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I started wth a job that paid just a couple of dollars more than min wage. I used that to gain a year of experience, then applied for a job that paid a bit more than that.
The next 2-3 jobs I took every opportunity to add responsibility to my position, never turning down an opportunity to learn. Mostly I did not get raises for this additional responsibility, occasionally I did.
I then went into business for myself, gaining all of the skills you would expect from a successful business owner. Marketing, contracts, sales, finance, real estate, construction buildout...
Sold my business and went to work for a larger employer, then a larger one. Published a few papers on supply chain management, spoke at a number of conferences, did some consulting, and became a recognized expert in my field.
I was recruited by a F500 company to deal with some issues. Didn't much like it there.
Decided to change my industry and moved into a career that was a minor facet of my previous path.
If I had to pick out one factor that helped me, it was my interest in learning the details of my job, and truly understanding the industry, rather than simply performing tasks. That, combined with my willingness to take on more responsibility allowed me to advance.
I got comfortable working in retail banking. I wasn't taking school seriously, attending on and off. Tuition reimbursement was convenient. So was the fact that I was very close with management. Ultimately a new VP came in and "managed me out."
I left voluntarily, of course, but it was because his tendency to micromanage was stifling. I was under appreciated, underpaid and overworked. Realizing all of this, I applied for an internship through my university (with the help of an internal referral) at a F500. Even this summer position paid significantly more than the bank.
Long story short, I started as a FT associate at the company a couple of weeks ago making twice my retail banking pay + great benefits. Really glad I woke up.
I'm now focused on school, earning a livable wage, looking forward to my late twenties, and hopeful about my future.
Don't know if the OP was strictly interested in a white collar job, or blue collar, but in my early years of employment, I found a job that hired me while I went to a vocational college at night. After 4 years, I graduated, and had a Journeyman's license, and was making top pay.
For people who've been there, how did you step up and get a better job?
Detailed responses would be appreciated. Please and thank you.
I went to night school to learn computer programming starting at the age of 22. That was in 1982-83, and my first job programming at a machine shop in central New Jersey paid $6.50 an hour!
I had been working in a savings & loan for about $225.00 a week and since the hours were pretty short I also worked at a supermarket part time as a cashier. I could see the savings & loan business with its low incremental raises, was a dead end for me. I have a knack for math so programming was a logical step.
My grandmother lent me the money for night school, but many others in my class got government loans.
I am a college dropout. If I'd had a college degree, even in some B.S. major (and I don't mean Bachelor of Science) then I still may have gone to programming school but my first job would probably have paid more than $6.50 an hour.
For people who've been there, how did you step up and get a better job?
Detailed responses would be appreciated. Please and thank you.
I was employed by a TV assembler. Starting pay $6.50 an hour.
After 1 year, the dept I was in was eliminated, so I was moved to another one. (Minor raise)
after 3 years I was made co-ordinator (Major raise) $11.90 an hour
2 years later I was moved to QC (Boss got tired of me doing only what was needed) Still kept the same pay rate (Japanese are nice folks) $12.50 an hour.
I took no classes, got no training (Beyond basics) and generally drifted along. They later shuttered the division and moved it to Mexico...Screw them, I don't buy their crap.
Location: IN>Germany>ND>OH>TX>CA>Currently NoVa and a Vacation Lake House in PA
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This is not rocket science. First of all, improve your educational background. Secondly, look for other opportunities, and be willing to take a chance here and there. Maybe even consider moving if the right opportunity presents itself. You and you alone are responsible for your success, and waiting on it to come to you is not wise.
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