Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Career #2.

So I'm on this path of trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Round 2.

I spent 20 years in the Automotive Industry working a corporate job. Spent the last 10 of those years in management (ugh!). Now don't get me wrong, I actually loved what I did and I do believe I was actually pretty darn good at it. It's just that now, having been out of "it" for the last 2 years, doing the consulting gig, I have NO desire to go back into the corporate world.

Why not?

  • Well, it's not the 7am - 6pm time (though that would be a huge shift the lazy day pattern I have adapted)
  • It's not that I don't want to be with people - because, believe it or NOT I am a people person; This one woman alone in her studio thing is NOT working for me
  • It's the politics, bureaucracy, dealing with crazy/stupid/ignorant/delusional people
  • It's the pouring your heart out into projects that never go anywhere
  • It's all this - and the "been there, done that"
So I'm at this point in my life where I can recreate who I am and what I want to be doing for the next 20 (or so) years...and I haven't a clue. I know what I don't want. I know what I like to do. I just don't know how to make it my "career". My husband keeps telling me that I need to get a full time job ("to boss people around"), but I don't think that is the case.

I just need an outlet, a direction and the ability to find joy in whatever it is I do each day. Has anyone been down this road/path and found success? How did you find the right path? Where did you search? How has it turned out. I'd love to hear.

4 comments:

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  2. So maybe... just maybe, you should come to Hong Kong with us next month. Checking things out and seeing something different always help to rewire the thought. We can sit down and brainstorm together:)

    -w

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  3. I guess Liam and I have kind of been there. For us, it's been about having several things going on...some integrated, some independent, all based around a passion.

    I feel as though I'm enjoying the varied satisfaction each different project/job brings. It's like having a diverse group of friends... each friend brings something unique to the table.

    On the flipside, I often feel like I'm juggling too many things, and once in a while I wish flexibility and stability fit together more naturally.

    I must say, knowing what you don't want is extremely important...even if you have to compromise a bit. At least you know when situations are starting to "taste" wrong.

    Have you thought about teaching/training? I think your skills and personality would be very well-received by adult students... I would sign up for your course/seminar/etc...plus, I know you'd have awesome handouts and treats.

    You've got several people in your circle who have chosen nontraditional paths... I think that is a very good thing. Some of my 9 to 5 friends, just can't comprehend my career path. If one more of those people tacks on an "and this job is stable" when they are "helping" me "network," I think I'll spit.

    The good news is that you're trying to shape your future instead of just falling into it.

    Corey

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  4. I saw your post about CPL (thank you! that is awesome!) and I thought I'd chime in here. I didn't plan to be a librarian but have found that it is exactly where I want to be. You don't even have to be a librarian to get a lot of what I consider to be the best stuff out of the job (you could be a library assistant or page or some of the other positions that don't require a masters): helping people get what they want, interacting with people of all ages and cultures, being part of an organization that welcomes everyone. If you want to know more about library work, please feel free to ask anytime. :)

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