career advice for the career-less

[larnen]

I need an outside opinion here. And judging from what I've read, you guys seem pretty smart. I got a degree in Psychology in 2005. I thought working in social work would be a dream come true. After 6 months, I was totally burned out, depressed, worn out, you name it. The truth is, I think I was in it for personal reasons (I wanted to feel like I made a difference, I wanted to feel good because I helped people. I wanted to save someone!) This ultimately left me unfulfilled.

Since then I've been working as a legal secretary (I mostly took this job because at the time I needed the money.) The place is well managed, and the job is not stressful at all. I actually started out as a receptionist, but I got promoted after 4 months (and I did get a pretty good raise for that) But the truth is, this isn't where I want to be. I have a degree...I could be making more money, and at least I could be in the process of FINDING a career. So yesterday I had made the decision to start looking for jobs. But today when I came into work I got an email telling me that since my probationary period was up (3 months after my promotion) I was getting a 15 cent raise. This isn't much, but I guess I started to feel guilty for looking for other jobs. This is my second raise in the 7 months I've worked here...which is rare I know (I've also been participating in the $1M dollar experiment though!)

The thing is, I know this isn't what I want to be. I don't feel challenged, and I don't feel fulfilled. I am smart, and frankly with my education I think I can do better. I guess the only thing holding be back is the guilt I would feel for leaving after such a short time and after they have treated me pretty well. And I know it would ruffle some feathers since I sought out the promotion and then I would be leaving so soon afterwards. Am I being too idealistic for thinking that I can be happier and do better for myself?

[Roni]

The thing is, I know this isn't what I want to be. I don't feel challenged, and I don't feel fulfilled. I am smart, and frankly with my education I think I can do better. I guess the only thing holding be back is the guilt I would feel for leaving after such a short time and after they have treated me pretty well. And I know it would ruffle some feathers since I sought out the promotion and then I would be leaving so soon afterwards.

If you don't feel challenged or fulfilled, what good would it do to stay in this position just to please other people?

The truth is, I think I was in it for personal reasons (I wanted to feel like I made a difference, I wanted to feel good because I helped people. I wanted to save someone!)

Maybe you can still make a difference, feel good by helping someone, and save someone...starting with yourself.

Roni

[Brutha]

How about starting a part time business? Maybe reduce your hours at your job as secretary.
When that business takes off drop your job.

[Kamma]

I want to start by saying do NOT feel guilty about looking for other jobs. Do you actually think tis company would feel guilty about disciplining you if you weren't good at your job - NO! You are after all just another employee all be it a very good one.

Do you have any idea of what you want to do? What career path would you like to go down? Do you want to use your degree for this? You should have an idea of this before searching for another job begins. You do seem settled in your post at the moment so it is quite feasible to stay working there until you have the answers to your questions.

It may be an idea to start a part time business and this would give you wider scope and maybe more ideas.

By the way, i am also focusing on changing employment - so good luck to both of us!

Let us know how you get on.

[Lychee]

Do not feel guilty. Every person has their place in their life and for a certain amount of time. If you do not end up working as a legal secretary, that means that you weren't supposed to. If you sincerely believe that psychology is right for you then do it. I don't think that you're "betraying" your current employer in anyway.

I think starting a part-time business is an excellent idea.

[ahimel]

Don't be a jerk about it. Don't walk out on them without any notice, or tell everybody you interview with that you need a new job because this company sucks.

And if you've done everything you can to make the transition between you and someone else smooth for them, don't feel guilty. Unless you live in Japan or some place where employees are expected to work for life at the same company, the legal firm isn't expecting that. And if you do live someplace where you'll be expected to work for the same firm forever, talk to your manager NOW. Let them know that this is not what you want, and that you'll be needing other work.

But few places do that anymore. In which case, they weren't expecting you to stay forever, so don't feel guilty about not doing it. Just follow the procedures they ask you to - whether that's 2 weeks' notice, letter of resignation, or what have you - and you'll be fine. They have those procedures because they expect people to leave, after all.