Hi everyone, I am relatively early in my career and am feeling adrift.

5 Comments

1. Noreen HansenJune 24,2025 at 9:42PM UTC

   Alisa,

   Have you taken the time to reflect on why you think you need to change? Currently, very few companies are hiring roles beyond AI engineering and sales. Be certain to keep your thoughts to yourself at work. It is better to have a job when looking if possible.

   Here is some advice:

   Take some time to reflect on your whys. Why do you think you need to change? Are there activities, behaviors or parts of your day that make the day difficult or make you uncomfortable at work?

   Does your company provide flexibility, even lateral opportunities for growth?

   What activities in work and your overall life do you enjoy or make the day go by quickly?

   Make note of these answers as I ask these of my clients.

   Next begin to formulate ideas of what you would like to learn about or try. Ask people for a call, or coffee to gather insight into what they do.

   Ask what skills are required? How can you gain those skills?

   Some people still stay with the same company for 20 to 30 years. The reasons to leave typically relate to culture, environment, lack of growth opportunity or personal outside of work.

   Take your time to figure this out, then create some goals.

   Best wishes

2. AnonymousJune 25,2025 at 2:49PM UTC

   I need more info such as how long have you worked in your current job? If 2-3 years, then it's time to think about getting an advanced degree. Depending on what you do or want to do should drive your decision about a masters degree. Don't go spend money on one to have letters after your name and incur the expense. Instead, see if your company offers educational reimbursement or covers it fully. If so, there may be an agreement to stay on for a certain amount of time. I'm in higher ed. Do not go get a masters just to have one and think you can find a job easily. It's not easy, regardless of your degree. The hot masters degrees right now are focused on analytics and AI. So look at data analytics if you are data driven. Best advice I can give you, is have an idea what change you want to see. What is driving you to commit to a masters? If you seek an MBA, you are more attractive to employers if you have work experience, which you have, but it's more like 2-3 years of experience.

3. Tina MorenoJune 25,2025 at 4:43PM UTC

   That’s a big and important question—but without a bit more context, it’s hard to give the best advice. Are you feeling adrift because of the work itself, or are there outside factors (like life circumstances, burnout, or lack of direction) that might be playing a part? Are you happy with the kind of work you’re doing, or are you feeling unfulfilled?

   Before considering something like going back to school (which can be a great option), I’d recommend spending some time figuring out what you actually want. What does growth look like for you? Is it a higher salary, more responsibility, becoming a subject matter expert, switching industries entirely?

   Once you’ve noodled on that a bit and have more clarity, you can start to explore the paths that’ll get you there—whether that’s a new role, a different company, further education, or even a mentor to help you map things out. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but you’re asking the right question to get started.

4. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJune 30,2025 at 5:45PM UTC

   Unless you have something super specific you want to go back to school for, I would say no. Get your 2nd job and build on your experience. Experience & developing real skills can be more valuable than another degree (unless you are wanting something super specific you must have a degree for)

5. BarbaraAugust 25,2025 at 4:12PM UTC

   Stay employed and look for opportunities while working. Also some company’s do pay for further education. Check that out