What Steps Should I Take to Get My Career Back on Track?

LHiddenOrchid on 29/08/2017 - 13:33
Last edited 29/08/2017 - 13:49 by 1 other user

Long time lurker, first time poster. Apologises if this is in the wrong forum.

I turned 30 a little while ago, and, long story short, realised it was time to get my shit together.

I’ve put together a big list of things to do, top of the which is my career.

I made the mistake of buying into the whole smart-state thing and did a biological sciences degree. I made this mistake worse, by thinking post-graduate study would improve the terrible job prospects for life science graduates.

I’ve had some success in this science. Unfortunately, everything is grant based, and I bounce from short-term contract to short term contract. I’m sick of it. It’s not worth earning less than the average wage for no job security and long hours.

I’ve tried to fix this in the past. I hired a careers councillor. He charged be $4000, and after a couple of weeks accessing my answers and the ‘market’, he told me to stay in science.

I’ve spoken to a bunch of local recruiters, they all seem lovely on the phone - but none of them have ever gotten me an interview.

So Ozbargain, I’m at a bit of a loss. What steps should I take to get my career on track?

Education & Work

Comments

  • supnigs super skids on 29/08/2017 - 13:41
    -3

    try you luck at computer mining as a background task and you maybe turn out like slumdog millionaire

    • dogboy on 29/08/2017 - 13:50
      +6

      wtf does that even mean?

      • supnigs super skids on 29/08/2017 - 17:25

        If every boy and their dog jumped on this opportunity it wouldn't be as profitable . Sorry

      • megadeth on 29/08/2017 - 21:33

        think he means data mining… which imho isn't distantly related to biological sciences…

        • moar bargains on 30/08/2017 - 16:24

          I think he means cryptocurrency mining. Which is also not remotely related to biological sciences…

  • CyberMurning on 29/08/2017 - 13:42

    "short-term contract to short term contract. I’m sick of it. It’s not worth earning less than the average wage for no job security and long hours."

    i thought specialized skills + short term contracts = big pay job and short hours.

    " I hired a careers councillor."
    google is free and good.

    • k-rokfm on 29/08/2017 - 14:01

      i thought specialized skills + short term contracts = big pay job and short hours.

      In the professional world, for sure. In the study world, you need to be very very very specialised to make it worthwhile in the right field.

  • tsunamisurfer on 29/08/2017 - 13:53
    +8

    $4000 for a Careers Councillor?

    Congratulations on being a major role in the Heist of the Century.

    • HiddenOrchid on 29/08/2017 - 14:04
      +1

      After I graduated I contacted the uni's career service.
      They were really helpful until I accepted a temporary, low paying job outside my field of study.
      Their support immediately stopped.
      When I eventually got through to someone, they said they did all they could do, and gave me a list of career councillors and told me I needed to contact them if I wanted additional help. I wasn't where I wanted to be, so I took their advice and contacted the local career councillors. The guy I wound up with sounded really good in the initial meetings. I was in a really bad place, and I knew his fees were outrageous but I convinced myself that it was an investment in myself.

      Funnily enough, when I spoke to the professional body governing career councillors to complain about this guy, they told me that they did not have the mechanisms to discipline anyone.

      Yeah, I was dumb, but I'm determined to be less dumb in the future.

      • tsunamisurfer on 29/08/2017 - 14:20
        +4

        I am sorry that your lesson was so expensive.

        I can sympathise with you as your situation is not that far off my own, I started getting serious about my life late and have been catching up ever since.

        Your dilemmna however, is much like everyone else's, you want to find secure employment that pays well, how do you get it?

        The usual path is someone takes up a path of education or trade and sticks with it, gets experience and the jobs and pay normally follows. You are at a fork where a potential reset is on the cards.

        The staying in science advice is not a terrible one mainly because you have the education and experience. Can you stick to that for now whilst constantly keeping an eye out for long term opportunities? I just worked for an University, working with the research faculties and saw first hand how big it is and how much money it can generate (with grants and industry partnerships). I think if you stick with it, you could find something more long term.

        Overall, yes, research is not going to be that major earner unless you are one of the top echelon of researchers. If you don't want that, then you are back at Square 1, which lends to the next question of what are YOU interested in? There's no use in people guiding you towards, for example, a trade if you are not that way inclined. Are you tech savvy? Or are good with people? Or have a head for numbers?

        • HiddenOrchid on 29/08/2017 - 15:21

          Thank you for the insightful advice!

  • idonteven on 29/08/2017 - 13:56
    +12

    become a high school science teacher

    • McBanjo on 29/08/2017 - 13:58

      This. Rewarding and in very high demand. (Especially if you're male).

    • idonteven on 29/08/2017 - 14:00

      schools are in need of younger teachers who have a passion to teach kids. Being a young male is a big plus. Too many aging teachers who stopped caring decades ago.

    • Baysew on 29/08/2017 - 14:02
      +4

      I was watching Mr White last night.

    • HiddenOrchid on 29/08/2017 - 14:07
      +1

      Thanks for the advice.
      I've definitely considered it - most of my peers who have left research are working as science teachers.

      Some of them enjoy it, some of them despise it.
      I'm not sure where I'd fall on the spectrum.

      Thanks though :)

      • lupiter on 29/08/2017 - 14:24
        +1

        If you don't want to teach, consider being a school lab tech… might be a step down but it's also a step down in stress.

      • ihbh on 29/08/2017 - 14:47
        +1

        If you get a chance, can you please watch: The Finland Phenomenon, and then see if it teaching aligns with your interests. The Australian conditions are different, but if you have the passion, you can start to make a difference.

      • scrimshaw on 29/08/2017 - 15:07
        +1

        My brother is a science teacher. Like you he graduated with Masters but he did also did a Diploma of Edu and that's what got him into a secure full time job.

        Teaching is not for everyone though and it requires a lot of patience and people skills to be a good teacher.

      • toniyellow on 29/08/2017 - 15:16
        +1

        I think that you are really wise to be cautious about it and to have listened to the experience of your peers.

        It is a great way to transition to another career for people who are well suited to a classroom. But not everyone is. I taught English in a public primary school in Korea for a year (which does not require an education degree, you’re in a co-teaching situation), which was a nice way to get paid, try teaching and see Korea. It also took a HUGE amount of energy and emotion and I was only a co-teacher not solely in charge of the room. I really felt I would burn out as a teacher within a few years if I kept it up. I am so glad I had not committed to a degree in education and waited for a few practicals to roll around to be able to find that out.

      • singlemalt72 on 30/08/2017 - 07:29
        +1

        The thing is not to get into teaching because it is a stable job or an alternative - get into teaching because you have a love of the subject matter and really want to impart this love onto students. Any other reason and you are driving a misery bus into Shitsville.

        If you do go this way look to eventually go into a private school - the pay is better, the facilities are better and, generally, the schools value their staff more than the public system (yeah, a bit of a generalisation, but it's true). Added to this the students are generally better behaved and provide for a more rewarding workplace.

  • CyberMurning on 29/08/2017 - 14:08

    yeah… you have degrees so try get in to the university, start slowly and maybe you can become head of the department of something like that. or even just lecturer. at least its permanent and decent money.
    cheer up many people wish to have that kind of degrees like you have now.
    most of my friends just have accounting college/tafe degree

    • toniyellow on 29/08/2017 - 14:46
      +1

      If he is sick of relying on grant funding teaching at a university level in a permanent position requires you be research active > requires getting research grants > so back at square one

      Not to mention the competition to get a position in the first place. There is an oversupply of PhDs and most get stuck in casual positions trying to get enough teaching experience to get an entry level permanent one.

      Head of Department position? That is only going to someone who brings in millions of dollars of research income, or publishes in very high ranking journals. Most likely this will be an overseas hire from Europe or the US

      Many people might wish they have more degrees but over-education is a real problem.

  • resisting the urge on 29/08/2017 - 14:13
    +7

    Opportunity lost is one of the many train wrecks we now face as a result of social design by freemarket forces. Too many governments asleep at the wheel, and/or incapable of seeing, acting, and contributing. A society that turning in on itself rather than getting out of its shell to solve the global problems that simply have to be solved.

    I can tell you without it costing you 4000 razoos to stay in Science.

    Why?

    Every job has zero security and could be headed for the wall, unless you want to be a politician, a lawyer, a doctor… but then again, even some of those are under threat of disruption.

    You need to do what you are good at AND can add value to. Also, what you enjoy. So unless you have other passions and skillz that you can employ or at least skill-up with (enough to successfully pivot), use the resources you are blessed with.

    Why won't someone pay you (to date)?

    They are too greedy with their operating budget
    Don't respect what you are worth
    The organisation does not generate enough value to pay more
    You simply don't do enough in your role to justify more
    … I won't go on

    Figure out how to reduce your hours and continue your job whilst focussing on something that you can make valuable, in your time around work. Make it your focus. Stop sleeping till you find it. Then don't sleep until you develop and monetize it. Coffee. Exercise, more food, whatever it take to improve your uptime.

    Find a partner and a good idea or three, start your own something (even a pharma) or something you can patent or work out how to be valuable to your employer by doing more than what you do. How else to buy security?

    But get out early, once your company is big enough to be seen, it may be squashed by a giant leaving its investors wishing they hadn't.

    • HiddenOrchid on 29/08/2017 - 15:24

      Thanks for sharing! I'll definitely be thinking this over.

    • dogboy on 29/08/2017 - 20:16

      I need to come back and read your post every time I start feeling down about my chosen profession.

    • VictimEqualsProfit on 30/08/2017 - 08:12

      Governments do not solve problems. They need problems to exist in society so that they can continue to harvest money in the form of taxes. It's only when individuals like you and I begin to make the stark realisation that our education is worth absolutely zero and begin to educate ourselves about money and how to make it that we can become more self reliant. We don't need daddy government to come in and create jobs for us. We create our own jobs.

      • resisting the urge on 15/09/2017 - 14:36

        Govs can solve problems, if they see them and care to. That is why people are inspired by leaders, we think they see the trouble we too perceive, and then hope they will act.
        They can and should. What other use is there for them? Sideshows have no importance.

        Governments do have a vital role, as do we. The people have to participate in government too though, otherwise society fails. The Greeks grappled with it a long long time ago and made it mandatory that everyone participate (much more than voting).

        Ownership and accountability are needed, as is transparency. Only then can the people avoid being disenfranchised. Governments making law in the absence of support from their electors can only implement incremental, ill considered changes, which can only end in disaster as things change and vested interests moving to fill the vacuum that they'd otherwise have to fight to get in to.

        • VictimEqualsProfit on 16/09/2017 - 08:01

          Of course governments CAN make changes and solve problems after all they have more than enough power to do so. My point is that they generally don't solve problems (particularly here in the west). If problems were solved then the amount of tax needed to deal with those problems would decrease not increase as it has been for so long. Government would not need to be so large and expensive.

          My point to the OP was that if making money is what they want to do then they should learn how to "make money". Our education system these days only teaches us how to make a "career". It teaches us nothing about how to make and grow money for the long term. I believe that the traditional model is failing.

          I'm not waiting around for the government to create a job for me. They simply don't (and shouldn't) do that. Government needs to get out of the way so that people can trade more freely with other people and pursue their own entrepreneurship. A lot of people will disagree with me but we will see their results in 10-20 years.

        • resisting the urge on 18/09/2017 - 00:21

          @gtrdude:I know they are failing to make changes. But you interpret this differently. The solution is not govs getting out of the way, as that will never happen.

          Er, politicians are 90% lawyers.

          Most of them hire/accept assistance from others that pay teams of lawyers to help them too. Some would have PR consultants that are legally trained… the list just goes on and on.

          Lawyers do not get out of anyone's way. They do not (usually) get practical things done.

          Instead they make cases, they make claims. They say what needs to be said, and busy themselves doing whatever it take to win any debate. The outcome is pretty much that life gets more and more complicated for everyone, even business- as the vested interests get their way ahead of other businesses, as well as the community more widely.

          Once all we had was a constitution. All the US had was a Bill of Rights. Now there isn't a soul in either country that knows all the law in a single state jurisdiction, let alone the federation or commonwealth.

          Legally speaking, they would claim to be making society 'more just'. But regardless, the politician in them goes on using their skills to claim that white is in fact black, or vice versa as the case may 'need to be made'.

          It is gov's job to create (or rather, to maintain at the very least) a society we all want to live in. That includes commerce and resource management, tech, law, disaster recovery, future planning, everything. Private enterprise is not going to enable us, or our kids to find a job if a robot or a computer can be implemented for the same price or cheaper- and that includes all the tax concessions a corporation can claim (input taxes/company tax offsets/innovation grants/employment grants, industry assistance, etc.), .

          It is society and government that has to make the tough decisions if it wants to build a better future and avoid descending into total poverty (financial, health, knowledge, moral, etc., you name it…

  • Panda222 on 29/08/2017 - 14:40
    +1

    Take the short term contracts, gain exposure and experience which will land you more contracts to gain even more exposure and even more experience, rinse and repeat.

    As for recruiters, 99% of them are scum bags that just throw your resume on a table amongst another 10 resumes. The remainder are amazing but are hard to find like a unicorn.

    Lastly, call any and every company you can think of that does have people employed in your field, speak to HR and keep on following up with them every few months. That is how I remained employed during the downturn.

    Do you have any way of keeping track of which companies in your field are securing contracts to do the work in your field?

    • HiddenOrchid on 29/08/2017 - 15:24

      This is very good, very pragmatic advice.
      Thank you.

      • Icecold5000 on 30/08/2017 - 21:26

        I don't get a sense of what you actually want, how much you are willing to sacrifice, what your talents and strengths.

  • antonthenet on 29/08/2017 - 15:12

    You could start your own business specialising in your field.

  • moph on 29/08/2017 - 16:02
    +4

    I was in a similar position. Biology graduate, worked in a the field for 7-8 years, and found myself unable to progress my career much further. At the same time I developed a chronic illness and was unable to do physical work for over two years (mostly better now but still not able to do anything strenuous). I transitioned to tech at about the same age as you, and now work as software developer. My first real job in the field I took a pretty big paycut but the hours were regular so I was earning about the same when it came to the end of the year. Moved to something higher paying after 'proving myself' in that job for 18 months or so. Now I'm just about to start my third professional job in the field with more of a leadership position and a small pay rise. The great thing about the tech industry is that it is easy to demonstrate your skill by showing your work, and many employers do not care about degrees.

    As a scientist you probably already have pretty good computer skills. If you use R or GIS or other advanced software tools you have a big head start. See if you can find ways to integrate learning some programming into your job. For example, I had a job as a biologist where I was regularly managing large amounts of data and shuffling them between different programs. I was able to write small scripts to do that automatically, making my job easier and learning a lot in the process. It might take you a year or two to get your skills up to speed but for me the transition has definitely been worth it. Not everyone enjoys spending all day in front of a computer or has the right kind of mind to focus on the fine details of code, but as a biologist I reckon you're more likely to be one of those people than most, so perhaps it's something to consider.

  • onetwothreefour on 29/08/2017 - 16:35
    +3

    Become a careers counselor, sounds easy money.

  • [Deactivated] on 29/08/2017 - 21:40
    -2

    get a job

  • scupper on 30/08/2017 - 00:32
    +1

    • Go into pharmaceuticals and be sales rep

    • Learn statistics + SAS/python/R and become a data scientist

  • Bluberry on 30/08/2017 - 00:56
    +1

    Do you like helping people? You could consider nursing. If you have a undergrad degree, you can do a 2 year masters in nursing to become a registered nurse. Plenty of nursing jobs particularly if you dont mind working at a regional or remote hospital.

    Teaching is the alternative.

  • mingofmongo on 30/08/2017 - 09:52
    -2

    You could also do a two year Masters in Pharmacy degree. A further year of supervised practice as pharmacy intern would mean you at least have a guaranteed 'profession' to fall back on.

  • iamagirl1969 on 30/08/2017 - 10:14
    +4

    I don't know if you want to do a complete 360, but twelve months of online study at Charles Darwin will get you a Bachelor of Community and Humanitarian Studies, which would enable you to work for organizations such as the Red Cross, Save the Children and Caritas. Alternatively you would be able to get a job as a case worker in any organisation (government or non-government) with an accredited degree. (Places like the Coroners court, and SACCAT would take you on almost immediately) These agencies require applicants to have science degrees as they are dealing with forensic science issues. SAPOL and CIB and Federal Police would accept you as well into their crime investigation/missing persons unit as they do a lot of work that requires people to have a background in science (DNA, finger-printing, etc etc)

    Hope this helps you out…….

  • MayhemVC on 07/09/2017 - 21:54
    +1

    Don't spend anymore money on a careers councillor.
    Maybe try to speak to people who are working in areas that you might be interested in.
    If you can afford to do so, ask if you can to an internship to keep your experience up.
    If you can, try to get one to take you on as a mentor (but don't expect them to provide you with employment).

    You have a science degree which is a great thing to have.
    Don't limit yourself to just biological science roles.
    There are many science roles that you could work in.

    If you are not working at all, no job is above you.
    I would ALWAYS look to employ someone who was working (even at a menial job) over someone with gaping holes in their CV.
    Any job will allow you to make new contacts any of which could lead to a better job.

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