How to find a job with unusual talents and passions?

16 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 7:56PM UTC

   Sometimes we may need to create that job for ourselves in the interim and be open to opportunities that we may not have previously considered. You definitely know what you don't want which is always the starting point, I feel. (You have the advantage of clarity which will enable you to separate the wheat from the chaff).

   For example, while I working at a local municipality, I was offered a contract to work with a non-profit. At the time, I knew I wanted creative work with flexibility, freedom, personal growth, independence, appreciation for my efforts, and the ability to learn new skills. I didn't know what that looked like at the time. Yet, something told me to take the opportunity even though non-profit was something that I just didn't have on my radar. It ended up being one of the top highlights of my life (not just career).

   What may help is just to put the word out that you are open to consulting projects and see what happens. Also, be open to pitching a project if you see a need that you could fill. For example, I contacted a beauty company and asked them for more diversity in their marketing as I didn't know how their products would look on my skin tone. They appreciated the feedback and asked me to make an offer for a modeling contract. This satisfied my need for autonomy, creativity, learning new skills, growth, and being paid exceptionally well. Never would I have thought about modeling but the opportunity landed in my lap. Conversely, a financial executive approached me about a position at a credit union which although appreciated was an intuitive no for this hippy-dippy chick!

   Those traits you listed that you have listed with regard to talents and passions, etc are in demand. Use those as a compass/magnet for what you desire. The fact that you enjoy caring for people is a huge plus and those opportunities may come up while in discussion. I cannot tell you how many times in casual conversation people will say, "We just can't find someone who would fit this role after so and so left because she really loved doing y task".

   Lastly, always always always listen to your intuition. If it tells you to show up at an event (even though it doesn't make sense), listen to it! You never know what will unfold.

   Good luck and many blessings.

2. AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 8:09PM UTC

   Did you take this career assessment on your own or in association with a university or college career services office or elsewhere? If these are results from an online assessment, and you are a student or an alum, you can use the results as a springboard for a discussion with a career counselor from a university's or college's career services office or a guidance counselor from a high school guidance counseling department.

   If you took the assessment on your own, you are not affiliated with an educational institution, and you reside in the US, Guam or Puerto Rico, you can consult with a career specialist from an American Job Center (https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/american-job-centers.aspx). Job Centers' services are free of charge or, if fee based, are reasonably priced. Centers' services may include career counseling. Even if they do not, Centers' staff may be able to refer you to a local career counseling program.

   There are many, many career counselors and coaches available for hire. If you are considering hiring a career counselor or coach, it is a good idea to do some research first. Request information about the person's credentials and experience. Ask if your contact information can be passed along to current and previous clients. If you have a friend or trusted acquaintance who has hired a career counselor or coach, ask for a personal referral. Please make sure that you understand all fees and obligations before you sign a contract with a career coach or counselor.

   If you would like to explore careers on your own, the O*NET (Occupational Information Network) Program, is the primary source of occupational information in the United States. There is a wealth of information available from its website: https://www.onetonline.org/.

   Best of luck!

3. RaeJune 4,2023 at 9:15PM UTC

   How about joining a non profit company within you area?

4. AnonymousJune 5,2023 at 2:04AM UTC

   Start with what you love THEN find ways to use your attributes to find your fit.

5. AnonymousJune 5,2023 at 5:32PM UTC

   The traits that you list IMHO seem quite aligned with customer success. You get to listen to others, have good follow through using logic to solve their issues. You use compassion and learn about people and your product. Find a company that might have a role in a first line CS position and try there...from that spot you may find other avenues as you progress into other areas that appeal to you. The only person who can determine the best thing for you, is you.

6. Yana MyaskovskayaJune 6,2023 at 6:07PM UTC

   As a customer success executive, I would second this comment – it's a lesser-known role in tech that enables you to work with multiple stakeholders, employ compassion, but also ensure that projects and implementations are completed through effective communication. You need strong discernment and logic to understand the often technical aspects of the product (although you often do not need to have a technical background – I don't) and communicate realistic timelines and progress. It's also a great launch-point for many other roles in tech and business and generally pays surprisingly well: many roles start at $90K+ annually and quickly grow from there in terms of bonuses.

7. MistyJune 7,2023 at 10:24PM UTC

   Interesting! I will be checking into this area!

8. MistyJune 13,2023 at 12:11PM UTC

   Yana- how did you get started as a customer success or in the business?

9. Yana MyaskovskayaJune 13,2023 at 6:10PM UTC

   Good afternoon, Misty. I worked for nonprofits for 8+ years but have always had an interest in technology, having worked for Apple retail in college. A good friend of mine had worked for a startup team and referred me to a manager who was hiring customer success managers for a new startup.
   My friend had pointed out that the nonprofit work I was doing had a lot of overlap with CS, as I was working on projects with C-level and VP-level donors and managing expectations, and I found the startup's product interesting. It just so happened that during my interview process, this startup was acquired by Salesforce, and after working there for a bit, I followed the founders to their next venture, and then the one after that.
   If you're interested in learning more, I highly encourage you to join some LinkedIn CS groups. "Customer Success" and the "Customer Success Forum" are both good starting points where you can learn more about the role and the day-to-day activities and challenges. ChurnZero, which is software for CS, also offers some good high-level webinars on the topic. Feel free to DM me and I can provide more info as well.

10. MistyJune 7,2023 at 10:23PM UTC

    Thanks! It’s not something I’d considered but will look into it!

11. AnonymousJune 7,2023 at 4:16AM UTC

    This reads to me like an ideal skill set for a project manager, analyst, customer care manager/agent, or similar. But I think in your case, it'll be especially important to find a people-oriented industry that speaks to you, like healthcare or criminal justice, or find a nonprofit you're passionate about. Like I'm honestly picturing you as the person behind a public service counter who helps disadvantaged people navigate systems/benefits/etc. that they don't understand or don't know they qualify for. Or the person in charge of the marketing and outreach for something like that.

    Even something in veterinarian medicine sounds like it might fit, depending on your affinity for animals.

    Good luck to you!

12. MistyJune 7,2023 at 10:22PM UTC

    Thank you! I never considered it before & will look into it.

13. AnonymousJune 7,2023 at 1:06PM UTC

    What about working in Healthcare regulatory business (Joint commission, healthcare consulting, quality assurance, lab tech,) or OSHA, real estate inspection. All of those positions require the strengths you have! Good luck, and how exciting to be on the cusp of a new adventure!

14. MistyJune 7,2023 at 10:21PM UTC

    Thank you! These sound amazing!

15. AnonymousNovember 12,2024 at 12:34PM UTC

    I agree. QA is a fascinating area and lucrative. I e always wanted to work in the field but not sure where and how to start.

16. MistyJune 7,2023 at 10:25PM UTC

    Thank you all for your suggestions & insights! There are several I’ve never considered or thought about but are intriguing!