Looking for advice on my Career

NextChapter24 · November 2013

Hello, I am a lurker looking for some advice. While I am not a mother yet, my husband and I are looking to start a family in the next few years which is where my post comes in. My current job is not suited for families (inflexible hours and terrible time off/vacation policies etc.) and I really do not enjoy my work (financial services industry).

I have a BS in management and am graduating in less than a month with my master’s degree. I am thinking of making a career switch (not drastic, but all possibilities are being considered) but would like to make this move into something that is more suited to family life (flexible work weeks, relaxed schedules etc.) so that I have a few years at my desired career before we have our family. I was hoping you ladies would have some advice for me?

I should add- I have a lot of undergrad debt so I'm not looking into going back to school for anything new at this time. Thanks for reading!

djm31012 · November 2013

there are a million things you can do in financial services. im not sure what type of firm you work at but why dont you sit down with HR and see what options there are for internal mobility. financial services is pretty broad so not sure how to help you narrow the search

Virgo17 · November 2013

I don't think flexibility depends so much on the industry as it does the company. I would check the HR section of websites for companies you are interested in to get a feel for their leave policies.

I think the biggest challenge is a job that requires odd hours. If you are working regular business hours M-F and having a decent amount of leave to use, you should be fine.

I will add that I would start looking and try to make a change in jobs soon, since it is much easier to do before kids. You also have to put in one year of service before being eligible for FMLA, which is a more ideal situation.

NextChapter24 · November 2013

Thank for the replies so far.

I have a decent amount of leave right now to use, however a lot of my problem is being ALLOWED to use leave or having to schedule leave an entire year in advance. I dont think this would work when i have children. I cant predict when they will be sick next year KWIM? I'm not sure if many companies openly post their policies on their website, but I could check.

I guess I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of fields (even outsidfe financial services) or types of jobs I should be looking into.

Thanks!

NextChapter24 · November 2013

@ ClaryPax- Sorry I should have clarified- I have been working in the field for the past 5/6 years (I'm in my late 20s) I've never talked to career services because I have a job now, just looking to transition into something different.

mae0111 · November 2013

I work in marketing in financial services. I have a very flexible schedule, good time off, and fantastic benefits. Sounds like you might just be stuck in a bad place.

FemShep · November 2013

You can also google "best companies for working mothers" and "best places to work" in your city for some ideas for places that offer great flexibility and a good environment for parents.

LoCarb · November 2013

Agree with others. Field interest: banking, recruiting, business analyst, accounting

djm31012 · November 2013

FemShep said:

You can also google "best companies for working mothers" and "best places to work" in your city for some ideas for places that offer great flexibility and a good environment for parents.

dont do that...my company is on there and i would beg to differ!!

NextChapter24 · November 2013

SandAndsSea said:

I would find something that interests you and bust your butt doing it before you have a family so when you do have a family and need flexibility, it will be available to you. Most people with flexible arrangements have proven themselves to their current companies and have been a valuable team member, which has allowed them the flexibility they need. While my field isn't necessarily super flexible or family friendly and does require some crazy hours (public accounting), I feel like I have flexibility. I am a valuable team member and not many people can do what I do, so my firm allows me flexibility when I need it, but also knows that I can be relied on and am responsible and will meet my clients' needs. I would also maybe read Lean In, to get another perspective. IMO, if you work harder now, you will have more opportunity later.

That is what I am looking to do now. I am looking to find a field/ new job where I can prove myself as this current job (no matter how much I prove myself) the flexibility is not there. However, I think my post may have been too broad. I'll have to just keep searching.

Thanks for the responses everyone!

MamaBovs · November 2013

I'm also with SandAndsSea. My industry is notorious for long hours and being highly in-conducive to work/life balance (I work at an ad agency). That said, I have so far been able to make it work. I have been there over eight years and have "earned" a level of flexibility. So I think you're right to try to get yourself established now before you look to start a family.

Good luck to you!

MommyAtty · November 2013

I think if you develop a niche with your employer, it goes a long way toward making you valuable enough to allow some leeway in schedules, etc. and good for you for thinking of it now, though I would be careful not to limit yourself. You just never know what the future holds, but a job where I knew I would never have the flexibility to take a last minute day off would wear on me whether I was a mom or not.

k1dub · November 2013

Can you do what you do in a different industry? For example, work in a non-profit, government or higher education where you'd be able to still do what you do but with a more flexible work environment?

lcriordan · November 2013

I am a CPA and have worked both in public and corporate accounting and in finance and can easily say that corporate jobs are MUCH more suitable to work/life balance than client facing roles (like public accounting or financial services).