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Career Counseling

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Rose Pink

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The recent threads about career changes (as well as my own indecisions) have me wondering what tuggers know about career counseling. At least one of you (and I apologize for not remembering who) is a college counselor. What software or questionnaires are best for helping middle-aged and older people in finding a new career? Most people I've heard always say to start with what you like to do--and that is the rub for me. I don't find enjoyment in anything for very long. Since I don't "have" to work to put a roof over my head (at least not at present) I can't seem to think of anything that would make the inevitable monotony of a job enticing enough. I've been lamenting since I was at least 45 years old (and that was some time ago) that I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. :(

The insecurity of whether or not we'll actually get any of DH's pension and the small amount we have in a 401K (less than 300k--that's only one heart attack these days) have me a bit worried and make me think I should be contributing some $$ to our future. But I don't want to make myself miserable in the process.

I could volunteer to see if I liked anything but can't think of anything I'd like to volunteer for that would lead to a decent income.

The only thing I know for sure is that I don't want to go back to working in a hospital or in healthcare. (see Doug's responses in the HIPAA thread)

Thanks for your ideas and resources.
 
I might recommend that you ask yourself "what do I want to do Next", rather than when I grow up.....With the word 'next' we give ourselves permission to be flexible, it's OK if it doesn't work out- there's always a 'next'.
Ask yourself what tasks are about 75-80% enjoyable and why are those things enjoyable.....where to start? Make a random, free-flowing list of things you enjoy, then read on-line job ads for job descriptions, and have fun with it.....remember- 'what do you want to do- next'....:)
 
I'm not sure where you are located, but there are organizations out there that can provide help. About 2-years ago I did a project with one such organization in Boston (this was in conjunction with one of my MBA classes, I was not "employed" by the organization). This particular organization does charge for their services, though they are non-profit. Although their name may make you think otherwise, you do not have to be Jewish to take advantage of their services. Hopefully it's not a problem to post their site as it might be of interest to you:

http://www.jvsjobs.org/

In the DC area, another organization that might be able to help is:

http://www.seniorjobs.org/index.html

Lastly, you might get some insight from the AARP (http://www.aarp.org/)

Good Luck!!
 
Most college psychology departments have vocational testing. Years ago I went to Stevens Institute of Technology in NJ for 3 days of vocational testing. At the time I was newly widowed and had friends who told me that, if I trained in computer programming they'd make sure I got a very good job. I spent an hour or so talking with a psychologist about myself, etc. and she decided what tests I should take. I spent a couple of full days taking all kinds of tests and then had another meeting with her. She gave me a verbal intelligence test and asked me some questions. I was then told that I would be very very good as a programmer but I would hate it!!! She told me I should go into PR or Sales and that I'd be very good. She also urged me to move to NYC and get a job that would allow me to move up into this area (I was an Executive Administrative Assistant and you can't move up into the Pres. job lol). I did all those things and ended up making a great deal of money (took me a while) and I loved it. I was fired from one sales job but never let it get me down because I knew (because she said so) that I was good at sales. If I was going back to work (I'm retired) i would go for vocational testing again. JMHO, Linda
 
Thanks for your responses!

I have changed my language to "what do I want to do next?" and it certainly does feel more positive and less stressful. I still don't know what I want to do next, but it does feel better to phrase it that way.

I have a nephew who is a social worker/counselor and I am going to ask him about testing. I feel a little shy about going to one of the colleges/universities for formal testing at this point as I don't know how committed I am to persuing a job at this point but it would be interesting to see what I am supposedly cut out to be. I hope my nephew will be able to help out with this type of testing. Testing in the past has told me I am intelligent (although I don't feel that way anymore and I have a hard time retaining new info these days), can see many sides of an issue (which can be a deteriment also because I have a hard time making up my mind) and that I would be good in administrative/executive positions (well, talk about stress!, no thanks).

I actually have looked at the AARP info. I remember a recent issue stating that there is a need for pharmacists but--oooohhhh--the chemistry involved in getting the degree. I have some chemistry but it has been a verrrryyy long time and I don't remember diddly squat. I may look into pharmacy technician, though.

I know that any new job will pay only half (if that much) of what I could make if I went back to work as an RD but I just don't want the stress. I think it is the stress (and the commitment) which is keeping me from working at this time. I like my freedom to come and go. And, yes, I do know of something that allows that time freedom but I do not feel comfortable with that path at this time. (If I say more on that subject I am likely to start bad-mouthing certain people--not tuggers--and I don't want to fall to that level so I will shut up.)

Maybe I am being entirely unrealistic re a well-paying, enjoyable job with little or no stress and lots of time-freedom. Maybe I am just not ready to commit myself at this point and that is why I keep coming up with excuses.

Thanks for your ideas. I will try them out to see where they lead.
 
Rose Pink said:
I have changed my language to "what do I want to do next?" and it certainly does feel more positive and less stressful. I still don't know what I want to do next, but it does feel better to phrase it that way.

I have a nephew who is a social worker/counselor and I am going to ask him about testing. I feel a little shy about going to one of the colleges/universities for formal testing at this point as I don't know how committed I am to persuing a job at this point but it would be interesting to see what I am supposedly cut out to be. I hope my nephew will be able to help out with this type of testing. Testing in the past has told me I am intelligent (although I don't feel that way anymore and I have a hard time retaining new info these days), can see many sides of an issue (which can be a deteriment also because I have a hard time making up my mind) and that I would be good in administrative/executive positions (well, talk about stress!, no thanks).

I actually have looked at the AARP info. I remember a recent issue stating that there is a need for pharmacists but--oooohhhh--the chemistry involved in getting the degree. I have some chemistry but it has been a verrrryyy long time and I don't remember diddly squat. I may look into pharmacy technician, though.

I know that any new job will pay only half (if that much) of what I could make if I went back to work as an RD but I just don't want the stress. I think it is the stress (and the commitment) which is keeping me from working at this time. I like my freedom to come and go. And, yes, I do know of something that allows that time freedom but I do not feel comfortable with that path at this time. (If I say more on that subject I am likely to start bad-mouthing certain people--not tuggers--and I don't want to fall to that level so I will shut up.)

Maybe I am being entirely unrealistic re a well-paying, enjoyable job with little or no stress and lots of time-freedom. Maybe I am just not ready to commit myself at this point and that is why I keep coming up with excuses.

Thanks for your ideas. I will try them out to see where they lead.
Click to expand...

Well, maybe you're being unrealistic, or maybe you're being smart. If you don't "have" to work, then why subject yourself to unhealthy stress?? I'm a tad jealous that you can define your terms and hold out for them. Please hold out for them!!

Think about your hobbies or what you like to do when you don't have to do anything. I thought it would be peaceful to work at a nursery. Or walk dogs at the shelter. Or be a librarian, or tour guide at the zoo or state park. Since it doesn't have to be a full blown job, you could be a freelance writer or photographer, submitting your work to multiple parties and maybe being able to sell and resell your work over and over.

Admin can be a great and peaceful job FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE. If you found someone that was easy going and just needed some clerical help, that could be a great way to get paid. So many times, it's the personality of the person you work for and not organizational culture that makes the difference. There are people you could not pay me enough to work for.
 
Thanks, I'll get that book.
 
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