Career Change -- but Whcih Job to choose??? Help!

I'm 27, looking to switch careers right now. I'm leaving the mortgage industry because its too corrupt and you have to be "creative" to make money in that business, especially in today's market. Besides that I didnt get any salary or benefits or bonuses, it was commission only. Which isnt too bad since some moneths I made over $10,000 but other months I didnt make anything. Annually, I typically made $55,000. So please help me choose my next job which I want to be stable and long term and somewhere in northen New Jersey...

My current options:

1. Town Police Officer: would be in Bergen or Morris county, tough to get into since its highly desirable but I have very good connections and would be going to the Morris County Academy Alternate Route system. We know there lifestyle and in thos counties, there isnt much violence or crime. Pension is awesome, and salary can reach 6 figures in your 5th year.

2. Pharmaceutical Sales Rep: I already nailed the phone interview and waiting for the face to face. Pfizer is interested. Its $55000 plus bonus plus a company car. I hear this is a very tough position to get.

3. Executive Recruiter: contacted by a company that is number 1 in the UK and only hires executives with salries that range between $200k and $1 million. I would get a small salary plus bonuses and many perks such as many company trips to all over the world, plus a huge expense account to take clients to sporting events, dinners, and shows. They said $100k in 1st year is reasonable and their top earner makes close to $900k a year.

4. Inside Sales: for a real estate strategies company: new business development for an award winning consulting, advisory, and transaction services firm. It offers salary plus commission. I do not have too much info on it yet, but it seems very interesting with daling with the commercial real estate industry.

I have links to all of these jobs and I have a resume. Please let em know what you need to make an informed opinion.

How do you know numbers three and four are legit? How did number three find you? Off an internet board? Only MHO, but I think number three stinks to high heaven. Again, only MHO, but too many things about it sound like a scam - especially the UK aspect. Moreover, I understand recruiters earn commissions based on candidates' final salary. It sounds too good to be true - and anything too good to be true probably is.

I don't like number four. I don't like the sound of "strategies." To me, and, again, only MHO, "strategies" in this context sounds like baloney. On what basis will you be salaried? Would your salary be a draw against commission? Even if it isn't, unless you produce you won't be there long.

Nothing wrong with being a cop, but what is meant by an "Alternate Route System"? I've never heard of police officers making six figure salaries. I spent a weekend in Bergen County nearly forty years ago. I recall it was upscale.

I think your choices are law enforcement or selling pharmaceuticals. I would finally advise that nothing legitimate comes easy. If it is a real job and real work, expect to work hard. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Thank you very, very much. The recruiter job was on Monster.com under the company name Huxley. It was ranked as the #1 place to work for in the UK, here's the link...

jobview.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=65487824&JobTitle=Sales+Recruitment+Role+-+%24100%2c000+per+year+-+1+to+2+yrs+experience&q=huxley&brd=1&cy=us&vw=b&AVSDM=2007-11-21+16%3a30%3a00&pg=1&seq=34

and here's the strategy link...

jobview.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=65487824&JobTitle=Sales+Recruitment+Role+-+%24100%2c000+per+year+-+1+to+2+yrs+experience&q=huxley&brd=1&cy=us&vw=b&AVSDM=2007-11-21+16%3a30%3a00&pg=1&seq=34

Here again, did Huxley contact you off your posted resume? Recruitment is very much a sales job and I have received mega-emails for sales off my job board resumes. I would check out the UK number one claim. Perhaps it is, but you are in the good old U S of A. Would you have to move to England? Assuming not, dealing with an overseas company could be a hassle.

Further, how well qualified are you really to recruit executives who earn a million dollars a year? Rhetorical question; I'm not doubting your abilities. But a reasonable person would think an operation that matches big-shots with big companies would want prior recruiting experience. Finally, would you be recruiting these executives immediately or would you be started on lower-level positions? And how many companies are recruiting for $200K-$1Meg per annum executives?

The Real Estate Strategies Corporation job promises no nights, no weekends and no travel. It's fairly close to you, in Kenilworth. Ideal situation, right? Trying to hook you. But so many jobs require at least sporadic weekend and night work.

One more thought: If these jobs were so fantastic, these outfits wouldn't have to recruit for them. People would beat a path to these places and beat down the doors for these jobs. Once more, if something is too good to be true it probably is.

Finally, no matter what job you choose, research these places thoroughly before committing. Try the Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys-general fraud units, etc. I don't think you have much to worry about with Pfizer or the PD, but research them, too. Only my two cents. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

#4. Anything in the transaction is usually very shakey. I'd bet that you don't want any more of that!

#4. Anything in the transaction is usually very shakey. I'd bet that you don't want any more of that!

To be in inside sales you must be an auditory type person.

Outside sales is more of a position for a visual or other.

Although they sound similar they are far apart in task.

I am also seeking a career change.

What are the best most stable industries out there?
What specific job titles?
What training?

I'm.... mmmm... over 40. I need a new industry that will steer me in to the next 25 years of highly likely to be continuously employed regardless of age.
I need a great to high paying industry.

What can I do now?
What can I do in the future with new education?

I have a Bachelor of Business. I have substantial IT related experience.

Any ideas?

Given your parameters, my two cents is you expect too much. Who doesn't need a great to high paying industry? Don't expect continuous employment for the next twenty-five years. Experts agree long-term, continuous employment is an outmoded concept. Even younger people cannot expect continuous employment anymore. Further, age is big factor. Despite experience, skills and expertise, employers want the cheapest workers and they always think older workers want more money only because of longevity in the workforce.

Carefully review your strengths, weaknesses, work experience, knowledge, most and least favorite work activities, interests and passions. Something should suggest itself. Good luck with however you proceed.

Thanks.
I've been working at $91 K most recently in the 1st year with a company that is now downsizing 25%.
I'm seeking an "industry" that is do-able long term and/or a new career direction.
Not necessarily the same company as that's been long proven to be not likely for most people.

In the event of age, High vs. lower pay for younger workers, random company instabilities, downsizings and similar issues, I'm still looking for what direction I should move toward & educate in which could potential also be done as a self-employed person if needed.

jpbaldino in Riverdale, New Jersey said: Thank you very, very much. The recruiter job was on Monster.com under the company name Huxley. It was ranked as the #1 place to work for in the UK, here's the link...

Recruiter jobs are extremely high turnover. Sounds great but it does take time to close the deals & get paid. It's good that they are offering a base pay. That's the only way you should take the position.

With the money you're earning I'd try to ride out any downsizing and hold onto the job for as long as possible.
Everything is relative, of course, but $91K would have been a pipe dream for me, even if I had risen to the top of any of my three professions.

I reiterate my comments about inventorying your strengths, weaknesses, abilities, temperament, interests and passions, and seeing what fits best. Bearing in mind, of course, that no job is forever anymore.

Wow, this forum really isn't good at all, so far I've only had 2 people reply to my question and have had everyone else complain they need a job too. Its like talking to my family, ask a question and get an answer that doesn't relate to it. Thanks.