To ask how people get these jobs.

[Ecriture]

I'm over 30, I come from a working class background.

I grew up with a mum on benefits single parent, 3 kids.

I tried though.

I went to iffy poly uni and got a crap degree (2:2) because I worked three jobs just to stay on the course.

It's not been easy but I've been willing to work as hard as it takes to make a life for myself unlike my childhood.

However, in the past 7 years I'm working I've barely scratched the surface and I am only on 25 grand and still at the bottom of the pile.

Today I had to attend a meeting where 60% of people present were some type of chief officer, cfo or head of major departments.

They all seem to have very distinguished careers and have attractive salaries way beyond my own.

My question is this how did they get there?

A lot of women on this site also seem to be high earners with lots of responsibility.

Does one have to be born into a wealthy family, know the right people or go to the best university. I have none of this.

Can hard work actually get you anywhere in life?

Am I destined to spend the rest of my life doing a low paid work despite my ambitions?

Am I being unreasonable do you think that someone from my background could ever rise higher?

Can anyone give me any advice about what I can do or how they progress in the phone their own career?

I have a good career now, 6 figure salary etc. I grew up in a very w/c household, first in my family to go to uni. I got a 2.1 from an okay uni but honestly not sure it made a huge difference, its what I did since that matters. I have had to work really hard, sometimes it feels like I have had to work a lot harder than others to get to the same place. Key is push yourself, never make excuses, find something you are good at and keep picking yourself up and trying again no matter what. If you cannot see a route in your current career to get you there, can you move company or retrain in an adjacent career?

Changing jobs every 2 years or so is interesting. It always worried me that it would look bad on a CV if you change jobs regularly?

I am never going to be a high earner in my type of work. Once I have finished my degree I can go on to earning more, but I am never going to earn loads of money doing it.

I've had some very good advice on here and I appreciate the responses. I'm going to reread them several times.

I work in an office. An admin type role writing reports and minor policy.

I say this kindly but I think you're laying back on your underprivileged upbringing as a reason for your lack of progression, when you should be pushing yourself harder in spite of it. Good luck!

I was more trying to set a picture of my background but you could be right. Rather than hold me back, I think of it more like it hasn't equipped me for this type of lifestyle. *

Do you have a working class accent?

Losing my regional accent.

I was thinking today about trying to correct my accent with some type of elocution lessons. It's not strong but it stands out.

@CherryPavlova

I'd have no idea what I would do at a 65k job interview so this was really helpful.

Getting onto a grad scheme Too old for this? Maybe something for me to look into.

@maddiemookins16mum To be honest, I hadn't thought of that.

Moving jobs every two years with a pay rise each time is the only way to climb the ladder.

Not sure what your field is but I would say moving jobs, look for something better each time and better paid; increase your experience and work hard. If you are not growing/learning anything in a Company move on.

I stated off at 15k answering phones then I used that strategy to get me to 25k. I need something more to take me to the next level. I've missed out on the next level of promotion for my job and it will be while before it opens up again

To add more the CV, I've taken up a voluntary position in a charity assisting with comms to their service users linked to an internal project. Some of the bosses were there at the launch.

I feel like this will at least give me something extra to talk about if I can't move on for a while.

Can we talk hard numbers as well? How does one move up the salary level from 25k to 100k(or whatever)?

I think I do need to pick an industry but I don't know which one I will feel committed to as I want something long term and stable.

I haven't really got the money to study but I'd be interested in doing a politics degree. However, that does seem like a really self-indulgent waste of time if I just want a 'posh' job.

Lots of good answers here. Best to be in the corporate world it seems with confidence, drive and constant learning/improving, taking on extra responsibilities. I'm NHS and this doesn't help but I love my job and am on around 40k, doubt it will go past 45 unless I wanted to go into management which I don't (find it soulless, in the NHS at least).

Years ago my mentor (a pp recommended getting one and you should) suggested I read "nice girls don't get the corner office". There's loads of great tips in there.

I've now got the corner office

You can do anything you want to

This is true.

Doesn't mean you will end up as CEO.

I'm in my 60's. Most of my mates (and I) have decided that working yourself up a corporate ladder isn't worth the burn-out.

I am working class - certainly no useful family connections or informed careers advice when I was growing up. I was encouraged as a child to get a job in the library or a bank branch in our local town.

Instead I studied law (first in family to go to uni) and now in my early 40s earn a good income (£200k) as a partner in a law firm. I have always been quite academic and worked extremely hard both at university and throughout my career. However, my job involves long hours and is unbelievably stressful at times.

My advice is that working hard is not enough. Lots of people work hard; many work much harder than I do for a fraction of the reward. You need to work hard in a lucrative area and as others have said be prepared to switch firms regularly to get serious pay rises.

There is no hope for me. I work hard, I've always worked hard but I'm still right at the bottom because I don't want to be a manager. I don't have the personality for telling other people what do, I prefer to just get on with working hard. I have a degree, lots of other qualifications, 30 years work experience and I still only earn 13k. I don't have any good connections and I am fairly unlucky, so that probably hasn't helped. Also, I don't take the world of work that seriously and I can't think of a job I would really love to do, most jobs just seem like pointless bullshit nonsense to me.

Self belief. Act like you're going places, be consistently friendly and polite with everyone but don't get too pally with anyone. Say good morning to the top people and smile and acknowledge everyone you pass but don't stop to chat (you're too busy doing something important).

Flag crap systems but only once you've got a better system mapped out that you can implement. Then implement it and ensure it goes smoothly by getting the team onside by showing them how it will make things easier in the long run. Act like a leader and people will treat you like a leader.

I was crap at all that but there were openings as I was often the brightest, most creative thinker in the team but I didn't believe enough in myself to follow through. Every promotion terrified me and I put being a team player before any ambition to achieve my potential. Don't be that person. I'm early retired now and could have achieved so much more had I just been brave enough.

I think it's called imposter syndrome. Don't let it stop you: fake it till you make it.

Also, I have been asking for a pay rise for 16 years and I still haven't had one. It's pretty demoralising.

OP - If you are good at writing could you like at a career in a corporate in government and policy relations (look at oil and mining companies), corporate comms, investor relations (if you are numerate and confident), company secretarial or internal comms/ marketing?

@NameChanger22 Me and you both - I could have written your post too.

I targeted the financial services industry in university as I knew it paid well, it’s as simple as that. There are plenty of people from a WC background in the City so not sure I’d that has anything to do with it although I’m not from a WC background myself so I can’t say for sure. But I didn’t have to work at all in college (entirely funded by parents) so could concentrate on studying and socialising. Not always in that order. It never occurred to me that I couldn’t be or do anything I wanted to be/do.
I don’t manage anyone, never have, and I don’t have a particularly stressful job but my first job out of college paid £30k back in 2000. I earn a 6 figure salary now. I would be earning more if I had actually liked finance. I hated it, so I’ve never put in much effort or shone in my field. The hours were very long back in the day (I’ve moved into Financial tech now as they hours are more family friendly although I still dislike the sector) which doesn’t pay as well as finance itself but work life balance is a lot better.
So bottom line, from my experience, a lot depends on the sector you choose to work in.

I agree about having self belief and putting yourself forward for any opportunity. Work hard and make sure you take credit for stuff.

The advert for my current job said a PhD was essential. I don't have a PhD, I haven't even finished my masters. I applied and got it.

there's a mindset.
You can tell who will never go very far: clock watching, thinking about "them" vs "us" (whoever them might be), begrudging 15 minutes overtime and so on.

Moving job is the quickest way to be promoted and get pay rise.

Accept the right job, some big names are a huge career boost.

Have a plan: what do you do know, what level do you need to achieve, what's the background and CV of people currently doing that dream role.

Following with interest. To me it seems to be a lot about luck and who you know. I graduated from university four years ago but have been in minimum wage jobs ever since and see no end in sight just now DBro meanwhile dropped out of uni and is now in a well paid CS job.

As PP say, change jobs even internally every couple of years. namechanger22 sorry you haven’t had a pay rise. If I asked for pay rise and didn’t get one I’d be looking for another job/role as you are never going to get on. Appreciate getting s new role isn’t always possible.

Confidence is the way forward as well. Someone approached me and said I should apply for job on the board that was a game changing jump in role and money. Thought it was way out of my league.

Bloke next to me earwigging told me no point applying because he was going to get it. He was absolutely useless and rubbish at his current job. Made the mistake, trying to brag I think, by letting me read his CV. Was lies all lies and you could tell he believed it all

Made me sit down and update my CV. I got the job. yep proper envy on his part

My DH did not grow up with money. He left school at 15. Tried an apprenticeship, worked in McDonald’s, Sainsbury’s and other similar roles. He found a low paid job in a different field and moved jobs every 2-3 years, sometimes less and now he is earning in excess of £100k. That is all with no parental support. He is a worker and he saw opportunities.

I’ve not read all the replies, I know some mirror what I’ll say so I hope I emphasise those points.

I had a similar background, had 2 or 3 jobs at any time to pay for uni. I have a decent salary and a job that people are impressed by.

• as others have said, move companies. I moved back to one sector two levels higher after a short time out. No way would I have done that if I’d stayed with the same company. The change gives you a different perspective (as well as being considered external which helps).

• seize every opportunity. Being willing to take on new projects led to new roles.

• widen your network

• develop a specialism

• don’t think that education ends with formal study.

• don’t blame your past. It’s done and you can’t change it. Look forward to where you want to be and aim there. The management courses I went on advised us to think two roles ahead, rather than one. Do you need more training? Identify what skills you need to move and develop them.

• consider your attitude. I knew a few people who acted like they should be further and were resentful about it, rather than looking to how they could develop. That may or may not apply to you, but consider the way you interact with those that could have an influence on your progress (nb NOT brown nosing).

I think it's all about taking every opportunity you can get and pushing yourself incredibly hard. Networking and also changing jobs regularly helps massively. A large proportion of us work hard and don't really feel like we get anywhere - that's just life.

Personally I feel a £100k salary is ridiculous and can't imagine a single job worth paying someone that much to do. I'm from a very poor background and couldn't even afford to go to university so I'm pretty happy to eventually have made it to £30k and certainly don't whinge about wanting/deserving more money.

I know I could have done better things in my career but I've been shy and let others take credit for my work. I know I could have pushed for opportunities or changed jobs to gain more experience but I chickened out. All this is my fault - not that of others having more money etc.

Make peace with your choices.

I really love my job, it's so interesting and I do it for far less money than I could if I moved sector, went into uni management or moved to get promoted all the time.

I feel happy with those choices though, and now get paid enough (not £100 grand a year, just less than half of that) to make those choices look sensible and enjoyable.

I know quite a few people who earn over £100k, mostly in finance, law, lucky professors, CEO types. I know a couple that recently either quit, had breakdowns, one that made so much he retired by 40 and is super happy and a couple keeping on keeping on, the lawyers can't give up the lifestyle even if they don't like the law (must just know quite a few discontent ones, no idea why).

Personally, I'd rather do what I love. You are doing policy and comms stuff- there's so many directions you could go in. I'd go into a sector you find interesting and you want to make a difference with/gives you satisfaction.

Do not take sick days.

That's bollocks. Don't work for the sort of company (or people) who think that your worth is equal to how many hours you rack up or how many times you drag yourself into the office when you've got full blown flu. It's a rat race and it's not worth it.

What IS worth it, is expanding your current role until it overlaps significantly with the next rung up. Or next rung slightly-up-and-a-bit-sideways. I worked in a job that wasn't going anywhere, progression-wise, but I found ways to get the company to pay for me to gain additional qualifications in the wider field; qualifications that overlapped with other industries and roles. I learned, I took on extra stuff that got me an 'in' to other teams...even just expressing an interest in what other teams do and offering to lend a hand when they're busy can help.

But another thing that's important is knowing where you want to be in life. I don't mean 'knowing your place' or some-such, but knowing where you'll be happy and have a good balance. Long ago I decided that the big salary was not for me because, although I could have had it if I'd wanted it, I didn't want the hours or the stress. I earn good money; enough to live comfortably but still leave work at 5pm each day.

Really interesting thread.

For me, I honestly think that my background means I have no clue about the type of jobs that even exist what pay well (outside of normal Doctor/Vet etc) . My brother is an accountant, senior, and he's only on £40k, so I'm not even sure where these well paid accountancy jobs are that people on MN talk about.

I didn't want to become a Dr or Vet so did retail. Pay wasn't brilliant. I ended up in a very senior position (think UK level) but was only paid £40k - found out the guy before me was paid £70k.

So for that, i concluded that basically you have to believe you're worth more. Never even occurred to me that they wouldn't have paid me the same.

That was a good 15 years ago. Now, I would have kicked up a stink. Then, I just accepted it.

Now a SAHM (no family to help) so earn peanuts in a crap part time job. Feel quite envious of those who earn big bucks and live in nice houses etc.

I'll be encouraging my children to think outside of the box and to research which jobs pay well! Bit late for me but not for them hopefully.

Leveling up... I've started on 35k. In 3 years I was at 65k. My CV has 6 jobs in that timeframe. Atm I'm starting my own business (scary)

1. I've always applied for jobs if I fit at least 50% of requirements.
2. Sometimes 25%
3. Always asked for 5k more than previous place. Apart from one place none have been so bad that I couldn't afford to wait a bit.
4. I'm lucky, as I'm very resilient. Drop me in the Arctic and I'll get by. I had to start over 2 times, one after being a SAHM and one were we moved countries. Try to be "full of yourself"/overconfident. What I mean is if you're timid, shy and not confident boost it to a stupid level. It helps. I know :)
5. Don't be discouraged. It's very hard, but just keep sending your CV everywhere you think you'd like to work.
6. Prep for interviews. I had my first interview when I was 20, then none until I moved to this country (at 37). First few interviews were soooo bad :( Then I sat down and talked everything over acting out both parts. Felt really stupid and silly, but it gave me a set of answers that I could draw from easily.

Also, my career has nothing to do with 2 out of my 3 degrees. So uni is not that helpful. If I was looking only at jobs which are a 100% fit, I'd be hardly applying anywhere. If you think you can do the job go for it. If you have nothing that relates to it in your CV then write a very good cover letter.

My issue is that these headhunter companies employ ppl who have no idea of the sector they are working with. They have a checklist and if you don't tick off the boxes the employer will never hear about you. I try to cut them out if possible (linkedin for example, but more and more ads there are through agencies).

*In think often it’s having been exposed to the types of jobs and roles that exist.

I left uni totally unaware of usual, everyday job titles.

I think if your relatives / family friends had been accountants or project managers or civil engineers you’d have a wide general understanding of what you could do, what it would involve, how you’d get there

I knew about vets dentists and nurses but had no idea of the corporate world and I think that harmed my achievement*

Pinkoboe - you've said whats always been in the back of my head but that I've never been able to put into words.

Everyone in my family has worked in customer service, as accounts clerks or for the NHS, so I had no idea of some of the corporate roles that are available! I wish I'd known about more jobs and industries while I was at college as I really think I would have chosen a different degree and career path. Looking at everything I know now, I think I would have loved to have been an architect, but i work in marketing and I thought at the time that I was "branching out" and being adventurous haha