For the first time since starting my career, I feel stuck. I left a new position a few months ago that wasn’t a good fit on both sides. I stood out if you know what I mean. This is the first time in two to three years I didn’t have a prospect right away or before leaving. It’s the first time I’ve felt directionless, unsure, and ready for a change.

I’ve been toying with the idea of leaving the industry I am in, which is difficult when my experience is industry specific. I’ve been stuck because I’ve been struggling between chasing after practicality or my personal interests in my career. Do I follow work I don’t mind that pays well but is boring or do I start transitioning into a new industry I know nothing about but that could pay well once I gain the experience (and who knows how long that’ll take). There’s also no guarantee I’d like the reality of the new career path, if I happen to transition to a new industry.

I’m at a point in my life where I’m too experienced for certain roles and under qualified for others that my industry is currently hiring for. Outside my industry, these roles that claim to be entry level want years of experience or a specific degree. I have transferable skills, but I haven’t found someone willing to take the risk over those who are experienced in the field.

Companies also use programs that filter out applications depending on keywords, so who even knows if my applications are being looked at. It’s been hard to navigate through scams and find a job that’s entry level outside of my industry.

Part of the issue is that I want to be more educated and have been looking for a job that can add to my resume and skill set. I like learning and I want to learn more so that I can be successful in my work and personal life. Learning on the job is a lot slower paced than I have the patience for. Jobs teach based on their needs, not on your interests or skill level. In my experience, knowledge is on a need to know basis. Jobs don’t want to have to teach or train on something new unless a position is opening up and they think you specifically- personality, skill set, loyalty, and all- will fit. It doesn’t matter how fast you learn or smart you are. I learned that in the role I left. My boss was unwilling to teach me though the previous person was cross trained once they started.

I’ve also been thinking that because my experience is industry specific and potentially different than where I want to go, my resume isn’t up to par. This plus the various microagressions I’ve experienced in the last few years, has led me to thinking it’s time to get a masters degree.

I didn’t think the day would actually come where I would consider going back to school. I’ve always said I wasn’t sure if it was worth the money if it’s not required for your field. I still wonder about this. However, when I was talking about how I need a certification or degree to bulk up my resume and make the transition out of my industry easier, I was reminded of something.

I have continuously complained that I feel like I’m not taken seriously in my workplaces. I’m young, I look even younger, and I’m quiet, so sometimes it’s mistaken for incompetence or aloofness. On top of that, I’m Black and a woman, which brings unwarranted stigma around my intentions and capabilities. I’ve been working in my career post college for three years in administrative roles, and in an interview I was asked if I have experience using Outlook and monitoring an inbox.

Unfortunately, it’s sort of the price we pay as black women in businesses we don’t own or run. Maybe, now I’m just hyperaware of it, but microagressions have come again and again since I started my career and it’s getting annoying having to go above and beyond just prove that I’m capable on a baseline level. (And even then, still not being trusted or fairly compensated).

It’s hard watching others slack, struggle, or ask you for advice while they make more. In no way do I know everything, but I know where my experience lies and my potential. I know how dedicated I am and how quickly I learn. My resume shows growth in the positions I’ve held. It sucks when my history isn’t taken into account.

Because of these issues, I’ve been considering grad school more and more. It’s an opportunity to learn, bulk my resume, and enter a new industry. This hiatus is giving me an opportunity to get surgery to hopefully help with my autoimmune disease. Luckily, I have time and support to think and research on if a masters degree is best for me.