I'm struggling with deciding on my next career move.

Anonymous

December 13,2022 at 1:56PM UTC

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I'm struggling with deciding on my next career move. I've been doing similar work (HR in various capacities, including management) for nearly two decades in the same industry, and I'm not sure I like either the work or the industry any more. A couple of years ago, I found myself completely burned out and made some major changes that have helped a lot (shifted work/life balance, among other things), but that wasn't the silver bullet I was looking for. It seems like everyone I talk to that has been in a similar situation knows what they'd rather be doing; I have no idea. So, I'm stuck: I want to move away from what I'm doing now, but I don't know what to move towards. I've spoken with both a career coach and a therapist to try to gain insights but haven't been very successful. Any ideas on how to get unstuck?

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Paulla Fetzek, MSEdDecember 13,2022 at 2:29PM UTC
Hello! It takes strength to want to step out of your comfort zone and I admire you for that.
Instead of looking at it from a professional standpoint, how about trying a personal one? What to you like to do personally? Writing? Photography? Scrapbooking? Do you have something you've wanted to do but don't feel you have enough knowledge or skill? How about going back to school?
I have over 35 years in project management/customer service. Been at my current job nearly 20 years. It's a good place. Great coworkers. Decent pay. It's never been fulfilling and most certainly not where I ever thought I'd spend so much of my life.
Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. In 2008 I decided to go to college for a BS in Elem Ed. Got that degree when I was 45.
I wasn't able to leave my FT job (the same one I'm still at by the way). But I was able to fulfill my love for teaching - but tutoring, and I've done this PT for the past 10 years.
While I enjoy teaching children, it turns out my heart and talent lies in teaching English as a Second Language primarily to young adults! This is the bulk of my student base.
So I shifted again. A year ago, I returned to school - this time studying for my Masters in Adult Education. If all goes well, I'll complete the program the end of 2023.
I'll be 56.
My advice then: Instead of looking at jobs that you'd be good at based on what you've done... Look for jobs that you'd LOVE to do based on who you are. What you've done will be an added bonus for whatever you choose.
All the best!
AnonymousDecember 13,2022 at 3:39PM UTC
Love this advice!
AnonymousDecember 13,2022 at 3:15PM UTC
Why not seek work in the not for profit area, in an area you are passionate about. You may have difficulties of many kinds there but if it aligns with your core beliefs you will find satisfaction
KarenDecember 13,2022 at 3:18PM UTC
Instead of looking at it as you're stuck, reframe your vantage point. You've already mentioned the changes you've made that have helped a lot. You've gained some traction -that is cause to celebrate. Take it to the next level and create a venn diagram of what a silver bullet would look like for you. Don't worry about industry. Focus on likes, interests, what are you good at, and motivators. The common overlapping themes should give you some direction. Another thing to do is scroll through all job searches, whether on Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc. See what's out there. You may find something you didn't think of and that will help get you unstuck.
AnonymousDecember 13,2022 at 3:39PM UTC
Love this advice!
Cyndi RosenblattDecember 13,2022 at 3:43PM UTC
Think about what parts of your current or past jobs you really did enjoy doing. Those specific aspects or tasks might help you hone in on jobs in other fields that have more of those as central responsibilities and provide a road map of strong translatable skills to help you make the switch.
One thing to consider is whether you can absorb a pay cut. That's often a factor when switching fields and a big reason people end up riding it out in a field they don't really like anymore. An alternative is to continue where you are until you can retire, but add volunteer roles or a side gig to your schedule for the personal growth/fulfillment piece you want in your life.
Best of luck with your next steps!
AnonymousDecember 13,2022 at 4:07PM UTC
I am in a very similar situation, it feels like I'm at a crossroad in my life.
I found this article on Fairygodboss by
Trie Angeleva, to be very helpful. It's the first time I felt like......this sounds like a great plan after reading it. Here is the link. https://www.reimaginemonday.com/post/your-essential-dream-job-recipe-part-2
Anne KrookDecember 13,2022 at 4:52PM UTC
try some short-term commitment volunteer roles in different kinds of places, to see if they have roles or kinds of work that you like, One of the best places to go is Toastmaster: as you learn to speak more confidently in public, you also meet a lot of people from different industries, and you can ask them what they do. If you belong to any kind of organization (house of worship, hobby, sport, service) you can ask the same questions there. A lot more people feel the same way and have done some exploration as well. Just asking someone "would you be willing to tell me about your job?" and explaining why you are asking can lead to a lot of good conversations.
AnonymousDecember 13,2022 at 5:44PM UTC
Start with a list of things you love and get excited about then brainstorm related jobs that sound interesting, then brainstorm transferable skills .
SBDecember 13,2022 at 7:20PM UTC
Look into peer-to-peer opportunities (and obtain the qualifications) in your state. It may open doors for you that you’ve not thought of.
AnonymousDecember 13,2022 at 11:34PM UTC
I totally get what you're saying. I worked in accounting for years before trying to do a career pivot. Current job is too client meeting heavy (business analyst) so I'm now looking into data analytics. Trying to minimize going back to school or taking too steep of a pay cut.
AnonymousDecember 14,2022 at 1:28PM UTC
recently I was very stuck too. I made a list of all the projects that I have done over the last few years and rated them how I felt about them . It enabled me to see a pattern and so it helped to clarify what type of work I want to do. I had to turn down very well paid work to create a space for change. Its amazing I am getting lots of contracts now in that area
Crystal HowellDecember 14,2022 at 7:46PM UTC
I think a good transition with your skillset is a reputable Non Profit company, become their Director in a charity that is close to your heart? Good Luck!
Mystery MysteryDecember 15,2022 at 2:06PM UTC
If you can take a vacation just to think and get away from the job. Take some time on the vacation writing down what you like to do and thinking about what you want your life to look like. Sometimes it's easier to see when you are away. Seeing a counselor, taking myers Briggs and career aptitude test is ok but REALLY only you have the answer for you