Topic : Career Goals

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Created on : Thursday, July 07, 2005, 09:24:24 am
Author : dataimport
Are you stuck in a dead-end job, or do you feel you are on the career path of your dreams? Talk about how to set - and achieve - your goals!

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April 21, 2006, 4:46 pm PDT

which direction??

I am currently in between jobs due to a injury that happened on my last job.I had to have surgery on my right shoulder and I've been out of work since the end of october 2005.The problem I am having is that I want to get out of the highly phisical jobs and do something more brainy without gettting into something stressful due  to the fact that I do not deal with stress as well as others may.I have done a number of jobs like tractor triler driving,tow truck,managing,air conditioning,all resturant work,auto machanic,fork lift,farm work,you name it.The reason I have done all theese things was so that I always have something to fall back on but due to the fact that I seriousely injured myself and the fact that I am getting older I am looking for less phyisical work that will pay me a honest day's pay.My wife is due to graduate from nursing school this spring and I will have to find work in the fall but I have no idea what I am interested in!I Help! 

 
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April 23, 2006, 5:56 pm PDT

No Doubt The Path Of My Dreams...

The question was do you feel you are on the career path of your dreams? Talk about how to set - and achieve - your goals!  

  

Yes, I'm no doubt in my mind in the right field, it is one I enjoy, one I can relate to, one I can make a difference in, but I also have another goal I'm working on.  After working with abused children, dysfunctional adults, abusive adults, addicted adults etc my true dream is to create a safe place that kids can bond with horses and have a safe place to go.  I live in a drug infested state, our kids have nothing to do community wise, there is a never ending shortage of positive role models and I'm gonna change that for as many kids as I can. I want these children to be able to see the incredible transformation of rescue horses with the will to survive and beat all odds and I know they will see that within themselves.  I actually have a list of kids waiting for me to create this because they know I have pleasure horses, which drives me crazy that I can't pull it together faster! 

  

Dear God I have no idea which way to turn first, but I have begun research and looked at all creating a seperate not for profit organization entails.  We're also looking for the right land to create this safe learn through animals sanctuary, but living on a rock has made that difficult money wise (flat land is HIGH here).  I don't doubt my abilities to pull this dream together, because there is a drive behind me that is incredibly strong.  I don't have corporate backing, I don't have sponsors, I don't have grant writers, but I do have the WILL to see it through. 

  

For anyone that has a dream, take it from someone who has come out of hell to help others in the process, you can make a difference, you can see your dreams to fruition and you can let that knowledge be your driving force.   

  

I guess I'm done rambling now lol. 

  

 
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April 23, 2006, 10:14 pm PDT

Midlife 830

Quote From: midlife830

 I am 50 years old. I worked at one company most of my working life(25 years). During my time there I went to college part time hoping to advance in my field(CNC Programming). I was laid off in 2001, so I finished up my schooling. I graduated at the top of my class in 2002.  

  Since this time I have run into something that I cant put my finger on. Employers seem to assume that because of my degree, that I know everything there is to know about my field. There also seems to be a tendency to be overlooked because of my age. I think I'm going through a mid life crisis, or a depression.   

  I am working, but I work graveyard shift (11:00PM-7:00am). I dont like it but it pays the bills. Any reflections on this would be helpful.  

                                                                         Thanks  

                                                                       Midlife 830 

I understand completely what you mean and are going thru.  I am 59.  Here's the thing.  I would say that most people who graduate with a degree in the IT area - Do know their stuff - they eat it, sleep it, do whatever it takes to master it And apparently you haven't done that.  Know it is one thing, Really know it is something else. 

  

And yes because of your age they are looking past you to the younger set who Do know their stuff. 

That's life!!! 

 
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April 24, 2006, 5:54 pm PDT

Figuring out what you want to do...

Quote From: derbyman

I am currently in between jobs due to a injury that happened on my last job.I had to have surgery on my right shoulder and I've been out of work since the end of october 2005.The problem I am having is that I want to get out of the highly phisical jobs and do something more brainy without gettting into something stressful due  to the fact that I do not deal with stress as well as others may.I have done a number of jobs like tractor triler driving,tow truck,managing,air conditioning,all resturant work,auto machanic,fork lift,farm work,you name it.The reason I have done all theese things was so that I always have something to fall back on but due to the fact that I seriousely injured myself and the fact that I am getting older I am looking for less phyisical work that will pay me a honest day's pay.My wife is due to graduate from nursing school this spring and I will have to find work in the fall but I have no idea what I am interested in!I Help! 

That is step number ONE.  You have done an array of jobs, but what is it that really peaks your interest? What would you enjoy getting up every morning and doing as your "job"?  What are your best attributes that you can focus on and sell to a potential employer? What, to you, is an honest days pay?  Are you more confident in one area as opposed to others? What are your talents? 

  

Lots of questions you need to ask yourself, on paper is best, and therein will be your answer. 

  

Lori 

 
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April 28, 2006, 12:01 am PDT

Career Goals

Quote From: tripitaca

Dear all 

  

I have for the past 8months being living in europe in a country where english is the second language.  I am marrried for 8months but do not have children.   A few years ago I left my teaching job to work voluntarily in another part of the world and though it was hard, it made me feel worthwhile.   

  

Now I have married i moved to europe and because of the language problem, i cant get a job in a field i would be able to if i was at home.  I get bouts of feeling really down.  i have started some part-time work in an international school, but even though this school is fine, i find no joy in teaching.  I am torn between learning the language which i am doing (and will not be able to do over night) and finding a full time job.   if i dont learn thelanuage my job prospects reamin limited and i cnnot get to really communicate wiht my parents - in -law.  This is the first time in my life i have been without work.  The comments I have had from some people do not help.  E.g.  one of the class mates from my language course asid he was concerned that i get a job as he was working so that i could stay at home!  Another person from a sports club that I was going to join, said to me after i had explained that it was my husband and not i that worked at the company,  "so what do you do, nothing?"  What their preocupation with my financial status is, i do not know. 

  

My husand's sister and mothe are both ill and when i chose to move here, it was them more than me i was thining about.  Now i feel so lost.  it is so difficiult o make friends here.  People are just not interested i being friendly.  It sounds weird but it is true.  I have lost so much confidence sometimes i dont even want to go to the shop.  i am afraid that if we moved to my country, my husband  would have problems leaving his famil and his family would have even more problems wihtout hi,m.  i feel my life stopped the day I came here and i regret it.  i know some advice will be to hang in there, but i dont know how much longer I can do this.    

  

Your suggestions as to how to cope or any ideas for work from home, or work I could seek out that wouldnt need language would be great.      Ps  At the moment I am living in Holland. 

  

  

Hello dear friend , you may feel this way because of the cultural shock too , lost and without being able to express yourself in the new surrounding .  You may be homesick , because moving to another country is a pretty big thing for just one life .  Learning the language will help you to adapt quicker and you will start to feel more comfortable .   

  

 
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April 28, 2006, 2:47 pm PDT

Real World

Quote From: renagade

I understand completely what you mean and are going thru.  I am 59.  Here's the thing.  I would say that most people who graduate with a degree in the IT area - Do know their stuff - they eat it, sleep it, do whatever it takes to master it And apparently you haven't done that.  Know it is one thing, Really know it is something else. 

  

And yes because of your age they are looking past you to the younger set who Do know their stuff. 

That's life!!! 

I disagree with the assumption that I havent mastered my field,but here's the thing.... In any field you learn from the people around you(experiennced and inexperienced) regardless of how much schooling you have. When you think that you know everything to know about something it's time too do something else.  

Looking past me because of my age is not only illeagle,but immoral also. But proving it is quite daunting. 

  

Thanks 

Midlife830 

 
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April 28, 2006, 9:29 pm PDT

Here's what I mean

Quote From: midlife830

I disagree with the assumption that I havent mastered my field,but here's the thing.... In any field you learn from the people around you(experiennced and inexperienced) regardless of how much schooling you have. When you think that you know everything to know about something it's time too do something else.  

Looking past me because of my age is not only illeagle,but immoral also. But proving it is quite daunting. 

  

Thanks 

Midlife830 

When I was in school deciding whether or not to continue with my field or pursue another field, I took a couple of courses in the IT area.  I was in classes with Hong Kong students - there was never a moment when they weren't talking, etc, etc, etc, about it until is oooozed out of there pores. 

  

When I would ask one of them for help - instead of them just answering my question - they made sure that I completely understood what was going on, and it was fun for them.  They also wanted 

to know as much as possible to add infinitum. 

  

I guess the only help I can give is Not to give up.  At 59 I am starting a whole new gig.  I have taken to the web for the creation of a site.  Although I am still working I have come to the point that I now 

want to do stuff for myself. 

  

Don't give up. 

 
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April 30, 2006, 4:23 am PDT

Thanks

Quote From: renagade

When I was in school deciding whether or not to continue with my field or pursue another field, I took a couple of courses in the IT area.  I was in classes with Hong Kong students - there was never a moment when they weren't talking, etc, etc, etc, about it until is oooozed out of there pores. 

  

When I would ask one of them for help - instead of them just answering my question - they made sure that I completely understood what was going on, and it was fun for them.  They also wanted 

to know as much as possible to add infinitum. 

  

I guess the only help I can give is Not to give up.  At 59 I am starting a whole new gig.  I have taken to the web for the creation of a site.  Although I am still working I have come to the point that I now 

want to do stuff for myself. 

  

Don't give up. 

Thanks for the help. 

 I have been thinking of doing something else als, I live in New York State, so the cost of schooling is very expensive per credit hour. My wife and I are moving south next year to be near relatives and start over. After we live there for 6 months, I can go to shool part time fairly cheaply ( compared to New York). 

Thaks again 

Midlife 830 

 
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April 30, 2006, 5:57 am PDT

Hi Caroline

Quote From: caro_2006

Hello Rayken 

  

It is indeed so comforting to realize that we are not alone. I just wanted to say Hello to you because I am in the same boat and have spent the last 3-4 months speculating on and off about how to find my purpose because something is just eating me up inside, telling me that I am completely off track. My heart is just not into my work and every morning feels absurd to me when I go to work. The worst part is, that not many people seem to relate and I feel bad sometimes, knowing there are many people out there who would want my job. 

  

After lots of thinking and tons of time spent researching the net, I finally went to a life coaching session, and acquired a few selected self help books. I think I finally understand that the real answer lies within one's self. No matter how much you ask around and seek for help, it seems like the secret to finding your purpose is to connect with yourself from within. Connect with your body and soul, reach for the child within you once were, before you were conditioned through life. Then you will finally hear your inner voice. 

  

It is a very tedious process though and I am having a hard time waiting, because I just feel like I am wasting every single day of my life waiting. But I know I shouldn't be saying that. Every day is a learning experience. Nevertheless I can't wait to finally be able to break free of my current 'prison' and fly towards the beginning of the new chapter in my life, the one where I fulfill my purpose in life which I feel in my heart has to do with helping others, make a difference in the world. I just can't wait for my inner voice to manifest. 

  

Good luck to you 

  

Caroline 

I am so glad to read your post.  It is comforting to know you are not the only one in the situation you are in.  It's so nice to hear from others who can relate to you.  I agree everyday is a learning experience.  And I too so agree that the real answer lies within one's self.  And no matter how much you ask around and seek help, is to connect with yourself from within.  I so totally agree with everything you said.  I am so glad you responded to my post and it sounds like we have so much in common.  I did go out of my dead end job but in a way caused stress where there was stress.  Now what do I do?  Kind of feel like a floundering fish in unknown waters.  But I feel like too everyday I am getting closer to what I should be doing (I hope anyway).  There has to be something out there better than what I was doing.  Even sometimes flopping burgers sounds good to me (I would never do anything of the kind now) but when you are desperate anything goes.  I just hope I am on the right path and anxiety don't get the worse of me.  Life is a journey either way.  I will "keep rowing" and the same to you and I know too you will find what you are looking for and soon.  I would like to keep in touch by e-mail if you would like and see how each of us is doing on our journeys.  We sound like we could be each others cheerleader.  Anyway feel free to e-mail me anytime.  

   

Thanks Caroline for your post,  

Rayken  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

 
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April 30, 2006, 8:09 pm PDT

Midlife

Quote From: midlife830

Thanks for the help. 

 I have been thinking of doing something else als, I live in New York State, so the cost of schooling is very expensive per credit hour. My wife and I are moving south next year to be near relatives and start over. After we live there for 6 months, I can go to shool part time fairly cheaply ( compared to New York). 

Thaks again 

Midlife 830 

If your still reading this - don't go back to school - Rely on yourself - this is what I am doing.  there is something that you must be good at that you can turn into a business.   

  

Remember is the world closes the doors on you - then create your own opportunity. 

 

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