There’s a weird middle space I’ve been noticing—
where you’re doing well financially, career is solid…
but your time, energy, and options don’t feel fully yours yet. It’s not a money problem exactly.
It’s how everything fits together. Curious if anyone else feels this?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Yes it means you are still learning how to be truly competent and capable. Next step is to learn how to get out our your comfort zone to take a leadership or entrepreneurial role/risk. Some do, some do not.

like

Any suggestions on how to take the next step when you discover you truly have been used and discarded by your company? When I discovered I’d been lied to about our team being outsourced effective immediately I was met with threats of legal action for questioning why he lied instead of just telling my services were no longer needed. Now I’m struggling with the next steps. I’m limited on any job sites. I have to restrict my profile so that it is only available to employers I apply to. I was warned my previous employer actively monitors all of them to see what updates I make to my profile or public posts. I feel like a caged animal. I have a tremendous skill set and my years of experience offer a unique perspective for the company and its customers as well. How do I move on without risking any attention from them? How do I market the experience I gained there without fearing they be contacted for any reason. I am somewhat ashamed to be associated with their network at all.

Yes

Welcome to the upper middle class trap. Find ways to challenge yourself professionally that would make you reevaluate your current position.

Related Posts

How often do you all train abs?

like

Is there any advice for networking into projects when you don’t know many people at the firm yet? I always to help on BD work when I’m on the bench, but it never turns into any billable work. Every time I have talked to a partner/senior manager I was told I don’t have the skill set they’re looking for, but I don’t know how to build up from there. Feeing very lost but I want to improve my approach.

likehelpful

For fishes who have b4 pension plan, have you been able to add it to mint or personal capital?

like

Which platform do you find best for affiliate marketing?

like

Hello - moving the NL with my Dutch husband this Summer and am interested in MBB. I don't have a masters (not common in the US), I have my bachelors. Is it possible for me to still get into MBB? Is anyone willing to chat about office culture and willing to give a rec? Thanks!

like

Any recommended study material for CIPP and/or CIPM (still debating the two)?

Anyone else just absolutely despise Kryterion and their service reps? They are so rude and I just can’t stand it

likefunny

I currently have both of my retirement IRAs in SPY (Roth & Traditional). I rarely ever see anyone here invested in SPY, it's usually a vanguard fund like VOO, VTI, VXX etc. What's you're reasoning behind that, and alternatively if you're in SPY, why?

like

In-hand for below offer?

Post Photo
like

I like my job, and my team, and what I do. But damn if I’m not underpaid 😅 small company problems lol. I know I’ll have a salary review next spring (one year) but I’m working a second job cuz student loans blow ass lol. Gotta repay those degrees I don’t use anymore 🙃

Don’t mind me just venting lol. Carry on!

like

Why are people not good at ending zoom calls? I feel like I’m always the person who throws in the closing statement (I.e, ok well sounds good is that all? Have a nice day! This was helpful thanks Karyn..looks like we’re at top of the hour already) 🤦🏻‍♀️

likefunny

Hi. People Manager here. I've been one for 12 years now and I encourage my team to not be "yes" people. At this time, it feels like my manager wants me and my team to be yes people for her. How do I deal with this? I've never been a yes person and I don't preach this to my reports. I don't know what to do. Help?

Thinking about a move to Dublin this year, having worked overseas for 9+ years. Haven’t a clue what I should be looking at in terms of salary or reputable agencies - can anyone help? Not sure if the roles are the same but at a GAD level moving into Client Partner. Have tried researching online but not sure on the accuracy. Thanks 🙏🏻

Any manager present here ??
My current CTC is 8.5 lpa , YOE - 5.5 and i hve an offer of 18lpa
Thing is I want to get retained by Wipro, can Wipro retain me with 13 or 14 lpa ??
I want to know from manager perspective how they retain someone

like

I am joining JPM as a VP. Which brokerage accounts are permitted at JP for personal trading?

like

SEs, do you have any side hustles for weekends or weeknights?
I'm in a very HCOL area and my 165k TC isn't enough to comfortably buy a million dollar house (which is a 50 y/o SFH that needs TLC on prob a 1200 living sqft).

Wondering if any of you work side gigs during your free time?

like

Which certification will look better on a CV, a CSPO or a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager?

like

Is there any requirement for consultants in US offices or have we over hired and there’s already excess?

likehelpful

I’m at a late-stage startup right now and helping optimize their recruiting process. I’d love to hear your raw thoughts - what did you like/dislike at Series C-E startups where you’ve interviewed? Do you expect a live case / take-home case? What’s reasonable? Anything else?

like

Additional Posts in Startups and Entrepreneurship

Does anyone have any advice on requesting data from municipalities (beyond just a foia request)? Working on a startup idea related to infrastructure but will need to get municipalities to give me extracts from their land use databases.

like

Any good recommended books on how to build a scalable product and team? I'm looking for recommendations for two areas: 1) in general laying the groundwork in a startup to have the tools and especially processes in place to scale, and 2) tactical focus on building a SaaS project. I've been promoted into a management role from Dev roots, so need to learn more PM processes to be an effective manager in day job, plus would like to start building my own SaaS solution.

like

What’s a profound way to start a business? The desire to make social and economic impact? Or personal wealth? What should be the main driving factor? I’m curious what your guys’ thoughts and opinions are on this. Feel free to drop a comment :)

like

Hi guys, a plea for help here 🙏🏻 have any founders here gotten an O-1 visa or an H1B transfer into their startup? Would greatly appreciate hearing your advice / experience over DM

like

Really confused as to whether to incorporate my NY- based makeup startup as an LLC or an S-corp? Not based in NYC if that matters and no revenue yet. Should I be looking into Delaware at all (specifically a Delaware C-Corp) if I do plan on raising capital at some point down the line? Also - for any FDA lawyers out there, what is the problem with developing makeup (specifically foundations) with SPF? I've heard it's "heavily regulated." What do I need to be aware of? Thanks in advance !!

like

Side hustle or startup ideas for someone who isn’t technical/doesn’t code? Where should I look or where to begin? I don’t have any strong passions or specific skills that I’m confident in. What books, articles, blogs, orgs, events, people I should follow for inspiration that has helped you? I have some cash to invest and am looking for a part time hustle that can cash flow at least a little bit of money on the side.

like

I have a business idea in the VR/AR space utilizing AI. However, I lack skill sets to evaluate viability or to create an MVP. Neither do I have a network to tap into.

My plan is taking classes to deepen my knowledge while joining and actively participating in communities to find collaborators.

Does this approach make sense or do you recommend other approaches? If it makes sense, do you have any recommendations for classes or communities?

Look forward to hearing your experiences and wisdom!

like

Recommendations on the best podcast, book, or other medium to learn more about “entrepreneurship through acquisition”?

like

New to startup ecosystem. What are some resources, books, podcasts that help you along the way? Are there any communities you interact with regularly on Reddit/discord/meetup?

like

I used to have a ton of good startup ideas in university, but now at 26 I can't seem to come up with unique ones that I want to act on.

I don't know what changed but how do I get that creative flow again? What gives you startup ideas?

likehelpful

Who do you back with and how are they rewarding you?

like

Does anyone have any experience with B2B buy now pay later? While I understand number of SMEs and volume of online transactions are important drivers, keen to hear different perspectives incase I’ve missed anything vital.

like

So, I just joined a startup. No processes, no clear strategy, just one goal: selling. Getting leads. When ever I try to build a strategy, they (founders) swamp me with blablabla stories and not a single action plan. Is this the usual at startups? Also,no real company culture. At all. No HR. I am reaaaally struggling to get a sense of belonging here. What should I expect?? Tia

like

Anyone here into buying distressed commercial debt from banks and collecting on it or selling the assets?

like

Let's vote! Which startup type is most likely to have a dysfunctional or toxic work culture:

Helpful: Single founder bootstrapped startups
Smart: Single founder funded startups
Uplifting: Multiple founder bootstrapped startups
Funny: This poll is dumb.

Comment if you would have selected multiple founder funded startups!

funnyhelpfulupliftingsmartlike

I have the opportunity to work at a fintech startup (less than 200 employees) or I can work at a pretty esteemed consulting firm. I do plan on going to B-school eventually. Anyone who can give me advice for deciding where to work?

like

Hello,

We are starting a candle company from scratch in Europe.
My questions to you are :
What is important for you to buy a candle?(Price, scent, design)
What design do you like? (Simple, Colourful, Natural)
What would be your tips/feedback when starting a candle company?

Kind regards,

Timothé

like

What is a reasonable salary/comp expectation for a startup who has $20-25m funding and 50 employees? Had a 1st round interview and they also mentioned equity options, but nothing in detail. Role would be UX Engineer, 4-5 YOE.

like

Is anyone currently engaged in or knowledgeable about health care consultancy? I am looking to start a consulting business anchored around healthcare quality on the clinical side.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal