Changing Careers for More Money

Ms. Liu,

I read your article online, "Ask the Career Coach" on Payscale.com. I found it very interesting and helpful and will practice the steps you mentioned in order to find the job of my dreams.

I am very dissatisfied at my current job. I am an office manager for a cigar distributor company. It is a small company; I am in the office most of the time by myself. I oversee all operations of the company. My role includes everything from answering phones, making sales, taking care of the books and conducting weekly meetings with sales staff in different states to packaging and shipping cigars, etc.

My employer is also in the process of starting a construction company, for which I am preparing all related documents and applications. I used to work with my current employer in a construction company he used to own prior to starting the cigar business.

I am unhappy because I don't see any room for growth any time soon unless the construction company kicks off in the next few months. But I am thinking of now; I need change now. The salary is not bad but I want more and I don't foresee getting more any time soon.

Also, my husband owns a subcontractor company. It’s small but he has been in business for over 10 years. He owns the company along with his mother and brother. I help sometimes since I do have experience in construction, but can only help so much. I do not want them to feel like I want to take over. So I decided to start my own company with my husband to do jobs on the side with both of us keeping our current positions. That did not work since the license he has is already under his company's name. Now I would need a license in order for us to be able to pull permits under our company's license. So we are stuck in that sense and I am very disappointed that it did not go far.

I am attaching my resume in hopes that you may help with some advice and or guidance. I would really appreciate it.

Thank you very much. I look forward to your opinion soon.

Patty

---

Patty,

The common way of handling inaction for folks who like movement and progress is to create more action through doing more. While this seems helpful it is often just a way to escape the reality of what is happening and “being” with it. You want to grow. It’s not happening in the way you want. Pursuing action items when you are not 100% clear of what you want is akin to a hurricane. Imagine lots of energy with various opposing forces whirling with no clear direction. 

What would be helpful at this juncture is for you to go to the center, “the eye,” of the hurricane where it is clear and calm. The only action in the eye is to watch, and observe from a centered position. Here are some things for you to contemplate:

1.    What do you want with respect to your career path?
2.    What is your ultimate destination or goal?
3.    Given your goal, what skills, experience, or education do you need so you can grow and thrive?
4.    What stops you from achieving your goals right now?
5.    What are three things you could do today to answer these questions?

Focus on addressing these questions first. After you have clarity with what you want, it may be easier for your husband or current employer to address your career needs, or to find a job that better suits your career interests. Every week ask what you are clear about and what you are not clear about.  For things you are not clear about, ask what you would need and what actions would help in getting clarity. This is a way to use your strength of being proactive in a directed way

- CJ

Looking for more career change advice? Try the following articles and resources.

• Are you anxious about a career transition? Prepare to Make that Career Change with more advice from CJ Liu.
• Considering a Career Change at Middle Age?
• Unsure which career to pursue? Explore your career options by Researching Degrees.