Anyhoo - yes, this is an AE. But you probably knew that already. I'm sorry if this gets long...
I'm depressed - like actually depressed.
This weekend, H and I deduced that we think it has a great deal to do with my current work situation. I saw a thread on SB that just brought it to the forefront of my mind. I respect and value your opinions more than many of my IRL friends, and I can't imagine a better sounding board than you ladies right now.
My current work situation is this: I work for a very small company. My direct boss has worked in this industry for nearly 15 years and I have worked in this industry for just over a year and a half. We are owned by someone who has worked WITH our industry for roughly 30 years, but never "IN" our industry (if that makes sense). I spend my days basically selling our service to people and taking care of things like utilities.
Many of the things I do each day, a trained monkey could do. I do not feel challenged. I do not feel like I'm making any kind of contribution. I do not get a sense of accomplishment from my job - eventhough without me, my company would not have generated new revenue in the month of July.
When I try to take initiative to create a new marketing strategy or develop a way of doing things that could be more effective, I get a "Oh, yeah, that looks good, let me take a look at it and we'll talk about it later." Then it never happens - even if I make an attempt to bring it up.
I enjoy what I'm currently doing from a customer relations standpoint. I love making people happy and helping them when they need help or being the hero when their hot water is out. But the sales portion of my job make me pretty miserable. And I dont think it's a secret (to you guys) that my boss drives me up the wall.
Here's the thing: I want a change. But I dont know how to make it happen. I have a degree in communications, but I dont have much experience outside of this current job.
How would you suggest I look at a career change? What do you find most rewarding about what you do?
I feel so lost and unhappy and I'm not enjoying it.