I want a career, not just a job

Careershifter question

By Wesley Forrest

What's your personal and career background?
I started out from college working for the BBC as a news editing assistant. I then progressed upwards with other companies and ended up working as a transmission controller. Sadly there is a "glass ceiling" to this role and once in it, it is very hard to break out of. The role was well paid and not that taxing so I needed more of a challenge. I am desperate to make a career for myself where I can build a career as opposed to a job, and actually be streched and accomplish something worthwhile in my day.

What's your current work situation?
After moving companies three times and finding the ever evident "glass ceiling" and "rails" I have quit the media entirely and am now seeking a complete career change. I am very motivated by money and want a career that I can be proud of.

Where ideally would you like to be in twelve month's time?
In a career that is going somewhere, making every day fulfilling and paying me very well. Ideally I want to be based in London or New York and be in a role with lots of international travel.

Where are you currently most stuck?
I left college mid-way through my course to work for the BBC, so did not attend university. As I am keen to break in to the banking/legal arenas, this is proving a major obsticle to me. Also having come from a media backgroud it is difficult to find transferable skills that would help me get a job.

ShiftDoctor answer

By Richard Butler on 21 April 2007 at 15:57

You certainly appear to have a clear and positive view of where you want to get to and your focus will need to be on exactly which career that could be. As you've been very successful in what you've done so far, that should give you great confidence in being able to do it again. You found out that money is only one element in choosing a career and may not lead to real satisfaction. Appreciate the need to find something that really excites you, that's a great step to make!

Your goal is very important and you say you want a career that is going somewhere, fulfilling and well paid with international travel based in London or New York. Using this as a context you need to list out all the job ideas you've had and keep adding to it over a few days. Don't reject any ideas, keep them on the list and don't let your mind tell you they are not realistic - be open to all possibilities wherever they come from. They may even come to you whilst you're watching TV or chatting to a friend - just add them in and remember that the inspiration could come from anywhere.

Separately you should spend some time looking back over your career to identify just what things turned you on - was it the people, was it new challenges each day or working to short deadlines, or any one of a massive range of things which make you feel you have achieved success. List out all the things you've achieved, even things from school, hobbies and recreation. Spend some time thinking about the things which you enjoy doing, things which really interest you and write down a list of skills that you needed to achieve all your successes.

When you've got a comprehensive list, exclude the things you least enjoy and focus on those you do, skills that give you a real buzz. This will give you some direction towards the things in a job that will give you real satisfaction, things which give you energy. Use the list to prompt which of the new careers offer the greatest excitement or fear and find out more about them: talk to someone who is an expert in the field; network through friends or business colleagues; find people who could give you a real insight into the jobs. Evaluate each of these options thoroughly and see if it is a real possibility for you, challenge yourself. Once you've done this you can start to develop further milestones and plan for success.

Make a commitment that you'll have a list of real possibilities by the end of the week.

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