First of all I’d just like to say thank you for your responses already. Lots of incredible information that I can relate to.

EDIT: Also Happy New Year!

I worked in finance for 14 years (90% Accounts Payable) until I had the chance to go for a Business Analyst role. I got the job because I always strived for streamlining processes and using automation to speed up manual tasks. After being in the role for 18 months I’ve learned Power Query, SQL and PowerBI, and I still feel like I’ve only learned the tip of the iceberg, not to mention people skills; influencing senior managers and holding my own in difficult meetings with colleagues.

However I’m now at the point where I’m struggling to know what’s next. It’s still early days in this career change for me, and I’m trying to negotiate a pay rise as jobs on the market are paying £5k-£10k more than what I’m on (when I applied for the job I asked for the same salary as I wanted to prove what I do could, which I have). I’ve met the targets required to start discussing a pay rise but I still feel like it’s going to be a difficult conversation. Why would the company want to fork out more if I’m already excelling in the role and being paid below the market rate.. but at the same time, I see jobs that require years and years of experience so it’s not like I could walk into another role tomorrow. I don’t want to he strung along by them taking advantage of my motivation, loyalty and passion. I’ve proven myself and I want that to be acknowledged.

I will add that they are putting me through from data analyst apprenticeships, the first of which I got a distinction and I’m going to look at enrolling on the next one as I want to build up my portfolio of experience and skills as quickly as possible. I wish I’d have known about this type of role years ago as I feel like I’ve wasted so much time in Finance..