Reader responses to Career Corner- Time for a change

DAILY BRIEFING

Reader responses to Career Corner - Time for a change

Here are the responses we have received to the July 25 Career Corner column, "Time for a change."

Just a note to let you know the great help your articles have been to me.

I am 52 years old and have worked for this agency for 13 years without a promotion. It seemed like no matter what I tried, it did not work. My rating actually went down this year, when I knew in my heart it should have gone up.

My self-esteem became very low, but I decide I had to get another job. I followed your steps. Since February, I have sent out about 6 application packages.

Each one got better, I'm sure or at least I became more confident. Two weeks ago, I had an interview and a job offer from one of my first applications. I am very happy and start my new job next week. Thanks again for your inspiring column.

-Name withheld

Compliments to you for encouraging those who want more from their careers to find the wherewithal to MOVE ON.

Four years ago, I faced the same situation you described in your column. After 22 very rewarding years in the personnel career field, I still had 10 years to go until retirement. Over half my career was in labor and employee relations, and I loved the work. My dilemma was this: do I spend my remaining time in a secure job I'm comfortable with and know well, or do I take a chance that I can successfully alter my path and accomplish even more?.

My personnel job required working closely with our agency's attorneys. I was lucky enough to draw top-notch individuals for the cases I handled, and several encouraged me to consider blending my technical background with a law degree. I was hesitant to give up everything I'd worked for in exchange for three years of no salary, no job guarantee, and even if re-hired, being able to reach no higher a grade than I already held.

I finally decided that the disappointment of failing to reach my goal wouldn't begin to approach what I'd struggle with in myself if I settled for anything less than I knew I could do. Vizualizing the end result, I worked backward and listed the steps I needed to take along the way. I began contacting the legal departments in federal agencies close to the law school I selected, telling them about my plan and asking for work. My first choice, a base that handles a large volume of personnel cases, hired me as a law clerk during summers. By the time I graduated and passed the bar, an attorney position opened up. I am now a labor/employment attorney, representing the agency on the types of cases I handled as a personnel specialist.

I realize that most people can't interrupt their lives for three years to make a drastic transition like this, and mine is not a typical career change story. Nonetheless, I would underscore the important advice you give to those who believe they are capable of something more: TAKE ACTION. Honor what you want to do. You'll get over the disappointment if it doesn't work out, but there's no remedy for regret.

-Laveta Casdorph
Trial Attorney

Thanks for yet another great article. That first step out of the doldrums is often the hardest. Here's a good story, along the lines of your article.

Three years ago, I asked the General Counsel if I could meet with him for five minutes. I was at that time a staff attorney. He agreed, and I used the time to say that I believed that I had more to offer the agency, and that I would like to be considered for advancement to a managerial position, should an appropriate opportunity present itself.

The General Counsel responded that he and the Commissioner had been very impressed with my skills (which they had never said before). Over the course of the next three years, I was promoted five levels and have run three different units, including supervising well over one hundred people.

The General Counsel later remarked that he would never forget the day I walked in and said I thought I could do more! Sometimes it pays simply to ask.

-Name Withheld