Career change after 19 yearsHi everyone! I am currently a PC trainer at a law firm. Been doing here for 10 years, and been in this industry since 88. Frankly, I've grown tired of this and want to pursue another career. After taking career tests and assessments, I've been advised to pursue teaching/education or customer service careers, something where I can work with people and feel that my work has purpose and meaning. I also like working with children/young people. As background, I also am a part-time amateur actress. I have loved to act, and am very good at it, since high school. I'm currently 48. I would love to pursue a theatre career, yes, even at this late date. But I've been told it's not too late if it's what I really want to do. Any advice from any of you out there regarding what my next career move should be? Should I talk to a career counselor after I update my resume (it's been 10 years since I did this)? Thanks! Maris Hi Maris: Like you, I enjoy the theatre, have built sets for amateur productions, worked back stage, including being backstage manager for a few productions, and have even had a co-staring role in an amateur production of Neil Simon's, "God's Favorite" as the angel, receiving rave reviews in the local paper. All that being said, it is not something at 52 I see as a viable career choice, though I think my experiences in that arena give me some unique skill sets that can be used to some company's advantage. I am a firm believer in following one's muse, but would also counsel caution, as there are a whole lot of starving artists and actors in the world. I was a successful artist (potter) for some 20 years, but can tell you most of the people out on the arts and crafts were not earning enough money from their talents to live on, to make it their fulltime career and occupation. So, lots of people have made career suggestions for you. Looking at your own financial reality, making sure that you can cover your (and family) needs, what would you like to do for the next 10 or so years as a career, what would you like to do moving forward...answer that, and half of battle in moving forward is already done. Sherwood I appreciate your honest feedback. I've been doing a lot of research and reading since I've had the feeling that moving on is the best thing to do. I think I will continue to act and be involved in theatre as a passionate hobby until Broadway calls, but will investigate my true career calling to pay da bills. Thanks again, Best wishes to you as well. Maris aka Mar
Maybe think about a new kind of role and environment that uses and leverages your experience, rather than a start-over. A good move might be to engineer a move into something new, fresh, and in tune with your strengths while pursuing / funding your passion on the side. It sounds like you are in a good position to be in control of this process. Ian Christie Career Changers Coach When you say "...a new kind of role and environment that uses and leverages your experience, rather than a start-over", are you talking about at my present place of employment? Are you saying find "...something new, fresh, and in tune with your strengths..." at the law firm? The only thing I can think of that might be slightly interesting is our marketing department, but they're small and not sure if there's room for growth there. To be honest, I don't enjoy working in the legal environment. I don't feel like what I'm doing matters in the grand scheme of things or that I'm making a worthwhile contribution. What is your advice for someone who feels that way? P.S. I'm ok with pursuing my passions on the side - acting in the theatre being the main one - I've made my peace with that since it probably won't pay the bills. Thanks for your help.
Certainly, re-engaging within your current employer CAN be a really effective and smart move. A new role. A new focus. The next step. However, it isn't always possible. And law firms are an environment where the non-legal people can feel incidental to the big picture. So, I was thinking for you that a move outside of the legal world might the best thing... Look into the clues provided by these aptitude tests / assessments. In what areas can you pair your expertise and experience with those strengths? Ian Christie Career Changers Coach | |
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