My job is not my strength

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified)
in
Career Management

BLUF - While I am good at my job and there are many positives to it I am not energized by it and I don't have the right degree to advance into management. Is it foolish to want to go back to school and start over at another firm? 

I work in psychology and over the last 10 years I have advanced quite nicely to a position with great hours and a wage I can live on. On the surface everything is running smoothly. There is a problem - I don't like what I am doing. My degree is in Bible/Education for my undergrad and Ministry/Leadership for my masters. I keep getting passed up for management positions because I am not a specialist in therapy or clinical work. I do work for a non-profit firm with a faith based foundation so my passion fits with the company, just not my role.

While I am good at the jobs given me they do not energize me and I often feel burdened by the groups (group therapy) and the other roles I fill. Dread is too strong of a word, but I find it difficult to get to work on time knowing what I will be doing for the day. 

I want to go back to school and either get PHD in public policy or Psychology of Organisations and Industry. Building great organisations and programs is a passion of mine. The cost and disruption to my family holds me back. 

I am an EXTREMELY high S and moderately high C so this decision is killing me. (ready aim aim aim aim....)

Thanks for your input. 

Submitted by alan roper on Sunday August 4th, 2013 12:56 am

 Couple of quick thoughts. Discuss it with your spouse.  It's amazing how they seem to have key insights in us, that we often overlook.  And, whatever decision you make will ultimately impact them as well. 
Second, find the job you're passionate about.  It's an amazing thing to wake up every morning excited about going to work. It will impact all aspects of your life, including family and free time.

Submitted by David Rennard on Sunday August 4th, 2013 1:26 am

 I'm a high C/moderate S. I was an excellent "individual contributor" and so was promoted to management in the restaurant industry. Like you, I realized this role doesn't allow me to fully leverage my strengths, so now I'm thinking of returning to school for an MBA.
Your position differs from mine in that you have--from my perspective--ample experience to justify not needing further education. After 10 years, you must have some sort of network, academic breadth, and multi-functional experience (operations, finance, and marketing). I'm very inexperienced, but aren't those the things you'd get with more school? Not to mention the direct cost of school and opportunity cost of lost wages. I'm only 25 and am not familiar with PhD programs so again I have no basis to build my case on. Still, I agree with LAR12; there's nothing better than waking up excited to go to work. You're just plain healthier.
Two books I'd recommend:
For the high C in you - "Well Being" by Tom Rath and James Harter. Imagine a guide to the top of Maslow's pyramid backed up by the statistical behemoth Gallup organization.
For the high S in you - "The Seed" by Jon Gordon. Short and easy to relate to when you're in search of a new path. Not dry/practical like Drucker.
I just posted about my situation in the "Career Management" section, too. Let me know if you have any recommendation for me.
David

Submitted by Tim Jones on Sunday August 4th, 2013 9:52 am

I'd recommend reading the book titled " Help them grow or watch them go" by Dr. Bev Kay.  Kind of manual, very practical and it shows you how to talk with people that are close to you along with current and past bosses.  If you follow the steps and are honest with yourself,  a clear path will likely present itself.  I am a big fan of business school, but would recommend it only after you have had a few years of experience with leading teams.  Having direct reports and experiences where you have had to hire, develop, fire and fix things. 
Tim

Submitted by James Marland on Monday August 5th, 2013 9:32 am

That is good advice. I often think thins internally without sharing them with her. Sometimes I have thought about something for months and then make a decision and she is like "when did we talk about this?"

Submitted by James Marland on Monday August 5th, 2013 9:35 am

Thanks for the book recommendations. I have a living room overflowing with books, but I have not read those. I will look for them.