https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:35:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally/page/2#post-2306144 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 10:03:27 +0000 csross217 2306144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes and no. I work for a tiny (staff of 8) non-profit, and I absolutely love the organization. We're all really close, and we're doing some great things with very limited funding. </p> <p>We eliminated a position recently and I ended up taking over a majority of the duties for only a small pay increase. So, right now, I'm overworked and underpaid... But I love the flexibility of the job and the work/life balance that I have. Unfortunately, there's not much opportunity for advancement. I'm currently being groomed to take over for our Executive Director when she leaves, but who knows when that will happen or if our Board will decide that I'm the right fit for that job. Until then, I'm coasting along in my current position, but might need to jump to the private sector within the next few years if nothing changes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally/page/2#post-2305458 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:34:30 +0000 yoursilverlining 2305458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t know. I’m happy professionally, but am I where I want to be? I just don’t know.</p> <p>These questions are always hard for me (so I generally avoid thinking about them, lol). I’m happy with my job, I’m happy with the amount of $$ I make, and I’m happy with the opportunities for advancement (both for position and $$) that naturally evolve in my current position. I’m good at what I do, but honestly, it’s not something I’m passionate about and I don’t feel like I’m in any sort of personal “niche”. I never have felt that way though. At this stage though, I doubt I’ll make a huge career shift; I feel like I’ve spent too long down this path and now I’m here. And it’s not a bad path to be on, at all! It’s just….I don’t know. Not my life’s passion. But, that’s what I have family and hobbies for. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally/page/2#post-2305428 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 15:04:20 +0000 MrsKoala 2305428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In some ways, yes and other ways, no. I'm doing what I want to be doing but unfortunately, my field doesn't pay well so I'll never move much further up in terms of compensation even with promotions. I don't particularly like that aspect of my profession but I accept it because I enjoy what I do so much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally/page/2#post-2305413 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:47:21 +0000 LadyPantaloons 2305413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have flexibility and am working in a field that's hard to find work in - but little money. I feel like I made a wrong turn in my education years ago, I had a romantic idea of what non-profit work was but now that I'm here I'm overworked and underpaid. I still love what we do as an organization but perhaps I'm in the wrong place. I could have done good things for the community while making a healthier pay check. Looking at a career change though, it may be a matter of me being in the wrong organization. So I own that I need to make a change, I just need to time that change to accommodate a growing family and a husband that has a demanding and bread-winning job in the private sector. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally/page/2#post-2305370 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:14:06 +0000 jetsa 2305370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LuLu Mom: this is where I'm at as well and it's no fun :(</p> <p>@blackbird: good for you. I completely understand the bored part =\ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2305367 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:12:51 +0000 jetsa 2305367@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not really. I have flexibility and work part time but I no longer love my job. I should have switched to teaching but now IL has changed the requirements and with a bachelors degree in engineering I'd have to go back to school for another bachelors which seems silly. I may pursue it once my kids get into school but right now I'm in a holding pattern </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2305314 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:32:06 +0000 LuLu Mom 2305314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly I'm not in the right field (I went for money instead of passion) and I should have stuck with my initial plan of nursing. I think I would be a lot happier, but now I feel like it's my path to make money for my family even if I'm not all that happy. I could go back to school and make as much (maybe more) but that would mean time away from my kids and I'm just not willing to do that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2305259 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 12:54:25 +0000 Mrs. Pickles 2305259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No.<br /> I've essentially peaked in my career, which was previously held by individuals double my age so I feel good about that.<br /> However I don't feel my position suits my skill level and I'm definitely not challenged.</p> <p>This being said I have no idea what I would exceed at, DH and I have this conversation often about my potential being wasted where I am, but I don't have a direction on where to go</p> <p>I just want to open a bookstore/coffeehouse/bakery but given the "big box" options it's totally unrealistic </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304820 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 08:06:28 +0000 Alivoo01 2304820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: Ditto! Given my certification and years of experience, I should be slightly higher up and getting paid way more. However, given my current work/life balance, I'm afraid to give it up! I'm heavily considering it in a couple years when DD will be 1. I'm tired of being underpaid and surely more companies are more accommodating now days right?? *Fingers crossed* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304765 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 07:15:05 +0000 My Only Sunshine 2304765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: Totally agree. </p> <p>I'm in a good place for my family life. When I first started as a lawyer I just assumed I would work all the time, make partner, schmooze clients, etc. Instead, I work part-time and am totally off partner track, but it's perfect for me and my family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304749 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 06:10:40 +0000 lamariniere 2304749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm close. I'm a freelance translator, but I would love to be an interpreter. I currently live in a country where my language combination is not very useful though. </p> <p>@MrsRcCar: and yes, sign me up for National Geographic photographer, or photojournalist! I chased that dream for awhile, but life got in the way and I never really pursued it at a more serious level. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304678 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:00:09 +0000 MrsRcCar 2304678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not really, but oddly I am ok with that. I think part of me is still looking for my true passion. I have always said I want to be a professional traveler or National Geographic photographer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304670 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:52:44 +0000 jhd 2304670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am absolutely where I want to be for this season: mostly SAH, but teaching a few classes as an adjunct at a university 5 min down the street. :) I don't know what I will do long term, but this is perfect for now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304669 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:51:29 +0000 JennyD 2304669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm really good at what I do. I don't find it terribly challenging anymore but the price of oil is really limiting my options right now. I'm well paid and my commute is 7 minutes. It takes minimal effort to be great at what I do, so for now, I've decided to be content. Besides, my LO is three and everything is working. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304646 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:03:31 +0000 DillonLion 2304646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I'm in a role that plays to my strengths, but I'm working on a career change into something I have true passion for, because life is too short and we've worked our butts off to get into a good place financially so I feel like I can take the permanent pay cut and go for it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304633 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:49:03 +0000 travelgirl1 2304633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not at all. I was - not financially but journalism is a tough field to make lots of money in - and I loved it, but never really managed to achieve the same when we moved abroad, and now I stay home. We're about to move back though and I have a lot more professional contacts there and if I can freelance as well as be with my kids, I would be very happy for now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304629 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:41:40 +0000 jlm22 2304629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.KMM: that's my dream job too :) I was lucky that I got to switch from full time to part time (1 day in office - 1 day WFH) and hopefully someday I can be a full SAHM! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304569 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:50:59 +0000 sera_87 2304569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not even close. Which is why I finally headed back full time this fall to finish my Bachelor of Arts (I'm only 2nd year 😖)</p> <p>ETA: I *do* have a college diploma in legal studies from 2010 but wasn't able to find a job in the field after graduating &amp; started university fall 2010.....and then I got married, and pregnant, and, well, you know how that story goes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304564 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 19:45:49 +0000 DesertDreams88 2304564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My dream job is 5th grade social studies with a superb team and an admin I respect. I had that for about 2 years and it was aMAZing. </p> <p>Due to changes in the structure of my school, 5th grade SS was no longer an option and after a miserable year last year, I moved up to 8th grade SS and I am so happy!! It's not my dream job but it's a good job. </p> <p>I anticipate staying for two more years and then re-evaluating schools &amp; districts. I have some personal beliefs about education that aren't really jiving with my current environment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304461 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:38:58 +0000 lady baltimore 2304461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am finishing up my Master's this semester. After that I will be certified so that I can be a lead teacher instead of "just" an assistant. I am looking forward to it, but also apprehensive about balancing those responsibilities with having a new baby. I am not an ambitious person, nor particularly motivated by money beyond a certain threshold, so I am not interested in pursuing "advancement" other than what sounds interesting for its own sake. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304451 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:27:46 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2304451@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope! But I'm graduating in December so I'm on the right track! I'm SO excited!! :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304427 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 16:40:11 +0000 Anya 2304427@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lolnope. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304408 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:40:19 +0000 avivoca 2304408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like I'm in a holding pattern. I like what I do, but I'd like to branch out a bit and maybe work in a different non-profit area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304405 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:36:18 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2304405@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No. I feel like I'm in a holding pattern though. I'm about to give birth and my DH is actively job hunting out of state. His earning potential is much higher than mine because he's older and in a better paying field. Once he finds a job I'll be looking for something better paying and less boring. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304404 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:36:05 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2304404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm currently watching Ellen while my son destroys the house! Soooo... It's ok for now? Haha. I stay home and we want 3-4 kids so I think my career is on hold for a bit but I am totally happy with that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304401 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:28:11 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2304401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Edit: not really. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304398 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:26:58 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2304398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes - I got my dream job 4 months ago. I finally get to be a SAHM and that's all I want and need professionally! :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304396 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:25:30 +0000 ldh112 2304396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am working on my license as a Marriage &amp; Family Therapist. The jobs available pre-licensed are low paying with very high turn over/low company morale (I made more money when I was a barista than when I was a Master's level school-based therapist last year!). Now that I am nearing licensure, I will have more opportunities and better wages, especially if I decide to start a private practice. </p> <p>Currently I am taking extended leave off after resigning from my school-based job when I had my baby (I have a 3 month old). The plan is to return to work in the new year and spend my time off studying for my national exam which is in December. I hope to find something part-time at a local agency (I worked in another county and hated the commute) or attempt private practice pre-licensed in the spring if a certain full-time job I plan to apply for doesn't work out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304391 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:13:03 +0000 MediaNaranja 2304391@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm starting to get itchy feet, even though I've only been at my job for a little over a year. I work in research administration at a large state university. It's not at all what I thought I'd wind up doing, and pretty far away from my background. If I do it *too* much longer I'm afraid I'll get stuck! And it's not like I expect to earn gazilllions of dollars, but I did think at this point in my career I'd be making significantly more than what I do currently.</p> <p>What I do like is working at a university in general, and I am starting to keep my eye out for positions that are more closely aligned to my interests. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-where-you-want-to-be-professionally#post-2304385 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:07:02 +0000 ShootingStar 2304385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup, I love where I am. I like my industry and what I do. I design software so that it's user-friendly. I have a well paying job with a good company and I'm up for a promotion this year. </p>