I am feeling a bit inadequate.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 6,2022 at 11:22PM UTC

   Get a journal and start writing down what you like to do? What do you like to do and what can you do effortlessly that may come difficult to others. Also, determine your personality type. For ex an intj or infj, is more likely to prefer a partial telework or full remote position. So rather than casting a wide net when applying to jobs, try narrowing your focus based on something you genuinely like to do. Some people have no clue what they even like to do anymore which is why it is good to journal to spend time with your self to discover these things.

2. Barb HansenNovember 7,2022 at 4:00AM UTC

   I suggest reading the book "What Color is Your Parachute" - it's been continuously updated for more than 25 years, and it has great tips on how to find the kind of job that fits you.

   it's available at the library, and all book sellers.

   I read that book when I was struggling to find my next career, and it helped me find a few talents that I overlooked, and focus on the things in my current job (and skill set) that I loved. From there, the book helped me start looking in a career direction that I would never have thought about before reading the book.

3. Heather TearneyNovember 9,2022 at 3:12PM UTC

   I would also suggest the book "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek - it really outlines the differences in people/companies when those involved have guiding principles and ideals. Finding YOUR 'why', and what motivates you will help you get through the mundane, 'boring' work because you know that it will help you achieve your goals for your 'why'. (P.S. Mr. Sinek is a great speaker, you can find his TED talks, and other conversations online - I fully encourage you to take a look.)

4. RenataNovember 7,2022 at 10:35AM UTC

   Designing a career you love takes time and work. This may sound obvious but for many people understanding this intellectually and really knowing this is the hardest thing they have to do.

   Primarily it starts with your WHAT you want and WHY? These may seem like fairly easy questions to answer; I assure you though, these are the 2 most difficult questions you will ever answer in your life. The reason: The answers change as your life circumstances and priorities change. I say to all my clients The person that brought you here is not the same person who is going to get you there. Once you accept this and recognize that every time you think you have 'got it' - that is your queue to make the next bold move. Whether that means changing jobs or upskilling and adapting to new circumstances. Every skill and experience you have is one step closer to you fulfilling your purpose. We tend to feel inadequate for two reasons 1. we are not fulfilling our purpose and 2. we are living someone else's life.

5. Bonnie CoventryNovember 7,2022 at 11:47AM UTC

   Find your passion and work with your passion. I think looking at wages will not make you happy, doesn't for most to be honest, but this is a clear sign for you. Work with your whole heart and you will grow within that passion. Allow yourself to seek that. Good luck on your journey (notice I didn't call it search).

6. Kathryn MontbriandNovember 7,2022 at 4:01PM UTC

   Similar to the other commenters, I recommend doing some thinking about what you're great at and translating that into a job.

   Jumping in to add: I really like Gallup Strengths Finder 2.0 as a tool to get to know yourself and where your skills lie. If you haven't done it before - it's a self-assessment that lists your top strengths in order. Strength doesn't mean you are automatically a star at the thing, but that you have the aptitude to find ease and excellence in that item.

   Think: a natural athlete has an easier time training to be a basketball all-star, but they still need to put in the work and training.

   Once you know your strengths, think about what type of careers or roles will tap into them and help you develop in ways that are interesting to you. Doing things you are not talented in will always lead to frustration - it is so much more enjoyable to work from your strengths.

7. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterNovember 7,2022 at 4:57PM UTC

   If you could afford to work with a career coach, that would be ideal. It is so helpful to have someone ask you the tough questions - and make observations about what they are seeing/hearing that you, being in the mire of it all, cannot see for yourself.

   If that isn't possible, here is a free resource I highly recommend: https://exclusivecareercoaching.com/professional-purpose

8. Gaby CadenaNovember 8,2022 at 8:41PM UTC

   Hey there,

   I want to begin by saying that 30 is the new 20. If you have not found your calling, a fulfilling job, or a place where you can see yourself growing - THAT IS OKAY.

   Unfortunately, many of us didn't have great guidance growing up, and we may find ourselves looking for this even in our 30s.

   I agree with what everyone commented on here, read some books, listen to podcasts, get uncomfortable, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds and careers.

   If you're able, do some inner work with a therapist or find a mentor or coach. Get ready to begin exploring the world of work and know your boundaries.

   The last thing you want to do is go at it alone; I genuinely believe others can add to your life in many ways and help you find the path you're looking for.

   I wish you luck and hope to hear your success story!

9. Christi LopezNovember 9,2022 at 2:46PM UTC

   Agree with everyone else.
   Think about what you enjoy doing. You can start small - specific tasks you enjoy.

   I like lists and organizing my time. I like working one-on-one with a small group to help them focus their ideas. I like taking those initial ideas and helping them grow and develop into a design that exceeds my clients' expectations.

   Now, those specific tasks can apply across many different careers, but the fact that I love creating, love researching and building and helping and communicating...those all drove me to become a graphic designer. But I spent 20 years as an administrative assistant first - which also helped build the skills above.

   I didn't go to school for graphic design (Assoc.) until I was 40. And now, at 48, I'm obtaining my bachelor's in GD. There is no specific timeline for figuring out what you want/enjoy doing. And just because you enjoy one thing, doesn't mean you need to do it for the rest of your life. It's a process. Just know that you WILL figure it out when the time is right.

10. Jennifer TaylorNovember 9,2022 at 7:19PM UTC

    Hey, I didn't find my passion until I was 50. Not to say that it will take YOU that long, but I was in survival mode until then. Besides looking inward, and researching things that you are interested in pursuing, I would also suggest going to therapy. Even if you have no anxiety, depression, etc... sometimes a therapist can help dig out the "real you" and give you tools to help you find that thing that excites you.

11. Holly NunnallyNovember 12,2022 at 3:33PM UTC

    I really feel this. I am in my mid-forties and feel like I am in career limbo. I have been stuck just "surviving" (financially speaking) for the last 20 years. It seems like every time life starts looking up and going our way, something happens.

12. Kathryn RichardsNovember 11,2022 at 6:11AM UTC

    I’m almost 40 and I still feel exactly the same way.