How do I get out of Dead end jobs

Poisoncat

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027469#Comment_80027469

Fat chance! Call centres are extremely competitive environments where "promise" is not what you think. People who work in them today know what I'm talking about.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027502#Comment_80027502

Why would jobs with lower salaries automatically mean training and career advancement? Odd perspective.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027598#Comment_80027598

Yes I've done a fair amount of this, it's fun as a hobby but employers demand workplace experience.

Poisoncat

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027616#Comment_80027616

Well in your experience you had options sitting right in front of you. I don't have that, and this is what makes it frustrating. Without connections you are very limited in your choices because this is how most people get around. That is the fundamental element of navigation in the employment world and it's tough to build relationships out of scratch when you're a subordinate.

Working for the NHS for example doesn't even have to mean working in the public sector, I could work through an agency (as many people do) but in terms of progression it would be even MORE difficult due to the stringent values and procedures the healthcare system uses, or in the DWP, or MOJ etc. And starting out for less money has very little if anything to do with being offered training, it simply isn't offered no matter where you go. You just have to train yourself and hope someone takes you seriously.

So please offer GOOD suggestions not ones where you are offering clearly impractical ones and then lay the trap down later to say "you have a bad attitude" or if you have not experienced this problem in full it would be foolhardy to determine what is worth dismissing or not hmm?

baser999

Given thought to an emergency services call centre? You'll undergo training and it'll be hard work, but you'll gain some sense of achievement and worth which it seems you're looking for.

pearl123

Have you considered part time study with the OU. You don't need to have any exams to study with the OU.

https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/computing-it

cymruchris

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027738#Comment_80027738

No I didn't have options sitting in front of me - I decided what I wanted to achieve - and took steps to achieve it - even though it wasn't the path I wanted to getting me there. Nothing was 'given on a plate'.

It doesn't have to be the NHS - that was just an idea raised by a previous poster. It could be the civil service, it could the local council, it could be (as mentioned above) the emergency services, it could be in fast food, it could be for Johnny down at number 33.

There are paths that take us in all directions to get us to where we are going. You've asked for advice - you're getting lots of it. Making reasons as to why you can't do this or can't do that isn't 'I am ready to do what it takes for this'.

The nub of the matter is - you either sit where you are doing what you've always done, and get nowhere - or get outside of your comfort zone, and do something else, that might pay less, might be less appealing, and who knows MIGHT NOT EVEN WORK!!!! But if you don't try, you're going to be sat there complaining for years (decades) to come when life has flown you by.

Poisoncat

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027849#Comment_80027849

I've wanted to do this for a while, used to work with the police in a similar role as a third party (CCTV and alarm receiving), it was a very fast paced but rewarding environment. Only vacancies in my area were part time sadly. It's something I keep an eye out for though. It would tie in nicely with my background.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027877#Comment_80027877

Definitely not, I want to do my degree on campus, online learning is much less effective and interesting to me (and it's already scheduled for this September)

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027890#Comment_80027890

Pal I get it, you're the type who knew someone and got the leg up and want to boast about making it all yourself, ok fair enough. Again the trouble there is that option isn't on the table. No one inspires trust or promise to others by seeking to sacrifice their salary, they just look like a downright idiot. Plus I have always worked low salary jobs and they have led nowhere. Why would that change now

LunaLater

I used to work in the civil service and hated it. Low pay, but what was worse was the progression was based on time served, not ability.

I found myself a funded PhD, resigned, and spent the next three years back in college.

This then opened up a lot of graduate schemes, and I was offered a place on one in an investment bank.

It was the best thing I could have done, and led me into a great career.

I had no contacts in the business, and none were needed.

MalMonroe

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027544#Comment_80027544

You already have a plan of action. Once you are studying your degree, you will be able to find out about jobs, possibilities, placements, careers, etc. I know this because I embarked upon a full time degree as a mature student some time ago. Help and advice - if you want it - throughout the course (any course) is available. But throughout your degree you will be picking up advice, hints, tips, job suggestions, etc. You'll also be able to chat to other students about your ambitions, skills, etc. - maybe pick up some ideas from them. The student life was fascinating - and I was older than most of them but they accepted me without question.

And of course, once you have graduated, you will have a better chance of getting a job you enjoy. Lecturers are your friends. They can tell you about possible job openings, how to get ready for good jobs and they can also give outstanding references, if you are willing to work hard during your course. I found university was 'the making of me' - sounds corny but it's true. It gave me confidence and friends I'm still in touch with now as well as knowledge - it's a brilliant experience and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

As someone who worked in the public sector for years on end, though, I have to say that they DO train their staff and because they're working at the same time, they're paid quite well (I was, anyway).

Good luck for the future.

Emmia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027544#Comment_80027544

You're mid 40's minus a degree /qualifications and expecting to be handed an interesting job on a plate, with no demonstrable experience, skills etc. Why would an employer offer this to you? What do you bring to the party?

You don't need a degree, or qualifications - but without those doors to some careers (law, medicine, accountancy etc.) are firmly shut, and other careers will require you to work 3x as hard to progress as someone with a degree - sorry to be blunt, but that's how it is.

I'm currently studying for an MA with the OU, self funding and part-time, whilst also doing a full time job. I don't need the MA for my career, but I think (partly hope) the MA will open up more opportunities for me to progress/develop my career and do the work I want to.

cymruchris

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80028096#Comment_80028096

I am not the type that 'knew someone' and 'didn't get a leg up' and am not here to 'boast about making it all myself' - (and you don't need to call me 'Pal'). As I say - I decided what I wanted to do, and made my own way there. No leg ups - no help. I totally failed at one point with a business that led to bankruptcy. I didn't wallow in it. I went overseas literally knowing nobody, found a job I liked, and stayed there 6 years. It wasn't easy. There were times when I wondered what I was doing - but it all worked out well. I'm about to job-hunt again and considering options - at this moment I'm not yet sure where I'll end up or what I'll be doing. I'm looking at study options, civil service options, starting my own business again options - nothing is ruled out - and for you, nothing should be ruled out either.

There is an element of having a 'can-do' attitude that forms part of anyone's success. There is also an element of putting up barriers that forms part of anyone's failure. I'm very much for encouraging you to look outside your constraints to think about trying something new.

Not every suggestion you receive will be right for you, but there has to be a path from where you are to where you want to be. It might not be the path you imagined. But to get to that destination you at least have to take a path rather than stay where you are. What would you like to happen? Someone to pop along tomorrow afternoon and offer you the chairman's position at Tesco? The reality is that's not going to happen for any of us.

Focus on what you can do, and your transferable skills into other careers. Don't discount everything that gets suggested. You need to build different skills, new skills, grow your value. I really hope you can make progress, and wish you luck in your future.