I feel so stuck!!!

Anonymous

October 8,2021 at 3:36AM UTC

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I feel so stuck!!! I have been in my position for 6 years, have earned a MBA, and I have had no luck in securing a better paying position. I have applied both internally and externally with no luck. I have reached out to my manager and others for feedback with no luck. I know money isn't everything, but as a single mother I am trying not to struggle. I don't want to regress in pay and I don't want to switch career fields, which is primarily quality assurance in biotech/pharma.

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AnonymousOctober 8,2021 at 8:22AM UTC
I’m in the similar position - earned my MBA 5 years ago. Unfortunately this has not resulted in a promotion or raise. I have talked with leadership team who do not genuinely appreciate my talents or contributions. So I have been interviewing externally but things have been slow - I’m over 50 and I cannot take a step back in pay either. So you are not alone. I think keeping options open- aggressively looking for a job (which is a full time job) while we still have one is best option. Biotech/pharma is expanding technical field so keep abreast of changing landscape and something will present itself. Good luck.
AnonymousOctober 8,2021 at 2:24PM UTC
I am sorry to hear this! Is there a way you can not completely switch career fields, but find a similar position in perhaps a more lucrative industry?
AnonymousOctober 8,2021 at 6:26PM UTC
After I posted this I thought to myself I need to be more open, so I am ☺️ However where to?
Robyn McCabria KelsoOctober 12,2021 at 5:50PM UTC
This was my situation several years ago. I finally had to leave my group. As many have noted, it's a free for all hiring wise. Go ahead and take a look - even if you interview and get an offer you can always say no.
Jacquelyn LloydOctober 12,2021 at 10:27PM UTC
If your manager isn't supporting you and you can't get feedback from hiring managers at your current employer - you may need to look outside your organization to advance. Try mock interviewing with a friend or relative for feedback. Or, video yourself answering the top questions to get a sense of where you might improve. I would also recommend taking notice of your thoughts by writing them down daily for a week. What are your thoughts on this situation? The thoughts we have about ourselves and our circumstances can affect our actions and results. If you need help with that, coaching can be beneficial. Stay strong, friend!
Krista PasfieldOctober 13,2021 at 1:35PM UTC
When you say you've reached out to your "manager and others for feedback but no luck", what do you mean? Have they refused to respond, or provided bland, unhelpful, generic comments? Have you been specific in re-phrasing your ask of them, if they weren't giving you feedback you find helpful?
Unfortunately, if your degree doesn't align with the requirements/values of the role/company, it won't necessarily translate into a promotion/raise/job offer.
Check in with the Career/Placement Services office of your alma mater. They should be able to provide free career counseling and resume review services.
AnonymousOctober 13,2021 at 11:19PM UTC
The responses have been very generic. I did not rephrase to ask again, however I have been speaking with other collogues for advice.
I will reach out to career placement. I didn't think about that.