Had my once-every-many-weeks check of LinkedIn on the desktop to see connection requests and the like. Found myself hit with that pang of realising how stagnant I was for years at my past role - can’t blame the workplace entirely, but I feel like I lost so much of my more passionate years while hamstrung by visa conditions. I have the freedom now but not as much excitement any more…
Something definitely needs to change. I don’t have huge ambitions but I also want to aim a little higher (in a sustainable way)… think with whatever experience I get in the next year and a half or so, I might be able to shift my career into something more interesting or substantial. Maybe do a formal qualification in spatial tech and get a gig in some cool environmental fieldwork company.
I probably might be still at my old job but further advanced and happier (everyone might’ve been happier) if it weren’t for the impact of the lockdowns. The one upshot was that at the time, it paved the way for me to stay in this country permanently. I can’t keep blaming the lockdowns now though, I do need to move on. Next week might bring some resolution about some options in that regard
I think there could’ve been scope to aim higher (expand my experience) at my last place, but not with the way management turned out in the last year.
My current gig is PT government, very low-level in the scheme of things (because at this exact moment I don’t want a super challenging job), but an useful foot in the door after being denied opportunities all these years. I could easily do more complex roles with a bit of training but those positions are currently filled by fairly capable and willing people, so unless they leave, I think opportunities are limited (which is ok for now). I’ll definitely stay for a year at least and see what else opens up.
Seeing how much further people who started around the time I did in this industry have gone, it’s easy to feel a little bitter. But I can catch up and develop my own niche, I think…
Had my once-every-many-weeks check of LinkedIn on the desktop to see connection requests and the like. Found myself hit with that pang of realising how stagnant I was for years at my past role - can’t blame the workplace entirely, but I feel like I lost so much of my more passionate years while hamstrung by visa conditions. I have the freedom now but not as much excitement any more…
Something definitely needs to change. I don’t have huge ambitions but I also want to aim a little higher (in a sustainable way)… think with whatever experience I get in the next year and a half or so, I might be able to shift my career into something more interesting or substantial. Maybe do a formal qualification in spatial tech and get a gig in some cool environmental fieldwork company.
Covid lockdowns did NOT help.
I probably might be still at my old job but further advanced and happier (everyone might’ve been happier) if it weren’t for the impact of the lockdowns. The one upshot was that at the time, it paved the way for me to stay in this country permanently. I can’t keep blaming the lockdowns now though, I do need to move on. Next week might bring some resolution about some options in that regard
it’s only recently I thought that maybe my depression was in part caused by the lockdowns
now I can finish recovering :)
It’s weird that ‘aiming higher’ means getting a new job, more often than not.
I honestly think that workplaces, in general, pigeon hole a person into a role and that’s all.
All the best in your search and progress.
If you can get a permanent government gig, they’ll pay for your education in some cases.
I think there could’ve been scope to aim higher (expand my experience) at my last place, but not with the way management turned out in the last year.
My current gig is PT government, very low-level in the scheme of things (because at this exact moment I don’t want a super challenging job), but an useful foot in the door after being denied opportunities all these years. I could easily do more complex roles with a bit of training but those positions are currently filled by fairly capable and willing people, so unless they leave, I think opportunities are limited (which is ok for now). I’ll definitely stay for a year at least and see what else opens up.
Seeing how much further people who started around the time I did in this industry have gone, it’s easy to feel a little bitter. But I can catch up and develop my own niche, I think…
You got a good head on your shoulders 😊