New Career?

I feel as if I need to find a new career, but I have no idea what I can do at this point or where my skills could be transferred. Any suggestions for where to start? I left publishing years ago for my current career and while I like the job, the hours are horrible and promise to get worse. Lots of evenings and weekends, and now that I have a 4 year old, it's not working. Basically, not what I signed on for years ago, but the field is changing.

Any suggestions as to where to start figuring out what else I can do? Has anyone seen a career counselor?

Thanks!

Re: New Career?

I am planning a career change. Since it seems you've changed careers once already, you have some knowledge of the process. I am a teacher and have been for 16 years. I've been reading a few books, I liked "What Color is Your Parachute" and "Do What You Are." I'd recommend both because they help you identify the skills you can transfer and new possible careers.

I don't live on LI, but I also joined a local networking group, and in the new year I'll begin attending their monthly events. My main strength is writing so I am focusing on careers where I can do that, while I investigate freelancing. I just started a resume business, and I just became a vendor here. When the school year ends in 2012 I will be done with teaching.

Hope this has been helpful! Good luck!

Re: New Career?

I think the networking thing is an excellent piece of advice.

We've actually hired people at our agency in the past, and helped them to re-write their resume to match what the state requirements of the position are.

Often, the average person wouldn't know them unless they worked for the specific programs we hire for, and many people don't even realize they already possess many needed skills for certain positions.

Re: New Career?

Thanks for the advice! I need to make a change, for myself personally and in the future. Jobs are starting to disappear in my current profession (positions aren't getting filled when people retire). It's not dire yet, but the handwriting is on the wall.

It's hard to remember where I started last time I made a switch, but a lot of it came through networking and meeting people in different jobs. That's a good suggestion--I will look on Meet Up and see what's there.

Re: New Career?

I think the best way to find a career is write down a list of things you like to do & work from there.

Re: New Career?

I think you need to make goals and envision what you see yourself doing.

Do you want an office environment? Flex hours? Work from home? Work PT/FT?

What are things you like/don't like?

Do you want to go back to school? Will you have to go to school while working? How long do you see yourself going back to school for?

Will you have support at home to do that change of career?

I changed career in my mid 30's. I went from Corporate to Massage therapy. Complete opposite end of the spectrum.

But I researched what I wanted to do. For me, the main thing was being able to have unconventional work hours so if I had kids I could be a SAHM during the week and work when DH was home, being able to work PT and bring as much money as FT job. I just narrowed down my search until I found the field/industry that would meet type of education/location of college/length of education, etc//, then I look for a specific career within the industry.