Work wanted!

That’s right, folks. I need a job. The economic downturn has hit business brokerage very hard, but to tell you the truth, it was always difficult. I’ve spent the past couple of weeks sending out resumes and filling out online applications – locally, and even out of state. I’ve only had one response thus far, and it turned out not to be something I was willing to do.

My career problem is essentially this: I’m stuck in sales and don’t know how to get out. My work history is heavily sales-oriented, so this is what I’m best “qualified” to do, if anything. Most of my previous jobs have been salaried with a commission, but a few have been commission-only, including my present gig. These jobs are easy to get but hard to keep. Sales and marketing work is notorious for high-turnover and high-burnout, and to be honest, I can’t sustain the false enthusiasm required to be successful in sales. As a result I have changed jobs too many times – roughly every two to three years – and this looks very bad to employers.

When I had my own business, I built it from the ground up to the point where it was generating almost $30,000 per month. This took only two years, but it required endless door-to-door marketing. I was aggressive. I even got myself thrown out of office buildings. Maintaining enthusiasm was easier because I was the owner. It helps to believe in what you’re selling.

But I’m 42 years old, with 25 years of work ahead of me, and I want to get out of sales. Starting another business would be grand (and I have more than a few ideas), but this requires money that I don’t have.

I do think I have some valuable experience in other areas. Owning a businesss required hiring and managing employees, project estimating, production scheduling, quality control, purchasing, profit and loss responsibility, and many other things. My experience in business brokerage -  in addition to the heavy marketing – includes performing business valuations, negotiating contracts (purchase, lease, employment, etc.), interfacing with attorneys and CPAs, and successfully keeping buyers and sellers from going at each other’s throats. I once worked as a consultant for public schools, in which I had to organize training workshops for administrators on mandated cost compliance issues. I have done some technical writing and public speaking.

I have a B.A. in Economics, two A.A. degrees (electronic technology), and a California real estate license. In the distant past I held a Series 3 license and sold commodity futures. I am active with the local chamber of commerce and serve on the board of directors.

My salary needs are modest by California standards. Although I would much prefer something local, we will consider relocating for an opportunity that has serious long-term potential. We don’t want to live in a big city again. I’ve begun the novena to St. Joseph, and I ask for your prayers as well. If you, dear reader, have any suggestions or ideas – especially if you are an employer – I would be most grateful to receive an email from you ( jeff.culbreath@gmail.com ).