Career changes?

[Kirsty]

Hi guys,

I'm just going to try and pick your brains... have any of you trained or got work experience in one particular job sector, then realised it's really not what you want to do, and that you need a career change? I really feel that my current job isn't for me, and I'm regretting getting into the industry. Now I've just got to try and narrow down which industry I want to get into.

If any of you have changed careers, how have you managed to sell yourself (not literally!) to new employers?

[cesca]

misschief said:

Hi guys,

I'm just going to try and pick your brains... have any of you trained or got work experience in one particular job sector, then realised it's really not what you want to do, and that you need a career change? I really feel that my current job isn't for me, and I'm regretting getting into the industry. Now I've just got to try and narrow down which industry I want to get into.

If any of you have changed careers, how have you managed to sell yourself (not literally!) to new employers?

oh honey I do it ALL the time lol! I started off working with kiddies and wanting to be teacher, then i got bored and became a chef, got fed up of working 16 hours a day and left that for sales jobbies etc...... I find the best way of selling yourself is to be yourself. Do a little bit of research into what the company does, and just chat! You are fab, who wouldn't want you on their team?!!

[Kirsty]

Lol why thank you lovely lady I guess I just need to work on convincing people that despite having studied in one subject that I don't want to be labelled with it for life!

[pam]

You should never regret giving something a try Kirsty...at least you know now without a doubt that's it's not for you and you've still got plenty of time to find something you really excel at and enjoy - perhaps even have several career changes, like the lovely Cesca! Far better you go with your instincts and jump ship now (once you have another job of course!) than spend the next few years of your life forever wondering. Good luck hun

[ramkat]

pam said:

You should never regret giving something a try Kirsty...at least you know now without a doubt that's it's not for you and you've still got plenty of time to find something you really excel at and enjoy - perhaps even have several career changes, like the lovely Cesca! Far better you go with your instincts and jump ship now (once you have another job of course!) than spend the next few years of your life forever wondering. Good luck hun

What she said;-)

We work for a LONG time in our lives, perhaps 40 or so years. When you think of all that time, there's plenty of space there for trying out all sorts of possibilities.

I actually started out in one area, left it for several years and tried a few different jobs. Then my circumstances changed and I was forced to return to my original job and have remained there ever since. I'm good at it and it allows me enough time to spend working on practising and performing my music, which is the most important part of my life. It doesn't bring in the amount of money that would enable me to drop the other but it feeds my soul. So I actually have two jobs that each "feed" me in different ways and complement each other quite well.

There's nothing wrong with experimenting so long as you're still able to meet your obligations and needs. Like eating - I like eating - I have to earn enough money to be able to do that:-) Other than that, I say go for it. Yes you might have to convince people not to label you but if you're enthusiastic about that, it can happen.

Kathy

[ellen]

I've studied business, economics, management and English

But after working for several years as an administrator I also made a career move. One day I woke up and decided I wanted to make a difference in someone's life. I was so sick and tired of the boring office jobs I've had, darn overtime and stress!

So I became a caretaker for the disabled and elderly and until today, still enjoy this job very much! I had no work experience or training when I applied for that job but pretty much talked my way into it by convincing them that this job was perfect for me.

If you think you can do it, you can

[cesca]

misschief said:

Lol why thank you lovely lady I guess I just need to work on convincing people that despite having studied in one subject that I don't want to be labelled with it for life!

pleasure treasure

[Kirsty]

Thanks for your advice guys, it's really helped. I haven't really a clue what I want to do at the moment, but I know that I want a change of career (always helpful!). So I've decided to just browse the papers etc and look at the job descriptions rather than titles, and see what takes my fancy! Am taking a look at certain industries that appeal to me, and working out if there are any I can get into straight away, or if I need to go back and study.

Thanks again