Finding a new job/career
Discussion
Hello All, I would appreciate some tips/advice as I appear a bit stuck, partly due to the current situation but I had been feeling a little lost in my career for a few months prior to lockdown.
I'm 28 and have worked mainly in the food/hospitality industry since leaving school at 16. I left school at 16 because I could see the stress that my Mum went through from dealing with my father's useless ability to manage money, and therefore wanted to get out and make some as soon as I could. I proudly told the teachers I was leaving, would set up my own company and be a multi millionaire within a few years, they advised against this but I knew best...
Needless to say the plan hasn't quite gone to plan, and although I earn a respectable salary for my age, I feel stuck in a rut, with little challenge at work and in an industry I'm now not sure I have any desire for. I have always been interested in businesses and unfortunately restaurants on the whole seem to run to a really unhealthy business plan, and therefore my wish to open a restaurant/bar is not as strong as it once was.
I have applied to several jobs since we entered lockdown, however I always seem to come up against the barrier of not going to University. It seems a shame that several companies pride themselves on having directors and management from all walks of life and yet are unwilling to review applications from candidate without a degree. I am confident in my abilities, hardworking, ambitious and committed, although I am getting a little bit dragged down and unsure what to make my next move. In hindsight I think University would have been extremely rewarding for me, however I was fooled by the naivety of youth!
I know that now is not a great time to be looking for a new job, but I would value some advice or some pointers/recommendations on what would you do as an ambitious 28 year old, who feels a little lost on his path!
Thanks in advance,
James
I'm 28 and have worked mainly in the food/hospitality industry since leaving school at 16. I left school at 16 because I could see the stress that my Mum went through from dealing with my father's useless ability to manage money, and therefore wanted to get out and make some as soon as I could. I proudly told the teachers I was leaving, would set up my own company and be a multi millionaire within a few years, they advised against this but I knew best...
Needless to say the plan hasn't quite gone to plan, and although I earn a respectable salary for my age, I feel stuck in a rut, with little challenge at work and in an industry I'm now not sure I have any desire for. I have always been interested in businesses and unfortunately restaurants on the whole seem to run to a really unhealthy business plan, and therefore my wish to open a restaurant/bar is not as strong as it once was.
I have applied to several jobs since we entered lockdown, however I always seem to come up against the barrier of not going to University. It seems a shame that several companies pride themselves on having directors and management from all walks of life and yet are unwilling to review applications from candidate without a degree. I am confident in my abilities, hardworking, ambitious and committed, although I am getting a little bit dragged down and unsure what to make my next move. In hindsight I think University would have been extremely rewarding for me, however I was fooled by the naivety of youth!
I know that now is not a great time to be looking for a new job, but I would value some advice or some pointers/recommendations on what would you do as an ambitious 28 year old, who feels a little lost on his path!
Thanks in advance,
James
Just some thoughts...
You are still young. Plenty if time to find a new career, or 2, or 3! So keep positive.
You havent given people much to go on. What interests you, what industry might you like?
What do you want from life? Maybe a new job or career is just a stepping stone to something else you want to do?
You are still young. Plenty if time to find a new career, or 2, or 3! So keep positive.
You havent given people much to go on. What interests you, what industry might you like?
What do you want from life? Maybe a new job or career is just a stepping stone to something else you want to do?
You’re obviously self aware and reflective. This is half the battle IMO.
1) Don’t be too hard on yourself. Careers look easy when viewed in hindsight. Many successful people didn’t have a linear trajectory.
2) Think about your transferrable skills.
3) Get a polished 1-2 page cv that expresses who you are and crucially what you can offer the organisation.
4) Get it in the hands of a named person who makes hiring decisions. Work your contacts if you need to. Your uncle’s golf buddy might know someone at your chosen target for example.
5) Follow up and be politely enthusiastic.
Do be realistic also. My company is running at 40% furlough and many will be likely making redundancies followed by a hiring freeze for 12m. Consider your timing: it may be necessary to get a job now to pay the bills whilst seeking your ideal career. Small firms may have more leeway right now.
1) Don’t be too hard on yourself. Careers look easy when viewed in hindsight. Many successful people didn’t have a linear trajectory.
2) Think about your transferrable skills.
3) Get a polished 1-2 page cv that expresses who you are and crucially what you can offer the organisation.
4) Get it in the hands of a named person who makes hiring decisions. Work your contacts if you need to. Your uncle’s golf buddy might know someone at your chosen target for example.
5) Follow up and be politely enthusiastic.
Do be realistic also. My company is running at 40% furlough and many will be likely making redundancies followed by a hiring freeze for 12m. Consider your timing: it may be necessary to get a job now to pay the bills whilst seeking your ideal career. Small firms may have more leeway right now.
Edited by brightmotiv on Wednesday 10th June 18:38
Edited by brightmotiv on Wednesday 10th June 18:39
Edited by brightmotiv on Thursday 11th June 13:57
covmutley said:
Just some thoughts...
You are still young. Plenty if time to find a new career, or 2, or 3! So keep positive.
You havent given people much to go on. What interests you, what industry might you like?
What do you want from life? Maybe a new job or career is just a stepping stone to something else you want to do?
Thanks for your reply. You are still young. Plenty if time to find a new career, or 2, or 3! So keep positive.
You havent given people much to go on. What interests you, what industry might you like?
What do you want from life? Maybe a new job or career is just a stepping stone to something else you want to do?
I am very interested in the food and drink industry, I worked in a food importer and distributor before restaurants. I also work in the music industry as a keyboard player, which I enjoy but it's not something I can see myself doing full time. Other than that I am interested in the automotive industry, cycling, clothing. I have also given thought to joining the police.
I'm not adverse to other industries because what I really want is a challenging, interesting job with potential to progress up the company.
Ideally I still would like to have my own company, but I am happy to make a career working for a company.
NewportPag said:
. I have also given thought to joining the police.
I'm coming up to a year with the police. Love it. You'll get a lot of people saying how s
t it is and the jobs fked. But try not to listen to them. The pay isn't brilliant for the first few years, but with over time and unsocial hours its not that bad.
Drop me a email if you have any questions about it
. NewportPag said:
I always seem to come up against the barrier of not going to University. It seems a shame that several companies pride themselves on having directors and management from all walks of life and yet are unwilling to review applications from candidate without a degree. I am confident in my abilities, hardworking, ambitious and committed, although I am getting a little bit dragged down and unsure what to make my next move. In hindsight I think University would have been extremely rewarding for me, however I was fooled by the naivety of youth!
Have you looked at the practicalities of doing a degree as a mature student?You've got a lot of career in front of you to potentially benefit from being a graduate, and being at least a little interested in things other than alcohol and the opposite sex would likely serve you well while studying.
xeny said:
NewportPag said:
I always seem to come up against the barrier of not going to University. It seems a shame that several companies pride themselves on having directors and management from all walks of life and yet are unwilling to review applications from candidate without a degree. I am confident in my abilities, hardworking, ambitious and committed, although I am getting a little bit dragged down and unsure what to make my next move. In hindsight I think University would have been extremely rewarding for me, however I was fooled by the naivety of youth!
Have you looked at the practicalities of doing a degree as a mature student?You've got a lot of career in front of you to potentially benefit from being a graduate, and being at least a little interested in things other than alcohol and the opposite sex would likely serve you well while studying.
Part of me regretted not doing a degree though, so in my mid 20's I signed onto an Open University one. It took me a long time to finish, but I when talking to potential employers, some were quite impressed that I was working on it. It proves that your committed and organised to balance work, study and home life. Long term, I think it's helped me careerwise and I feel better for doing it.
If you have time, do have a look at the OU.
LosingGrip said:
I'm coming up to a year with the police. Love it. You'll get a lot of people saying how st it is and the jobs fked. But try not to listen to them.
The pay isn't brilliant for the first few years, but with over time and unsocial hours its not that bad.
Drop me a email if you have any questions about it.
It is something I am giving some thought to, I have a brother in the police and although, like you say, people complain and some are downright disgusting, I know he does find it to be a rewarding job.t it is and the jobs fked. But try not to listen to them. The pay isn't brilliant for the first few years, but with over time and unsocial hours its not that bad.
Drop me a email if you have any questions about it
. pjfry said:
I did similar, left school at 17 and went straight to work in a factory. I'm 35 now and managed to work my way up inside to a good job in the office.
Part of me regretted not doing a degree though, so in my mid 20's I signed onto an Open University one. It took me a long time to finish, but I when talking to potential employers, some were quite impressed that I was working on it. It proves that your committed and organised to balance work, study and home life. Long term, I think it's helped me careerwise and I feel better for doing it.
If you have time, do have a look at the OU.
Thanks to both yourself and Xeny, I will give some thought to becoming a mature student.Part of me regretted not doing a degree though, so in my mid 20's I signed onto an Open University one. It took me a long time to finish, but I when talking to potential employers, some were quite impressed that I was working on it. It proves that your committed and organised to balance work, study and home life. Long term, I think it's helped me careerwise and I feel better for doing it.
If you have time, do have a look at the OU.
I have actually done a course with the Open University, albeit it a few years ago, and I have heard from several other people that employers rank Open University highly, and I guess it would also give me some mental stimulation that I feel I'm missing at the moment.
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