Balancing Home, Career and Benefits

Q: After working for a large corporation for 23 years, I resigned for personal reasons. After taking a couple months off, I found a job at another large company. I was paid much less, but was home every night and didn’t have to travel. I was content.

A few months ago, a former boss who had become vice president of a small company called and asked if I would be interested in managing the staff. The pay is good, but there are no benefits. I was so flattered, that I didn’t think twice before saying yes.

Now I’m stuck in a job with no time off for holidays, no medical insurance, no 401(k). And my boss gets upset if I leave after putting in 10 or 11 hours a day.

I am afraid to quit for fear I may not find another job because of my age (even though I know it is illegal). I see a lot of ads for management trainees, but I am past that at this point in my career.

But I seem so tied to the job that I’m miserable. Please help.

--K.D., San Pedro

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A: It seems like you have three alternatives.

You could talk with your boss and see if you can restructure your job so that it is more tolerable. You could try going back to your last employer or seek a similar position in another company. The third option is to launch an extensive job search.

You don’t say if you had management experience with the large corporations. But you have gotten some experience in your current job, which might help you find a management position elsewhere. You might consider contacting a career consultant/search firm.

The key is to package the work skills and experience you have accumulated in your career. Although many companies are focusing on young talent, there are still plenty of organizations that are hiring talented and experienced older employees.

--Ron Riggio, director

Kravis Leadership Institute

Claremont McKenna College