trying to figure out what's next after several years of unsuccessful jobs

[Anonymous]

I've been in the workforce for about 12 years now and in all that time, have held 5 jobs that were not bad, but basically, went nowhere for me. I left two because of low pay, laid off from one, and the last two were contract jobs that ended when the contracts ended and no offers to extend or bring me on board permanently. I've never been promoted before and have received only one real raise in my work life. The last contract job ended two months ago and at this point, I'm very hesitant to find another job in this field. Based on my track record, I feel like this is just not working out for me and I'm on a path that keeps leading to dead ends. DH and I are not bad off but it's nice to have the extra money, especially when you have kids (we have 2). I've thought of going back to school for an entirely new field, but when I consider what else I'd like to do, I'm afraid it will just be another bad choice. Sure, I could just focus on the money and jump back into the same field I've been in (marketing) and board the rollercoaster and end up unemployed again in another year or two. Anyone been in this position? How did you finally figure out the next best thing for you? At this point, my confidence is pretty low.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like the right decision to leave that field.

What are your skills? Education? What do you like doing?

[Anonymous]

I have a masters in advertising and a BA in communications. In terms of what I like doing, well, I feel like the stuff I like to do isn't going to bring in a lot of money or is just the sort of stuff people roll their eyes at and scoff "good luck with that." Some of these things are things I've been told I'm good at, like teaching preschool kids (I volunteered years ago and enjoyed the creative aspects of the job in particular) and cooking. I'd love to run my own food business and have considered opening a restaurant one day in a lower cost area. I've considered taking cooking classes, but am concerned it would be money down the drain.

So, teaching is an option, but a lot of people I know who are teachers are miserable with the testing and outside work involved. Still, it would get me away from this current mess. I don't think I'm a corporate office person and I have no interest doing what I takes to get back into it-- throwing on a suit and heels, jumping on the train at 7 am, reporting to a passive-aggressive boss and always having a lingering sense that this too will not last.

[Anonymous]

Well look, honestly, it sounds like what you're looking for is to get paid to pursue what is basically a hobby.

Unless you're self-employed, you'll have a boss. And to go into the workplace saying you can't deal with any boss, because they're all going to be passive-aggressive - it just sounds like you are kind of whiny and entitled.

If you want to see what it's like being a food industry professional, go do the obvious thing - get a job in a restaurant. It's hard work. It's not like in the movies, where you run a little cupcake shop between 11 am and 1 in the afternoon. But go see if you like it. Or get a retail job at Sur La Table or something, and see if that's more your speed.

It's really hard to give you advice when you say you don't need the money, don't want to have a boss, and don't want to be a teacher even though you've done it before and like the work.

I understand the struggle of finding employment that seems like a good fit with a non-officey personality. I've had that struggle myself, a lot. I've left jobs because I hated being in an office so much. I was self-employed for years - as a freelance writer - even though the money was terrible, and I was paying off student loans, because I didn't want a boss. So I don't mean to belittle your query here.

But from how you've worded things, it really does sound like you're even more adrift than that. To which I'd say: jump in. Go try something. Try to get hired at a restaurant, for pete's sake; see if it is up your alley. If you don't actually need the money, then who cares if it doesn't work out for you?

[Anonymous]

I'd be reluctant to put a lot of money into another degree without also getting experience in the field. You may not really like it once you get into it. If you end up with student loan debt then you will HAVE to get a job and won't have the luxury of leaving it because of the debt payments. Could you use your marketing skills, but get out of corporate? Perhaps a non-profit, a public school system, a private school, a culinary school, or anything related to what you think you might want to do?

I am actually envious of you. You aren't hurting the income... you can really do anything you want right now.

[Anonymous]

I too was thinking maybe a switch to a non-profit would work for you. Even if the particular job that got you in the door was marketing - it could lead to other things or just let you see what kind of other work is out there if fields you might be interested in. And, working in education or non-profit might allow you to fee that you're a part of something that is bigger than you or important to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I too was thinking maybe a switch to a non-profit would work for you. Even if the particular job that got you in the door was marketing - it could lead to other things or just let you see what kind of other work is out there if fields you might be interested in. And, working in education or non-profit might allow you to fee that you're a part of something that is bigger than you or important to you.

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I have an MPA in NPO Management and undergrad from top 20 uni (I don't think that matters 12 year out though) and 10 years of experience in legal (so good for translatable writing skills, etc) and its HARD to get a good job in NPO/NGO. There is a ton of competition in this area and so many (like me) have been willing to work for 40K with advanced degrees or law degrees to get in. Just food for thought.

[Anonymous]

Most communications and ad majors end up using their skills to communicate coffee orders. You need some real skills and education.

[Anonymous]

Schools need marketing people too.

[Anonymous]

Very few people end up working in the field they major in. Basically an issue of supply and demand.

Communications tends to be one of those pink collar jobs, and yes, you end up communicating coffee orders and not much else. They are also in public relations agencies, which due to the compensation structure tend to hire youngish people, underpay them and overwork them. Great experience for a few years. You will have lots of competition as the other big feeder is journalists, of which that field also keeps contracting. If you can code and you really want a communications job then take a look at editing some association's online magazine and build a career from there. Can't code...there are various inexpensive ways to learn and to get some practice you an volunteer at any trade association or industry group. If nothing else, you can also start with any religious organization or other non profit that appeals to you. Lots of dated websites out there could use someone with an eye for detail and the drive to make current content happen.

In terms of marketing the field splits pretty quickly into sales/new business development and product management (there are several more subdivisions from there, including database marketing). If your idea of marketing is sales, then get a sales job. Just about anywhere could use your interest.

If you are tending more towards product management then I'd also say get a sales job for something you really like. The best product management jobs are in consumer products and there aren't a lot of consumer product companies in the dc area. THere are a few that are involved in consumer services and that may be a more viable alternative. Unless you have a recent top tier Masters in marketing it can be difficult to break into product management (and even then, be prepared to be underpaid and to pay your dues for several years). If you don't have a recent top tier masters degree then entree via the sales door is the next best avenue of approach.

Industrial products and services will have the same role but they tend to call the position "marketing manager" and require a high degree of technical education.

Good luck but I think you have to get way more granular and detailed in your approach. What exactly do you want to market? If you can't get in directly, then I'd sell it for a few years first. That way you will develop an understanding of how the buyer buys, and that is the heart of marketing or positioning any product to maximize sales.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes county rec centers has cooking classes. I know Montgomery County does.

If you like the food industry, try getting a job at a caterer's or party planning company.

Or a food truck could be fun.

[Anonymous]

Try property management.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes county rec centers has cooking classes. I know Montgomery County does.

If you like the food industry, try getting a job at a caterer's or party planning company.

Or a food truck could be fun.

Event management and/or marketing might be a great fit for your background and interests.