Career Today: Help Tarun!!!

CAREERS TODAY: COUNSELLING
Help Tarun!!!

I am a 35-year-old advertising executive who has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past three years. Prior to this, I was working with an ad agency in India, as senior account manager. However, as my family has not been able to adjust to Saudi, I am now compelled to go back home. I am an MBA from IIM Bangalore, and worked in a FMCG company for five years, before I got into advertising. In Saudi Arabia, I have been working as client servicing director. My problem is finding a job at the same level in India. Should I look for a job in one of the ad agencies or look for employment outside the advertising industry?

With your qualifications and experience, I don't think you would have too much of a problem finding a job. You could apply to your earlier employer-ad agencies usually don't have much of a problem on re-entry. As you have also worked in an FMCG company, you could apply to consumer marketing, and even service marketing companies. You may need to come to India for about three or four weeks to clinch a deal; it will be difficult for you to get a job sitting in Saudi Arabia. Also, once you are in India you will have the time and flexibility to explore other options.

I am an MBA, working in the paints division of a MNC for the last one year. Previously, I was working with a leading fan manufacturer, and have three years experience in sales and marketing. I am looking for a change in my job profile. Where I should look for a job? Also, would a CFA be a good option for me?

Why do you want to do a CFA? Aren't you happy with a sales and marketing career? Are you inclined towards finance? With your experience you could look at durables, non-durables, and the service industries. Of course, you can do a CFA. But unless you are clear about which is the right career for you, it may be a qualification, but not necessarily one that will chart your career!

I am a 32-year-old working mother with an eight-year-old son. I work for a leading securities firm in the research division. My firm has recently got a new research head who is a workaholic and insists that everyone works late hours. I have tried to reason with him, but without any success. I have another offer from a rival firm where hours are not an issue. But the problem is that I like my current job. Should I tell him about the other offer, or should I try talking to the CEO? I have worked in this firm for the past eight years and feel it's a shame that I have to leave because of one man's stubbornness. Kindly guide me.

Well that 'one man' unfortunately is your boss! The first thing to do is to talk to him. If you have been a good performer in the past, it would be easy to argue that hours have not affected your performance. If that does not work, you should speak to the CEO-since you already have an alternative offer, and will not have to suffer embarrassment if your request is denied! If he cannot do anything or even if he does, it may not be a nice situation for you, as you might annoy your boss for going over his head to the CEO.

On the other hand, it's a good idea for you to stick around, as in a new place you will have to adapt to a new work culture, and prove yourself all over again (that might entail working more hours in itself!).

As you have a school-going son, you may not really need to spend as much time with him now, as say a few years ago. So turning your boss around may be your best bet. But if it does not work, don't worry-sometimes change comes from necessity.

I am an IIM-a graduate working in a foreign bank for the past six years. I am 30 years old, have already been made an assistant vice-president, and was even sent to the US for a three month training programme. But I want some variety in life. This is my first job. I have seen many of my seniors who have spent their entire lives in the bank. I find the prospect somewhat scary and yet, am hesitant to rock the boat. Please advise.

A good benchmark would be to compare yourself with people who have been in the bank for long-are you similar in personality, values, goals, and ambitions? Then look at people who have left to do other things. Which group do you identify yourself more with? This would give you an answer. And once you have decided to change, any service industry-be it finance, insurance and non finance are good bets!

Tarun Sheth, the senior consultant at the Mumbai-based recruitment and training consultancy firm, Shilputsi, addresses your career concerns every fortnight. Write to Help,Tarun!!! C/O Business Today, F-26, Connaught Place, New Delhi-1.

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