Need a fresh view on my dilema. Any opinion will be greatly appreciated (bit long)

[lmv36821]

I graduated from college 8 years ago and between then and now, I have never really worked in my field (my degree is in engineering). I've been mostly working for full/part-time job in clerical/administrative of some sort. My current part-time admin job has serious flaw in its management, IMHO, not to mention the low appreciation and a boss who is bordering harrasement (asking for weekend work without pay, calling me at home during vacation, etc.), thus I'm seriously consider of resigning and moving on.

I recently got an offer to go back to school from my parents (they graciously offer to help with the tuition) and seriously thinking about it. However, my main dilema in this is that I'm not sure what kind of field/major I should take that would be marketable, say 2-3 years from now. I suppose I can go to grad school but I've lost contact with almost all of my prof. and again, not sure in what field/major. I can, theoretically, take some of my limited resources to explore various fields/classes, but I need a good solid strategy in this as not to waste it.

On the other hand, if I let go of this part-timer, I'm afraid, I won't get any job at all. In fact, I've been looking for a while and so far I'm not getting any. This part-timer pays me very well. Plus, if I were to resign, I'm afraid of what kind of recommendation I'll be getting from my boss. I can possibly move on with my job and hoping someday something may come up that I get transfered/not having to work with this person anymore.

Any thoughts or suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Not that I'm not greateful with my current job, I do, however, I keep thinking that there's more to my life than just swallowing bitter pills. I need someone who can give me a fresh point of view in my situation. Thanks for reading.

[AustinJennifer]

Viv,

What "field" is your admin job related to? With an engineering background you should have good luck getting into a grad program in many different fields.

What fields have you explored? Have you done some informational interviewing? Basically take someone out to lunch and ask questions: "Whats your day like? What do you like best? What are the pains of your job? What are your clients like? What are your coworkers like? What types of activity do you do most of the time? Where do you see this field/job going in the next 2-3 years?"

Try doing some exploration. If you look back 8 years could you ever have imagined the fields you were looking at would evolve as they have? It's hard to predict the future especially if you arent already in the field.

Figure out what you would enjoy doing and talk to people in those fields. Then determine which seem to have good prospects for the future. Then decide what fields you are best qualified for to get into grad programs.

Try it in that order. Exploring is less scary (and probably more logical) than plunking down money for a particular school or program unless you are 100 percent sure you will enjoy that field, it will thrive, and you are qualified.

good luck

[sagithree]

Viv,

I agree, before investing in more education, especially with so much uncertainty, it would be wise to explore your self first.

You say you haven't really worked with engineering, but now want to seek a new major. Does this mean you don't like engineering? If you haven't worked in your field of degree, are you sure you want to abandon it? Would you be happier if you could get a job in engineering?

What attracted you to this degree to begin with? Have you contacted any engineering industry organizations? That would be a good place to network, see what the latest is that's happening in that field and who better to tell you about who's hiring than other engineers?

What about friends you graduated with in engineering? Could they link you up with work? You can always call your alma mater and ask for the engineering dept; Find out who's still around. There's no shame in re-connecting with former profs. So you got side tracked, so what? Whatever work you're doing now, you have skills from this job that can be used in any other job.

If you've changed your mind about engineering, it turned out not to be what you wanted, that's fine! :) Then, get thee to a career counselor! :) You can find them at local colleges. I went to one & it was great! They'll talk with you, give assessment tools (like questionnaires & activities) you can do to find your interests, your personality type, what you value (with work, type of environment you'd like to work in, people you like working with, hours, etc), they'll help you find what you really want, and give you leads to websites to help you progress on your job search. They also do the informational interviews AustinJennifer refers to.

Talking with people in fields you think are interesting, will give you a good idea of what the job is like (and whether you can see yourself doing the same kind of work).


Hope this helps! Best of luck, Viv! :)

Sagithree

[lmv36821]

Thank you for all who has responded to my post.

Back when I was in college, I started like all of us started, without clear sense of direction. I was only 17 when I decided that I would choose engineering as my major without any clear indication as to why I like the field, etc.

As I grew older, I understand myself better. And never having work in the field, I honestly do not miss it at all. I realized that I didn't have any strong attraction to the field itself. My main focus was to graduate with something that would be marketable.

I realize now that self-exploration would be the way to start. I've conducted some 'informal' interviews in the past and volunteered a lot at local hospital (since that is the field that I somewhat drawn to). Thanks again for all your suggestions and opinions.

[schwavine]

Hi Viv:

What kind of engineering degree do you have? I too have an engineering degree -- BSEE -- chosen because of my love for Math. I worked in electronics for 6 yrs and then got an MBA in Finance and worked on Wall Street before having kids. Going back to grad school can be a much better experience than undergrad and maybe you can start school part-time as I did and/or non-matriculated.

An engineering degree is a great asset as many employers (and grad schools) realize that if you made it through engineering school you have perserverance and intelligence (I know I sound humble here :) )

If any of your former classmates/profs could take you around their place of work and/or you can call or email them, it may point you in a direction. Just remember it can take some time..so try not to drive yourself crazy that you do not know exactly what you want to do -- many people don't and it is only at almost 40 that I am finally teaching Math at the college level and have my own tutoring business (after having two kids and working very part-time and then not at all).

If you are interested in health care then looking into a MPH (Masters in Public Health) may interest you. Be willing to try different things as you can never be 100% sure til you try and if your parents are willing to help than strongly consider their offer.

Best Wishes,
Robin

[sjwarren]

Exploring what your interested in is a great idea.

Something to think about - it sounds like there is a boundry issue with your current boss. It would be a great time to work on setting boundires with him and not carry that issue with you into the next situation.

There are ways of getting around using a current or previous boss as a reference including the fact that you will be in school. A career counsler can help you work with how to handle those kind of questions.

Best of Luck!

Susan