Working in retail - should I stay or should I go?

ti1980

I need some advice and thought this would be the best place to get some as it is DFW related.
I have worked out my semi DFD to be Dec 07, earlier if I pull my finger out and spend less!:rolleyes:
The problem is my other (full) DFD and it is a problem because I don't have one!

I do enjoy my job but would like owe less before moving on with my life ie. getting a mortgage as I'm renting at the moment and possibly starting a family.
I think I would like to go part time in my current job and get another job that would lead to a career.

I feel that my job prospects are limited as I don't have a degree (I have a HND) but there are many of my friends that have degrees/Masters and earn less than me so I also know that it isn't the be all and end all.

I would like to stay doing my job as it is varied and there are many good benefits to be had but with the pay I'm on I will be paying off my debts for a while.

One thing I don't want to do is to leave my current job for something else that I end up disliking and want to go back and lose all the benefits that I have accrued from being there for 5 years.

Anyone got any advise for me, I really don't know what to do.

gallygirl

Do you have any idea what else you would like to do? Could you do night classes etc to learn a new skill?

You sound though as if it's just the money that's troubling you, and you enjoy your job. You have NO IDEA how lucky you are to enjoy what you do - so many people on here are trapped in jobs they hate but need to stay in to pay debts - debts that probably are worse becuase they were 'comfort buying'.

If I was you I'd stick to what I enjoyed. Maybe you could look at a second job to help out financially - and if you tried something different you may find that you really enjoy it / hate it which could clarify your options. Look at bar work, or cleaning (I know someone who did this to get extra money, loved it and now runs her own company!). Some estate agents take people on to man offices on Sundays while the agents are out on viewings. Just a few ideas to get you started.

Glitterari

What retail area do you work in?

If you have a look around the net, you'll be able to find tests you can take to see what sort of career you would be suited to. I know that there is the Stamford (I think) test on the UCAS site, which helps you decide which degree course you want to take - but you could maybe take it to see what areas your personality/likes/dislikes are suited to.

Obviously, being in retail, you can work your way up the career ladder which can be relatively easy depending on what company/area you are working in. Manager, area manager, etc etc. I know a few people who have worked as buyers, which they have loved but I guess it depends on the person. The money was not bad.

C xx

ti1980

Thank you for your replies.

I have worked in jobs that I have been really unhappy in so I do know what its like when you feel trapped as there are bills to pay.

I work on the shop floor helping other customer and also fellow colleagues. Help new starters settle in and do some of their initial training. I am what is called in M&S a 'coach'.

One of the main problems is that I have no idea what I want to do for a future career. I know that I enjoy helping customers and fellow staff members. I like helping people in general.

One of the things that really irks me is that all the coaches get paid exactly the same even we all have different levels of expertise and having worked there for 5 years now, I have worked in many different areas of the store such as with the admin team, on the customer service desk (refunds), on various sections of the store and have much more experience than many of my fellow 'coaches' though we get exactly the same pay.
The next step up in the career ladder is a 'section co-ordinator' but all of those positions are taken and it could be one month or one year before a vacancy comes up if someone leaves and then there will probably be a lot of competition for a vacancy as it is open to anybody.

gerretl

Hi
I know the fear you are feeling, being in a similar position myself. For me, it is a case of being pushed more than jumping. The only advice I can give is don't let the promotion system dictate what you do. The fear of going into a job that doesn't work out is natural, and sometimes it is better to be forced into the position, than choose yourself. if it screws up, at least you can blame someone else.
The bills thing is the same the world over. i don't want that to sound overly glib, but whats the worst that can happen? The people you owe to aren't going to send the heavies round straight away. Its not the way it works. If you are going to be short one month, tell them. They want an easy life, and if you are straight with them, it gives you a lot more leverage.
I have met few people who know what they want to do for a future career. Ask yourself a deeper question 'What do I want written in my obituary?' If you want some guideance, follow this link to the Times obituaries
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,60,00.html
I read it every day. Some people think it is sick, but it shows you what people have done with their lives, and it can be inspirational.
I'm not saying you have to change the world, but you are obviously someone who wants to make a difference, not matter how small. Maybe that difference isn't just serving a few more people at M and S, and your job is just a mechanism to let you do what you really want to.
This isn't a practice run, this is your one shot at life.

ti1980

Thanks for those words Gerretl, they have definitely given me food for thought. The main problem is I haven't got a clue what I want to do for the next 30 odd years of my life but what I do know is that in my obituary I don't want to have:
Ti,(age I die), helpful lady, cared about people, worked on a till for 40 years. I want more than that. Though those things mentioned would be nice as well!

Unlike others though, I do enjoy what I do and from what people have written in another thread of mine http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=229268, as far as supermarkets go, I'm not doing too badly.

gerretl

Hello ti1980.
I thought after I had put them down, I might have offended you. I had had a few too many sherbets when I did it. There is a book called ' The Personal Management Handbook' I can't remember who wrote it, and I lent it out, and never got it back. One key exercise was thinking back to moments in your life which gave you most pleasure. Deep down it can tell you where you get the most satisfaction. It also gives clues as to where you may find the most satisfaction. I will have a search for the book, and see if I can get the ISBN.

ti1980

It takes an awful lot to offend me so don't worry about that.
I don't really read a lot these days but I do like getting recommendations so will have to check out the library for that book. Thanks for that.