Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights.
I graduated with a first in English when the recession was at its worst. Consequently, I was fixated on stability and survival, even though that meant relegating my real love – writing – to a hobby. I’ve done well as a result and at the age of 27 became head of the marketing department at a mid-sized company.
I saved most of the money I earned during that time and a year ago I left to explore. I did some contract marketing work, wrote a book and learned that I’m infinitely happier earning less and writing more than I am spending 40-plus hours a week doing marketing, however great the product or the team.
There’s no way I can make a living from writing just yet, so I need a part-time job, or a full-time one that’s less mentally taxing than a senior marketing role.
The jobs I have been applying for during the past few months are either going to less experienced people who are committed to the marketing ladder (I’ve made it clear I’m happy to take a substantial pay cut), or equally experienced marketers who have other reasons for going part-time (presumably children) that don’t involve working towards an eventual career change.
Contract work is relatively easy to get because it doesn’t matter to either party that the role isn’t the dream job. But I’m looking to buy a property in the next few years – I have great credit and a decent savings pot – so a long-term, stable income is a requirement.
My question is this: how do I pitch myself to potential employers when it’s clear from my CV that my real passion is not the thing I’m applying for?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
