Any words of wisdom
Discussion
I know ultimately only I can decide what path to take but sometimes it’s good just to have a bit of friendly advice from a bunch of strangers.
So here’s some background:
12 GCSE’s – 3 As (Maths and Science), 7 Bs, 2 Cs
1 AS level – D in Physics
3 A levels – A in Economics, B in Business Studies, E in Maths
First solid full time job was a van assistant for a North West food supplier delivering chippy food. Was meant to be temporary but ended up there for 2 years after getting comfortable. Was on 11k per year! I could have stayed to manage the freezer section in the warehouse and potentially work towards class 2 HGV licence but I decided I should go down the office route in search of a bit more money and a ‘better’ career.
2.5 years ago I moved to a job at an energy consultants, basically as data entry. 14.5k start, rose to 16.7k within 2 years. Hated it but still showed to my bosses that I was doing well.
An unexpected opportunity arose and I applied successfully to become an Energy Procurement Advisor within the company. While a much better job than the last I’m still not happy in the slightest and also I’m having to wait until May before a pay rise to reflect my new position, despite being in the role since October (I know, no need to comment, this is ridiculous). Expecting 2k+ increase. Potential to be on 25k within 4-5 years.
Ideas for a career in the past have included the RAF/RN, Police and most recently the Merchant Navy as I have a couple of friends in there earning very good money for their age and they love the job.
I really want a job that I can live with, I know most people don’t like their job but I don’t want to hate work all my life. I also want the potential to earn 50k+, which I don’t see as being unrealistic.
My brother is in sales and is earning this sort of money I think but it is fairly stressful compared to my job. I would consider sales but I feel I won’t know if I can do it until I try it. However, as I’m in debt I don’t want to risk coming out of my job to fail at another.
I really don’t know what to do with myself…it’s a horrible position to be in and I’m sure most can relate to it. I hate to think I have to stay where I am because I don’t have anywhere else to go.
I would really love to work with cars, but I don’t know what aspect of it. I am also interested in boats and planes too. I’m not sure I really have any other interests that I could look at a career involving. I would love to own my own business too but I’m not particularly creative and have no idea what I would go into.
I’m not even sure what I’m asking here to be honest, I suppose it’s partly getting frustrations off my chest and partly to see if anyone has any words of wisdom for me. I might not have given enough away about myself for any informed answers but just anything would be appreciated…career ideas, personal experiences etc.
So here’s some background:
12 GCSE’s – 3 As (Maths and Science), 7 Bs, 2 Cs
1 AS level – D in Physics
3 A levels – A in Economics, B in Business Studies, E in Maths
First solid full time job was a van assistant for a North West food supplier delivering chippy food. Was meant to be temporary but ended up there for 2 years after getting comfortable. Was on 11k per year! I could have stayed to manage the freezer section in the warehouse and potentially work towards class 2 HGV licence but I decided I should go down the office route in search of a bit more money and a ‘better’ career.
2.5 years ago I moved to a job at an energy consultants, basically as data entry. 14.5k start, rose to 16.7k within 2 years. Hated it but still showed to my bosses that I was doing well.
An unexpected opportunity arose and I applied successfully to become an Energy Procurement Advisor within the company. While a much better job than the last I’m still not happy in the slightest and also I’m having to wait until May before a pay rise to reflect my new position, despite being in the role since October (I know, no need to comment, this is ridiculous). Expecting 2k+ increase. Potential to be on 25k within 4-5 years.
Ideas for a career in the past have included the RAF/RN, Police and most recently the Merchant Navy as I have a couple of friends in there earning very good money for their age and they love the job.
I really want a job that I can live with, I know most people don’t like their job but I don’t want to hate work all my life. I also want the potential to earn 50k+, which I don’t see as being unrealistic.
My brother is in sales and is earning this sort of money I think but it is fairly stressful compared to my job. I would consider sales but I feel I won’t know if I can do it until I try it. However, as I’m in debt I don’t want to risk coming out of my job to fail at another.
I really don’t know what to do with myself…it’s a horrible position to be in and I’m sure most can relate to it. I hate to think I have to stay where I am because I don’t have anywhere else to go.
I would really love to work with cars, but I don’t know what aspect of it. I am also interested in boats and planes too. I’m not sure I really have any other interests that I could look at a career involving. I would love to own my own business too but I’m not particularly creative and have no idea what I would go into.
I’m not even sure what I’m asking here to be honest, I suppose it’s partly getting frustrations off my chest and partly to see if anyone has any words of wisdom for me. I might not have given enough away about myself for any informed answers but just anything would be appreciated…career ideas, personal experiences etc.
Edited by iaincb1 on Wednesday 24th April 12:06
You're in a position that most of us at some time or other have found ourselves in so take some solace from that. Very few people are doing now what they started out doing, so you're position is entirely normal. Having parked that, it's now time to do some serious soul searching, analysis of ambition versus competence and work out the delta. That delta will require filling and that is where your energies should be directed next. Short, missing loads of detail, but the gist hopefully comes across. If I was working with uou one to one we'd clearly go in to a formal process to identify your best chance of success. Good luck!
rog007 said:
You're in a position that most of us at some time or other have found ourselves in so take some solace from that. Very few people are doing now what they started out doing, so you're position is entirely normal. Having parked that, it's now time to do some serious soul searching, analysis of ambition versus competence and work out the delta. That delta will require filling and that is where your energies should be directed next. Short, missing loads of detail, but the gist hopefully comes across. If I was working with uou one to one we'd clearly go in to a formal process to identify your best chance of success. Good luck!
Thanks for your reply. I've just looked on your profile and seen your profession. Would be happy to advise me on some next steps? Whether that involves starting a formal process with you or something I can do myself to work out the deltaiaincb1 said:
Thanks for your reply. I've just looked on your profile and seen your profession. Would be happy to advise me on some next steps? Whether that involves starting a formal process with you or something I can do myself to work out the delta
If you'd like to take up some formal support, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. In the meantime, continue to look objectively at your core competencies, salary aspirations and any restrictions (location, travel time etc) and that should narrow down some options. Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff