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Let's play "career counselor." Anyone who is laid off or merely unsatisfied, give us a thumbnail of your background and key skills, and tell us which walls you've been banging your head against. Maybe we'll have some good ideas.
142 replies [ Reply | Watch | Options ]What did you like about practicing law? What skill(s) do you really want to use? What area of law did you work in? What did you dislike about litigation?
[ Reply | Options ]I found the politics of big firm intolerable. I hated the pressure, the feeling that every little "wrong" decision had major consequences. I didnt like long hours spent researching, writting and revising memos. I liked . . . Good question!
[ Reply | Options ]Did you like talking to other lawyers about what they did? Maybe recruiting or HR would be a better fit. Was the work the problem or just the hours? If just the hours, maybe you could try to find a PT or temp/contract position. I know some people doing research/writing on contract basis - not much $$ but they get to work from home etc.
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Fundraiser for arts/cultural organizations: strong writing schools, organized, diplomatic skills/discretion, persuasive. Doing it part-time now and just feeling like I'm going to need a change soon.
[ Reply | Options ]What would you think of diplomacy, lobbying, or sales? Do you have background in some specific area? If you said that art was your thing, I'd say; if you can sell art, then maybe go to a gallery. Auction house?
[ Reply | Options ]The dide between the non-profit and commercial art world is pretty strong, so it would be hard for me to "switch sides" without starting at the beginning, which wouldn't be worth it. Lobbying is an interesting idea.... I don't think I could do sales: too similar to fundraising without the "feel good" aspect!
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Oh trust me, I'm no proofreader or proof-reader or what have you. But a cover letter that mentions her "strong writing schools" is not going to get far.
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I'm an outside-of-the-box problem solver. Entrepreneurial. Articulate verbally and in writing, but I'm too introverted to be in sales. Good listener. Pedigree education, but no traditional skills. Good with technology, knoweldgeable about real estate, law, taxes. No record of regular employment, but some cool entrepreneurial ventures. I'd like to help people and have some regular human contact. I'm OP.
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Therapist is a long-term goal, but doing the training now seems a bit self-indulgent (when I feel like I should be working). Writing a book seems small and self-important. Fundraising seems like a major obstacle, but I'll think about what sort of non-profit I'd want to do. But venture capital is a GREAT idea. Thanks.
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i've got one for you! helping senior citizens pay bills and do paperwork. you go to their house once a week, go through all their mail, send out checks, file paperwork, etc.
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I like this game. Journalist for 4 years, burnt out on that. English BA from Ivy, 4.0 GPA. A few years of basic business and finance experience, but terrible at math. Grad school suggestions welcome too, but high paying job preferred. :)
[ Reply | Options ]the sooner you can get past your college gpa, the better you'll be. it really doesn't matter at this point.
[ Reply | Options ]I graduated 5 years ago, not 50. It's a unique thing that a number of interviewers have commented on. So it matters in that it helps me stand out and get in the door.
[ Reply | Options ]lol. They comment on it because you put it on your resume & you look like an idiot! I assume you haven't gotten any of those jobs since you're still looking?
[ Reply | Options ]I disagree. If she's only 5 years out, 4.0 from Harvard is something worth putting on a CV. It's unique and a big deal.
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recruiter mom here and 5 years out is too long to include your gpa. if you have impressive awards, achievements or anything else impressive (phi beta kappa), yes. otherwise you look like someone's mom with a bumper sticker that reads "my kid made the honor roll at bumf&ck junior high.
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I'm gonna have to agree based on comments my husband has made to me more than a couple times. He is a high level executive who has placed thousands of consultants at top banks and accounting and auditing firms. One of his pet peeves are applicants who try to rely on past laurels, specifically ones dating from college, to paint a picture of who they are today. It is a great achievement (I'm a B student from a state school), but one that maybe should be left off the resume. I would consult people who specialize in perfecting resumes on this.
[ Reply | Options ]I disagree. Used to recruit for employer who only hired Ivies (years and years out) esp ones with good grades.
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what about some sort of political or religious group, where you monitor the media for them.
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i love this post! i'm probably outing myself, but here goes. background in finance and research. also worked as a high school librarian but i never finished my degree. excellent research skills, very good computer/office skills and a grasp of finance and economics, very well organized. i've also done childcare and tutoring (mostly for reading). i'd strongly prefer not to take a full time job.
[ Reply | Options ]B.S. in Biology from Ivy league school. Applied to med school but got married so deferred. got pregnant (high risk) so lost my deferment. working at a world renowned lab at the Rockefeller insitute for close to nothing because i need some intellectual fulfillment, but hate the lack of interaction with people, and hate basic science and just scientific research in general. Love medicine, but not sure if Id be accepted after what NY schools see as me "blowing of" an acceptance offer (at least thats what my premedical advisor told me). Frustrated and still trying to figure out what to do with my life.
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your advisor sounds like an idiot. If you're good enough to get in once (especially to a NYC school) you can get in somewhere again. high risk pregnancy sounds like a pretty good reason to defer, if you ask me. but do you really want to go to medical school at this point?
[ Reply | Options ]sometimes I think the same thing. what happened was, I was waitlisted at the school of my dreams. persistence (in the form of numerous letters of interest and updates) paid off, and I was accepted in May off hte waitlist (school begins in July). I decided to defer because my boyfriend proposed and we wanted to enjoy our wedding and honeymoon, one year of "relaxation" before embarking on our careers. deferrals can only be made for one year. was planning on starting in August of 2008. However in April (4th month) was put on partial bedrest and things went downhill from there...bleeding...pre eclampsia, lots of scares. there was no way I could have started in August and my MFM specialist OB wrote them a long detailed letter with a signed release from me stating that they could have full access to my medical records and explained my predicament. still lost my spot was told I would need to reapply. premed advisor told me not to bother. at any rate, my MCAT scores "expire" in April, so I will have to retake the test if I want to apply again. I am thankful to have a healthy beautiful daughter but am distraught about my career options right now which seem so bleak. I HATEHATE HATE HATE (did I say hate?) my job. but what skills does a Bio major have. let me tell you. other than secretarial skills, not many.
[ Reply | Options ]wow, you were going to start med school 8 months pregnant? If you can handle that, you can certainly handle writing letters, being persistent and getting accepted somewhere! Also, other schools may see via AMCAS that you're a reapplicant but they don't all necessarily have to know the whole saga. Good luck, OP!
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i'd think you can apply anyway. but what about going halfway and doing something like physician's assistant? you don't have to invest so much time and money into med school. you get the personal interaction, you'll get good workable hours for you and your family.
[ Reply | Options ]I was in a similar position to you. I applied to a med schools, got in, and then did some serious soul searching -- asked myself if I really wanted to accrue all this debt and train for 7+ years with young kids. decided no way. Now I'm finishing NP school and very happy -- controllable hours, good salary, lots of time with my patients, and lots of responsibility.
[ Reply | Options ]to both these above posters- see my above post. filled out the "CASPA" application (its like AMCAS for P.A. schools) after some seroius soul searching and considering my options. but I decided this is NOT what I want and I will always regret not going for my real dream. that is why I was saying, if I dont do MD, I feel like I need something with meaningful social interaction, and intellectual stimulation, but outside of a medical environment completely.
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reapply for med school, if that is your dream. if you got in once, you will get in again. med schools actually like a good story, and you can spin it that you are now entering with more maturity. you deferred and then had to opt out due to a medical reason. that is perfectly valid!
[ Reply | Options ]Speaking as an MD in my late 40's with 4 dc: Do not go to medical school if you have small children. It is a huge committment, stressful, all encompassing endeavor that frankly, when you get to the end, leaves you feeling the same way you do with any other job, "is this all there is"?? Much more fulfilling with dc and dh and life. Polls of doctors show most are unhappy with medicine.
[ Reply | Options ]Agree that many docs are unhappy with medicine. But if the career is really for you, then I wouldn't let small children get in the way. There were a number of women in my class who either had small or children or became mothers during years 1-2. It can be done! It is definitely rough, and a supportive partner is a must, but don't let the fact that you have kids dissuade you from pursuing the career you really want.
[ Reply | Options ]I cannot agree with this. I am 40, a high-stress surgeon, with a grown dd and a 16-mo old dd. Would never do anything else, love my demanding job. I have an understanding and supportive dh, may be it helped not being unhappy with medicine. Bottom line: go for an MD if you have family support and resources, otherwise you will regret it 10 yrs later when it is too late.
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Marketing executive ( VP of Marketing ) at 2 well known Consumer Products company ( high-image ). Took a step down after my son and now have been let go. Tired of the "corporate game" looking to do something more entrepreneurial.
[ Reply | Options ]Well, you should start your own business then. What are your true interests and passions?
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I would focus on food and wine. The latter two are overdone...sigh. I would love a website that was very opinionated, that was family focused, that sold just a few kinds of wine and unusual special foods with a story behind them, well priced, delivered fast and cheap. I hate going shopping for wine with kids in tow, and I never know what to buy.
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Well, I am somewhat of a foodie. My two most recent positions were in premium wine, spirits & chocolate. Also, I am completely obsessed with real estate. I renovated and sold our last apartment and am constantly looking for new deals. A lot of my friends come to me for advise, whether it is pricing, renovating or evaluating a purchase. The only problem it is a terrible to time to do anything with real estate.
[ Reply | Options ]A child-friendly gourmet market with wine - a place that kids and parents WANT to go. Must have an area where kids can sample different white and red grape juices (and spit them out). If you've got the capital, its a great time to get the real estate. Alternatively, put together cooking classes for kids that you can offer on your own, or in schools' after-school programs.
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Have associates in science, dropped out of four year school because worked full time. Had hobby - started business - will sell business in few months and start small cottage industry business that also benefits community, not sure what yet. Persistent, good follow through, employees like me, they are willing to follow me from project to project though they know about my deficiencies. I am bad speller, grammar, etc. I was labeled G&T with savant tendencies and a learning disability. I like it when people are feel like they acomplished something, want to facilitate that.
[ Reply | Options ]^Any ideas on a small business or non-for-profit that could help communities? I do not have to worry about income.
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That might work. I was thinking of a science spot or a program for low income women to learn to knit high end luxury goods. there is a market for both.
[ Reply | Options ]Definitely. Although cost would probably be too high for latter. Takes a long time to knit things. Maybe cashmere baby things? Smaller items?
[ Reply | Options ]I was thinking cashmere, merino wool (the higher end stuff, and Vicuna ($200 per ball of yarn). Make baby booties, baby blankets, ladies shawls, etc.
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I think you could do it if you bought the cashmere yarn in bulk from source in China, and then hand-dyed it in batches or something to make it more interesting before knitting it up.
[ Reply | Options ]Maybe get retail store which would be run as co-op, with all the knitters taking store shifts.
[ Reply | Options ]I was thinking of the co-op idea. They need to be committed and feel like they have ownership. The hand dying is a good point.
[ Reply | Options ]Well, the other point there is to get quality yarn at huge discount, instead of buying it in US.
[ Reply | Options ]I wish I could sit down with you, and help you work through this, as I know a lot about this area. But I can say from the start, and I am expert in this area, the market for $1000 shawls is simply gone. So you have to figure a way to cut costs. Spinning yarn is very time consuming, dull, unskilled. Have it done elsewhere, where people are desperate for any work. Have the photogenic, crafty, skilled stuff done by your woomen.
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former journalist who rose pretty far in the ranks. i've always been told i'm funny and a clever writer. i'm thinking about blogging but feel like i might have missed the party.
[ Reply | Options ]The party is still going on, but lots of folks are dancing (nearly) alone. Question is how large a following you'll be able to collect, and whether you'll be OK with that size audience (which will be smaller than you are used to). Starting a blog costs almost nothing. So, there's not much risk.
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SAHM for past 4 yrs. Worked in architecture firms doing mostly residential work, never took exam for license despite having professional degree. Spent 10 years as location photographer. I am a very good photo printer, excellent computer drawing skills, hands on problem solver with mechanical malfunctions. I don't know what to return to work as because of the children's school schedule (dh would never pick up kids, believes in traditional homebound wife).
[ Reply | Options ]Locate some folks who are in positions that require computer drawing or photo printing. Schedule informational interviews with them ((by calling them, telling them your background, and that you're looking at getting back into the game, and want their expertise -- all in 15 seconds). Ask lots of Qs about what they do and challenges they face. Relate that to things you've done, but do not ask for a job. Goal: More contacs, and some freelance work in computer drawing or photo printing. Freelance will fit your schedule, and involves no commitment for them. Win, Win.
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former marketing executive of a tarp bank, started a blog about my life as a single mom in NYC. Love writing, blog traffic is slowly increasing but blog makes no money and probably never will. how do I leverage traditional markting background and new social media sills into my next career
[ Reply | Options ]working p/t just to earn an income and i'd love to get into public policy or economic think tank but i don't know how to break in.
[ Reply | Options ]Sooo love this post: Investment analyst in hedge fund industry (for too long). MBA, some financial sales/marketing experience but wouldn't want to go back into sales. Strong research, writing, and public speaking skills. I do like being the "expert" so I'm somewhat concerned about leaving my field but the job is dead end, has too much travel, and firm is too political. Also my interest in finance/investing is on the wane if it ever was really there to begin with. Have considered going back for an MPH because I'm interested in healthcare but feel like I should make due with the existing degree. Also, I like to bake and read way too many mommy blogs.
[ Reply | Options ]Work in IT at a bank. I don't do hard-core stuff like coding, more project management, writing specs and communications. While I like the job, the financial services industry is very demanding as far as time (I'm here 10+ hours a day and still feel like I'm slacking off). I'm good at talking to the business, the developers, can write technical documentation as well as marketing materials, am an excellent front-of-room presenter and have had a lot of global exposure (I manage a team of people here in NY, in Salt Lake City, in Tokyo, in Hong Kong, and in London). Long ago I pursued an arts career (theater) and that's what I was educated to do.
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Great idea for a thread and love that everyone is civil. I'm 25, chem major, and a former premed. My GPA dropped drastically in my last two years, so my average is 2.7. So I can't do many things like PA, NP, med school, etc. as they obviously require high academic achievement. I substitute taught for one year and worked as a babysitter in the evening. I really love children and am fascinated by their brain development...I also like science, teaching, and travel. I have applied for jobs at publix, subway, whole foods, preschools, pharmacies, hospitals, admin asst on craigslist, etc. with no luck. I applied for a master's in teaching program for career changers but they rejected me for my GPA. I don't have any money at all but I do have $1400 credit line left on my credit card. I am getting more anxious with time, because as the gap increases on my resume with no job, I become even less marketable. I would appreciate any suggestions. -*
[ Reply | Options ]Start taking classes at a cheap college. A lot of people use Hunter. Take classes that interest you and are relevant to your dream career. Bring that GPA up. Volunteer in relevant positions. If you are fascinated by brain development, why not study that in grad school? Or in med school? My husband had a GPA like yours and did a postbacc program at Columbia... allowed him to get into a great med school!
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Currently working in the grants office of a NYC University. (Over 5 years experience reviewing and submitting grants - familiarity with Federal requirements, etc.) Before that I worked as the general manager of a theater company, and before that I worked on Wall Street (writing marketing materials and conducting training sessions on retirement plans). What I WANT to do is be an actor (like almost everyone else in this town.) My degree is in theater and I've always done off-off Broadway shows while working. But now that I have a dc, I don't know how to swing a full time money job and my acting "career", so for the moment I've stopped doing theater. Now that I'm not being fulfilled by doing what I love, my day job is even more soul killing and stultifying. I'm also the main bread winner, so I need to keep a decent income and health insurance. I'm also feeling too old (36) to start from scratch, but am feeling really depressed with where I am.
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I work as an academic adviser at local State College. I have a Masters Degree in School Counseling and need to make more money. Any ideas for part time work or weekends?
[ Reply | Options ]Former network television executive producer (news). 20 years of working overnights killed my endocrine system. I left in February to try to build my own practice as a media trainer and consultant. This economy sucks. Have burned through my savings and now having friends help me pay the mortgage. I've been forced to go back to my old networks to do freelance writing and producing -- on the same overnight shifts (mostly morning television shows) that killed my health in the first place.
[ Reply | Options ]could you move somewhere else, lower cost of living and still work in this field?
[ Reply | Options ]Is no one hiring because the TV news business is losing eyeballs to cable, internet (bloggers, social media), and DVD competition in the news/entertainment space? Maybe jump to talk shows? Help corporations or trade associations produce promotional pieces that look like news clips which can be incorporated in news programs or on YouTube?
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sahm for past 3 years, before that attorney, mostly appellate practice, estate planning, business, some real estate. before law school, short career in arts administration. art/design BS. like helping people. don't like billing and having to ask for money when practicing law! honestly, i would like it better if i never had to send out another bill.
[ Reply | Options ]Would being at a firm or under someone else's umbrella solve the billing issue? Its hard to make lawyer money in college teaching. "counseling" means like being an academic advisor or career counselor? Again, hard to make decent money at it (unless you run the office). But, if you put money aside, you could probably get a gig doing the work.
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I was project manager at a civil engineering firm for 8 years before I took 1.5 years off to be SAHM. I intended to return because we need the money but with the decline in the market, my firm no longer has enough work to bring me back. I am (mostly) enjoying being at home with the children but would love a total career change. I am fascinated in medicine and wish that I had tried to become a doctor instead. I was not crazy about being an engineer except that I loved managing a team and working with my clients. Hated sitting at the desk and designing all day.
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