Moving away from the motor trade-career change help.
Discussion
First off, a bit of background.
I am currently working as a transaction manager for a large main dealer site (for 2.5 years),for those not familiar with the job title it is equivalent to a business manager and I manage the day to day of the sales department with 8 sales execs reporting to me. I have worked in the industry for 7 years in total and have worked up from being a trainee sales exec/showroom host. I also have a BSc in Psychology which I haven’t really utilised if I was honest.
Essentially my issue is that I am growing tired of the industry and the prevailing attitudes within and want to do something new, but I don’t know exactly what. I have many skills that I have acquired throughout my career but am obviously lacking experience outside of my industry.
Has anyone done a similar move, if so what did you do and how did you find it? I am thinking of a job in supply chains and logistics as it would suit my skill set, but I have no defined ideas and need inspiration.
Apologies for the long winded post but I am just trying to get as much out as possible and can fill in with further detail if required. My work ethic is strong, I am keen to learn and can fortunately also afford to take a pay cut as my partner currently earns well, although I would want to progress and build up my wage over time.
Thanks in advance.
I am currently working as a transaction manager for a large main dealer site (for 2.5 years),for those not familiar with the job title it is equivalent to a business manager and I manage the day to day of the sales department with 8 sales execs reporting to me. I have worked in the industry for 7 years in total and have worked up from being a trainee sales exec/showroom host. I also have a BSc in Psychology which I haven’t really utilised if I was honest.
Essentially my issue is that I am growing tired of the industry and the prevailing attitudes within and want to do something new, but I don’t know exactly what. I have many skills that I have acquired throughout my career but am obviously lacking experience outside of my industry.
Has anyone done a similar move, if so what did you do and how did you find it? I am thinking of a job in supply chains and logistics as it would suit my skill set, but I have no defined ideas and need inspiration.
Apologies for the long winded post but I am just trying to get as much out as possible and can fill in with further detail if required. My work ethic is strong, I am keen to learn and can fortunately also afford to take a pay cut as my partner currently earns well, although I would want to progress and build up my wage over time.
Thanks in advance.
because you are in car sales it will almost certainly stop you getting a job in some other professional industry.
I would suggest trying to work elsewhere in the industry but not a dealership. Maybe sales coaching try MSXi or Impetus Automotive, maybe try direct with a manufacturer in a regional sales role, or regional finance role or some other head office role. You probably won't have to take a pay cut and the attitude change you are looking for you will find in a manufacturer.
You could try the fleet disposal operators like Manheim, you could try area trade parts business sales or other businesses that sell in to dealers.
Lots of things that can allow you to change direction but still earn, and ultimately try different things within the same industry.
that's what I did! If you look at your linked profile you'll see that I looked you up, so yo can look at my profile and see what I did. ( if you want)
good luck
I would suggest trying to work elsewhere in the industry but not a dealership. Maybe sales coaching try MSXi or Impetus Automotive, maybe try direct with a manufacturer in a regional sales role, or regional finance role or some other head office role. You probably won't have to take a pay cut and the attitude change you are looking for you will find in a manufacturer.
You could try the fleet disposal operators like Manheim, you could try area trade parts business sales or other businesses that sell in to dealers.
Lots of things that can allow you to change direction but still earn, and ultimately try different things within the same industry.
that's what I did! If you look at your linked profile you'll see that I looked you up, so yo can look at my profile and see what I did. ( if you want)
good luck
Hi,
Thanks for the honest response, not quite what I wanted to hear but still!
I have looked at your LinkedIn, gives some good career ideas. I will look into the two mentioned firms and speak to some recruiters within the industry to try and find a new direction.
Other opinions, experiences or advice are welcomed.
Thanks for the honest response, not quite what I wanted to hear but still!
I have looked at your LinkedIn, gives some good career ideas. I will look into the two mentioned firms and speak to some recruiters within the industry to try and find a new direction.
Other opinions, experiences or advice are welcomed.
What about finance with the likes of Close etc? I know someone that went from sales manager to Close Bros, bit more money, Monday to Friday and no bank holidays. He was going to use it as a stepping stone outside the motor trade but has been there for a few years now and has moved in to one of the (many) other divisions they have
My Dad was in the trade for nearly 40 years as a mechanic, then small business owner
He left the trade aged 55 to start as a contractor in construction.
He's still doing it 10 years later and is loving it. Best move he ever made.
It wasn't easy and you need some contacts/luck but think out of the box.
He left the trade aged 55 to start as a contractor in construction.
He's still doing it 10 years later and is loving it. Best move he ever made.
It wasn't easy and you need some contacts/luck but think out of the box.
I was 3 years as a sales exec in a main dealer then 3 years selling in a leasing broker, there were pros and cons in both but not doing weekends at the broker was excellent. Eventually the bulls
t 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.
t 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.TrophyMax said:
I was 3 years as a sales exec in a main dealer then 3 years selling in a leasing broker, there were pros and cons in both but not doing weekends at the broker was excellent. Eventually the bullst 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.
What’s the Openreach job like? I looked into it a few months ago but after ready a few reviews of the job decided it might not be for me due to everyone going on about poor management. t 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.TrophyMax said:
I was 3 years as a sales exec in a main dealer then 3 years selling in a leasing broker, there were pros and cons in both but not doing weekends at the broker was excellent. Eventually the bullst 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.
Whats the pay like doing this may i ask ?t 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.Sammo123 said:
TrophyMax said:
I was 3 years as a sales exec in a main dealer then 3 years selling in a leasing broker, there were pros and cons in both but not doing weekends at the broker was excellent. Eventually the bullst 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.
What’s the Openreach job like? I looked into it a few months ago but after ready a few reviews of the job decided it might not be for me due to everyone going on about poor management. t 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.FocusRS3 said:
TrophyMax said:
I was 3 years as a sales exec in a main dealer then 3 years selling in a leasing broker, there were pros and cons in both but not doing weekends at the broker was excellent. Eventually the bullst 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.
Whats the pay like doing this may i ask ?t 'let's be artificially positive and smash it' attitude was too much. I left in August and am now a trainee telecoms engineer with Openreach. 37.5 hours per week over 4 days, great pension and straightforward people. I wish I'd done it 20 years ago.Prisons are always looking for psychologists (I kid you not) Money is quite good too,
See link below
there are 3 levels
https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/Psych...
may be worth a look?
See link below
there are 3 levels
https://justicejobs.tal.net/vx/candidate/cms/Psych...
may be worth a look?
TrophyMax said:
I'm only 3 months in so not sure I can properly comment on the management side of things, but, they do seem to be a bit swamped with their workload so getting things actioned can take a while. Overall it's a great job, I'm outside all day everyday and am usually in a different location, I have my own van which I take home so no travelling costs at all. Am happy to discuss further but don't want to derail the thread.
I’ve emailed you 
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