give me that.
You donŽt have to start all over the again if you do it yourself. However if you rely on others, they will often apply the lowest common denominator to your dilemma.
Please let this column know how you get on.
Charlie - November 30, 2006 9:49 AM
Go with what you enjoy doing, do not mentally limit yourself.
you may have to sacrifice some of your life style to suit
but it will be worth it in the end.
Then again ask yourself the question why is it you need a salary increase ?
is it for you and your family or is it to pay back debt and afford a life style beyond your means ?
becareful of this media push for the ideal image
of what someone should be i.e. the car the job
the wife the kids the bills, etc etc
be happy in your work do something that you enjoy
don't do something that you feel you should do.
I know I don't know all the facts here but this is just my opinion.
Hope everything works out for you.
John - November 30, 2006 10:48 AM
I am currently in a similar situation, having started in a graduate training programme 4 months ago, the hours and work I provide do not reflect my salary whatsoever (in fact, i have had better student jobs half a year ago!). I am also looking for a new job already. I may sound unreasonable but factually, things have been promised to all of our graduates that have not been kept.. Hence, frustration is a result.
I agree with John in a way that you should do something you enjoy.. However, love and air is not enough to live on. I calculated what i realistically need (livung in London is a lifestyle in its own.. erm.. yes) and now know exactly what basic salary i need.
Good luck with your job hunt! Let us know how you got on.. Best of luck!
Merry Christmas,
Amanda
Amanda - December 24, 2006 7:52 PM