I've been thinking quite a lot about what everybody said about changing jobs. There seem to be plenty of "entry level" jobs that really interest me. It would be a real challenge - and fun, I think - to take one of them and work my way up again. The problem is getting a prospective employer to think about it that way.

Any thoughts from the forum?

I reasonable employer should be able to recognize in a short time that you are underutilized at an entry level position.........overcoming office politics is the hard part.

"A"....not "I"

Camper:

I would have to say that is NOT the way to go. First of all any employer would realize you were overqualified for having held a more responsible position in the past. They would further surmize that you would leave as soon as you found a better position elsewhere. Employers generally do not want to hire and train people for the short-term.

Also, why should you sell yourself short? I don't know what your cash reserves are but if possible stick it out until the right one comes along. Picking the wrong job can be a lot like marrying the wrong woman. Better to wait and get it right.

By the way, did you decide what field you want to work in? I remember that you seem to have several options with your background.

By the way, if you are bored I would recommend taking one or two college courses. Can be a great way to learn new skills or brush up older unused ones. I took a course in advanced spreadsheet modeling a couple of years ago and it made a hell of a difference.

Wags

Thanks all for your replies.

The good news is that

[1] a headhunter has picked up my resume. They are sending it to a prospective employer based on an inquiry for someone with my skillset.

[2] I have approached a bank about creating a position for me that would enhance their ability to book more transactions without adding significant staff. The bank is interested. I know two of the decision makers very well.

Either job would be a good thing.

Glad to hear that 00Camper.

I have done exactly what you are thinking about.

Don't do it!!!!!!

I left a great job, as executive chef, on a really nice guest ranch in Montana, to return to Arkansas, and start at the bottom.

I Love where I live, especially in the winter, I do what I enjoy, cooking, and I am able to work only 3 days a week. I really enjoy the lower stress level. All that said, the power I wielded at my previous job, is hard to replace, especially when you can see a better way to do things than your boss.

I am contemplating of a complete change in career, since I am so frustrated at my current job.

It may be considered burnout, as working with the public is a tough job, and it is hard to be ontop of your game when you are dissatisfied with your job.

I have decided to go into the cattle buisness. Probably go with registered Angus. I am studying the market right now, before making the final decision. Maybe someday, I will go back to the resturant buisness. Possibly as a spinoff from the cattle buisness.

Good Luck my friend.

Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

Marty, you will do well regardless of the direction that your career takes.

However, per our conversation, you may have to "ratchet up" the amount of marketing that you do, whether it's for your business or your new position.

You're lucky in that, even though the economy is not strong in all sectors, there are people out there wanting to take advantage of low rate financing. References, mass e-mailings, the Chamber of Commerce, and/or JOINING an association of people that you wish to target, are ways of getting new leads.

Having said that, it sounds as though you have some options lined up.

Remember, "activity" is the key.

You are in our prayers, bro.

Keep us posted.

happy camper, indeed! hope the better of the 2 work out for ya!

IMHO it's a long shot/pipedream at best to envision working your way from the bottom of a company back to the top. That simply isn't the way large american corporations work anymore.

In my former position, one that was deemed "entry level", we had 4 people with masters degrees, all the rest (except for me) had BAs or BSs, And the minimum on the job experience for anyone was 5 years in the field. WHY? Because there was no path. No way to go up in the company. When the world is so focussed on budget cuts, downsizing, and offshoring, raises & promotions are a thing of the past.

Now don't get me wrong, I know it happens, rarely, but it does. But this is just my opinion on the state of corporate america in general.

If you want to see yourself moving up. Go with a small to medium size business.