© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Where To Go From Here?
I'm struggling to figure out my career path. This December will be my third year working as an administrative assistant. Within those three years I have turned this position around from a mundane desk job to a position that has equal or potentially more responsibility than most "secretarial" work.
During the first year, actually 2 months right after I received the position, I was involved in 2 car accidents and because I didn't have any vacation saved up, still had to work from home with a concussion and messed up back. I received a .49 cent raise that year or the next, I honestly can't remember.
Fast forward to today and I'm still the least paid full time staff in our office ( I manage the budget so I would know). I was told I would receive a raise last month and never got it.
I do have second job that keeps me afloat but just barely. Its another mundane job but its easy. I also work as a freelance writer, run my own blog, do videography work and a plethora of other creative things ( this is actually what I went to school for, Communications & Film). I'm an amazing storyteller and filmmaker. But I discourage myself from applying to those types of jobs because most of my experience has been from independent work, not major productions.
I don't know, I'm just struggling. I have a creative soul. I want to get up and enjoy what I do. Even though I've made this position my own, I barely get paid enough to do anything besides come to work and go home. I'm honestly miserable.
So what am I writing this post for? Words of advice, encouragement, how to change my career path, anything. I know I'm not the only one going through this, but I don't know if I can go through another year fulfilling someone else's dream. I don't want to. I'm young, in my twenties, and I want to be happy with what I do. Where do I go from here?
Carmela Bozulich
Senior HR pro in Southern California
52
08/18/20 at 4:27PM UTC
Side hustle? I think your side hustle needs to become your main hustle. I'm alot older than you, and I can't afford to retire...so I work my regular 4-day-a-week job which is extremely stressful, and I'm doing some teaching at a local university on the side, as well as consulting in my field. You need to decide just what it is that fulfills you...with me, it's teaching. And expand on that...go for the jobs in your fulfillment quadrant and eventually if not sooner you will get the work you need and can phase out of what you hate. Never limit yourself or tell yourself that you can't do this or that...remember, a wise man once said if you say you can or if you say you can't, you're right.
Joycelyn M. SiameExperienced Admin.
531
08/18/20 at 2:55PM UTC
I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. To be honest, you sound just like me. At all my places of employment, I always try my best to the do my best and do 10% even more. The issue is not being able to stand up for yourself (this is my experience by the way, not necessarily yours). I tend to be non-confrontational and just coast. But I have learned that this does not always work in my favor. That I should be confident in any work that I do and speak up about needing a raise. Maybe, begin creating a handbook of sorts of how you do all your tasks. This can be your admin. portfolio for interviews and networking. For me, doing this, has allowed employers to really see what I can do and also, by looking at all I do, I developed confidence in my work, resulting in promotions and a "take no s**t" attitude. I hope this helps! Whatever you plan on doing, you got it girl!
Stephanie DufnerCommunications professional
250
08/16/20 at 11:01PM UTC (Edited)
I have been there. Sounds like you are talented and know what you want. Is there any way your work as an admin can utilize those talents to help bolster your work into another area (e.g. internal and external communications and storytelling) and get a raise/get more responsibility in the process?
Anonymous
08/16/20 at 9:37PM UTC
So many of us get stuck in the comfort of routine out of this awful feeling that what little experience we have will not be enough to get us the job we want. Meditate on the best piece of advice I’ve ever been given: If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
Elizabeth AbelAccounting, admin pro for 25+ years
43
08/16/20 at 5:46PM UTC
I'm sure it can be draining to feel like you're just plodding along and not fully aligned with your passion! I would encourage you trust your path and remember that where you are now isn't permanent.
I second the above post about you having a job and a business, and creating a strategic business plan. Consider that the skills you've accumulated as an Administrative Assistant are valuable skills that you will undoubtedly need in your own business. While other creatives may get bogged down with the business of business so to speak, you will not. Yes, you may be supporting someone else's company now, but you're also honing necessary skills. Would it be possible to seek administrative support roles within creative industries? Your current experience would be a foot in the door, perhaps the best of both worlds while your own business comes to life.
We all look forward to seeing your work!
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
08/16/20 at 5:40PM UTC
Many people earn handsomely from their blogs (and podcasts, sometimes in combination). Others make good a living from freelance writing. Still others earn great money as storytellers including in filmmaking.
Why not choose which one you want to be your first primary source of income and work on that. You can set a goal of giving up either your first or second job once you are consistently earning an equal amount from what is becoming your primary source of income. You can give up the other job once you earning enough to cover it from your new income.
Then, you can grow from there.
It may take some time and you can make the shift to doing what you love.
Teri GibsonI put the Human in Human Resources
191
08/15/20 at 11:57PM UTC
First of all, you are an assistant not a secretary and this job is important. I am sure you boss relies on you more than you know. You know you can be successful. In order to find your dream job, I recommend advancing your education in a field that is compatible for you to succeed. This can open so many doors for you, you can network and find that job you are looking for. Do not underestimate your talents. Build on those talents and these will take you where you need to be.
Krischelle-A Saura✅Certified Public Accountant ✅Choose to be happy
147
08/15/20 at 10:08PM UTC
In your case, I’d say go find your happiness and apply for your dream job. There’s nothing wrong with changing careers. As long as you know what you want, you have a clear goal and timeline, (I suggest you write it all down) GO FOR IT! If you think you need more training or knowledge on something before changing careers, then work on it! The path maybe long and steep, but a step, no matter how small it is, is still a step closer to you dream. All the best!
Anonymous
08/15/20 at 2:38PM UTC
I think you have to think about what you actually want - Do you just want more money or do you want to be developed? Neither is wrong, but both are different paths. If you just want more money, you probably need to look for another job. You're unlikely to get a massive raise without a title change and you're unlikely to see a title change unless you want to be developed. If you do want to be developed, think about what jobs at your company or in your office you want to do. Talk to your manager about creating a development plan with clear goals so that when those positions become available you are able to take them.
Stephanie Martins HeloanyEconomics student at UCF
16
08/15/20 at 1:17PM UTC
I believe the first thing you have to start working on is believe in yourself. I know most companies want to see work experience but if you show them your independent work and that you are passionate about what you do, why wouldn't they hire you? You can do anything! So start working on your confidence and when you think you are ready, apply for the jobs you want.
About your current job position, can you live without the money from this job? If you can, then ask for the bill and go be happy! But if you cannot pay your bills without this job, keep working but do it already thinking about your next step. For example, you go to work do everything you need to do and go back home with a happy mindset thinking that you will soon find the job you have always wanted.
I advise you to work on whatever makes you happy in your free time and to start applying for jobs. Don't worry, everything will work out for you and lose faith in yourself and in what you are passionate about because this is what makes us unique.
Let me know if you need help with anything!
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.