I’ve been off work for over two months as a marketing communications manager and I’m trying to figure out if I should continue the same career path or try something new.

Anonymous

March 11,2024 at 1:07PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I’ve been off work for over two months as a marketing communications manager and I’m trying to figure out if I should continue the same career path or try something new. The problem is I’m not sure what new path to take as I’ve had thoughts getting back into IT and be in a technical field, but also want to explore sales since I’ve delved into that as well. I’ve also had aspirations starting my own marketing business but haven’t take the plunge. Any tips or recommendations on how to get through this? I feel lost.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

6 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

6 Comments

Join the conversation

Megan LeasherMarch 11,2024 at 1:20PM UTC
Personally, I would recommend applying for role in all of the areas you are currently considering. Gauge how you feel applying; which ones make you more excited? Which ones make you feel blah? Sometimes we have to take tiny steps in a few different directions before we know which big step is the right one for us in a given moment. Hang in there!
Cara GardnerMarch 11,2024 at 1:34PM UTC
I discovered the Ken Coleman podcast. He talks about careers/ career changes. He wrote a book From Paycheck to Purpose.
And on the Ramsey solutions website they have a career change assessment test. I bought it and it provided good insight on what I'm passionate about and job titles that could relate. I found it helpful!
AnonymousMarch 11,2024 at 1:38PM UTC
You said, "Get back into IT," so how long have you been out? IT is a fast-paced and evolving field. Even six months without keeping up with the industry and improving your skills can make you a dinosaur. If you are considering that, then make sure you are working on learning new technologies like AI. Many companies require certifications in specialties and degrees, so carve out your niche, study, certify, and go for it. I started in IT and burned out after 25 years in 2003. I couldn't get back into it now if I wanted to.
The rest of your list is quite different. What do you mean by starting a marketing business? Is this an independent consultant role? You may want to sign up with a consulting firm to test this first and see if it is a direction you want to pursue.
Georgina HeffernanMarch 11,2024 at 2:39PM UTC
Start your own marketing business. There is lots of work to be had, especially if you understand digital. Good luck
Barb HansenMarch 11,2024 at 4:46PM UTC
If you are thinking about sales or account management job, you could leverage your experience in Marketing and look for roles at Marketing automation/orchestration software companies. Software companies love hiring subject matter experts (SMEs) for sales, account management, and other roles, b/c SMEs understand the mind of the customer (because you are/were a client of marketing software). Just an idea for you to ponder. :)
Anthony HallSeptember 9,2024 at 4:35PM UTC
One of the main purpose of the aha moment is to check aha tool to find out what moment tells us that the user is likely to develop a habit . The aha moment is the moment when a user first encounters your product's core value proposition. To identify this moment in your data, look for a signal that the user first performed the primary action that delivers your product's value proposition for some initial period of time