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Original poster

I'm just not earning enough!

48 replies

oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 17:43

I did a degree, but I was rubbish at carving out a career.

I now find myself in a job that is average pay and you don't even need GCSES FOR!

I need to earn more money. Is there a way to transfer my skills as a Works Planner in to something like a Data Analyst?

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated?

OP posts:
Whatisthisanyidea · 25/03/2023 17:51

First step is to look at a job description, you should have a covering letter that is strong and ‘can do’ attitude

A lot of skills are transferable -

Like ‘In my previous role I was tasks with …. Add what they are looking for

I am experienced at making decisions and aligning them with company stratagems.

Being a team player and curious to gain knowledge in all areas of the business has enabled me to do X

Look up ‘interview questions for data analysis’ and really research the companies.

Look at the top 100 blue chip companies like banks and insurance for a wider chance of promotion or different department

Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:18

Thank you! Great idea looking up the interview questions. I never really understand job descriptions!

I will have to look if they do apprenticeships too, as I am literally going nowhere at the moment.

It is affecting my independence too earning such an average salary and I feel gutted that I am wasting my degree.

OP posts:
Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:19

Thank you for the prompts, I will use them.

OP posts:
Dotcheck · 25/03/2023 18:20

What is your degree?

Dotcheck · 25/03/2023 18:21

And how long ago did you do it?

Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:21

English Literature.

OP posts:
Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:21

20 odd years ago!

OP posts:
Quitelikeit · 25/03/2023 18:23

Go into teaching?

Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:27

My DC said I would off myself if I went into teaching - besides maths and science are not my strong suits to say the least!

Thank you for the suggestion though.

OP posts:
FinanceLPlates · 25/03/2023 18:28

What does a Works Planner do? Could you develop towards Project Management roles?

Dumdumbetterrunrun · 25/03/2023 18:30

Could you look at a graduate scheme or to do a vocational masters? There are schemes out there to get people into teaching, social work etc, its usually funded and you'll qualify in 12-18 months

Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:31

I organise, schedule and help plan works for engineers.

I have no idea how to get into project management. I do not want promotion in this field either.

OP posts:
Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:37

Project management does sound very interesting though.

My friend is a Tester of IT projects. She fell into that as a school leaver and now earns great money. Once again have no idea how to get into that.

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 25/03/2023 18:40

Careershifters are quite a good organisation for this.

And data analysis certainly a growth area..

itchyhand · 25/03/2023 18:41

Have you googled "free courses England" or wales or wherever you live? That could give you a taster for a few things and then you can try and figure out a career path using the national career service?

Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:42

I have never heard of that. I will have to look them up.

Currently working with a bunch of mean girls and I need to get out of this hell!

OP posts:
Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:44

No I haven't googled that but I will. National Careers Service sound really good.

It would be good if I could find a data role where you are trained, as I am unsure how relevant my current experience is.

OP posts:
Cornwallintherain · 25/03/2023 18:46

Oooh interesting thread. I have a similar job to you OP and the pay is ridiculously low

The National Careers Service was a load of BS though. I used them and was told to retrain as an administrator 😂

I have a technical degree and a masters in data ffs

Cornwallintherain · 25/03/2023 18:48

The other thing they suggested was a Digital Marketing Assistant or a gardener.

😂

Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:49

Omg @Cornwallintherain 🤣. I reckon you need to phone back and get a different person!

OP posts:
Apollonia1 · 25/03/2023 18:50

You could do a project management qualification, Eg PMP, Prince2, Agile/Scrum. It would take a couple of months to study for the first two.
Project managers can earn great money in IT.

Original poster
oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:53

@Apollonia1 my family member did suggest those course to me, but how do you get a job in that field with no experience and just the qualification?

OP posts:
christmastreefarm · 25/03/2023 18:58

oktoknowit · 25/03/2023 18:37

Project management does sound very interesting though.

My friend is a Tester of IT projects. She fell into that as a school leaver and now earns great money. Once again have no idea how to get into that.

Sideways step for a lot of people in my org. Eg working in finance / service / sales then moving into IT to provide support on that area of system. If you have an understanding of the business then you can learn the IT skills, many roles are more functional where business knowledge is more important than technical skills.

Cornwallintherain · 25/03/2023 18:59

I was also recommended the project management courses! Can you do them while unemployed? (I've been handed the redundancy card!) - the local jobs are still only around 22k for PM.

<insert grumpy but silly face here>

Hubblebubble · 25/03/2023 19:05

You did an English lit degree, if you can read then you can write. Can you type fast? Transcription/academic note taker? Got an eye for spelling and grammar issues? Proofreader and editer. Got a creative flair? Copywriter.