Change of Career at 25
Discussion
Hi all, I've been thinking about this for a while so a bit of background is needed.
I currently work in an "automated warehouse" as an Engineering technician - if you look on Youtube for a gadget show video on a certain online only supermarket warehouse then those are the machines and kinds of things I currently fix. I've spent a year here and its not 100% what I was originally promised but its an easy job and a steady pay check at around 32k. I work 12hr panama style shifts (Found out shift work is not for me) and have unlimited overtime if I want it. the problem I feel is that I'm a little bit wasted at this job - I have learnt everything that reasonably needs to be learnt to do the job and I'm a little lost on what to do. Previously, I spent 7 years as a mechanic and workshop controller at various main dealers but was very happy to leave the motor trade to chase something else as it ruined my love of cars.
Management has now changed our progression scheme and added another level above me which would be easy enough to get to and gives me a couple grand more. I've been speaking to my manager at going into the next level above that previously and he has said I would most likely be the next one to go to that level which is around 42k.
I have looked into completely changing my career as I feel in a bit of a dead end but don't have any ideas where to go next.
My partner works in Marketing and suggested a more data orientated job in her company (which is huge) and I was originally looking forward to that however it is a pay drop down to around 25k for a couple of years before progressing and with my remortgage coming through in march at around £700 more I cant justify dropping down money and potentially putting myself in major debt to change jobs. So I know this was very longwinded but id be very happy to see if you guys have any suggestions for what I could do.
I currently work in an "automated warehouse" as an Engineering technician - if you look on Youtube for a gadget show video on a certain online only supermarket warehouse then those are the machines and kinds of things I currently fix. I've spent a year here and its not 100% what I was originally promised but its an easy job and a steady pay check at around 32k. I work 12hr panama style shifts (Found out shift work is not for me) and have unlimited overtime if I want it. the problem I feel is that I'm a little bit wasted at this job - I have learnt everything that reasonably needs to be learnt to do the job and I'm a little lost on what to do. Previously, I spent 7 years as a mechanic and workshop controller at various main dealers but was very happy to leave the motor trade to chase something else as it ruined my love of cars.
Management has now changed our progression scheme and added another level above me which would be easy enough to get to and gives me a couple grand more. I've been speaking to my manager at going into the next level above that previously and he has said I would most likely be the next one to go to that level which is around 42k.
I have looked into completely changing my career as I feel in a bit of a dead end but don't have any ideas where to go next.
My partner works in Marketing and suggested a more data orientated job in her company (which is huge) and I was originally looking forward to that however it is a pay drop down to around 25k for a couple of years before progressing and with my remortgage coming through in march at around £700 more I cant justify dropping down money and potentially putting myself in major debt to change jobs. So I know this was very longwinded but id be very happy to see if you guys have any suggestions for what I could do.
Other than having run out of things to learn, do you enjoy your current field of work?
I’d have thought robotics/mechatronics would be a fairly future proof career path with massive scope for learning and increasing complexity.
If it were me I’d look at who is designing and installing the machinery you currently fix, then speak to them about entry paths and courses you can go on in the meantime.
I’d have thought 2x your current salary would be achievable in your current path before you’re 30. In marketing, not a chance. Take the promotion, learn more tech stuff, ask for involvement in operations mtgs etc. basically become more employable at a more involved level.
I’d have thought robotics/mechatronics would be a fairly future proof career path with massive scope for learning and increasing complexity.
If it were me I’d look at who is designing and installing the machinery you currently fix, then speak to them about entry paths and courses you can go on in the meantime.
I’d have thought 2x your current salary would be achievable in your current path before you’re 30. In marketing, not a chance. Take the promotion, learn more tech stuff, ask for involvement in operations mtgs etc. basically become more employable at a more involved level.
shirt said:
Other than having run out of things to learn, do you enjoy your current field of work?
I’d have thought robotics/mechatronics would be a fairly future proof career path with massive scope for learning and increasing complexity.
If it were me I’d look at who is designing and installing the machinery you currently fix, then speak to them about entry paths and courses you can go on in the meantime.
I’d have thought 2x your current salary would be achievable in your current path before you’re 30. In marketing, not a chance. Take the promotion, learn more tech stuff, ask for involvement in operations mtgs etc. basically become more employable at a more involved level.
Its a weird one with reference to enjoying it. The fixing things I enjoy but the running around after minimum wage warehouse workers to push a bag down inside a crate and press reset.I’d have thought robotics/mechatronics would be a fairly future proof career path with massive scope for learning and increasing complexity.
If it were me I’d look at who is designing and installing the machinery you currently fix, then speak to them about entry paths and courses you can go on in the meantime.
I’d have thought 2x your current salary would be achievable in your current path before you’re 30. In marketing, not a chance. Take the promotion, learn more tech stuff, ask for involvement in operations mtgs etc. basically become more employable at a more involved level.
Designing is done by graduates at head office - unfortunately i do not have a degree and installation is done by contractors only when bringing a site live. unfortunately non starters there.
max salary is 50k at the top level at my site and with the new progression it would mean I need to fork out for a HNC/HND/Degree and then have 7 further years experience to get to that level.
I think it would be interesting to so some learning on the software side of things and operations to see where i could go from there without being a full on software dev.
I'm surprised you're expecting you will have to fork out for the additional learning. Doesn't your employer have a scheme to get you additional qualifications?
I reckon if you can get a robots degree and masters paid for by your current employer then you could make internal progress or take your pick.
I wouldn't be getting out of robotics right now, it's a huge growth business.
Perhaps also look to Satellite industry, there's lots of growth at the moment and loads of commercial work in the UK.
I reckon if you can get a robots degree and masters paid for by your current employer then you could make internal progress or take your pick.
I wouldn't be getting out of robotics right now, it's a huge growth business.
Perhaps also look to Satellite industry, there's lots of growth at the moment and loads of commercial work in the UK.
Evanivitch said:
I'm surprised you're expecting you will have to fork out for the additional learning. Doesn't your employer have a scheme to get you additional qualifications?
I reckon if you can get a robots degree and masters paid for by your current employer then you could make internal progress or take your pick.
I wouldn't be getting out of robotics right now, it's a huge growth business.
Perhaps also look to Satellite industry, there's lots of growth at the moment and loads of commercial work in the UK.
there is definitely huge growth in this business however with my current employer it seems is not interesting in developing new products or continuously improving. which to me is awful for someone who has their own system.I reckon if you can get a robots degree and masters paid for by your current employer then you could make internal progress or take your pick.
I wouldn't be getting out of robotics right now, it's a huge growth business.
Perhaps also look to Satellite industry, there's lots of growth at the moment and loads of commercial work in the UK.
they do offer HNC "apprenticeships" but you do have to stay with the company for a further 6 years after and it takes 4 years to complete which to me is too long for something like that. degree i would understand.
My brother works for a company in the satellite industry and radar systems area and i applied but was advised I don't have any PCB building experience so couldn't even get an interview so its safe to say i will be doing some research and hands on learning at home into this sort of stuff.
Adwillsy said:
there is definitely huge growth in this business however with my current employer it seems is not interesting in developing new products or continuously improving. which to me is awful for someone who has their own system.
Yep understood.Adwillsy said:
they do offer HNC "apprenticeships" but you do have to stay with the company for a further 6 years after and it takes 4 years to complete which to me is too long for something like that. degree i would understand.
What are your highest qualifications to date? Talk to your line manager, I always think these rules are often quite flexible if it's a question of keeping staff for 5 years or losing them. Even then, a good alternative employer might even buy you out.I would definitely see of you can get on a foundation degree course if you're lacking A levels. Or even get a maths A level off your own back and go straight to a degree.
Adwillsy said:
My brother works for a company in the satellite industry and radar systems area and i applied but was advised I don't have any PCB building experience so couldn't even get an interview so its safe to say i will be doing some research and hands on learning at home into this sort of stuff.
Talk to a recruiter (I hate to say it but they are the way to go about things). The industry is screaming out for people and there's a growing realisation that they have to look wider and provide more training. Where in the country are you?
Adwillsy said:
Its a weird one with reference to enjoying it. The fixing things I enjoy but the running around after minimum wage warehouse workers to push a bag down inside a crate and press reset.
Designing is done by graduates at head office - unfortunately i do not have a degree and installation is done by contractors only when bringing a site live. unfortunately non starters there.
max salary is 50k at the top level at my site and with the new progression it would mean I need to fork out for a HNC/HND/Degree and then have 7 further years experience to get to that level.
I think it would be interesting to so some learning on the software side of things and operations to see where i could go from there without being a full on software dev.
speak to the contractors then. going from maintaining to installing/commissioning, plus some learning on the side, can open the door to design roles without needing a degree. degree's are only a requirement for recruiters, hiring managers focus on skills & ability. Designing is done by graduates at head office - unfortunately i do not have a degree and installation is done by contractors only when bringing a site live. unfortunately non starters there.
max salary is 50k at the top level at my site and with the new progression it would mean I need to fork out for a HNC/HND/Degree and then have 7 further years experience to get to that level.
I think it would be interesting to so some learning on the software side of things and operations to see where i could go from there without being a full on software dev.
the end user of industrial equipment is usually going to pay the least as the role will be limited to maintenance. moving up the supply chain will bring better salary and more variety. i&c is a good compromise as the design responsibility isn't there and you’ll see newer tech coming through more quickly.
NB at 25 i'd just finished my graduate training scheme and my manager in my first role was also 25. he'd apprenticed and worked his way up. owned a house plus a holiday let, a couple of nice cars, a boat. all i had was a bit of paper, debt, and 10% of his ability. don't me misled by the degree thing, in a lot of engineering roles it's skills & ability all the way.
Edited by shirt on Thursday 28th December 21:04
Evanivitch said:
Where in the country are you?
I'm on the SE London/Kent Borders and about 10 mins from Dartford.Also in regards to the highest qualification - my school days were GCSE's and I have my NVQ lvl 3 in Light vehicle maintenance and repair and another lvl 3 which i got at the same time in Light vehicle diagnostics principles.
I've a shrewd idea who you work for, and where, as I audit the head office.
They seem a decent enough company with clear career paths and they are definitely doing continual improvement to their designs. I have considered keeping an eye out for jobs there myself.
I'd suggest talking to your manager as only crap companies are happy when trained staff leave.
If you can't see a way forward then it might be worth seeing if you can engineer a discreet conversation with the installation contractors. They might bite your hand off to bring onboard someone already familiar with the products. From what I can see you'd have to be prepared to do a lot of travelling through. Do it while you're young and don't have family.
They seem a decent enough company with clear career paths and they are definitely doing continual improvement to their designs. I have considered keeping an eye out for jobs there myself.
I'd suggest talking to your manager as only crap companies are happy when trained staff leave.
If you can't see a way forward then it might be worth seeing if you can engineer a discreet conversation with the installation contractors. They might bite your hand off to bring onboard someone already familiar with the products. From what I can see you'd have to be prepared to do a lot of travelling through. Do it while you're young and don't have family.
I can't give you advice on specifics but I can say that you shouldn't rush into a decision,but at the same time if you jump into something new and don't like it, don't worry about it because at your age, you've got plenty of time to make mistakes (provided you can finance it) before you find something you enjoy.
At your age, I had a similar thought I'd gone down the wrong career path and decided to look at alternatives. At the time I was worried I was getting old to change career and stuck with it instead. As it happened it opened up a new avenue and I had a really enjoyable 15 years doing something slightly different..
Fast forward to turning 40 and another opportunity opened up in a completely different sector. I'm 2 years into that and it's been the best decision I've made. I'll never be a PH millionaire but I'll have a comfortable lifestyle, and I've been able to keep my career varied.
Best of luck in your future endeavours
At your age, I had a similar thought I'd gone down the wrong career path and decided to look at alternatives. At the time I was worried I was getting old to change career and stuck with it instead. As it happened it opened up a new avenue and I had a really enjoyable 15 years doing something slightly different..
Fast forward to turning 40 and another opportunity opened up in a completely different sector. I'm 2 years into that and it's been the best decision I've made. I'll never be a PH millionaire but I'll have a comfortable lifestyle, and I've been able to keep my career varied.
Best of luck in your future endeavours
I think for the moment, I will stick with it until promotion at least. Installations I think will not suit me - with a mortgage and a partner to keep happy plus a little one on the horizon in the next couple of years. I will still keep my fingers in a few pies until something comes along with the right place at the right time on good money and progressions. Thanks all for the assistance
Adwillsy said:
I think for the moment, I will stick with it until promotion at least. Installations I think will not suit me - with a mortgage and a partner to keep happy plus a little one on the horizon in the next couple of years. I will still keep my fingers in a few pies until something comes along with the right place at the right time on good money and progressions. Thanks all for the assistance
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