Dear Auntie,
I just turned 24 years old last month. I have completed my bachelor’s degree in industrial chemistry. Since then I have been working in a private pharmaceutical company and have been doing better as compared to my classmates who graduated with me. The problem is that I don’t think that this is the right field for me. This particular industry is not what my degree is right for. The job I am doing is one that usually pharmacists do and it is no surprise that there are many pharmacists working in my office.

Moreover, a hectic job schedule, night shifts and labour interaction make things difficult for me and these factors are having an adverse effect on my health. I got admission in several universities abroad to do my Master’s, but I was unable to go due to financial constraints.

I tried to apply in multinational companies (MNCs), but it seems that they are already saturated and I got no response from them. I can’t leave this job as it helps me to support my family. I am really confused, please advise.
Anxious

Dear Nephew,
Even if you don’t like your job, you have probably learnt a lot while working in the company and that can never go to waste. If you end up working in another industry that is more suited to you, your experience in pharmaceuticals, such as dealing with workers will probably help you there as well. Also, given the current global situation, be thankful that you have a job in what is considered an essential industry. You are probably among the lucky ones who can keep the home fires burning while the world is locked down.

Take the time to think about your interests and the industry you want to work in, and slowly start working towards that. From now on, prioritise this. So, start applying for jobs in your industry of choice and work on upgrading your skills. A simple Google search will tell you a lot about what is happening in your industry of choice. Are their conferences, webinars, courses and industry-specific groups you could learn from or join? Take out the time to do what you can in your area of interest at this time, and grow your knowledge and your network. Even during lockdown, there are probably a lot of forums in your industry that you could be connected to online. At the same time, keep applying to jobs that are relevant. And it doesn’t have to be an MNC. If you are in the wrong field, but working for an MNC, that can also get pretty stressful and a couple of years down the road you might find yourself in a situation similar to the one you find yourself in today. The idea is to introspect and ask yourself what you really want to do with your life. And then patiently start making inroads into that industry. Keep checking for jobs and applying in your industry of choice. In that respect, the only advice is ‘keep at it.’

‘I don’t like my job, what should I do?’

Remember, applying for jobs is an exercise in patience. You will get a response when the right job turns up. A no response or silence from a company or an academic institution that you have applied to does not mean it is the end of opportunities for you. It just means that you have to wait a little more for the right opportunities and that you should keep looking for them. If you want to go abroad, search for scholarships and keep an eye on how educational institutions will work in a world post the Covid-19 crisis. A lot will likely change and some unexpected opportunities may turn up. Look for them.

In the meantime, I would advise that you stick to your job and do it to the best of your ability. With the global economy being what it is, be grateful that you have money coming in. And devote your free time to laying the ground for entry into your field of choice.

 Auntie will not reply privately to any query. Please send concise queries to: auntieagni@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, EOS, April 5th, 2020