Career Advice: Help! No Degree and Feeling Stuck

Dear Debbie:
I have recently found myself at a stand still. I have about eight years of experience in child care, four years as an uncertified teacher, and three years of experience in employee supervision.
I have employers tell me that my background is excellent, however during the interview they ask if I have obtained a degree. The answer is NO! I have the experience with no degree. Most of my employers promoted me because of my ambition and hard work. I now am stuck with the issue of taking a large pay cut if I continue in the fields in which I have experience. This will literally put me in debt or cause me to lose everything I have worked for. I left my last employer for failure to pay me consistently and at times not paying me at all. What do I do next?
Fran

Dear Fran:
Here’s something important I want you to think about: First, review all your background, job by job, and identify your biggest accomplishments and strengths in each one. Write these things out and title the page “Fran’s Successes”. Put that document where you will see it on a regular basis and continue adding to it as you think of others. This step reinforces what you say that employers tell you – that your background is excellent. You must completely believe in yourself so when interviewers ask about your educational background, you can tell them with confidence that, no, you don’t have a degree, but you do have the experience and can-do attitude needed for the job. Tell them you have been promoted in the past because of that ambition and hard work you put into your previous work. Employers will hire for attitude over skills or education if you can express it clearly and confidently. This will help you stay in those fields you’ve been working in and make the money you deserve.

If you’re thinking of switching to another field, you don’t necessarily have to start from scratch. Objectively review your resume and job history and pull out the experience, knowledge and skills you’ve obtained over the years. Think about other industries or jobs that could utilize what you have to offer. Ask around, review job descriptions to get some ideas, and do informational interviews with people in other fields to see how you might fit. You may be surprised to find that your experience in one field is just what another industry is looking for. Again, start by appreciating yourself for what you’ve achieved and don’t be timid about letting people know those strengths. The confidence and positive attitude you display will take you far.


Do What You Love...Love What You Do! Career Advice for People on the Move.
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