Job seeking advice needed

[G35Guy]

Ok, I've been working in my current job 3 years this January. I feel that I'm making $5,000-$10,000 less than I should be for my job and experience. I also am less happy at my workplace, than ever before. We have hired 4 new people in the last year and they all annoy me greatly. They are always talking, and making noise and just annoying in general. I'm definitely less productive because of them. Some of my other coworkers feel the same way, so, it's not just my perception. I also would like the opportunity to move up in a company and the company I work for is very small (8 people), so there is little chance to move up. Everyone is pretty-much equal, except the owner, of course.

The pluses to this job are that it's stable and I think my position is pretty secure. The money is pretty good, although, I do think I am making less than I could be. It's 10 minutes from where I live, so the commute time is very nice. I do enjoy a couple of my coworkers.

I would never dream of leaving this job without having another one secured, and there lies my problem. This is my first job in this field (computer programming), previously I did medical research at Ohio State U for a couple years. So, my only work reference is from someone not in the field (although, she's still a great ref.). I can't use my current boss as a work ref. or he'll know I'm planning on leaving. What do I do here?

Also, how do I go about taking days off for interviews, etc? I can't say I'm going to interview for another company. I have no vacation days left until this January. How do people usually tackle this?

I'm feeling kinda stuck.

Thanks for any thoughts...

[pisces2473]

Can you hold out until January? Good luck and keep us posted.

[coll214]

I'd have to agree w/ Metfan... If they are seriously considering you, I don't see why they wouldn't be accomodating by having the interview either right before or right after work. Or as a last resort, call in with a sick day if you can...

[Rainster]

Discrete coworkers can provide great references as to your teamworking/networking styles. I've listed college friends as "colleagues in the field" for references. ;)

[PRGirl]

I've been wondering the same thing. I've only been at my current job for 7 months (first "real" job out of college) and I've gotten a great amount of experience, but the company I work for is having serious financial problems. There is talk about restructuring and layoffs and I don't feel a great deal of job security (the position I have was eliminate a few years ago when they restructured the first time). My goal has been to move to Chicago in June, but I'm trying to step that up a notch now. Here are some questions I have: Will potential employers even consider me with under a year of experience? Who do I list as references? Do I mention my current situation and lack of job security in my cover letter? Basically, I'm pretty lost right now :confused: Thanks for the help!

[G35Guy]

Thanks..some great ideas!!!