I’ll start with just a brief history to set the scene. I did a business studies degree and got a first but had no idea what I wanted to do so applied for every graduate scheme going. I accepted the M&S retail management scheme and worked in it for 5.5 years. During this time I did a masters in retail management. My role increased in seniority during that time, but I was miserable and decided to start studying ACCA on the quiet. I knew this would be difficult as a lot of classes were evenings and weekends when I was required to work.
M&S then advertised a payroll managers position which I got, and I did for 2 years while studying. Since then I’ve done finance analyst roles in other companies.
My current role as a finance analyst is beyond boring and feels very junior, although the pay for the location is good. I’m one of a team of 4 all doing the same thing.
I feel stuck, my career hasn’t progressed the way I would have hoped. I’m now 35, have a degree, a masters and my ACCA qualification and work in a role that I feel I could have easily done 10 years ago.
I know I can study more to differentiate myself. There are no growth opportunities with my current employer, and they’re pretty open about telling us that. It’s located in a very small town, is the main employer, so when local people get a job there, they don’t leave.
Any thoughts on what I could do next?