Let me talk about my work experience. What should I do now?

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I majored in biochemical engineering; after graduating with a master’s degree in 2006, I worked at a medium-sized state-owned enterprise in Shanghai, where I was involved in process development. In 2009, due to the company’s strategic changes, many research projects were canceled, so I left the company. I then went to work at a very small private enterprise specializing in chemical machinery and equipment, where I am now a project manager for development projects (my position has improved, but my salary is pitifully low). I feel that this company has quite a few problems of various kinds. Seeing how some of my former colleagues at this company are doing now, I don’t want to end up like them in the future. It seems really frustrating to work in research and development in the chemical industry; when trying to find a job, one faces obstacles everywhere. Many companies and positions don’t even offer an interview opportunity, which is extremely discouraging. My educational background is fine; I’ve also done quite a bit of self-study during my work, and I’m fairly competent with tools like Aspen and CAD. I have some understanding of equipment selection and relevant standards as well. At the factory, I paid some attention to the actual equipment, but after all, I lack practical project experience. My former colleagues who worked on R&D didn’t know how to use Aspen or CAD either, and my current colleagues don’t know how to use Aspen either; everyone focuses on mechanical drawing. I don’t have any knowledge in mechanics, so it doesn’t seem very interesting to me. Now I want to move towards process design – what are the advantages and disadvantages of that? I’m not sure what good suggestions everyone might have