#careerswitch

Hi I’m currently at a company with higher pay but toxic manager. Thinking to return back to company with same title and pay when I left. Is it worth the switch?

Just joking. It is not even equal pay and benefits. But it is a much smaller, cozier company, the people in charge seem decent, overtime is not really a thing (I made sure to check), they are not doing constant layoffs, and it is an entirely different role. A change of scenery and pace is more than welcome, and I wanted to get ahead of what is inevitably coming - more cuts, offshoring, and mind-numbing stress. It’s a win in my book. Wishing you all the best.

I started with Edward Jones in 2018 and left in 2024; I am White male with a degree in finance and two of the big professional designations. Because of DEI, I never received a Good Knight, was never approached about an RTP, and never got my own office. All the while I noticed that EJ catered to the "lowest common denominator" and gave all kinds of assets/handouts, RTPs and offices to "persons of color" (an Edward Jones' term), female FA's and the "alphabet community". All to check the box of DEI, and I can say with the fullest of confidence, it was far from earned. For those of you who do not know if an FA shares/gives assets to a person who fits the DEI mold, the giving FA receives an additional 10% compensation. They seem to predominantly hire ill-educated, sales type people.

The training was a joke; it was all sales based. I never received legit training directly related to financial planning, investment analysis, portfolio management, etc. I learned all of that on my own through designations like the CFP, CIMA, and CFA Level 1. The culture is definitely a "cult" and talk about "fake friendships". It was definitely a weird social environment. Early on I stopped taking TAP trips, going to summer Regionals, and all of the other mindless meeting/events that EJ holds. I forgot to mention, I was offered a failing office from an FA that was terminated. I knew that FA and I knew how horrible to book was managed and wanted to nothing to do with it. I turned it down and they took it SO personal. If I would have fit the DEI mold, I would have been handed a "gold mine". I saw that on many occasions. It didn't really bother me, I believe in a meritocracy. I wonder how the clients would feel about it??

Anyways, I built a book from zero to Level 9, producing $850,000 in a 6-year time period. I took a million dollar check to transfer to a sophisticated firm and have transferred 85% of my book. The remaining 15% can stay put for all I care. It is nice to be around legitimately educated people who understand capital markets, investment management, and financial planning. This firm values quality over quantity and there is zero DEI cr-p. If you have formal education in finance, economic, business, etc, EJ is not the place for you. I stayed for longer than I should have due the COVID lockdown. That slowed my exit by about 2 years.

Is it better to stay working at Nike during these challenging times or would it be better to consider a Career change?
What other careers could Nike associates with our experience enter?

As for me, I'm on the fence because I can't stand living in Oregon. I'd like to move but have no idea yet what other careers to research.

About to start a new job, with a significant raise, at a tech company, doing work that will actually be seen.

Just know it’s possible to escape, to land on your feet if you get laid off in the new year, and to redefine yourself after several years at Dell. Growing companies who treat people like people really do exist.

If you know how to repair Ford vehicles. Jim Farley stated you can make up to $120K a year working as a Mechanic at Ford Dealerships. With the never-ending recalls, which a lot of you crackheads helped create there's plenty of job security.

It is so heartbreaking reading these comments when is the next layoff, are we next?...this is honestly no way to live. Instead of being under the golden handcuffs...step outside your comfort zone and look for an alternative job! This is no way to live

For those that were RIF’d, are you looking for employment in your same line of work, or do you desire something completely different?

Ready to retire after 30 years at Shell and don't plan to ever look back. Corporate life nearly ki-led me slowly, but at least I’m financially secure. I know many are not as lucky. One thing's for sure, I'm never going back to that grind. The office politics can stay behind me forever.

For everyone that has left and are happy elsewhere, where do you go to?

Trying to figure out what to do and what to focus on. Thank you.

I’ve seen some go into consulting or startups, but others just disappear from the industry altogether. It's like people either reinvent themselves or burn out completely.

I'd love to hear from people who have left and learn more about any tips you have for navigating the post-Cengage career journey.

What do you miss? What do you not miss? What have you carried forward? What have you left behind? What did you learn from your transition? How would you approach it differently if you had to do it all over again?

Well after 13.5 years of loyal service including 2 moves halfway across the United States I was unlucky this time and got left standing. I remember when I got hired I was told during on boarding that I had essentially won the lottery and that I can work 30 years and retire a millionaire. Well I've been through 4 re-orgs across 3 business units. But hey I still have a chance to land a lesser paying role during the quick PDC. I've devoted almost 25 years of my life to the oil industry and now I'm left scratching my head wondering what I'm going to do. Do I switch industries and hope that I can find a comparable paying job or do I uproot my family once again chasing the dream to remain in the industry that has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams? I have years of knowledge but can't hang a college diploma up in my office. It's sad because I feel that the company that I dreamed of working for not value on the job knowledge the way they value a college diploma. I feel like this company is turning in to a popularity contest and upper management not wanting to be challenged with new ideas or ways of doing things they seem to want yes men/women.

All this talk about layoffs. Save your breath and apply at Lockheed Martin. Most start at $40 or more an hour. And when they see that you either work at Halliburton or was laid off, they will fast track your application. If enough people leave, JRC will close anyways.

Never until I started working here did I think I would ever pursue a career change in a completely different field. Extra change is going toward savings and extra time (because sc--w working late now) is going toward the classes. It will be my side hustle until the glorious day I resign. And if I get laid off like so many of us, well, I'll be ready. Get out ANY way you can!

I was laid off 3 times in 2 years working in tech. Rather than get laid off again, I'm going back to school.
www.businessinsider.com

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sarah Henschel, a 35-year-old former tech worker and current master's student based in New York."
Microsoft mass layoffs: Thousands of jobs cut, Xbox division hit hard

https://mashable.com/article/microsoft-mass-layoffs-what-we-know
2025-09-06