I’ve been working for five years now; what should I do next?
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It’s been five years since I graduated from university, and I’ve also been working in the same industry for five years – three years as a equipment technician and two years as an engineer. To be honest, it’s because someone promoted me that I’ve reached where I am today. Looking back is not easy. For three years, I worked as a maintenance technician on a patented project by DuPont in the United States; it was hard work but very fulfilling, as I had the opportunity to work with almost all types of pumps, heat exchangers, mixers, fans, and storage tanks found in petrochemical plants. And all sorts of quirky equipment for public utilities. As an engineer for two years (on a Japanese patent project), it was tough work, but I also learned a lot. From project initiation, site selection for the installation, determining the production process plan, conducting cost calculations for outsourcing versus in-house construction, engaging with design firms, negotiating technical contracts with construction companies, and discussing technical agreements with manufacturers; it also includes equipment procurement, inspection, installation, device commissioning, production, quality inspection, and auditing. The entire experience is also a project. I think I have enough skills in both AutoCAD and office software for my needs. As for English, in my field of study – chemical engineering machinery – I can handle oral communication and reading to a satisfactory level. I’m 26 now, and I’m very dissatisfied with my current salary as well as with my incompetent supervisors. I really want to make changes, but I’m afraid to do so. Although I know that only by making changes can I have greater opportunities for growth, sometimes it’s hard to break out of this cycle – I know what’s right to do, but I don’t dare to stick to it, fearing that the consequences will be painful. Insisting on something that is clearly wrong, just because one is* used to it. Here, I sincerely ask my seniors to estimate for me how much this would be worth if I were to use it on a project. Also, should I just accept things and continue to ‘muddle along’ here?
The choice is one’s own; what others say is just advice. Perhaps the original poster has already made a choice. But it’s still recommended to look for another job, since you’re not satisfied with your salary. It’s wrong to be dissatisfied with one’s boss; one should be satisfied with them no matter where they are……
“The idea of just going along with it is completely wrong; besides, I’m not willing to do it in my heart either! However, when going to a new place, it’s necessary to build new relationships from scratch, so proper planning is required~ Last edited by ljf1974 on 2009-3-13 08:31 ]
The choice is one’s own; what others say is just advice. Also, there are things that the manager does which you may not be aware of; one should also reconsider feelings of dissatisfaction toward incompetent managers. It’s important to learn to be grateful, as at least they have given you the opportunity to work as a project manager and provided you with chances for growth.
It’s recommended to find a new job first before thinking about quitting your current one!
Go look for it first and test the depth of the water
First, do your job well at your current employer and look for opportunities; it’s safer to switch only when you find the right one. The current situation isn’t very good, but I believe you have a solid foundation and practical experience, so there will be great opportunities waiting for you once you go out there. Another thing is to set clear boundaries for yourself; know how to be content and avoid being insatiable, as that will only bring unnecessary troubles to you!
"They are also dissatisfied with incompetent leaders. There are things that shouldn’t be said casually; one shouldn’t have too high expectations of leaders, but rather should set high standards for oneself – that’s what’s right! I ask you, if you were to become a leader, by how much would you be better than him? Don’t give a blind answer – being a leader is not an easy task. It’s like being a chef: it’s hard to satisfy everyone’s tastes. It’s not that the skills are lacking, but rather people have different preferences! !
There are only unqualified employees, no unqualified leaders.
You can contact other organizations on your own first. Switch jobs once a good one is found
After five years, I have managed to accumulate some capital. It’s worth checking whether there is any room for advancement at the current employer. If the prospects are slim and the salary is not satisfactory, then the person in question should consider changing jobs. As the saying goes: A tree dies if it’s moved, but a person thrives by moving. But you need to find a suitable successor first.
By the fifth year, one should have a rough career plan in mind: should they focus on project management or delve into technical skills? The market is not good at the moment; based on estimates from before the crisis, an annual salary of 10,000 before taxes should be sufficient. If one is very good at English, 12,000 might be possible. In an engineering company, this would be considered the basic salary, while in an owner’s company it would represent the main source of income. Keep working hard... This post was last edited by dennyhong on 2009-3-13 at 10:59
Don’t quit your current job just yet; go to job boards and take a look. Many companies are looking for people with work experience these days. Someone like you who has already worked for five years certainly has an advantage. But in many companies, especially design firms, the managers are all the same type of people, so you need to think it through carefully
Having worked in an industry for five years, one should have a clear understanding of it; one should possess certain skills as well as some networking abilities. It’s understandable to have one’s own ideas, but one must plan first before taking action
Thank you very much for everyone's answers. I will try my best
Here to find comfort and courage? How much can you trust Hai Chuan’s estimate for you? Wanting to change is simple – just go for a walk. Hesitating? Then one can only muddle along until old age; at 26, there’s no more drive left, which is really sad
It’s hard to find good jobs these days, so we should cherish them
With the economic crisis going on now, there are many people who don’t have jobs. Your current rank is already quite high; you’re not good enough to be among the best, but you’re far above those who are lower ranked...
Life is like that; if you can’t see things clearly, you’re only causing trouble for yourself. Try to be more open-minded – look at the differences and similarities between you and other people in a company, and you’ll realize whether your own dissatisfaction stems from discrepancies with your own views
It seems like people in the engineering field can make a lot of money, hehe
It’s right that you’re not satisfied; that’s just the way people are – they’re never satisfied. It is precisely because of all this dissatisfaction that we have greater motivation to work hard. Keep trying, and you’ll get bread and milk; just don’t rush! But you must have a goal first.