In this episode, we talked about:
- The main differences between career in your 20s and career in your 30s.
- How to determine how much you should be making in your early 30s.
- How to ask for a raise if you’re not making what you think you should be.
- The signs that it’s time to leave your company and pursue something else.
- The importance of tuning in to your feelings about your job and being aware of any signs that it might be time for a change.
Listen to the full episode now:
“The transition between 20s to 30s for me personally was really kind of diving deeper into who I was and creating a foundation for myself.”
Timestamp:
- 0:00 intro
- 2:32 how Ellen started as a career coach
- 3:56 difference between career in your 20s vs 30s
- 8:55 how much should I be making in my 30s
- 10:33 how do I ask for a raise
- 13:09 how do I initiate a conversation for career review
- 16:56 salary increment range and how to do market research for salary
- 18:38 talking to your peers about your salary
- 20:16 how to speak to recruiters
- 22:11 when do you know it’s time to leave a company
- 27:05 Wendy’s career change experience
- 30:41 dealing with life events which leads to career change
- 32:33 spiritual awakening – tuning in for your career growth
- 37:32 misalignment in your career path
- 40:48 career vs. self-identity
- 43:49 follow Ellen on social media
- 45:10 invitation to talk to us about your career struggles or questions
- 46:51 outro
“When you’re burnt out, it’s very, very hard to make a career change because a career change is something that you have to spend time and energy on.”
Connect with Ellen:
Ellen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachellenchua/
Detailed Summary:
Introduction
Welcome to Small Girl Big Talk, where we talk about all the big stuff in adulthood like relationships, self-identity, career, finance, and all the other important things that you care about. I’m your host Wendy, and my hope for this podcast is to bring comfort and help you to feel just a little bit less alone in your adulthood journey. Today, we have a special guest, Ellen, a holistic career coach who helps corporate Asian women quit their boring, meaningless jobs and transition into their next five-year career focused on progression, purpose, and well-being.
The Difference Between Career in Your 20s and 30s
The main differences between a career in your 20s and a career in your 30s are not so much about the age itself but more about what you go through in life between those years. In your 20s, you’re still figuring out who you are, your skill sets, and your strengths. You may also be dealing with imposter syndrome and a lack of knowledge about how to manage your boss, colleagues, and career progression. In your 30s, you have more confidence and experience, and you’re more likely to share information and talk openly about your career. You’re also more certain about your skill sets and may be exploring new opportunities.
How Much Should You Be Making in Your Early 30s?
The first thing to consider when thinking about how much you should be making in your early 30s is where you’re at in your career. Are you happy or unhappy? Are you utilizing your skill sets to the maximum? Do you have advocates within the company? What is your progression path? Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start to think about salary. In Malaysia, most large companies give an increment of about 3 to 5% to cover inflation. However, this is not the case for all companies, so it’s important to do your research. You can start by looking at online platforms that offer salary transparency, such as Payscale and Glassdoor. You can also talk to people in your network or recruiters to get a better sense of what you should be making.
How to Ask for a Raise
When it comes to asking for a raise, it’s important to be prepared. You should have a regular meeting with your reporting manager and a career wins list that highlights your accomplishments and impact on the company. In your one-on-one sessions with your manager, make sure you’re doing 90% of the talking. Update your boss on what you’ve done each week and what you’re working on. This will help them see your value and make them more likely to consider your request for a raise. When you’re ready to ask for a raise, make sure you have a significant career win to discuss, such as launching a successful project or saving the company money. You can also discuss your progression path and timeline for getting there.
When to Leave Your Company
There are two main things to consider when deciding whether it’s time to leave your company: happiness and progression. If you’re unhappy in your career to the point where it’s affecting your overall well-being, it might be time to consider a change. If you’re feeling burnt out, it’s okay to quit without a job if you have savings. Give yourself time to recover and heal before starting your job search. If you’re unhappy because your job isn’t aligned with your strengths and personality, or if you’re not being given opportunities to progress, it might also be time to look for something else. Finally, if you’re not growing in your job and feeling challenged, it’s definitely time to consider a career change.
The Importance of Tuning In
It’s important to tune in to how you feel about your job and be aware of any signs that it might be time for a change. Technology can be a distraction, but it can also be a helpful tool if you use it strategically. Follow people on social media who inspire you and make you think about things that matter. If you’re constantly tuning out in your career, it’s a recipe for burnout. Find something that allows you to tune in and think about the bigger life questions outside of your day job.
Conclusion
Career is not just a black-and-white thing. It’s also about your spiritual growth, emotional health, and relationships with people. If you’re feeling lost or unsure about your career, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are people who care and want to see you succeed. Remember, you’re not alone.
