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 Expert
Posts: 1304
 
| Need some job advice!
Graduated May 2017 and have a B.S. in Agribusiness and Masters in Ag. Always had a jobs or usually multiple jobs. Been managing my step father's 300 head Beef farm since August 2017 when his Farm Manager quit and I've learned and done so much, it's crazy! I can do things I didn't learn in school: mow/ted/rake/bale hay, make haylage, make corn silage, process calves and manage cattle, brush hog, know something about planting crops and pasture management, can drive a skid steer/tractors/mini excavator/can drive and back a gooseneck easy (you all know that's not the easiest), and I've had to physically do the work installing water lines, waterers, planting trees, etc for USDA CREP and EQUIP programs. I keep all the receipts, know the cows and their calves, do the record keeping, create invoices for the USDA. I passed the state Nutrient Management exam so I can be certified to write plans in May and we're almost ready to put our calves in a 200ft bed pack barn that was just built. I WANT to be apart of that...
But I don't have any retirement, good benefits, room to really move up, the pay isn't fantastic, and my relationship with my step father is so tense which really bothers me most of all.
The pros are that this position has taught me SO much and who doesn't love the days when it is nice outside, as well as this position came with a farm house to live in since I have to be available for farm needs at the drop of a hat and 24/7. So that makes the pay doable.
I'm just not sure when I should move on? I really would love longevity on my resume but I'm also looking at my future. I'm 25 and would like to have some of the benefits I don't have now, and want to be in a position to buy a house at some point which I just don't feel I can now..I eventually want to work in Extension or the USDA. I've looked into other career options but feel it's smart to use my degrees. Just having a hard time navigating if and how long I should stick it out or move on. I want my next position to be a long career.
Advice please?
ETA: I moved to their area for the experience. I really wanted hands on experience and that's what I've been getting. I didn't go into it thinking or wanting this to be a long career. Just thought I'd add my intentions.
Edited by blccwgl55 2018-11-18 11:40 AM
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
 
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | Find someone who can help you prepare a terrific one-page resume. Join Linked In and set up your profile as Open for jobs. Begin looking at Ag Service providers' websites and their Careers tabs to search available jobs -- apply for all that appeal to you. Remember the first job you accept is not your forever job -- always work to prepare yourself for the next step up. Good luck! |
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 Veteran
Posts: 129
Location: South | I would look at usajobs.gov. That is how you apply for USDA jobs, and they would be right up your alley with what you just explained you can do. Also the pay and benefits with the federal government are very very good. I also think it's very commendable you looking into retirement, benefits, and such. Just keep your head up, and something will come open when the time is right. |
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Expert
Posts: 1304
| Thank you guys! I've definitely been looking and will look into your suggestions. It's very true that it may not be my forever job! I guess I'd like to get my foot in the door somewhere that allows me to be with a company that I can move up with and hopefully retire with but that's so far off. Haha. I'm also up for moving again but still hard to bite the bullet at times. My soon to be fiancé (I can say that because I know for a fact he has a ring  Lol) works for a great company and thankfully they have so many locations so that makes it easier for sure. Just not as easy when you have 2 dogs, a horse, and chickens! |
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Veteran
Posts: 152
| Always good to look ahead and figure out where you want to be. You have a good job now, start casually searching and fine tuning the resume. When the right job is posted go for it! :) I've been very happy at previous jobs, but if a better opportunity comes along - I'm not about to pass it by. Always watch out for yourself, always look ahead and know what you want in terms of working conditions, benefits, etc. |
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Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | And never feel bad for your employer that you are leaving. I manage a grain elevator and we have young people leave all the time. I tell everyone of them. I will never hold it against you if you are leaving for a better job to better yourself. I also tell them that nobody is going to look out for you but yourself. We all have been in their shoes. |
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Expert
Posts: 1304
| Thank you guys for the advice and support, I guess that's been a fear of mine is upsetting him as well but I think he would understand. |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| blccwgl55 - 2018-11-24 12:58 PM
Thank you guys for the advice and support, I guess that's been a fear of mine is upsetting him as well but I think he would understand.
I would hope he would understand.
If you can find a different job in the area would it be possible to keep a hand in the operation? Maybe by keeping the books and having him hire physical help?
I’m a grain marketer and after I moved in with my then fiancé/now husband I was commuting 75minutes to work. I didn’t think I wanted to leave my job, but an opportunity with a competitor came up just 9 miles away and I am soooo glad I jumped ship and took it, and not just for the commute. |
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Expert
Posts: 1304
| That is very true..right now I haven't seen much come up in this area so I've had to apply to things 1.5-5 hours away. I would love to continue to help if I would happen to get a job close to here!! I'm sure that is a huge pro having your commute cut down like that! I'm sure I'll think differently once it happens, but I somewhat miss having to go to work. I do now of course, but it's on the farm and I live on the farm and my life is the farm! I think that getting up, looking decent, and having to be at work at a set time and place was good for me and actually helped me to adopt more of a routine. It's not that the farm doesn't have one but it varies so much and sometimes I feel like that I come home and it's not the sanctuary I'd like it to be, because cows may be out at 8pm or there's something wrong somewhere! Just got a text that cows are out. Enough with my feelings! Lol |
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