Feeling Stuck in My Career: How Can I Boost My Financial Growth and Explore New Opportunities?

Hello well-wishers,

I am from Ahmedabad, working in a management organization as an admin manager/coordinator. I did MA in English and B.Ed., and I have just finished an Executive Diploma course in HRM from the Institute of Management, Nirma University. For three years, I have been working in the same organization which does not provide me high financial growth. However, the organization where I work has a high reputation and name in the market. I have not done an MBA. Could you help me with what to do to come out of a financial crisis? Which option should I choose to make a career jump and find another career opportunity?

A. MBA distance course from IGNOU? (full-time I cannot do)
B. Diploma in Training & Development from ISTD?
C. Start something like a small coaching class business or take tuition (earlier I was an English Teacher and tutor)?
D. Flow with the time and take no proactive steps?
E. Any other suggestions from your side?

Please reply, as your views may help me in choosing the right career option. An idea from you can change my life. Awaiting your reply.

Sandy

You are unable to use your existing MA in English, B.Ed, and Diploma course in HRM from the Institute of Management. Now, if you want to earn more money, you have many options. Even after advanced studies and a Master's Degree, you may not receive any job guarantee with a higher salary than your current one because you need to gain more experience. It may take another 5 to 10 years to fulfill your expectations of reaching a respectable salary in the market.

Regards, Bhajiya

Hi Sandy,

I think instead of going in for new courses, you can utilize your existing qualifications and skill sets.

1. Maybe you can join as a Trainer (either in English, V&A, or soft skills, depending on your specialization) at a call center training institute and then build your career around it. It will depend on how quickly you can learn new developments in the field of training and HR.

2. Use your Executive Diploma in HR to secure a job as a recruiter in one of the consultancies that handle both recruitment and training. You can leverage both your skills effectively and gradually transition into the corporate HR world.

3. Simultaneously, you can also explore opportunities in the HR field within MSME (micro, small, medium enterprises), emphasizing your qualifications and experience as an Admin Coordinator, which I believe involves more office management responsibilities.

I would not delve into your salary or financial crisis details.

Consider pursuing an MBA through distance learning, either from Symbiosis or IGNOU, if you are still interested in furthering your education.

I hope these suggestions are helpful for your career advancement.

Best regards

Hi Sandy,

By the time you would have received many suggestions. I would suggest that you can go with your options A and C concurrently. If you feel you can excel in the training/coaching field, then you could opt for B and C simultaneously. C is the option that helps in day-to-day financial matters, and A/B will provide you with the degree that will help you face the future. As Abdul said, you have to think and act in a smart way.

Hi,

I could say something that I would like you to think about and then start afresh with new plans: Do what you love, and love what you do. If the objective of working becomes only the financial benefits - then you have not yet reached your level of perfection. If the objective becomes improving yourself each time - you taste success and money comes along. Our members have given valuable suggestions, and the best career advice I have adopted and want you to follow is "Do what you love doing and make someone else pay for it!" So first find out what you love doing...and then see how you can link it with money. Things will work out. Good Luck!

Dear Sandeep,

Please stick to your job at the moment. Job prospects are very bleak in the industry currently. Even if you get one, the chances of losing it are far greater than in your present job where you have worked for almost 3 years.

It is very true, as expressed by some friends, that without experience in HR, you would need to invest more years to obtain a better pay package.

Working with Educational Institutes is not that bad, especially since many new institutes are emerging near Ahmedabad, especially Reliance Industries University, NIFD, and there are also some government institutes.

I would suggest you diversify your field within your current organization and take on additional responsibilities in Training & Development. This will expose you to many HR-related activities prevalent in the industry. You can also contact your HR department to start gaining practical knowledge in Salary Administration, where you will encounter various policies on leave, attendance, medical benefits, LTC, encashment, etc.

Stay for one more year until the recession recedes, acquire practical knowledge on the above, and consider changing your job next May 10.

Thanks,

Exserg

Hi,

Those who want to develop their career in order to get something more in financial benefits, it is better to focus on the following competencies. Those having excellence in these competencies will, of course, get excellent opportunities even during this economic crunch.

1. Leadership Skills
2. Communication Skills
3. Presentation Skills
4. Negotiation Skills
5. Latest knowledge and information about your subjects, here may be HR.

It does not matter whether you have an MBA or MA. A postgraduate degree is always good, but the career and package rely on what you know.

I have some experience that even some MBA graduates do not know anything from their field. During the last year, I interviewed some MBA graduates for the post of Administrator. They were asked some subject-related questions, especially in their specialization, but unfortunately, they were unable to answer those. So, develop the skills and competencies and utilize the opportunities. This is the way to reach the top of the career mountains.

BR Jaleel

You can go in for:

A) Distance Education course - Symbiosis or IGNOU, and from other reputed institutes.

B) Go for a Diploma in Training & Development from ISTD - I can help you out as I hold a degree from ISTD.

C) Consider enrolling in some short-term courses or certificate programs from TVRLS or other institutions in and around Ahmedabad. Investing in training for yourself can be beneficial.

D) Build upon your qualifications and ensure they are utilized in your current organization. Alternatively, explore opportunities in other organizations where your credentials can bring both financial rewards and job satisfaction.

Hope this meets your requirements.

Hi Sandy,

Though you have already received a good number of valuable suggestions, I have something to add here. I would suggest that you not go for any other courses; instead, you could opt for some practical training courses. These courses will help you perform your job better. Once you secure a good job, you can consider further studies.

Also, I recommend working for some more time in your current company and trying to take on additional responsibilities. By doing so, you will not only help the organization but also enhance your own learning and personal growth.

It's often said, "If you want something you never had before, you have to do something you have never done before."

Thanks and regards,
Yousuf