Looking for some career advice...what should I do next?
Hey everyone!
I need some help deciding what to do next and I love this community so I thought I'd reach out.
First, a little about me:
- I am a full-time 24-year-old Uni student studying Technology Management, emphasis in IS/T. Graduating at the end of 2019.
- I work full time doing sales at a small SAAS company.
I am looking at changing my current full-time job. I have lots of experience in technical customer success, account management, enterprise software onboarding, and pretty much every other customer facing role. I switched to my current sales position because it was a pretty significant pay increase and it was to work for an old friend.
I am not happy at all in my current position at work, but feel that there is no place for me elsewhere in the company (we are small and scrappy, not hiring ATM). I would love to be in a more technical role and out of sales, but anywhere I have looked requires a degree in order to earn what I am currently earning. I am looking specifically for a project management or customer success position.
I am trying to decide:
- Do I tough it out at my current job for another year and half until I get my degree?
- If 1., how do you recommend I don't get burnt out and actually enjoy going to work in the morning?
- Do I keep applying to jobs and hope that one of them takes me? (I haven't even gotten to the interview process of one yet)
- Something else?
Unfortunately taking a pay cut isn't an option for me right now, I almost wish it was.
Thanks in advance,
Nick
I would read "So Good They Can't Ignore You". You are staring intently at the options right in front of you. It might be better to zoom out and think about the big picture.
The book introduces concepts like the adjacent possible and how to create a long term strategy around that.
My suspicion is that some reflection on the long term prospects and the opportunity to acquire some more "career capital" will make toughing it out more appealing.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll add that to my reading list right now.
I believe you are right. I also believe that half my unhappiness with my current role is my choice to be unhappy. If I just got stuck in and did the best I can I know I would enjoy it more.
Thanks, Andreas!
Are you getting relevant experience at your job? Unless you really need the money and unless you see yourself there long term, I would focus my efforts on trying to get as much relevant experience as possible.
Yeah, that is the part that bothers me the most. I was excited to get some proper sales experience (every employer likes that). But I feel I have done that and now want to be doing something that gives me more experience in what my degree will be in - like a project management or customer success position.
What type of role do you want?
🤦🏼♂️I'll update the post haha.
Ideally something in project management or customer success.