Am I committing career suicide?

Question

Here's the deal: I'm 23 and have been on my first job for a year. I am absolutely miserable. I moved 6 hours to take a job in sales where I am in my car all day (over 1,000 miles/week) and live alone. I haven't been able to meet anyone in my new city b/c I work ALL the time. My boss is a jack. He is always screaming at our team about sales quotas; only negative motivation or de-motivation. I am so depressed. I finally went on anti-depressants 2 weeks ago and they are seeming to help, but I think it's too late. I'm terrified I'll get fired b/c my boss knows I'm not happy here, and he thinks over-the-top used-carsalesman behavior is a must for my job (my clients hate it when he comes along with me).

I'm hoping to move back home to re-establish residency in my homestate and pursue an MBA next year. Am I committing career suicide if I move? I figure quitting a job with a relocation is better than up and quitting in the same city. Plus, I'm terrified I'll get fired, and I don't know if it's better to wait for the axe to fall or to quit.

People say I'm young enough that it doesn't matter, but I'm second-guessing myself so much!

Answer 1

Not at all. Most people work 7 or 8 jobs during their working life and not necessarily in the same field.

Career suicide is a myth... If you're good enough then it matters little that you have switched jobs. In any event, you are young and if you're leaving to better yourself academically then this is far from career suicide. This is a very common path.

I know many people who have been switching career paths up until their 30s... fact is loads of people do it. Some workplaces even promote people who have a more diverse working background above those who have remained loyal since graduation!

The really important thing is that you are moving because you feel that this workplace is not for you and that you have more to contribute to another. Be confident of your reasons for leaving and be able to argue them and you'll be fine.

Best of luck with whatever decision you make and best wishes for your future career!

(BTW - I'm 25 and am currently with my third employer since college and considering doing an MBA and switching careers also and have absolutely no qualms about doing so!!)

Answer 2

You're committing career suicide by NOT quitting this job.

If you applied for a job in August 2010 with a resume that looked like this:

August 2007 - August 2008 - sales job.

August 2008 - August 2010 - In college, graduated with MBA

That is not career suicide, in fact, it's just the opposite.

Answer 3

Quit now and get moved home to enroll in classes for the fall. It is definitely not career suicide. It is YOUR sanity, and there will be alot better jobs come along. Good Luck!

Answer 4

It really doesn't sound like that job is going to get you anywhere at all! you really have nothing to worry about in terms if committing "career suicide" in that respect. That does not sound like a career... more just a pain in the @ss! move back where you will be happier and go back and get your MBA. I am the same age as you and I think one of the most important things to keep in mind is that with the economy and the job market the way they are right not there really is no sense in rushing into a career. You are better off staying in school. I say, tell your boss to s***w off and take back you life! you cant let them steal your joy like that.

Answer 5

You are okay.  You are 23 -- and believe it or not, you are still at the beginning of your career.  I am in sales too -- and have been for 20 years.  Unfortunately, when you start out in entry level jobs, you do get a lot of people and managers like your boss.  I think that you have been there a year -- and if you move then you can explain that on a resume.  There are sales jobs out there where you don't have to have the used car salesman approach and you are smart to realize that.  Keep honing your skills and find a product/service that you are passionate about and you will excel.  Go ahead and quit this job -- even if you don't get an MBA...you can always say that you just needed to be closer to home.  Just make sure that you leave on good terms and ask your boss if he would write you a recommendation (that you can show to prospective employers).  Good luck!

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

you just said how miserable you really are, if you reread what you wrote, what advice would you give that person?  if you're physically ill, its time to move on, you're health is the most important thing and you need to take care of yourself =)  i hope you feel better soon!!!!

Answer 8

Well it's obvious this job isn't good for you. You need to find a different one. Getting an MBA may or may not be a good move considering what you are looking for. It may put you above the rest for a management position, but since u have just that one year I don't think it would do much good. That and you may be over qualified. Maybe take a different job that you actually like and enjoy at least a bit. One that doesn't make you take meds. Then maybe in a couple of years a bit before you are ready to move up then the MBA. As for relocating, if you have to do that to get an MBA then sure, of if you find a better job there. You can stay there and get a different job and save on moving costs :) Bottom line = ( i know it's cliche... but hey...) do what makes you happy, not depressed!