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By Aeolienne

I used to work for a branch of the scientific civil service, which shall remain nameless, until I was dismissed on ground of alleged underperformance last year. While I attempt to sue them for unfair dismissal, buoyed by the fact that I have a disability card to play (Asperger's syndrome), there remains the pressing need to find a new job. Unfortunately I keep coming up against a brick wall of incomprehension. No-one, least of all the advisors at the Jobcentre can understand the work I used to do and suggest where it might take me. What "advice" I have received tends to be based on my higher education qualifications, but as I keep pointing out, I am not a recent graduate. For the record, my higher education consists of a BSc in maths and philosophy from St Andrews, followed by a MSc in Mathematical Modelling & Numerical Analysis at Oxford. That was back in 1999. Unfortunately I made little use of my studies in the scientific civil service - I was pushed down a route of programming and number-crunching but barely looked at a differential equation all the time (nearly 8 years) I worked there. When I look up the programming languages I used (Fortran, PV-Wave, IDL) in job searches, I come across jobs that require a plethora of additional programming languages which don't know, management experience or a PhD. I have no wish to do the latter, seeing as my research skills were branded as non-existent by the line manager who brought about my dismissal. Of course there are those who will say that's just her opinion and I should go all out to prove her wrong but - I don't know. Right now I think I just want a job I could do straightaway. And that's before you get on to the problem of how I could afford to pay my mortgage on a PhD studentship.

By Sass2010

Hi all At the risk of sounding like a walking talking cliche, at the grand old age of 30, it has been the death of a parent, horrible break up and loss of certain friendships in the last 2 years which have made me truly start to re-evaluate what I want out of life, and brought me to the realisation that I have really disliked my career choice up until this point (strange how these life changing events can do this). I've worked in recruitment since I graduated 9 years ago (Geology), and ever since, have pretty much worked in highly corporate environments recruiting for the Finance and Engineering Consultancy sectors. At first I was sucked in to the money, travel, nice hotels, blackberries, laptops and company car perks, but that soon waned. Whilst I love the "people" aspect of recruitment(another cliche), I have always felt that there was something missing from the picture in terms of fulfillment. I'll admit that whilst going through tough times, the stability of a job (even one I have hated) was exactly what I needed, but now having emerged from dark and into more happy times, I needed to make some sort of change. My working days were descending into a feeling of being stuck in Groundhog Day, and the monotony and endless hours working to strive for goals management knew you were never going to meet, had taken its toll. Resignation was the only thing that was going to shake me from my miserable comfort "hole". I left my job at the end of January 2010, and with nothing else to go to. Its been a bit "up and down" getting my head round the instant lack of income but now I've done it, its not nearly as scary as I thought... In terms of my next steps, I know I'm good with people. I'm sensitive, can read between what is being said, and I very much enjoy listening and learning what makes people "tick"...what I do with this knowledge at this stage I have no idea, but I'm just trying to be open minded. I've completed a Teaching English course, looking into some voluntary work within the adult learning sector, and have found more time to try out new hobbies (as well as apply for some random temping jobs). Resisting the temptation to jump back into a similar previous roles for financial reasons has been hard, but at the moment I'm just trying to "go with the flow", do some temp work, enjoy life again and discover my interests without the pressure of making a decision about what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. Its not an easy process, but as a friend recently reminded me "its the brave who prosper..."

By scottdm1966

After 20 years in the IT industry (which I fell into) I was made redundant in November. I was only hanging in there for a few more years until my youngest finished studies anyway. The forced redundancy has just made me focus more quickly. I still don't know what I ultimately want to do come summer 2011 when I will be more "free" to do as I please, but in the meantime I have managed to secure a non IT role working more with people and going in the direction I think I wish to move. So now I have 18 months to find my next proper job. Potentially that maybe abroad or elesehwere in the UK but it will be away from where I live now as I only moved there for the job 13 years ago. Whilst I have looked for any role since November it was interesting that all the jobs I got intreviews or interest from were outside of IT (which was great in my view)and saw my skills as transferable. I have had to work out a new budget and my kids know things will be different due to that but with theirs and my family and friends support I feel the cut in income by almost half will be ok for the 18 months in the job I start in 2 weeks. Lots of planning and looking at what and where I can do things differently has helped and good friends and contacts have helped to keep spirits up when I was starting to think I may have to sell my home etc. What I mainly am writing this for is to say that career change can be done and whilst difficult decisions need to be made I am sure in the long term I and my family and friends will all see the benefits in many different ways. To all still trying to find/dig that escape tunnel or who have been dumped in the middle of the forest with no directions out. Stay calm ask for help and spend sometime thinking about all options no matter how mad they may sound as tey come out of your mouth. They may just lead to your ideal job and lifestyle.

By Vanessa

Hello all! If anyone out there has any bright ideas for me on this topic I'd be very happy to hear them.... After graduating with a degree in English Lit. I was lucky enough to get a position as an intern at a start-up book publishing company, eventually working my way up to Assistant Editor. Unfortunately four years later the company folded in March 2009 and since then I've been out of work or working in really low-paid, monotonous temporary admin roles. I'm desperately keen to stay in editorial within book publishing but it is fiercely competitive, I've failed to get any of the jobs I've applied for (numerous doesn't do it justice) and am hugely demoralised. I've come to realise I have to give other career paths a serious think, and am interested in publicity (again in publishing) or in the charity sector as a publications officer. However, I'm also keen to travel but am unable to go away until September this year. With a years gap on my CV already as I've struggled to find work, I'm really worried about what to do pre-traveling and how best to positively fill my time while I am away. I often consider not going as I'm scared of returning post-trip to find myself in the same position as before but with an even bigger, gaping hole on my CV and with severely depleted funds unable to finance retraining or rent. Given my fortunate position of having the freedom and finances to go away I often feel guilty by how worried and frozen I feel about actually doing it. I'm worried about how I'll ever get my previous career back on track or begin to successfully chase my new one. Does the risk of going away seem to big? And how can I use my time productively both before and during traveling if I do take the plunge? I've always continued to do the things I enjoy (anything and everything London related, ballet, pilates, photography and craft) and am members of all the relevant publishing groups, agencies and have spoken to career advisors but still feel like I'm doing some terrible floundering. As I said at the beginning of this lengthy ramble any thoughts would be very gratefully received. Many thanks!

By Selina Barker

First of all Vanessa - don't beat yourself up about 'floundering' - this is totally natural and while it may seem that you've been lost for sometime this is often part of the process. What I would ask you is what EXACTLY is it that inspires you about working in editing and publishing? If you feel you are lacking experience in this field then what experience exactly are you lacking and can you do some work experience to fill those gaps? Selina

By Niscof20

Hi, It's been fascinating reading all of your comments. In fact I am finding the whole concept of Careershifters.org very inspiring. I was made redundant from my company after 13 years. I was working in IT at a well known media company where I took on a number of different roles over the years. I moved around for two different reasons: 1) I wanted to learn more 2) I needed more money. Although this really kept me interested and fueled up to about my 11th year in the job, things started to go 'a bit wrong', let's say. My last job for the company was quite enjoyable, especially at the start but I then started feeling the pressure to apply for more senior roles. It just seemed to be 'expected'. Don't get me wrong, some of this pressure was emerging from within me as well as outside. Some of it was down to feeling the need for a bit more income at home (although I am not money motivated - if that makes sense) especially with the arrival of my daughter. To cut a long story short I applied for the same position twice - a position i was more or less doing anyway - but was knocked back both times. Interviewing, it seemed, was not my strong point!! After this and demoralising changes to the job and the team my moral was severely affected and 'off an on' my last two years were a nightmare. So, what did I do about it, you might ask. Well, I sat around either feeling sorry for myself or trying to plan my 'Great Escape'. Two years is a long time to allow such strong feelings to dominate your life and the only thing that really kept me sane was my wife and daughter and my wider family. Although there was now a strong will to move on there was also a strong will to be sensible and stick around, for the sake of my family. You see, the problem was and still is, that I don't exactly know what to do with myself so survival instinct kicks in, as to 'jump ship' without knowing exactly what 'other' work I would do seemed reckless! But the story doesn't end there...last summer a company announcement was made which eventually made the decision to leave for me! I was to be made redundant along with half of my team. I have to say that I greeted the announcement with a sigh of relief. With the prospect of 6 months on gardening leave and a years wages after that I was soooooo excited about the world being my oyster again. Whoopeeee. I have not been working now for over 6 months. My redundancy has come through and I don't know what I am going to do with my future. I havn't been idle. I worked some of the things that I liked (no deep self analysis) just some things I enjoyed, e.g. being around people (I am often called a people person), like to be exhilirated, love of food (I would often try out and recommend new foods to people as well as make my own ice cream and bread and pasta, being an ideas person - especially around different businesses, I like 'sorting things out', i like to have fun with the people I work with but at the same time get things done. The conclusion was to set up an ice cream parlour at a popular seaside resort. Having done all the businness analysis understanding the impact it would have on my family this idea was put on the back burner. My wife and I agreed that to ditch her job and go to a part of the world where the pay wasn't so good as well as the pressure of new life and new business might be too much. Not to mention leaving a big, wider family behind. Hmmmm...stumped!!! So, I have since been looking into other business ideas around food and have even tendered for a couple of opportunities on the rail network which unfortunately did not materialise. I have put a lot of time and energy into talking to potential suppliers, creating proposals and doing business planning which has been a great learning curve and very enjoyable. I do like the thrill of the chase. But still nothing has materialised as yet. The point is, it's now crunch time as we have started to eat into my redundancy money. So, I have decided to widen my search and be more flexible about what i do as long as it ticks the right boxes FOR ME. I suppose the reason i posted this is to share my experiences and see if there is anyone alse who has had similar experiences moved on successfully. I still have the enthusiasm but I think I need to find a focus again in order to move forward... Cheers for now Franco

By Selina Barker

Hi Franco, my immediate thought is that it sounds like you could do with a partner. If you're a creator of ideas then you could likely do with someone to support and help you to make those ideas happen. People who are great at coming up with ideas aren't always so good at the nuts and bolts of bringing those ideas down to earth and so finding someone who lacks the ideas but has great planning and organisation skills is often a great partner. And if you don't want to partner up with anyone then find a coach or mentor who can support you and advise you as you make those ideas a reality. Let us know how it goes! Selina

By cookster

Not sure whats best for me. I've been a plasterer for over 10 yeara and whilst it pays well, it takes its toll on me. I have a decent brain on me but made bad choices on leaving school and somehow ended up as a plasterer. I average £30-35,000 a year now and know if i were to look for another job I would struggle to get close to this. The trouble is i have a wife and two kids so need a decent income as she only works part-time. The years have taken their toll on my body though. My knees are bad, sometimes i cant sleep because of shoulder pain. I'm always covered in plaster and working in unhealthy environments and I really don't enjoy my job one bit. I would love to wake up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead. Would I be stupid to leave a well paid job in the current climate ? I know i'm not happy at work and I'm worried that if I dont do something now I probably never will.

By Selina Barker

Hi there, thanks for writing in. First thing that struck me with your post was 'I know if i were to look for another job I would struggle to get close to this'. This is something that we all do - make an assumption and then make out that it is true. How do you know you would struggle to get a job at this salary? Have you thoroughly looked into it? Have you looked at jobs you'd like and discovered that none of them would offer you the salary that you need? Never make assumptions - always find out what the reality is. There will be a job out there that you look forward to that pays you the salary you need. You just need to know what you want (this takes time but use our exercises in Expert Advice to help you) and then go and find it or create it.

And making a career transition can be gradual. It doesn't have to be a decision of stick with this job or quit now. Start your career change now while you're still working. Figure out what you want and what it takes to shift into that new career and find a way of doing it without having to put you and your family into any kind of financial risk.

What I'd recommend for you at the moment is to get right back to basics and for the next few months start exploring and getting involved in activities and interests that you really enjoy. Forget for now whether they are career related or not. Get the passion back into your life and see where that passion leads you.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Selina
Co-founder, Careershifters


By Vicster

Hi, I've been working in the publishing industry for the past few years and took a maternity cover position to advance my career. When the lady in question decided to resign her job and be a full-time mum, my bosses told me I could have the position permanently, but the paperwork to confirm the job never came through from HR...turns out the company were making a swathe of redundancies elsewhere and someone else ended up being given my job (one of the people who would otherwise have been made redundant) even though I'd been doing it for over a year! It was humiliating and hurtful, plus I left with no pay-off as I had only been on a temporary contract. Finding it hard to get over the loss of confidence and loss of trust this has left me with, would really like to earn a living as a writer but am scared of the huge amount of competition. I know I could be good at it but I wonder if I shouldn't settle for a secure career where there's regular money coming in. Anyone got any tips?

By Selina Barker

Hi Vicster,
First things first, if you love writing then make sure it is a regular part of your life, whether it earns you a living at first or not. Start a blog, write short stories, do a writing course. Whatever it is that appeals. I always knew that I wanted to be a writer, but didn't know in what capacity. As content director for Careershifters I write all day on a topic I find endlessly fascinating and it is a regular income. I got into it by starting my own blog on changing career.

Have a look at what it is you like so much about writing as well as what other activities and interests you love

As for the loss of confidence and loss of trust, it's important you don't brush that under the carpet. Find people that can help you to deal with it - whether that be a friend, coach, therapist.

Good luck and keep writing!

Selina
Co-founder, Careershifters


By allsoldout

Hi, after 10 years working in sales I am ready to get out! I have been successful throughout my career and have worked for 2 of the UK's most respected companies moving from a basic telesales role to Business Development Manager (Field Sales) in that time have always hit targets and earned well. However I now despise the job and want a career change. I have been thinking deeply about what I would enjoy that isn't too far removed from my current skill set and I think the answer could be HR. Most of the skills I have learnt (Organisation, people skills, negotiation, presenting, empathy etc etc) would suit the role and I would enjoy learning additional information like employee law, regulations business impact etc. I have been searching the net and it seems that I need to become CIPD qualified. It sounds like I can do this by distance learning over 2-3 years at a cost of about £4k. Can anyone tell me whether the transition is likely to work, whether CIPD is the right way forward and how easy it would be to get a job once qualified? Plus any other advice please. Thanks in advance, Matt

By Blackcat

Hi Matt, Have you thought about applying for the Civil Service fast track HR scheme? Scheme opens in Sept, you go through a looong selection process, but if picked you are guaranteed two placements over three years, and you get CIPD qualified at the same time.....Only requirement (to start the process) is a 2:2 in any discipline.

By Selina Barker

Hi there, I'm afraid I don't know myself, but finding people to speak to that work in HR is the best thing to do. In fact I'd speak to a number of different people in HR and make sure they are people that enjoy their career in HR or you could be given negative responses that are more about their disatisfaction with their career!

If no one in HR responds to you on here then I would suggest you send an email out to all your friends and contacts asking to be put in touch with any HR professionals that they know so that you can ask them a few questions. Or use LinkedIn to find HR professionals.

Good luck with your career change!

Selina
Co-founder, Careershifters


By Star

I am trying to read up as much as I can on changing careers,preparing myself mentally to resign in another 3/4 months,as the pressure is becoming really too much for me.But then what? I am feeling sceptical and apprehensive.I am still to really get past the "What makes me come alive?" stage and though my head is brimming with ideas,I dont have anything concrete. I really need advice as to how I can utilise my current skills and choose a new career.Any ideas would really be welcome.

By chrispy

I left my executive job in November, having worked in housing for over 20 years. I am slightly anxious - due to running out of money, however I feel so much happier that I feel I can cope with anything. I am still involved as a non exec director for 3 not for profit organisations, however I want to do someting for me as well. I am looking at post grad courses, or perhaps start up my own business. Early days, but I am really excited about what is to come. chrispy

By ClaireM

Yey! Good on you. Just wanted to say I know how it feels - I was exactly the same! Even if you have to take a temp job (or jobs!) for the money thing, it's the freedom in your mind. Work hard, and search yourself for what you really love!


By Star

Hi,this is my first post on this website,which I came across while I was surfing the internet,trying to understand what I should be doing in order to change careers.This is because,while I know for sure that I currently am completely drained and stressed in my job and career and have even begun to understand this isnt for me,I honestly dont have much of a clue as to what exactly I want to do and how to begin!I just know that I want to be able to like what I would do and should also look forward to going to work every morning,rather than wishing my day to end! To cut it short,I am 32 and working in IT sales.Mine has been a pretty good career for the last 9 years,as I have grown from an inside sales executive(in IT) to a sales manager,heading a territory now.Four jobs in good IT companies and a really enriching experience in understanding customer needs and building relationships later,I earn a good salary in my present company and my management is happy with my performance. However,all said and done,I have begun to loathe the sometimes-unbearable pressure of meeting targets month on month,the constant idea of having to prove myself sale after sale,order after order,the same old sales routine of putting myself out there and sell.This loathing has reached a point where its now affecting my health,peace of mind and I just cant take the pressure of sales targtets and performance anymore. I am realistic enough to have started thinking of what I want to do,especially what appeals to me but earning a good income is also important for me.I have a fair idea of my strengths(capability to build lasting relationships,having the quintessential "third eye" and understanding a customer's concerns and convince them,patience to work through issues and arrive at a solution etc etc)and weaknesses(I am too emotional at times,have trouble in focusing on core issues at times since I think too much of all minute details instead of concentrating on the bigger picture etc etc).I also have a fair idea of what I want to do--something involving the skills I have acquired,something thats creative and doesnt force me to work on steep targets or impossible deadlines,something that helps me to reach out to like-minded people. Doesnt seem that clear when I mention it here,though!Which is why I would like some ideas about what I could do.I had also learnt French in college and dabbled in freelance journalism.My interests are writing,travelling and reading.

By TheLifeForMe

Hi all fellow career shifters. This is my first post so I just wanted to share my joy at resigning, on Friday, from my soul destroying job in financial services (reasons: part industry, big part company I work for). Anyway the decision didn't come lightly particularly as I'm waving goodbye to a good salary but I did a lot of reflection over Xmas and realised that I've spent most of my career (I'm 36) chasing the buck (which wasn't really there) at the expense of fulfilment and happiness. I don't know where this will lead me but I've been encouraged by many of your posts - even if it's knowing that I'm not in this situation alone. The great part in all this is that in the week that I'd verbally suggested and now officially resigned people have noticed a difference in me - the smile and jokes have come back so I am 110% convinced I am doing the right thing. No doubt I'll be posting again shortly looking for some guidance and tips but in the meantime good luck to all and keep following that dream. Cheers

By Selina Barker

Congratulations! It takes courage to take a step like that, but it's wonderful that you're already feeling a positive impact from it. Sounds like you have an exciting journey ahead. Write in if you need any guidance and if you're interested in blogging about your experience (it can really help) then just let me know and I'll set you up as a shiftlogger.

x Selina

selina@careershifters.org


By indigo66

Hi, I'm 32 and I've been a physiotherapist for four and a half years. When I was studying, I felt so passionate about it, my stomach would flip at the thought of this amazing thing I thought I was doing. Now my stomach flips because I feel anxious, not good enough. I work in the NHS and for some time I've rode this thing through its ups and downs, but the downs are getting more and more frequent. I think I am a positive person and have always tried to set myself goals for my various clinical rotations. My goal was always to work in musculoskeletal outpatients (away from the wards, which I know don't work for me on several levels). At my hospital, there are limited opportunities for this, which are always highly competitive. During the down times, I would keep telling myself that when I got that job, I would feel great about work and everything would fall into place. Now I'm here, I don't feel that way. I feel the same: Is this really for me? The trouble is I don't know what else I can do. I have lots of interests outside work, but I'm not sure if any of these could be serious career paths. I don't know who to turn to for advice as the physio world tends to be quite insular, and they all are very dedicated - I seriously don't think they could comprehend the way I feel. I have posted a similar post on my professional network forum, but nobody has replied. I would really appreciate any advice or ideas of what I should do next. By the way... Happy New Year folks!

By mercat

Have you thought about private patients? In the town where I live there is a Chiropracter who also rents out consulting rooms to other people e.g. acupuncturist. Perhaps you could do something where you were in a local situation and didn't have too much overhead. Another idea would be going to people's houses. My friend had a serious accident some years ago and was pretty much abandoned by the NHS. Her ideal therapist would come to the house and work with her to get her moving properly again and build up her body and her confidence. They are hard to come by! Perhaps you could test the water by asking to work part time in your current job and building your private business on the other days. I'm not sure if this is easy in healthcare, but worth looking into. Good luck!

By Sab

Dan - how about teaching people how to fly? If you were based at a private flying centre i'm sure the hours would be quite regular and you wouldn't be moving around too much, i don't know anything about how you go about doing it but it's just an idea!

x


By dan79

I told my boss last week that i was turning down a promotion course and that he could expect my resignation in 6 months time... I'm 30, recently engaged to the most wonderful lady i've ever met and have achieved my boyhood dream by becoming an RAF pilot... having spent 10 years in the RAF, what on earth do i do next? I still have 2 years to serve, so at least i have the luxury of time to figure out what to do. There are 2 main reasons why i want to leave: firstly, i'm no longer happy in the job, and secondly, i want to take control of my life back in order to prioritise my family over work in the years to come. The obvious choice would be to fly something in the civilian world... but i'm worried that it will still mean precious time away from home, which is what i'm trying to avoid. I'm looking for stability, a good work-life balance and something that will still interest and challenge me. I would love to do something creative, but have had no relevant training in that area. Also i'm worried that as i'm a non-graduate, despite my achievements to date, i will find it difficult to compete for more prestige positions. Because although i relish the idea of a very chilled out lifestyle, i have to remain focused on the fact that i want to still provide a good standard of living for my family and, hence, will have to work for it. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

By Selina Barker

Hi Dan, it's great that you're giving yourself plenty of time to plan and execute your change in career. Looks like you have a few key career criteria already and your next steps are to start adding to that key criteria: strengths, interests, activities you enjoy, values, ideal work environments and workstyle.

There is all sorts of guidance and support out there to help you build up a clear list of criteria: career coaching, books, workshops. Check out the Getting Started section on the Careershifters site, our workshops and of course the essential Careershifters Guide.

Providing a good standard of living will obviously play a large part in your new career choice but always keep the attitude that there is a way of doing something you enjoy and earning a good living - it's just a matter of discovering what that career option is. There will be one. In fact there will likely be more than one option!

Selina


By icebabyem

Hi there, I am 28 years old and have been trying to move out of management consulting for 2 years now. I definitely know this is not what I want to do, but I am getting really stuck with what I want to do with my life! I need a lot of variety in any job I go on to do next but I want my life back! At the moment I have to travel a lot with work and I cannot plan ahead with my social life and even though the money is good, I am so unhappy and would much prefer to be ‘on the right path’ and earning a lot less than being unhappy and unfulfilled. I am very ambitious and I know that whatever I go on to do, I want to be recognised as an expert in my field. I actually enjoy working hard and if I found the right career I know I would not even see it as work! I have been working on identifying my values, I have brain stormed some ideas for potential career areas at a high level, I have been inspiring myself by doing things that have inspired me before I am still feel a long way off from identifying what I want to do. How do I go from where I am now to actually deciding on the career that is for me?! I have never lacked focus and direction in my life before and this is driving me crazy! I just want to get stuck into my next career! I have a lot of energy that is being wasted right now because I am demotivated and stagnating in my current career. Any advice would be much appreciated!!

By Selina Barker

You actually sound like you're doing all the right things, being proactive, keeping yourself inspired, exploring options. You're ticking all the right boxes on how to go about changing career successfully.

FIrst of all, I'd say 'don't panic!' - I know that 'not knowing' phase is uncomfortable and we all want to find an answer quickly but finding the thing in life that you want to dedicate yourself to and become an expert in, isn't a decision that can be rushed into over night. So hang in there.

In the Careershifters Guide we suggest people break down their career criteria into 5 (and now I'm going to say 6 questions):
1. What activities make you come alive?
2. What subjects do you love and find endlessly fascinating?
3. What are your strengths? (worth asking other people what they think your strengths are too)
4. What environments do you thrive in?
5. What are your values
6. What lifestyle do you crave?

Each week focus on a different question and use exercises from the expert advice articles or those in the Careershifters Guide to help you answer these questions.

Then use those answers to the 6 questions to start exploring careers.

Hope that helps!

Selina
(Careershifters Content Director)


By Ruby

Hello, For the last year and a half I have worked as a Coordinator for a health promotion project in the voluntary sector and earn £29,000. I am 26 years old. However, I have over the past year and half felt that it's not what I wanted to do as and would like to move into events/ community fundraising/ exhibitions. Not sure which! I love interacting with people, have good people skills and thrive on being active , busy and creative and doing a variety of tasks. Though I manage a budget, have line management responsibility and occasionally organise events, am I right in thinking that I'd probably have to gain a lot more experience and probably have to go for an assistant position and therefore take a salary drop? It seems that I am not experienced enough to be an Event Manager, but too experienced to do an Admin role. I do also feel that as I have built up experience in health promotion, that I could somehow combine events with health / diet. It feels slightly reckless to throw all that knowledge away! Any suggestions / comments as to what I could do or courses I could take etc Thanks

By Selina Barker

You've got some great ideas there and are obviously getting clearer on what it is that you want to do. I would say at this stage you need to do some real delving and exploring into two areas:
1. what it is about fundraising, community, events and exhibitions that really gets you buzzing - both the subject matter and the activities involved.
2. what is it really like to be an events manager - find as many events managers and exhibition coordinators etc to speak to. Make sure that the reality meets your expectations.

With regards to pay cut - you might have to take a paycut in the short term, but maybe not. See what's out there.

And as to combining events with your experience in the health industry - seems like a great idea - brining that expertise to a role that requires it could make up for lack of pure events experience.

My suggestion to you know would be to go out there and talk to as many people as possible with the kind of job that you want.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Selina
Content Director, Careershifters

By Lostinspace

Hi I have just turned 30 and seem to have lost direction. I am currently employed in an office of a construction company earning £27,600pa. My partner is a teacher and gets a real buzz from going to work and it's something I feel I have never had. Before I started working in the office I was on the building sites as a bricklayer. Which I hated. I didn't exactly leave school with the best of grades. GCSE's 3 - 5. I recently did volunteer work in Africa with Children which I loved and have always had a passion for independent travel which I am perusing in the coming year with my partner. I have the option of returning to me current employment on my return with the option of further training. Please advise on how I can use the year travelling to discover what I want from working life, what options I have possibly to study while travelling, I dont know where to start as my qualifications seem to limit me anywhere I look... I have no clue where to start!

By Selina Barker

What I suggest you focus on now and while you travel are the 5 key career change questions. Our new Careershifters Guide uses these 5 key questions as the foundation blocks to changing career, no matter what your situation is:

5 key questions to ask yourself are:
- What activities do you enjoy?
- What subjects do you love most?
- What environments do you thrive in?
- What are you naturally good at?
- What's really important to you?

Once you have answers to these questions (and give it time - it won't happen over night) you'll be able to start exploring and identifying the careers that will give you that buzz that you're looking for.

I would recommend you consider buying The Careershifters Guide and membership to the Shift Club Online to help you with your career change. http://www.careershifters.org/the-careershifters-guide-and-shift-club-online

By natters

I have spent half an hour trying to figure out where and how i download this 25 top tip guide - i'm fed up with this site now as i can't find it anywhere! Everytime i click on the donload box it takes me back to the front page - with no option to download!!! Arghhh!!!!!!!!!!!! If anyone can give me any simple advice, that would be really helpful - thanks.

By skuft

Yes sorry for the frustation natters. When you subscribe, you will receive a confirmation email. When you click the link in this email, you will be taken to a page that allows you to download the Top Tips.

By Selina Barker

Hi Natters, sorry for the frustration - don't know what that's happening. I'll just email you the Top Tips now! x Selina - Careershifters Team

By Kaycareerscoach

I would also look on the Connexions website and contact your local Connexions centre. www.connexions-direct.com/ Consider voluntary work as it will give you the experience, useful contacts and an insight into working with young people.

By Ruby

Thanks for all the advice. I am sure I will be back on here to tell you how it is going!

By markmccluretoday

Pinkwonton, I read every single one of Selina's blog posts and was amazed how she didn't give up while trying all those different "mini-careers" and jobs. Taking some form of action - however small, is when things start to happen. Life is a work-in-progress and, as the book title says, "Nothing Happens until something moves". What sometimes works wonders, as Selina and other have noted in this site, is to include even more of the things you like to do whenever you can. That might mean new hobbies, travels or friends - and possibly all expensed from the launchpad of your existing day job. Your mileage may vary. Good luck!

By Selina Barker

Hi Pinkwontons! I would stop trying to work things out by THINKING things over. If the exercises aren't getting you any closer to finding a path forward then I suggest that what might work for you is ACTION. You want to write for a women's magazine? How about writing an article on a subject that inspires and excites you and seeing if you can get it published. Tell you what, I'd happily publish it on the Careershifters site for starters... You want to open a cafe? Go and help out in a cafe for a weekend, or at a food market stall. I had the same 'cafe dream' and now get my fix by working on my friends' mobile food vans every now and then. I love it. Careershifting isn't always about changing your job, it's as much about bringing into your life activities that energise you and interests that stimulate you. As you do that you never know how these activities and interests might grow, eventually taking over as the career in your life. Hope that helps x Selina


By skuft

Hey Pinkwontons I would second Selina's recommendation. You can be paralysed by thinking yourself into a corner. A friend of mine had the same problem - he ended up "giving up" on finding his dream career and ended up helping his mates renovate a flat and got into property development. Not everyone's cup of tea of course, but the point is, you don't always know the destination, but by doing *something*, you'll begin to find out what it might look like... good luck!


By Ruby

Hi, I am 26 years old and have been working as a Project Coordinator for a medium sized health charity for the last 8 months, earning £27,000 pa. I have worked in the voluntary sector since leaving Uni in 2004, yet in the last year I have started to feel unsure about my choice of career. Though I know what I am doing is having a positive impact on peoples lives, I am starting to realize that my day to day work no longer gives me that "high" and I feel frustrated. In truth, I feel distant from my job but don't know which way to turn. Sometimes I think I want a career in CSR (though don't know if an undergraduate degree in Social Policy and 4 years work experience would suffice! )- and the rest of the time I daydream about making a big change and writing for a women's magazine or owning my own coffee shop / bar! I love cooking, children,animals, singing, world music, dancing, friends, travel, books, documentaries and am really interested in the family and relationships. I have done some of the exercises on this website but still feel all in a muddle and confused. I am finding it really tough to note down my talents and skills and translating them into a potential job. There are just so many options it's very confusing! Any advice? Thanks

By jbjacksons

I am a 40 year old decorator running my own company and am physically tired of decorating. I have a degree in Humanities specialising in Art and Art history. I have some retail experience and some MS Office skills but do not want to get stuck in an office 9-5. Salary is not an huge issue, I am looking to work in the creative field, maybe in the social/ charitable sector. Any suggestions of either further training or places that would take me on would be gratefully received?

By feefee

I am a 31year old lawyer who doesnt like being a lawyer!And because of ending up in a career i cant stand, i would like to start doing something to help younger poeple between 13-19years to progress towards identified goals and careers they will love,in form of a non profit venture, problem is i dont know where to start! I know i have an idea of starting a youth centre with mentoring programmes etc but i dont have the dynamics of this and i am told i have to obtain qualifications in this, i am confused and not sure what to do and where to start!Theres nothing like this in my area so i cannot ask some one in the same field,any ideas?

By Selina Barker

I know just the guy for you to contact - Jack Butler at Future Foundations - he's doing just what you're talking about - check it out http://www.thegraduatecourse.co.uk/ or http://www.future-foundations.co.uk/

Jack is a friend of the Careershifters team : )


By Kaycareerscoach

Hi Sylvia,

You do not have to stay in the same stressful, unfulfilling job till you retire. It is now time for you to take stock and make the decision to put all your efforts into finding a job that will not leave you either stressed out or bored silly.

1) The first step of the process is to take a good look at yourself and your life to present, from a personal and professional perspective. Get some paper and write on one side your lifes pleasures and delights and on the opposite side list all the pressures and disappointments. Include anything that you think is relevant such as interests, hobbies or any dreams or career aspirations that you had as a child or young adult. From this can you identify any themes or issues that need to be addressed?

2) Ask yourself what barriers or beliefs are preventing you from finding a more ideal job. For example, "I think I'm too old" or "I can't afford to take a pay cut. " Write these down on the bottom of the same piece of paper. The barriers and blocks that most people put up are fears, the fear of failure.

3) Now think about what you would do if you were free from any financial or practical limtiations. Be as creative and imaginative as possible. Remember the sky's the limit, realism does not come into it! What would be your dream scenario?

Do you believe anything is possible? Question your fears. Is it possible to overcome them? Do they really matter? How will you feel in 5 years time if you are in the same position and your fears and blocks have kept you from taking action?

Good luck, and don't forget to enjoy the journey.
www.kayholdsworth.com


By Sylvia

Hi, I am another one who desperately wants to change career, but has no clue whatsoever how to go about it. I have 2 big problems. One of them is that I am already 55, and I have now worked for 22 years in the same line of business - computer software, starting from trainee developer, and moving on to other positions and now in release management. After all this work where I have arrived at is a dead end, with not enough technical skills, not enough transportable skills, no managerial experience, and a swing between boredom and high stress. The only good thing about the current job is the salary, which is quite good by the standard of this industry sector. The other big problem I have is that I have no clue whatsoever as to what I want to shift my career to. I have interests and hobbies, and high educational level, but nothing that translates into any job/career. The clock is ticking, all avenues seem closed, but I can't bear the thought of carrying on what I'm doing until retirement. Is it still possible to consider a career change, or is the only option to stick with what I've got and try to see it more positively?

By markmccluretoday

Sylvia, You may have more skills and abilities to enjoyably earn a living than you think. Check out Bob Griffiths's 1988 book "Do What You Love For the rest of your life". Although he comes from a different generation of Wall Street crashes (!!) the angst and the decisions he worked through make it an inspiring read for people considering midlife career change. BTW - he 'downsized' his life. There is a small website by the same name, I think. But the book is better info. regards

By Selina Barker

Hi Sylvia,
I've heard a lot of stories of people who have made a successful career change after years in the same company. It IS possible!

One of our Shift Doctors, Jessica, replied to a shifter in a very similar position to you a few months ago. Check out the advice she offered - it's got some great practical exercises: http://www.careershifters.org/node/426

There are also a number of ShiftStories by people who made changes later on in their career.

Start with some inspiration and practical exercises and see what comes of that.

Let us know how it goes!


By Kaycareerscoach

No it is not worth all the stress, upset and panic! You don't say how old you are but I'm imagining you are still in your twenties? Welldone to you for applying for jobs that you are drawn to. This is a good start. Changing career direction does take time, faith and commitment but I am certain that you can find a job that gives you less stress and anxiety. Have you considered voluntary work? This is always a good way to gain experience and inside knowledge. Perhaps you could apply directly to agencies and organisations that interest you? This would mean re-writing your CV/covering letter and tailoring it to they job role you are applying for. Look on jobs4U website for housing officer job description. You need to show that although you have no previous experience, that you have transferable skills. Follow up you CV with a phone call, you will need to be persistent. Perhaps you could ask to talk meet with someone who already does the job? Have a look at my blog for more ideas kayholdsworth.com

By frosty

I work for a major high street bank as an account manager... which basically means "seller". When I started the job 2 years ago, I took on the job primarily because I had a strong sales background and needed a job due to relocating. I did not want sales job, but I struggled to get into any other role. When I first began work I quite enjoyed it, I felt I was advising the customer more than selling to them. I had the help too of being in a big and busy branch. Then, because I was good at the job the management shifted me to an underperforming branch to see if I could rescue the sales! Bad move. I have hated my job ever since. Although I do very well in my sales performance, I feel like its a constant battle. Customers hate me hassling them everytime they come in. I get daily tellings off! I have to do overtime for free to hit target. And now i started having panick attacks. Thing is I cant stand my job anymore.... but I cant get out of it. I would love to work as a houing officer but have applied with no joy. I have not got any housing qualifications so wondered if there was anything I could do to help me get into something that i know i would love?? Funny thing is.... Im only earning £17k a year. Is that really worth getting stressed, upset, panicked and overworked for???

By willt

Hi, I'm desperate to change career but have the sinking feeling that I'm trapped. I work as a financial adviser for a major bank, the problem being that we don't give advice - we sell. If I convince someone to put their life savings in the stock market I get a pat on the back whether it was the right thing for the client or not, the only thing that matters is making the sale. I make money, my boss makes more money, everyones happy, or is supposed to be. I like financial markets etc and always wanted to work for a bank but hate the sales side. The job is actually making me physically ill, I think about work constantly, even when I'm playing with my kids. If I don't get out of sales soon I'm really worried about how things may end up. The stumbling block is that I'm quite good at it, I earn good money so all the jobs I come up with that I'd like to do are just not possible (young family, big mortgage). I've looked at training for some sort of analyst role in the bank but at 38, would be in my 40's before qualifying and would be competing with new graduates for trainee positions. PRobably wouldn't get the job and definitely culdn't take the pay cut. I'd love to work for a charity and do something that I felt would make a real difference but as usual it's the money that puts a stop to it. I really don't think theres an answer and am destined to work in a job for another 20 years that I absolutely loath. Maybe letting off this bit of steam will help :)

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