I’m a bit stuck.

Anonymous

September 13,2022 at 5:38PM UTC

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I’m a bit stuck. I’ve been working in higher education for over 7 years. There have been elements I’ve enjoyed and others I definitely haven’t. I’m currently at a crossroads. I’m stable in my current position with good benefits and descent pay but wonder if I’m becoming stagnant. I once heard from someone that higher education grooms you to stay in higher education and I’m not sure I want to be stuck in the same industry just because I don’t know anything else. (I also said I’d never have a desk job when I was growing up and aside from the occasional event or presentation, that’s exactly what I have.) I’m wondering if there are any higher education professionals turned something else (or others who have changed jobs to another field) who have advice on how to find the next position — what skills may be transferred, what other area you switched to, anything that might help me figure out how to find my next move.

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ewoehrle17September 13,2022 at 7:36PM UTC
This is a tough one. Pivoting careers is hard to manage mostly based on salary expectations. But that isn't my decision to make.
I would start by doing research on various roles or industries first. Is there some that interest you more than others? More importantly, are there aspects of your job you absolutely don't want to do in your next role?
If you start to do role research then look at JD's with the qualifications and expectations for that role and see how your experience might translate.
It is also good to network or give referrals in to companies that can help tell your story of transitioning out of higher education.
AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 8:07PM UTC
It comes down to if you're happy in your job and love what you're doing and want to develop your career for promotional opportunities . If unhappy you have to prepare yourself for the next field by reading, researching and taking training classes to show you have prepared yourself and have the skills and knowledge to do the job. Then you can start applying for those roles while employed.
AnonymousSeptember 14,2022 at 8:11PM UTC
That makes sense but I think I next to do another step even before this and that’s figuring out what direction I even want to go in.