Posted by: Darlene Duncan CWDP, JSS, CCC, JCTC, JCDC
Training Coordinator
I’m sure you remember hearing that question on a regular basis when you were growing up. Some of us had very definite ideas and others were all over the map. If you’re among today’s unemployed, that question once again has relevance for you.
Perhaps the career field you’ve been working in is going the way of the blacksmith. A lot of jobs that used to exist have either been automated out of existence or they’ve been combined with other jobs. These new combined jobs require more and different skills.
So regardless of your age and work experience you may be facing that question again, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Don’t look at this as an obstacle to overcome. Look at it as an opportunity. On average in our society we will each have about nine careers and probably three jobs in each of those career fields.
It’s not like you’re quitting a job to join the circus. It’s not like you’re being irresponsible and quitting a good job to go off on a quest for a childhood dream. You’re already unemployed. Since we spend more time on the job than we do with our families you really should pick a job you’re going to enjoy.
Don’t limit yourself to thinking like a responsible adult when you start thinking about what you want to do. Instead, perform your job search with the abandon of a youngster. The reality is that the possibilities are endless.
Take interest surveys and career assessments. Figure out where your abilities and interests intersect with the job market. Once you find that intersection start thinking about ways you can turn your abilities and interests into a money making proposition. Is there a job out there that matches up to you? Or are you one of those people with the self-discipline to be an entrepreneur?
Just remember that whatever route you choose, it will have its ups and downs and twists and turns. Every job has its negative aspects so pick something you’ll enjoy in spite of its negative parts.
Training Coordinator
I’m sure you remember hearing that question on a regular basis when you were growing up. Some of us had very definite ideas and others were all over the map. If you’re among today’s unemployed, that question once again has relevance for you.
Perhaps the career field you’ve been working in is going the way of the blacksmith. A lot of jobs that used to exist have either been automated out of existence or they’ve been combined with other jobs. These new combined jobs require more and different skills.
So regardless of your age and work experience you may be facing that question again, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Don’t look at this as an obstacle to overcome. Look at it as an opportunity. On average in our society we will each have about nine careers and probably three jobs in each of those career fields.
It’s not like you’re quitting a job to join the circus. It’s not like you’re being irresponsible and quitting a good job to go off on a quest for a childhood dream. You’re already unemployed. Since we spend more time on the job than we do with our families you really should pick a job you’re going to enjoy.
Don’t limit yourself to thinking like a responsible adult when you start thinking about what you want to do. Instead, perform your job search with the abandon of a youngster. The reality is that the possibilities are endless.
Take interest surveys and career assessments. Figure out where your abilities and interests intersect with the job market. Once you find that intersection start thinking about ways you can turn your abilities and interests into a money making proposition. Is there a job out there that matches up to you? Or are you one of those people with the self-discipline to be an entrepreneur?
Just remember that whatever route you choose, it will have its ups and downs and twists and turns. Every job has its negative aspects so pick something you’ll enjoy in spite of its negative parts.
Great article on the upside of having to find a new job or profession. It can truly be a new beginning.
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