Turn Off Ads?
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 22

Thread: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Lexington, KY
    Posts
    413

    Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    Just looking to vent for a second and get any type of feedback/advice.

    I am two years removed from graduating college with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Currently living in good ol' Lexington, Kentucky

    First Job out of college: Dillard's, Sales Associate/Management Intern for Men's department. Lasted 4 months, not worth working 6 days a week @10.00 an hour. (No time with wife at all/Retail jobs not for me).

    2nd job out of college: I worked for a start-up chain called the K.I.S. Country Club and Golf Academy. The job was straight commission, very challenging trying to convince families to sign up for a 5,500-11,500 membership for a "lifetime" of golf INDOORS. While certain aspects of the membership were a good idea it turns out the job was a giant Ponzi Scheme, recently the place filed for bankruptcy, the FBI is involved, and now thousands of members including my wife and I through out the U.S are let with an average of 6,000 debt for a out of business/bankrupt country club.

    Currently: I am currently working as a "telesales representative/account manager" for a security product distributor. The job started out okay. While the base pay was not good (12.50) an hour, I was able to make solid commissions every month in order to make ends meet. Just like many others the economy is greatly affecting my territory and the numbers are way down. As of January 1st the company cut the old commission plan and implemented a new "bonus" program (close to impossible to make anything). So now I'm pretty much working for a base of 12.50 an hour in a job where my degree doesn't make a difference, and advancement is really ever a possibility. The past few months, commissions have not been paid on time and have been nickel and dimed to death. Now the bonuses are not guaranteed and there is no longer a specific pay schedule listed (no clue when we'll get paid them).

    I'm currently waiting to here back from a large medical company to work as a endoscopy specialist at a local hospital. It seems like an awesome (but high stress job), with a lot of potential for advancement. It's currently my only hope of getting out of this disaster job.

    I've gotten a lot of "you have to start at the bottom and work your way up lines", which I have no problem with. In my previous three jobs that is what I've tried. Unsuccessfully. I don't think it is unfair trying to find a job that pays a college graduate 30,000k a year? Correct me if I'm wrong.

    I'm currently in a monster career rut with no guidance, and no path in life. I really just want to find a satisfying job that I can somewhat enjoy. Is there any hope out there?

    Let's Vent!!!
    We'll win it all next year...


  2. Turn Off Ads?
  3. #2
    2009: Fail Ltlabner's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Cincinnati
    Posts
    7,441

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    At the risk of sounding very over simplified, what is it you'd like to do?

    All three of your previous jobs were sales related. Do you want to stay in that vein or go in a different direction?

  4. #3
    Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Lexington, KY
    Posts
    413

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    I think sales is something I enjoy doing, definitely not inside sales though. I've always wanted to get into the medical field (wish I would have gotten a nursing degree to be honest), so I'm hoping this other job opportunity works out.

    Sales is all I know though. It's what my dad has done his whole life, as well as myself (I also held a part-time sales job while going to school). So I really haven't ever given anything else a chance. (except Mcdonalds when I was 15).

    My one true passion is sports. Football, Baseball, Basketball, and golf.
    We'll win it all next year...

  5. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Posts
    866

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    while its a difficult industry to break into, you may want to look into working in sales for a sports team. there is nothing better than walking into a stadium or ballpark instead of your everyday office building.

  6. #5
    2009: Fail Ltlabner's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Cincinnati
    Posts
    7,441

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    Quote Originally Posted by bthomasiscool View Post
    I think sales is something I enjoy doing, definitely not inside sales though. I've always wanted to get into the medical field (wish I would have gotten a nursing degree to be honest), so I'm hoping this other job opportunity works out.

    Sales is all I know though. It's what my dad has done his whole life, as well as myself (I also held a part-time sales job while going to school).
    This is just opinion, so take it for what you are paying for it.

    Don't put all your hopes on one "dream job". Apply and interview for as many jobs as you can find related to your field/interests. That way if your dream job falls through you don't have to start all over again.

    Also, the more interviews you go on, the more polished you will become.

    Medical equipment sales is a great field, but is highly competitive and difficult to get into. They are high stress but high reward ($$$$). Have you interviewed with that company as yet?

    You might consider getting a job working for an industrial supply distributor like Applied Industrial or Motion Industries. While not medical equipment you'd learn a lot about sales very quickly. They sell things like motors, pumps, gears, belts, bearings and electrical control products. They sell both to manufacturers of products (OEM) and in-house maintenance operations (MRO).

    Working for a distributor you'd call on a wide verity of customers in different fields. This does a couple of things. One, you learn to sell to a wide array of customers. Two, you learn to sell to customers big and small (very important IMO). Three, you will learn a little knowledge about a lot of industries. Fourth, you will work with sales reps of the products you distribute (like me) this gives you more knowledge and exposure to more jobs. Lastly, it might expose you to a field that really lights your fire.

    Distributor sales jobs are not glamorous sales jobs. But you can make the money you described (lots more if you hustle). More importantly, it will give you the skills you need to get into the better sales jobs.

    If that sounds like it might be a possibility let me know and I'll give you some tips on how to stand out if you apply for a job at one.

    Hope this helps on some weird level.

  7. #6
    Man Pills Falls City Beer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2000
    Location
    Philadelphia
    Posts
    31,202

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    Stay away from sales. And never ever hand over money to an employer. Get them to give it to *you*.

    That said, that leaves open a ton of opportunities, even in a bad economy. If you want to make decent money fairly quickly, teach. That will give you time to consider what other job avenues you might want to take.
    “And when finally they sense that some position cannot be sustained, they do not re-examine their ideas. Instead, they simply change the subject.” Jamie Galbraith

  8. #7
    Oy Vey! Red in Chicago's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    3,456

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    Quote Originally Posted by Falls City Beer View Post
    Stay away from sales. And never ever hand over money to an employer. Get them to give it to *you*.

    That said, that leaves open a ton of opportunities, even in a bad economy. If you want to make decent money fairly quickly, teach. That will give you time to consider what other job avenues you might want to take.
    FCB, since bthomis stated that he has "just" has a BBA, what would he need to do in order to become a teacher? I guess what I'm asking is, what minimum requirements would he need in order to make this happen? I'm sure a great deal of that depends upon where you live and the level you plan to teach at, but just curious if you could shed some of your experience with us.

  9. #8
    Member VR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2000
    Location
    Vancouver, Wa
    Posts
    9,842

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    It's a tough market out there, so be wary of 'how much you think you should make'
    Sometimes you have to realize you're going to have to take less than ideal $, but if it's an organization that needs good people....you have to look at it as an opportunity to make your own breaks.

    As an employer, who started at the very very bottom, I'd encourage you to have that perspective, and them commit. Be the 1st one there, the hardest worker, the one that gives praise to peers, the positive attitude. As an employer, I've just described an ideal employee...and the one I'm going to promote first.

    Too many (most) employees come to a job feeling they are 'owed' by someone or by the employer, and are very guarded in their level of participation. Entitlement is a guarantee that you'll never be happy w/ what you make, ever.

    It will usually take 6 days and 60 hours to get the next level. I get your retail comments, not liking it is a good excuse to move on. But I will promise you one thing. No successful business person ever worked 5 days and 40 hours and is now highly successful. Ever. Not in the business world.

    That said, my advice is to set low expectations right now for earning, especially in this economy. But be prepared to roll up your sleeves, and give everything you have got to make your employer successful. A very large % of today's workforce is lazy, entitled, negative, and more work for an employer.

    Good luck, and keep your head up!
    Baseball is like church. Many attend, few understand

  10. #9
    Man Pills Falls City Beer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2000
    Location
    Philadelphia
    Posts
    31,202

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    Quote Originally Posted by Red in Chicago View Post
    FCB, since bthomis stated that he has "just" has a BBA, what would he need to do in order to become a teacher? I guess what I'm asking is, what minimum requirements would he need in order to make this happen? I'm sure a great deal of that depends upon where you live and the level you plan to teach at, but just curious if you could shed some of your experience with us.
    He'd need certification if he wanted to teach for a long time. I got certified before I taught high school. I got my certification in roughly one calendar year: summer session, followed by fall, by spring. Classes were a waste of time, but it was good secure work while it lasted. I've since moved on.

    I suspect he could apply for a math position even without certification, provisionally. So, he could get his certification or search for other work while he's provisional--or both. A lot of districts are short on math and science teachers.
    “And when finally they sense that some position cannot be sustained, they do not re-examine their ideas. Instead, they simply change the subject.” Jamie Galbraith

  11. #10
    Member forfreelin04's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Beavercreek, OH
    Posts
    1,401

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    Quote Originally Posted by bthomasiscool View Post
    Just looking to vent for a second and get any type of feedback/advice.

    I am two years removed from graduating college with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Currently living in good ol' Lexington, Kentucky

    First Job out of college: Dillard's, Sales Associate/Management Intern for Men's department. Lasted 4 months, not worth working 6 days a week @10.00 an hour. (No time with wife at all/Retail jobs not for me).

    2nd job out of college: I worked for a start-up chain called the K.I.S. Country Club and Golf Academy. The job was straight commission, very challenging trying to convince families to sign up for a 5,500-11,500 membership for a "lifetime" of golf INDOORS. While certain aspects of the membership were a good idea it turns out the job was a giant Ponzi Scheme, recently the place filed for bankruptcy, the FBI is involved, and now thousands of members including my wife and I through out the U.S are let with an average of 6,000 debt for a out of business/bankrupt country club.

    Currently: I am currently working as a "telesales representative/account manager" for a security product distributor. The job started out okay. While the base pay was not good (12.50) an hour, I was able to make solid commissions every month in order to make ends meet. Just like many others the economy is greatly affecting my territory and the numbers are way down. As of January 1st the company cut the old commission plan and implemented a new "bonus" program (close to impossible to make anything). So now I'm pretty much working for a base of 12.50 an hour in a job where my degree doesn't make a difference, and advancement is really ever a possibility. The past few months, commissions have not been paid on time and have been nickel and dimed to death. Now the bonuses are not guaranteed and there is no longer a specific pay schedule listed (no clue when we'll get paid them).

    I'm currently waiting to here back from a large medical company to work as a endoscopy specialist at a local hospital. It seems like an awesome (but high stress job), with a lot of potential for advancement. It's currently my only hope of getting out of this disaster job.

    I've gotten a lot of "you have to start at the bottom and work your way up lines", which I have no problem with. In my previous three jobs that is what I've tried. Unsuccessfully. I don't think it is unfair trying to find a job that pays a college graduate 30,000k a year? Correct me if I'm wrong.

    I'm currently in a monster career rut with no guidance, and no path in life. I really just want to find a satisfying job that I can somewhat enjoy. Is there any hope out there?

    Let's Vent!!!
    BThomas,

    I saw the same think happening to me and I decided to reinvest in my education instead of trying to "move" up in a rough job market. Currently, I am a TA at a local university and subbing in High Schools on the side. My main focus is getting my MBA full time. I'm not sure if you have children or if your wife has a job that affords you the opportunity to start taking classes, but it's something you should look into. Even if the MBA takes you 5 years, it looks much better on a resume to say your (at least) attempting higher education.

    I graduated undergrad with a teaching degree and 6 months was enough for me to realize that it was not going to get me squat financially in the long run. I thought the intrinsic perks of teaching would be enough to quell my desires to set my family on a financial path of success. Sadly, the things teachers go through, besides just the daily stresses, was not enough to keep me from wanting more.

    The way I see it, the less ruts you put yourself in with education the better. An undergrad degree is simply not the same key it was 5-10 and especially 20 years ago. The main reason people stop at undergrad is the one (the money) and two (the time.) With the economy being in bad shape, the interest rates on loans are relatively cheap and if you have an MBA or start one, the job market will raise its ceiling for you. Hopefully, giving you a job where you can afford to pay back loans and start really saving for a healthy and long retirement. As far as the time, you can make time. Most MBA colleges offer full degrees online, the college I'm attending would even let you obtain a degree while living in OHIO even when the college itself is in SC. PM if you would like more details. Just my two cents....

  12. #11
    Churlish Johnny Footstool's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    Overland Park, KS
    Posts
    13,881

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    Quote Originally Posted by Falls City Beer View Post
    He'd need certification if he wanted to teach for a long time. I got certified before I taught high school. I got my certification in roughly one calendar year: summer session, followed by fall, by spring. Classes were a waste of time, but it was good secure work while it lasted. I've since moved on.

    I suspect he could apply for a math position even without certification, provisionally. So, he could get his certification or search for other work while he's provisional--or both. A lot of districts are short on math and science teachers.
    I don't know about Kentucky, but some Kansas school districts have programs that allow uncertified individuals to take a crash-course summer certification session, and then begin teaching in the fall while working towards a teaching degree.
    "I prefer books and movies where the conflict isn't of the extreme cannibal apocalypse variety I guess." Redsfaithful

  13. #12
    Member Stephenk29's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Northern Illinois
    Posts
    710

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    In the event that the school has an emergency situation you can get a provisional certificate. This will almost always ONLY be in math areas. If you do get this sort of thing they will probably require you to get your teaching certificate within one year and then begin working on a continued education. The state of Kentucky also requires that you pass three tests to receive your full certification. Sounds like a lot, but its really not to terrible. You can knock out three tests in two Saturdays.
    "The Hall of Fame is there to keep alive the memory of people. You don't need to do that with people like Buck [O'Niel] and Joe [Nuxhall]. Nobody's forgetting those guys."

    - Joe Posnanski

  14. #13
    Member SandyD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    Kenner , LA
    Posts
    2,719

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    Quote Originally Posted by bthomasiscool View Post
    I think sales is something I enjoy doing, definitely not inside sales though. I've always wanted to get into the medical field (wish I would have gotten a nursing degree to be honest), so I'm hoping this other job opportunity works out.

    Sales is all I know though. It's what my dad has done his whole life, as well as myself (I also held a part-time sales job while going to school). So I really haven't ever given anything else a chance. (except Mcdonalds when I was 15).

    My one true passion is sports. Football, Baseball, Basketball, and golf.
    It's not too late, if that's what you want to do. Seriously. Since you already have a degree, you would probably have to take just a few classes before applying to nursing school.

  15. #14
    Be the ball Roy Tucker's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2001
    Location
    Mason, OH
    Posts
    18,172

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    The best piece of advice I ever got was "do what you enjoy doing and the money will come". Don't chase money. You're a young man. It took me till about the age of 30 to really figure out what I wanted in life re: job, family, etc.. This is the time in your life to try things.

    There is some good and practical advice in this thread. I've always said to carpet bomb your resume. Get it in front of as many eyeballs as you can. Don't just mail in your resume. Find out who the first-line contact person is (usually HR) and call them. If you can find out the hiring manager, call them. Establish a relationship with them. Find out about jobs before they hit all the job web sites. Find out if there are any related professional organizations in your field and go to the meetings. Meet people there (print up a personal business card). Use socal networking web sites liked LinkedIn and cultivate and nourish your business contacts. Lots of people are willing to meet for 7 AM coffee at Starbucks (you buy) to talk about their field, what's going on, and potential openings. Be willing to go the extra mile. If you can think of something to do, do it, don't wait. Jobs are out there even in this brutal economy.

    And be patient. Stick with something for a while. Show a little persistence. Sometimes it takes a while to turn a situation around.
    She used to wake me up with coffee ever morning

  16. #15
    Churlish Johnny Footstool's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2001
    Location
    Overland Park, KS
    Posts
    13,881

    Re: Failure to be successful...(my career vent)

    My wife works in human resources, and she used to get hundreds of resumes every day.

    According to her, carpet-bombing your resume is a good idea, but don't send out a hundred copies of the same resume. You really need to tailor it to every position you're applying for and every employer you send it do. Take 15-20 minutes and revise your resume to fit the job opening. And include cover letters that are specific to each job opening. Yes, you'll have hundreds of versions of your resume, but you'll also dramatically increase your chances of that resume being read.
    "I prefer books and movies where the conflict isn't of the extreme cannibal apocalypse variety I guess." Redsfaithful


Turn Off Ads?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.

Thank you, and most importantly, enjoy yourselves!


RedsZone.com is a privately owned website and is not affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds or Major League Baseball


Contact us: Boss | Gallen5862 | Plus Plus | Powel Crosley | RedlegJake | The Operator