Is corporate America just not for me?

I’ve been working as an engineer in corporate America for two years now, and I’m starting to feel like it’s really not for me. Is two years a fair enough chance to give it, or do I need to stick it out longer? I can’t stand how everything feels so fake and just about making a profit even though I went into engineering to make the world a better place. I can’t stand staring at a screen all day and interacting on Teams instead of in person. I fantasize about teaching high school science, and I really want to try and get a teaching job, but everything I read online says don’t go into education. It would be a massive pay cut, but at this point I feel like I don’t care about the money. I just want to feel fulfilled and I feel like teaching would be so much more rewarding. Should I make the leap?

Jobadvisor:

It sounds like you're experiencing a significant disconnect between your expectations and the reality of your corporate engineering job. Two years is a reasonable amount of time to assess a job and determine if it's a good fit, especially when you're feeling this strongly. Here's a breakdown of things to consider:

Regarding Your Current Situation:

• Your Feelings Are Valid:
  • It's common to feel disillusioned with corporate life, especially when your values don't align with the company's priorities.  
  • The feeling of "fakeness" and the focus on profit over purpose are frequent complaints.
  • The isolation of remote work and the over-reliance on digital communication can be draining.  
• Engineering vs. Corporate Environment:
  • It's important to differentiate between your passion for engineering and your dissatisfaction with the corporate environment. Perhaps a smaller company, a non-profit, or a government role would offer a better fit for your values.
  • It is also possible that a different role within engineering at a corporation could be more fulfilling. For example, a role that interacts more with customers, or a role that is more hands on.

Regarding Teaching:

• The Appeal of Teaching:
  • Your desire to make a difference and contribute to the world through education is admirable.
  • The prospect of working with young people and fostering their curiosity can be incredibly rewarding.
• The Realities of Teaching:
  • The online warnings about teaching are valid. It's a demanding profession with long hours, often low pay, and significant emotional investment.  
  • Classroom management, standardized testing, and administrative burdens can be stressful.  
  • It is important to understand the level of beurocracy involved with public education.
• Pay Cut and Lifestyle:
  • You're right, the pay cut will be substantial. Carefully consider the financial implications and create a realistic budget.
  • Think about how the change in lifestyle will affect you and your family (if applicable).
• Steps to Take:
  • Shadow a Teacher: Spend a day or two observing a high school science teacher to get a firsthand look at the realities of the job.
  • Volunteer: Volunteer at a school or youth organization to gain experience working with young people.
  • Research Certification Requirements: Understand the specific requirements for teaching certification in your state.
  • Explore Alternative Education Paths: Consider tutoring, teaching at a private school, or developing educational resources.
  • Create a Transition Plan: If you decide to pursue teaching, create a detailed plan that includes financial preparation, certification, and job searching.

Recommendation:

• Don't make a hasty decision. Take the time to explore your options and gather information.
• Consider a gradual transition. Perhaps you could volunteer or tutor part-time while maintaining your current job.
• Talk to people in both engineering and education to gain different perspectives.
• Consider seeking out a career counselor. They can help you clarify your values, identify your strengths, and explore potential career paths.
• It is important to remember that it is possible to make a difference in the world in ways outside of teaching. There are many fulfilling career paths.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and choose the path that aligns with your values and aspirations.

My employer presented me a 40% pay cut. Should I just leave?

So l have been working with my current employer for 1.5 years. I established a new entity in a new region when I joined and have been acting as a regional manager and sales director ever since. I was talking to my manager today as part of a weekly call/catch up, and he quickly brought up the pay cut subject and this is coming from the CEO. His proposal was the following: less pressure on me, focus on one country instead of the region; I go back to my probation period salary (first 3 months); this is not a mandate, just something to think about; I get to keep the same job title.

This doesn't make sense to me since 90% of my energy goes on that country regardless as opposed to the entire region. So pressure will not change much. I did ask him blatantly if this was part of a cost cutting strategy and he replied yes.

My biggest concern is if I accept and the pay cut gets implemented it will greatly affect my employment record when it comes to salaries. It’s a huge dip. Banks and other institutions will consider me a risk.

Do you I just let’s keep things unchanged? If they push harder I quit?

Jobadvisor:

This is a very difficult situation, and your concerns are valid. A 40% pay cut is a massive reduction, and it's understandable that you're considering leaving. Here's a breakdown of how to approach this, considering your concerns:

1. Understand the Situation Fully:

• Document Everything: Immediately write down everything you remember from the conversation, including the exact words used, the date, and the time. This documentation could be crucial later.
• Request Clarification in Writing: Ask your manager or the CEO for the proposal in writing. This will provide you with a formal record and allow you to analyze the terms carefully. Specifically ask for the reason of the pay cut in writing.
• Inquire About Company Finances: If possible, try to understand the company's financial situation. While they may not disclose everything, you can try to gauge the severity of the situation. Ask if there are other cost cutting measures being implemented.
• Check Your Employment Contract: Review your original employment contract to see if there are any clauses related to salary reductions or changes in responsibilities.

2. Evaluate the Offer:

• Is the Reduced Workload Realistic? You've already stated that 90% of your work is in that single country. Assess whether the promised reduction in pressure is genuine or just a way to justify the pay cut.
• Impact on Your Finances: Calculate the exact financial impact of the pay cut on your monthly budget. Can you sustain this reduction?
• Impact on Your Career: You're right to be concerned about the impact on your employment record. A significant pay cut can raise questions from future employers and lenders.
• Value of the Job Title: While keeping your title might seem like a positive, it doesn't compensate for a 40% pay cut.

3. Negotiation and Counter-Proposals:

• Don't Accept Immediately: Do not feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. Take your time to consider your options.
• Negotiate: If you're willing to stay, try to negotiate a smaller pay cut or alternative solutions. For example, you could propose a temporary reduction with a clear timeline for returning to your original salary, or a performance-based bonus structure.
• Consider a Severance Package: If you decide to leave, try to negotiate a severance package.

4. Explore Your Options:

• Update Your Resume and Start Networking: Begin looking for new job opportunities. Even if you decide to stay temporarily, it's good to have options.
• Consult with an Employment Lawyer: If you believe the pay cut is unfair or violates your employment contract, consult with an employment lawyer to understand your rights.
• Consider your local labor laws: Research the labor laws of your country, or region. There may be legal protections against dramatic pay cuts.

5. Decision Time:

• Weigh the Pros and Cons: Carefully weigh the pros and cons of staying versus leaving. Consider your financial situation, career goals, and overall well-being.
• Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, you need to make the decision that's right for you. If you feel undervalued and disrespected, it may be time to move on.

Regarding your specific concerns:

• Employment Record: You are right to be concerned about this. A large pay cut will show up on your records. If you do accept the cut, make sure to document the reasons for it, in case you need to explain it to future employers.
• Banks and Institutions: Lenders will consider your current income when assessing your creditworthiness. A 40% pay cut could affect your ability to obtain loans or mortgages.

In summary:

• Do not rush into a decision.
• Gather as much information as possible.
• Negotiate if you choose to.
• Start looking for new opportunities.
• Consult with a lawyer if needed.

It's a tough situation, but by being proactive and informed, you can make the best decision for your career.

Unemployed white collar professionals: have you tried looking for jobs at fast food places & entry level retail crap?

I haven’t—at least not yet . I sort of assume they wouldn’t hire me anyway bc they don’t want someone who they suspect will quit the second they get the chance.

But just out of curiosity, have any of you guys with lots of professional experience and/or advanced degrees tried for a minimum wage job? Did you get hired?

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable to wonder how your professional experience might translate to entry-level positions during unemployment. Here's a breakdown of common experiences and considerations:

Challenges and Considerations:

• Overqualification Concerns:
  • As you mentioned, employers may be hesitant to hire someone they perceive as overqualified, fearing they'll leave quickly.
  • They might also worry that the person won't be satisfied with the work, leading to low morale or performance issues.
• Resume Tailoring:
  • A resume highlighting extensive professional experience might be detrimental. It might be necessary to create a separate, simplified resume focusing on transferable skills like customer service, teamwork, and reliability.
  • Omitting some degrees or professional experience may be needed.
• Interview Approach:
  • During interviews, it's crucial to demonstrate genuine interest in the position and a willingness to learn.
  • Addressing potential concerns about overqualification by emphasizing a strong work ethic and a desire for stability is essential.
• Wage expectations:
  • It is vital to understand that taking an entry level position will mean accepting entry level wages. This is a very difficult adjustment for many white collar professionals.

Experiences and Potential Outcomes:

• Some Success Stories:
  • Some individuals have successfully transitioned to entry-level roles, especially when they emphasize relevant skills and a positive attitude.
  • During times of economic hardship, many companies are more willing to hire experienced individuals for any available position.
• Rejection is Possible:
  • However, rejection is also common, particularly if the employer strongly believes the applicant is overqualified.
  • Many applicants find that they are not called for an interview, or that they are told that they are overqualified during the interview.
• Temporary Solution:
  • For many unemployed professionals, these jobs are seen as a temporary solution to bridge financial gaps while continuing the search for suitable professional opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• It's possible to secure entry-level employment, but it requires a strategic approach.
• Tailoring your resume and interview responses is crucial.
• Be prepared for potential rejections and view the job as a temporary measure.
• Maintaining a positive attitude is essential.

In summary, while it's possible, it's not always a straightforward process.

Graduated almost a year ago and can’t find a job

Hello everyone,

I graduated from a California State University with a degree in Business Administration (Finance concentration) almost a year ago, and I still haven’t found a job. I now part of the reason is because I lack experience and also have an accent since English is my second language and don’t speak it perfectly. I’ve applied to multiple jobs since graduation, reached out to university resources, and even applied to staffing agencies—yet I haven’t even been given a full interview. After weeks of applying, I lowered my expectations and started to seek jobs that don’t require experience or a college degree to acquire new skills, but I’m still not being considered for an interview. I don’t know if this is relevant but (a) I have a part-time job—I’ve worked at the same place for 7 years, (b) graduated with a good gpa. I did well in the majority of courses, (c) I live in Southern California. I’m started to think that I messed up when choosing my career.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Jobadvisor:

It's incredibly frustrating to be in your position, especially after investing so much time and effort into your education. Let's break down some potential strategies and address your concerns:

Addressing the Perceived Barriers:

• Lack of Experience:
  • Internships (Even Post-Grad): While ideally done during college, consider short-term internships or even volunteer positions in finance-related fields. This can bridge the experience gap. Look for unpaid internships if necessary, as they can provide valuable experience and connections.
  • Project-Based Work: Explore platforms like Upwork or Fiverr for freelance finance-related tasks. This can build your portfolio and demonstrate practical skills.
  • Personal Projects: If you have the time and interest, start personal projects related to finance. This could include analyzing stock portfolios, creating financial models, or managing a simulated investment fund. Document your work and showcase it in your portfolio or during interviews.
• Accent:
  • Focus on Clarity: While you can't eliminate your accent, you can focus on clear and concise communication. Practice speaking slowly and enunciating carefully.
  • Build Confidence: Your confidence level plays a significant role in how your communication is perceived. Practice interviewing with friends, family, or career services to build confidence.
  • Accent Reduction Resources: There are online courses and resources available that can help improve pronunciation and clarity.
  • Remember your accent is not a negative: Many people find accents interesting, and diverse workplaces are becoming more and more valued.
• Lowered Expectations:
  • While being flexible is good, don't completely abandon your career goals. Continue to apply for finance-related positions, even if they seem like a long shot.
  • Focus on "entry level" finance positions, such as:
    • Financial Analyst Assistant
    • Accounting Clerk
    • Credit Analyst Trainee
    • Junior Financial Planner
    • Bank Teller (with the goal of moving to a financial advisor position)

Strengthening Your Job Search:

• Resume and Cover Letter Optimization:
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application. Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
  • Use action verbs to showcase your accomplishments.
  • Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 15%").
  • Seek professional resume review. University career services or online resources can provide valuable feedback.
  • Highlight your long term part time job: Seven years of employment shows dedication and reliability. Make sure to emphasize transferable skills gained from that job.
• Networking:
  • Attend industry events and networking events.
  • Connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Reach out to alumni from your university who work in finance.
  • Informational interviews: Reach out to people in finance and ask for informational interviews. This is a great way to learn about the industry and make connections.
• University Resources:
  • Don't give up on university career services. Schedule regular appointments to discuss your job search strategy and receive feedback.
  • Alumni Network: Utilize your university's alumni network. They can provide valuable insights and connections.
• Staffing Agencies:
  • Follow up with staffing agencies regularly.
  • Be specific about your skills and career goals.
  • Expand the number of agencies you work with.
• Online Presence:
  • Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Make sure it's complete and up-to-date.
  • Clean up your social media presence. Potential employers may review your online profiles.
• Expand your search area:
  • While you live in southern California, it may be beneficial to explore other areas of California, or even other states.

Key Takeaways:

• Persistence is key. Don't give up on your job search.
• Be proactive. Take initiative and seek out opportunities.
• Focus on building your skills and experience.
• Networking is essential.
• Don't underestimate the value of your part-time job.

It's understandable to feel discouraged, but remember that many graduates face similar challenges. By implementing these strategies and staying positive, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling career in finance.