Money Post what you like/dislike about your current job/career

**Buehler445** · 06-15-2009, 09:25 PM

I'm thinking seriously about a major career change. If I do it, it looks to be a major change from what I'm used to and where I expected myself to be.

I'm 26 and don't have extensive work experience, so evaluating what may be different about the other career path inherently comes with more uncerainty than a change in jobs in the same industry.

As a result, I'm looking for additional considerations that I may be missing. If you could post what you like/dislike about your current job/career, I would appreciate it. Feel free to go into as much detail as you feel comfortable. Include if you're self employed, approx how many people are in your direct department, industry etc.

Any and all insight is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

**Kyle DeLexus** · 06-15-2009, 09:27 PM

I really don't do a lot of work. I sit at my desk and get on CP all day. I have my sports memorabilia on my desk as conversation starters.

Just the advantages of working for a parent.

stlchiefs · 06-15-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle DeLexus

I really don't do a lot of work. I sit at my desk and get on CP all day. I have my sports memorabilia on my desk as conversation starters.

Just the advantages of working for a parent.

What kind of work are you supposed to be doing? What kind of company if I can ask?

**Kyle DeLexus** · 06-15-2009, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlchiefs

What kind of work are you supposed to be doing? What kind of company if I can ask?

I work for a chemical company in the Ag. business. My official title is Administrative Assistant and I'm basically an accounting assistant.

EDIT: To be fair, we are in the slow time of the year right now.

**rockymtnchief** · 06-15-2009, 09:41 PM

I've been at my current job 4 1/2 years (co-op phone company) and have seen my boss a total of 20 minutes. It's like being self employed with all the health/retirement benefits.

**Buehler445** · 06-15-2009, 09:55 PM

I guess I can throw in my two cents. I do Internal Audit for Cabela's. It's OK. I learn a lot about a $2.5B company. I've learned a good bit about accounting and associated controls. Also a lot about process analysis. There's currently 12 people in my rapidly shrinking department (not backfilling attrition).

Pros:
Relatively stable employment (nothing is absolute in this economy)
Good company with good people.
If the economy ever turns around there ought to be some chance for advancement.
Great benefits
nice town
Low stress level
Work more than 50 hours a week maybe 4 weeks out of the year.

Cons.
Very little fulfillment. It feels like I do a lot of work and add very little value to the company.
Very little probability of short term advancement.
Still stuck in a entry level type position and am paid like it

**cdcox** · 06-16-2009, 01:04 AM

Buehler --

I did a career switch that may be similar to what you are considering. When I was 26 or so, I was a applications engineer. I felt that my contributions to the company were marginal. While I had excellent prospects for an immediate promotion, I didn't think the new position would suit my personalities or skill, or be very fulfilling.

I did a drastic career change (academia, still in engineering). It required relocating my family, a reduction in income and lifestyle, and 4 years of additional education. Once I landed the job i wanted, I made roughly 1/3 more than the job I had left 4 year earlier, not adjusted for inflation. After that, I had to work hard for about 16 years to get into a position where (for the last year or two) I am generally proud of my accomplishments, well-recognized by my peers, and am now having important influence on the direction of my department and college.

Concluding message -- a successful, meaningful career requires a lot of time, effort, dedication, and risk-taking. Weigh the cost and benefits and make the best decision for you with confidence and total commitment.

Things I like about my job:

1) helping young people achieve their goals
2) discovering new knowledge
3) shaping the future of the organization
4) respect from my peers
5) sense of responsibility, meaning, and purpose

Things I don't like about my job:

1) longer hours than I like
2) stress
3) less control over "what do I want to do today" than a few years ago
4) occasions of responsibility without authority

chiefzilla1501 · 06-16-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I guess I can throw in my two cents. I do Internal Audit for Cabela's. It's OK. I learn a lot about a $2.5B company. I've learned a good bit about accounting and associated controls. Also a lot about process analysis. There's currently 12 people in my rapidly shrinking department (not backfilling attrition).

Pros:
Relatively stable employment (nothing is absolute in this economy)
Good company with good people.
If the economy ever turns around there ought to be some chance for advancement.
Great benefits
nice town
Low stress level
Work more than 50 hours a week maybe 4 weeks out of the year.

Cons.
Very little fulfillment. It feels like I do a lot of work and add very little value to the company.
Very little probability of short term advancement.
Still stuck in a entry level type position and am paid like it

Dude, sounds like you were in my position 2 years ago before I got my MBA. Most people in my program were in the same position too. It's that position where you know you're doing work, but you're not paid or appreciated up to what you think you should be.

If you can get one, do it. If you can afford to go full-time, do it. You will probably struggle to get serious consideration for the kind of jobs you're qualified for unless you can put that MBA stamp on your resume. If you want to get out of accounting, you could probably move to Operations, which is a job that is always in high demand. From what most people in the field tell me, while the work can get monotonous at times, it's a position that has a high floor and usually reasonable work conditions.

**Buehler445** · 06-16-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

Dude, sounds like you were in my position 2 years ago before I got my MBA. Most people in my program were in the same position too. It's that position where you know you're doing work, but you're not paid or appreciated up to what you think you should be.

If you can get one, do it. If you can afford to go full-time, do it. You will probably struggle to get serious consideration for the kind of jobs you're qualified for unless you can put that MBA stamp on your resume. If you want to get out of accounting, you could probably move to Operations, which is a job that is always in high demand. From what most people in the field tell me, while the work can get monotonous at times, it's a position that has a high floor and usually reasonable work conditions.

I have an MBA.
Posted via Mobile Device

**ChiTown** · 06-16-2009, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I have an MBA.
Posted via Mobile Device

Sorry if I missed it, but what do you do?

**Buehler445** · 06-16-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiTown

Sorry if I missed it, but what do you do?

Currently I do Internal Audit for Cabela's.
Posted via Mobile Device

chiefzilla1501 · 06-16-2009, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buehler445

I have an MBA.
Posted via Mobile Device

In that case, I do marketing at a services firm. I'm more of a creative, so it suits me. The benefit is that unlike a lot of marketing positions, services has a lot more flexibility for advancement. I'm also fascinated by people, and that's a big part of what marketing is. I also think marketing is one of the more exciting, rapidly evolving industries out there. If you're really lucky, you get a lot of exciting perks, like becoming really involved in a lot of sponsorship events, some at pro stadiums.

The downside is that there's a pretty low ceiling for most people in this world and, in my experience, I could swear that 75% of my time is spent in meetings. It might also frustrate someone who is a rapid mover and shaker--most marketing jobs I've seen have pretty limited hours and are really laid back, which might frustrate someone who's willing to work 80 hours a week for more pay.

whatsmynameagain · 06-15-2009, 10:03 PM

my job just got 100000x better. the dickhead director that ive been under for 5 years is GONE!!!

BigRock · 06-15-2009, 10:05 PM

Pros: I get to set my own hours. I have a lot of free time. I make great money.

Cons: Cleaning up afterwards. The shame. Sometimes it hurts to walk the next day.

tooge · 06-16-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRock

Pros: I get to set my own hours. I have a lot of free time. I make great money.

Cons: Cleaning up afterwards. The shame. Sometimes it hurts to walk the next day.

what are you, a gigolo?

06-15-2009, 09:25 PM	Topic Starter
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-1595266	Post what you like/dislike about your current job/career I'm thinking seriously about a major career change. If I do it, it looks to be a major change from what I'm used to and where I expected myself to be. I'm 26 and don't have extensive work experience, so evaluating what may be different about the other career path inherently comes with more uncerainty than a change in jobs in the same industry. As a result, I'm looking for additional considerations that I may be missing. If you could post what you like/dislike about your current job/career, I would appreciate it. Feel free to go into as much detail as you feel comfortable. Include if you're self employed, approx how many people are in your direct department, industry etc. Any and all insight is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Posts: 60,021

06-15-2009, 09:27 PM	#2
Kyle DeLexus Opie and Anthony XM 105 Join Date: Nov 2008 Casino cash: $10002400	I really don't do a lot of work. I sit at my desk and get on CP all day. I have my sports memorabilia on my desk as conversation starters. Just the advantages of working for a parent.
Posts: 7,910

06-15-2009, 09:41 PM	#5
rockymtnchief Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Crazys of Montana Casino cash: $10018968 VARSITY	I've been at my current job 4 1/2 years (co-op phone company) and have seen my boss a total of 20 minutes. It's like being self employed with all the health/retirement benefits.
Posts: 5,740

06-15-2009, 09:55 PM	#6
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-1595266	I guess I can throw in my two cents. I do Internal Audit for Cabela's. It's OK. I learn a lot about a $2.5B company. I've learned a good bit about accounting and associated controls. Also a lot about process analysis. There's currently 12 people in my rapidly shrinking department (not backfilling attrition). Pros: Relatively stable employment (nothing is absolute in this economy) Good company with good people. If the economy ever turns around there ought to be some chance for advancement. Great benefits nice town Low stress level Work more than 50 hours a week maybe 4 weeks out of the year. Cons. Very little fulfillment. It feels like I do a lot of work and add very little value to the company. Very little probability of short term advancement. Still stuck in a entry level type position and am paid like it
Posts: 60,021

06-16-2009, 01:04 AM	#7
cdcox www.nfl-forecast.com Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $-588231	Buehler -- I did a career switch that may be similar to what you are considering. When I was 26 or so, I was a applications engineer. I felt that my contributions to the company were marginal. While I had excellent prospects for an immediate promotion, I didn't think the new position would suit my personalities or skill, or be very fulfilling. I did a drastic career change (academia, still in engineering). It required relocating my family, a reduction in income and lifestyle, and 4 years of additional education. Once I landed the job i wanted, I made roughly 1/3 more than the job I had left 4 year earlier, not adjusted for inflation. After that, I had to work hard for about 16 years to get into a position where (for the last year or two) I am generally proud of my accomplishments, well-recognized by my peers, and am now having important influence on the direction of my department and college. Concluding message -- a successful, meaningful career requires a lot of time, effort, dedication, and risk-taking. Weigh the cost and benefits and make the best decision for you with confidence and total commitment. Things I like about my job: 1) helping young people achieve their goals 2) discovering new knowledge 3) shaping the future of the organization 4) respect from my peers 5) sense of responsibility, meaning, and purpose Things I don't like about my job: 1) longer hours than I like 2) stress 3) less control over "what do I want to do today" than a few years ago 4) occasions of responsibility without authority
Posts: 46,032

06-15-2009, 10:03 PM	#13
whatsmynameagain Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Monstropolis Casino cash: $10004900	my job just got 100000x better. the dickhead director that ive been under for 5 years is GONE!!!
Posts: 1,214

06-15-2009, 10:05 PM	#14
BigRock Pritay Pritay Pritay Good Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The State of Euphoria Casino cash: $705412	Pros: I get to set my own hours. I have a lot of free time. I make great money. Cons: Cleaning up afterwards. The shame. Sometimes it hurts to walk the next day.
Posts: 6,989