Career Advice Needed

[HalpMe]

Hi all,

I am a 29F, local uni grad seeking career advice from all. I currently work at a public-associated firm as a contract staff, with my contract ending soon this November and I wouldn't be re-contracting. Reasons being:

1. No opportunities to recontract in current firm
2. Not very interested to continue my current role (I didn't hate the job scope, but also didn't like it very much)
3. No career progression.

I have been considering to switch to the private sector in hopes to find a permanent job and hopefully higher pay, however it hasn't been easy (7 months on-off application), because I think my current skill sets in this job isn't very relevant to other sectors.

I have been offered a role at a small firm, in which I would be doing similar things as what I am doing now, in a different industry. I am on the fence as to whether to accept the offer or not because:

a. Lower expected annual pay (no bonus + increment according to reviews despite stating performance bonus)
b. Not sure if this is what I want to do for life, or am I just seeking the easier way out to look for something that is related. Although I am quite sure it is going to help me look for better jobs in private sector in the future (but also related to this field)
c. Interviewers seemed to have a bad impression of me (I am really not sure why they offered me )

Should I go for the job? Or should I wait for another opportunity? I was also considering doing a switch to tech and took a course in that, and it piqued my interest but I realized I am still really far away from being employable. Considering taking courses for a mid-career switch as well.

Would really appreciate serious advice! Thank you

What is your job scope?

Your current contract is ending, right?

So, if you are certain that it cannot be extended or you really don't want to re-contract, your options are:
1. You become jobless, or
2. You take up this new job,
and you look for another job.

The only difference between the 2 is for option 1, you NEED to find that "another job" and naturally, you will have less negotiation power while for option 2, you will still be employed (despite the lower pay) but you don't need to be looking for that "another job" as desperately.

It's generally better to be looking for a job when you are employed because the interviewer will be less likely to low ball you since they know you have options. If you are unemployed, they know your options are either to take their job offer or remain with zero income, so they may low ball you. Same for if your contract is ending, don't tell the interviewer that.

[HalpMe]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

What is your job scope?

More towards surveying and reporting

[HalpMe]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Your current contract is ending, right?

So, if you are certain that it cannot be extended or you really don't want to re-contract, your options are:
1. You become jobless, or
2. You take up this new job,
and you look for another job.

The only difference between the 2 is for option 1, you NEED to find that "another job" and naturally, you will have less negotiation power while for option 2, you will still be employed (despite the lower pay) but you don't need to be looking for that "another job" as desperately.

It's generally better to be looking for a job when you are employed because the interviewer will be less likely to low ball you since they know you have options. If you are unemployed, they know your options are either to take their job offer or remain with zero income, so they may low ball you. Same for if your contract is ending, don't tell the interviewer that.

Thank you for your advice!

Originally Posted by HalpMe

More towards surveying and reporting

Maybe try out something like research analyst and then progress to data analytics in the tech sector. Never quit without a job unless you're young and rich.

[loveburgersandfries]

i think at this point, you need to at least find a job first. but at the same time, i would recommend for you to take up a course to gain more skills. you can consider skillsfuture programs that you can use skillsfuture credits to offset the fees. there are many courses from institutions such as BCG RISE, poly, schools etc. that offers a lot of topics. if you want to go for tech jobs, try out programs like data analytics etc. so yes, upskilling is very important, and i would urge you to consider and go for these courses. it will definitely help you in your career

1 thing many people don't consider is what can your next role help you with. Most simply go with the one that gives the best short term reward, money.

my thoughts are similar to the other responses, take the current job, at least it puts bread on the table. but my take is to find an industry you want to focus on instead of just the role itself.

here's my 2 cents - if you're looking to climb the corp ladder or at least be somewhat stable in your career and not be 'stuck' in your career progression, you should at least find an industry you wanna grow by 30. in your 20s, you still have time and energy to hop around industries to find something to your like. however when you're 30, you should be focusing your energy in absorbing the technical skills and understanding the depth of the industry.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

1 thing many people don't consider is what can your next role help you with. Most simply go with the one that gives the best short term reward, money.

my thoughts are similar to the other responses, take the current job, at least it puts bread on the table. but my take is to find an industry you want to focus on instead of just the role itself.

here's my 2 cents - if you're looking to climb the corp ladder or at least be somewhat stable in your career and not be 'stuck' in your career progression, you should at least find an industry you wanna grow by 30. in your 20s, you still have time and energy to hop around industries to find something to your like. however when you're 30, you should be focusing your energy in absorbing the technical skills and understanding the depth of the industry.

Sadly, im going to be 30 soon, and yet to find an industry that i like.

sorry to crashed in but can anyone recommend a slow paced jobs? or at least non fast paced .