By Holly Zenith 

After years of working as an administrative assistant, Susan finally broke into the ranks of management. Eventually she changed companies and continued on her career path.

Over time, problems arose in her new position. Politics were ugly at the new company, and Susan didn’t believe she had the savvy to navigate such treacherous waters. To make matters worse, she was made the scapegoat for a project that went awry. When she was able to prove that it had not been her fault, she was perceived as “defensive.”

Then an administrative assistant position opened up in an office near her home. The hours were perfect and the salary wasn’t that bad. It was a job she knew she could do, and it would be a lot less stress.

Susan decided that she wasn’t management material after all, applied for the job, and got it.

Three years later, she regrets the decision. She’s applied for higher level jobs at other organizations, but because she went back to the secretarial realm, employers perceive her as administrative support material. She says if she had to do it over again, she would have left the toxic company but worked to remain at her current job level.

Jackie was a nurse. The work was tiresome and often grueling, but she was proud of her work, and truly enjoyed interaction with her patients and their families. But she eyed the position of the director of her department. The director didn’t change bedpans or deal with patients who were upset when she wasn’t able to respond to their summons immediately. The director also earned a higher salary, and worked regular daytime hours consistently.

So Jackie went back to school and upgraded her portfolio. She landed a position similar to the one she had her eye on. The salary was great. She enjoyed the respect that goes with being a senior professional. She also appreciated having her own office, with a desk and a chair - - ahhhh! To be able to sit down on the job!

But after a few years, she realized she wasn’t as happy as she had been as a nurse. Most of all, she missed the regular contact with the patients. After considering the matter for several months, she stepped down from her position and returned to nursing.

She says it’s the best decision she ever made.

Jan’s father was an attorney. Jan’s brother was an attorney. Nobody was surprised when Jan went to law school and became an attorney as well. As expected, she joined the family business and performed splendidly.

She denied to herself for years the fact that she hated it. Finally, during an argument over Thanksgiving dinner a few years ago, she blurted out that she would rather be a florist. Of course, laughter erupted, but Jan couldn’t let go of the idea.

Finally, after talking with a career coach, she made the leap and accepted an entry-level, minimum-wage position at a florist’s shop. She also took courses on flower-arranging.

After a few years of hard work, she opened her own florist’s shop. She works long hours, doesn’t earn very much money because most of the income goes back into her business, but she is having a blast.

Is it advisable to go back down on the career ladder?

Yes, if it’s part of a longer term strategy, or if you realize you truly are happier there.

No, if you’re trying to escape an unpleasant situation or if you’re not clear about your goals.

If you’re contemplating such a move and are struggling with doubts, consider doing one or more of the following:

1) Give yourself plenty of time. If, after a few months, you feel the same way, your idea may have merit.

2) Talk to a mentor, preferably one who has made a few careers moves and understands the pros and cons.

3) Consider hiring a career coach. There are many available – all you have to do is type “career coach” into any search engine and hundreds will appear. (And also type “how to choose a coach” for a variety of guidelines and important considerations when choosing a coach.)

A career move is always a tricky thing, especially when the results aren’t obvious or guaranteed. However, if you’re considering a career move in any direction, the fact that it’s on your mind means it’s something you should pay attention to.

Holly Zenith's mission is to help women go from where they are now to where they want to be. She is particularly passionate about helping women leave unsatisfactory jobs to pursue their true passions. Please visit her at http://www.hollyzenith.com/sq.html.

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