Lisa Mitchell's shiftsurgery

German teacher looking for new career to suit personality and needs

Careershifter question

By Anonymous

I am 48, female, Austrian national permanently living in this country, divorced, youngest son due to leave home in 7 months - so only myself to worry about. I would like a career change but am not sure which way to go; I would like to identify a career path suited to my personality/needs and be clear what steps to take to retrain. I would like to help/support/motivate people to make changes in their lives/manage their lives.

ShiftDoctor answer

By Lisa Mitchell on 26 March 2007 at 13:45

Lisa Mitchell's picture

What I suggest is that you really start being curious about what this new career might be like. If you were a detective trying to find an answer to this riddle where would you look? Then start to really think about the impact you want to make in the world. What do you really want your life to have been about? You say you want to help people make changes in their lives - for the purpose of what?...

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I'm very scared of moving away from what I know even though it makes me unhappy

Careershifter question

By Anonymous on 9 March 2007 at 01:00

I have worked as a mental health nurse for the past twenty years. Been off on long-term sick with stress and depression. I don't want to work in health or social care anymore, but I feel a bit institutionalised and find it hard to imagine working successfully outside of what I know so well.

ShiftDoctor answer

By Lisa Mitchell on 23 March 2007 at 11:32

Lisa Mitchell's picture

When you have been off sick and have been stressed the brain really shuts down in terms of considering possibilities and so I'm not surprised that you feel stuck right now. What I have tried to suggest are ways to reconnect to what brings you pleasure and what your talents are. These will be the first signposts to your future career.

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What can I do with media, marketing and PR experience?

Careershifter question

By Anonymous on 14 November 2006 at 15:53

I think I want to work in a fun, buzzy environment but am not sure what kind of industry or product I really feel interested in.

ShiftDoctor answer

By Lisa Mitchell on 21 November 2006 at 14:15

Lisa Mitchell's picture

My main impression from your question is that there is a lack of passion for what you do;something missing in the jobs you have done to date.

I suggest the first thing you do is really think about your passions and what interests you. You are looking for interests and passions that really get your pulse racing...

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Going out of fashion

Careershifter question

By Anonymous on 1 November 2006 at 15:32

I know the company I work for very well, I know the people, I am on a good salary and it seems silly to give up all this away and step into the unknown. However, my personal life and preferences have changed. I am not happy where I am anymore...

ShiftDoctor answer

By Lisa Mitchell on 18 November 2006 at 20:12

Lisa Mitchell's picture

You say that your personal life and preferences have changed and this is where I am focusing in giving you some advice to move forward...you need to start to look at what you want in your life overall before you really start to focus on your career.

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