Career Change, Vent, Advice Needed. (Long)

Soon2BKelHdz · June 2011

Hi all...I'm coming out of lurking because I really need to let this out and possibly get some advice on my situation.

I'm 25 turning 26 in August and I'm college graduate with a Bachelor's of Public Administration. Growing up, I worked for the family business (started by my Grandfather and Father) and worked there/here through college.

After graduating college I went to work for UPS as an Inside Sales Representative. The hours weren't great, the commute sucked, but the pay was good and I really learned a lot. I left about 2 years into it when my Father's company had an opening for an outside sales rep. I've been back with the family business for two years now and I'm really regretting the decision. Not that I would have stayed at UPS this whole time, but I'm really regretting staying in Sales.

I never wanted a career in Sales and I feel like if I stay with the family business, this is all I will ever have. It's a very small company with no real room for growth, so there's really nothing else for me to do at the moment. I've brought up ideas to help expand the business and they've basically been overlooked. We have 15 employees and 8 of those are family, so that business-personal line gets crossed a lot. And, there's really no professionalism here at all.

With all of this said, I've casually been looking at other job options and there have been a few that I've been interested in, but I start to feel really guilty when I even bring up my resume to edit it. I feel like feelings are really going to be hurt if I leave for another opportunity and I feel like I'll leave the company in a horrible position. There were Sales Reps here before I got here and I know they can always find more, but I can't shake that feeling.

I know I'm young enough to make a career change that won't have a huge impact on the rest of my life. I guess I just need reassurance that it's okay if I look at other opportunities.

Sorry for the random and rambling thoughts. This is something that's been on my mind for a while and it just feels good to finally let it out. Any advice is appreciated and thanks for reading!

vanillacourage · June 2011

Is your father still running/overseeing the company? I would talk to him and say "Dad, here is where I think I want my career to go. I've tried to bring some of that influence to the company and haven't felt like ideas I've had have been taken into consideration, which is fine if that's not the direction you want the company to take. But ultimately, Family Company may not be the best place for me in the long-term. What do you think?"

Normally I would not advocate advertising that you're considering leaving, but family companies are different and I think that assuming you can have an adult conversation with your dad about it, there will be less drama overall if you can either a.) achieve change at your current place or b.) part ways amicably.

Soon2BKelHdz · June 2011

I would like to think that I could have a conversation like that with him, but he's unpredictable at times and I never really know how it'll end up. I don't think he takes me seriously, which is a huge issue for me, but I'll try it! Thank you!

vanillacourage · June 2011

In light of what you said, I would not talk now. I'd keep looking for another job, and when you have another offer see what your dad says. If he wants to keep you, let him know that you'd need your work duties to change (this is assuming that you trust him not to go back on his word if you turned down the other job).

Ultimately though if he doesn't take you seriously, your best route may be to leave the company for several years, have proven success in a different field, and then down the line if you want to re-join the family business you can, in a role of your choosing.

Dr.Loretta · June 2011

First, I think there's no real harm in looking for other opportunities. There is no implied commitment, and you may find it's not what you want to do.

And it's recommended to update your resume every 4 months or so anyway, so pulling it up to edit doesn't mean you are dissing your entire family.

If you really feel like your ideas for moving up are being overlooked, and will continue to be, then I think you dont' really owe them anything. You've put in your time, it's time to do something new that they can't offer, and they'll survive just fine without you.

IMO a lot of it is how you handle it. If you're professional and non-confrontational about it, they'll probably still talk to you at Thanksgiving. If you make it personal or let it devolve, it could be trickier.

Career Change, Vent, Advice Needed. (Long)

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