Looking for career advice

[Guest_902]

Hi all,

A bit of background- I'm male, 29, with two degrees, one in arts and one in health science. I've recently come out of a job which I attained after finishing health science. After five months I chose to leave that role, primarily due to commuting issues, but also as I was put in a situation where information was purposefully withheld from me which could potentially have caused me physical harm from a dangerous client. I've returned to my previous role in retail, temporarily casual but soon to be full time. The salary is less, but not by a great margin thankfully. I'm currently living with my partner who is on a decent wage, so money isn't too much if an issue though it does play on my mind when bills hit all at once.

I guess what's been bothering me is, have I just spent nearly 8 years of my life, pretty much my entire 20's, studying just to end up in a role which doesn't need any formal qualifications? I do like the role I'm in now (sales in running shoes), and there is always the potential for me to progress in this role, or to look at degree related roles down the track. What frightens me though, is that if I'm not working in my studied field for a couple of years, will it be too difficult to get back into it should I choose to try and do so at a later date? I guess I just really want those 8 years to mean something. As said, working back in my old job is enjoyable. However, it was also a choice made to get out of the old toxic job I was working before (the uni-related role), as well as no other suitable uni-related roles in my local area currently being available. Working closer to home was the big cincher for me, as I was learning that driving two hours a day to/from work was taking a huge toll on me mentally, sometimes leaving me unable to sleep on Sunday nights, knowing what was coming the next morning. It was a commute notorious for road fatalities (one every three weeks roughly).

Apologies if this sounds like a bit of a ramble. I find it cathartic to share my thought processes to see what others can make of it. I guess I feel a bit like, at 30, I should be in a better position.

Cheers,

andy19

[Quercus]

Hi Andy,

In my experience working in retail yes this is unfortunately common. Many employers say things verbally and then are unwilling to put them in writing. Putting something in writing makes them accountable. Verbal agreements are harder to prove.

Your boss sounds like he's using you. If you only chose this job based on what he offerred verbally you really have nothing to feel guilty about if you choose to leave. That said a conversation is appropriate before you decide.

If he won't talk to you send him a email. Keep it light "I keep missing you at work but I really need to talk to you so can we make an appointment to have a chat?" but also include a brief run down about what you want to discuss. Something like "I'm not satisfied with my levek of responsibility at work. When I agreed to the contract I was interested because of what you offered verbally (such as...) and these are not reflected in my job offer or duties currently. I would like to discuss this please".

Obviously use your own style but keep it light and non accusing. Remember what you put in writing can be used against you so keep it professional, polite and worded as if it is a misunderstanding (which it could be).

His response should give you an idea of whether this is a good place for you to work. If he responds aggressively or tries to guilt you find something else. There are many good and honest employers out there willing to treat their staff well. Why settle for less?

As to your degree and working in your field. If you enjoy the work try again with another employer. You have learnt the hard way that employers do not always have your best interests at heart. This is a good lesson to learn because it will help you work smarter. When you start at a role check out your EBA (enterprise bargaining agreement). This document lists all of your rights and responsibilities in your role. If an employee knows their rights they are more likely to speak up and less likely to be asked to do something against EBA rules. Yeah ok employers don't always like employees that know their rights (look at how many employers view union representatives) but that really isn't important. What IS important is that you come home from work safely.

I hope this helps you.

Nat

[Guest_902]

Hi Nat, thanks for the response, it gave some excellent insights. I had some pretty negative interaction with my boss on Tuesday, where I was reprimanded for using time in lieu that had been approved by my manager. The boss then proceeded to discredit me in front of his boss. The positive thing was that my boss's boss defended me, which was awesome.

That day overall was a bit of a tipping point for me, however. It just stank of disrespect when everything I had done was completely within my rights to do. I'm ready to leave this employer- the only difficulty I have is that, being a small franchise, my manager, whom I get along with exceptionally well, will encounter hardship as a result of me leaving, which has delayed my active job hunt as of yet. Thus I'm at a crossroads.

In terms of having a conversation about with my boss, the fact he declined to meet with me four times to discuss the contract before it was finalized, combined with his derogatory behaviour when I take approved leave, makes me somewhat reluctant to sit down and discuss my feelings towards the lack of commitment to the verbal terms of the contract. My position now, which is 100% true, is that being a retail job, if something happens to my partner's income, my sole income is unsustainable. Thus if and when I choose to leave, the focus will be on financial unsustainability of the role. Hopefully this is something he can understand and can allow for me to transition to a degree based role with a higher salary, without me burning bridges with me current employer. If he chooses to become angry and guilt me into staying despite the potential it may cause in future for financial hardship, then it is all the more proof that leaving is the right choice. I would still feel bad leaving my other co workers in a position where the store may temporarily be short staffed, but if I'm giving them a month's notice that should be enough time for them to hire and fill my position.

I would want to find a role before I choose to resign, simply because I am thinking that if i announce i am looking for a new role, my boss will 1.) Great me even worse knowing I am leaving, and 2.) Begin the process of hiring someone to fill my position before I have found alternative employment.

Sorry for the ramble. It's running my brain ragged trying to plot my course. Its awesome though to talk to others to offload and have some input, if anyone has or is encountering a similar situation.

Andy19 😊