So, I'm not real sure where to begin here - I guess, thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.

For the last 17 years, I have worked in casinos. More specifically, I have worked in the marketing discipline within casinos, with a 2 year stint in casino software for a what was, at the time, a relatively important casino software provider. I have done well for myself, and have been pretty successful, starting off as a part time promotions coordinator, rising to the point of being an executive director of marketing for an entire Native American's tribe's marketing activities at one point. I am currently a regional director of marketing with responsibility for nearly a dozen various sized gaming operations.

The problem is, that although I love marketing, I have come to realize that I am not overly fond of the casino industry. There are many varied reasons for this that I won't go into at this time, but I have been finding myself becoming more and more detached and enjoying my job less and less. As such, I believe that it is time for a change.

My dilemma is this: Nearly all of my experience is casino related (I do have some very minor healthcare and education experience, but that is nearly 20 years ago), and I am having absolutely no luck in getting even so much as a call or response, much less an interview from any type of online applications, and I don't know of many other ways to try and contact organizations outside of the casino industry, where I have built the majority of my contacts.

I believe one issue may be salary, I know casino pays very well (but in my mind it isn't worth the headaches), and I would be willing to consider a lower salary for a career path I enjoyed more. Another issue may be the relatively short job stints (2-3 years at jobs - pretty common in the casino industry for marketers - but I doubt that it is the case elsewhere). I am sure there may be other issues, but those are the two that would stick out to me if I was a hiring manager. I have also had my resume professionally redone to maximize effect.

I was really hoping that there might be some among you that might be able to offer some tips, advice, prospects, etc., that would help me to utilize my marketing talents in a career path not aligned along the casino path. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

AF98

Really good at marketing?
and you've been in marketing for 17 years in a highly competitive industry ?
We like people good at what they do and who love to do it. www.ecozapphvac.com (we're in some beginning stages) but if you see something of interest give us a call. Location doesn't matter on the inter webs

Where do you live? Or where are you looking for jobs? I've been in the digital marketing industry for about ten years and know a lot of people in the DFW area.

My (texags) email is princessbuttercupta@gmail.com.

Are you putting salary expectations in the job applications? I wouldn't think someone could assume you are too expensive based on just experience if they never were in the industry.

Every application I have filled out has required the current salary field to be filled out. When given the opportunity (rarely), the desired salary I fill out as fairly significantly lower.

The only advice I can offer is that filling out job applications is not a productive use of energy. You're much better served networking and meeting people. A job application, if required at all, should be the LAST thing you do after you've already been offered a job and accepted.

I assume you've considered other hospitality companies outside of casinos.

I would be looking at Hospitality, Retail and even Event Services (running marketing for an arena or a Convention Center). Are you in Vegas? Dallas? OKC?

To answer a couple of the questions asked - I absolutely am considering other hospitality careers. In terms of location, Dallas or Houston would be ideal, but I would prefer to live somewhere in the South if at all possible. The families of both the lady and I live in Louisiana and Texas, and it would be nice, but not 100% a must to live near them.

If anyone knows of any networking opportunities available in Dallas (or in Houston on weekends), I would be very appreciative.

Thank you!

AF98

Have you checked to see if any sports teams, rodeos, convention centers, etc. have postings? Maybe some of the colleges too.

I wouldn't worry too much about the job tenure issue especially if there is a consistent upward trend in title. Be ready to answer the question, but 2-3 years per stop isn't that unusual.

2-3 years in marketing is not a big deal at all. I am going to reply to your email. I've just been going through a crazy two weeks. My apologies.