![[C] Starting Your Career](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/bEGWnwIaczqF3yCmAD35G/7656f890c73bc0bd9b4e9a1542b8e0d0/Starting_Your_Career.png)
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
Pattern I
(subject) + (verb) + nine-to-five
- use this when describing a regular, traditional work schedule
- typically from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday
Examples:
She works nine-to-five as a graphic designer in a corporate office.
I left my nine-to-five job to start my own business.
Pattern II
(subject) + (verb) + [preposition] + bottom of the career ladder
- refers to the starting or lowest level of one’s career, where the person typically has the least responsibility and experience
Examples:
Many people begin at the bottom of the career ladder and gradually move up through hard work.
She started at the bottom of the career ladder in marketing before becoming the department head.
Pattern III
(subject) + [verb] + dead-end job
- use this when describing a job that seems to have no future prospects or opportunities for promotion
Examples:
I feel stuck in this dead-end job, with no chance for promotion.
After working in a dead-end job for five years, he decided to quit and pursue a different career path.
Pattern IV
(subject) + be snowed under + (with) + (noun)
- use this expression when you’re dealing with a heavy workload or feeling overwhelmed
Examples:
I’m totally snowed under with work this week; I’ll need extra time to finish everything.
He’s been snowed under with paperwork and barely has time to take a break.
LET'S READ! 📖
Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.
Situation:
Two friends discuss their career challenges and goals over coffee.
Emma
Jake
Oh, you know, still stuck in that nine-to-five grind. It’s not terrible, but I can’t say I’m thrilled either.
Emma
I hear you. At least you’re not in a dead-end job like I was last year. I felt like I was going nowhere fast.
Jake
Yeah, I remember you talking about that. But look at you now! You set your sights on that project management role and actually made it happen. How’s that going?
Emma
It’s been a whirlwind, honestly. I had to tackle so many things head-on, especially in the first few months. But I finally feel like I’m settling in. It helps that I click with my team. We’ve got a good rhythm going.
Jake
That makes a world of difference. I’m still at the bottom of the career ladder, but I’m trying to stay patient. It’s tough when you feel like you have more to offer, you know?
Emma
For sure! But don’t downplay what you’re doing. Every step counts. You’ve been getting a lot of hands-on experience with those client accounts, right?
Jake
Yeah, and I’m hoping that’ll pay off when a higher role opens up. I’d love to hold a position where I have more decision-making power. Right now, though, I’m completely snowed under with reports and deadlines.
Emma
Ugh, I’ve been there. Just keep pushing through, Jake. All that effort will add up, and when the chance comes, you’ll be ready.
Jake
Thanks, Emma. Hearing that from someone who’s already moved up the ladder definitely gives me some hope.
Emma
Anytime! You’ve got this, Jake. Just keep climbing.
QUESTIONS
1. What type of job does Jake currently have, and how does he feel about it?
2. What career milestone did Emma recently achieve?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase.
| bottom of the career ladder | dead-end job |
| nine-to-five | be snowed under |
Lily just graduated from college and started her first job at a big company. She knew she was at the (1) because she had no work experience. Every day, she worked a typical (2) schedule, starting at 9 a.m. and finishing at 5 p.m. It wasn’t her dream job, but she wanted to gain some hands-on experience by working on real projects.
At first, she felt overwhelmed because she was (3 ) with so many tasks. But instead of giving up, she decided to tackle something head-on each task one by one. She dreamed of a better career, so she set her sight on becoming a team leader in the future. After a few months, her manager noticed her hard work and offered her the chance to hold a position as a project assistant. She was happy to know that she wasn’t stuck in a (4) with no future!
B. Direction: Look at the "Would You Rather" questions below. Choose your answer and explain why.
- Would you rather start at the bottom of the career ladder in your dream job or have a high position in a dead-end job?
- Would you rather work a nine-to-five schedule with weekends off, or work a flexible schedule with random days off?
- Would you rather be snowed under with work but well-paid, or have a low-stress job with average pay?
Hey, Jake! How’s work treating you these days?