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Feeling Lost
Okay, so I'm sure I'm not the only one who is having this issue, nor am I the first person to ask for advice on the topic... but I'm feeling so lost! What should I do?!
I received my Bachelor's degree in psychology a little over four years ago. A few months after I graduated, I got a job at the front desk of a behavioral health facility. Great opportunity right? A foot in the door at a good company, related to my degree, opening doors to the behavioral health word, new contacts, etc. It's been four years and I am BURNT OUT. I do not need a degree for this job, I'm not using it. I am great at this job, but I'm tired and underpaid. The company and the higher ups seem to have no idea what they are doing, and it seems as though they do not care for their employees as much as they care about making lots of money. In addition, I don't really get along with my boss; there are so many things he could be doing to support us, but he just doesn't.
At this point, all I know is that I no longer want to be here doing what I'm doing. The thing is, I have no idea what I would rather be doing. I don't even know if I want to stay in this field anymore... I'm not sure if it's for me. I have taken career quizzes and done lots of research over the years, but still nothing has popped out at me. People always ask me what my passions are, what my dream job is, and I just have no idea what to say to them! Isn't that terrible!? I guess I just don't know myself well??
I'm ready to make a change. I'm ready to figure out my dream job. I'm ready to make a move. How do I figure out where to go and what to do? Has anyone else had this quarter life crisis with a successful outcome? I'd love to hear your experiences, advice, etc.!!
User deleted comment on 08/31/20 at 9:05PM UTC
Nora McCombs
22
08/28/20 at 2:59PM UTC
Breaking through to a more inspiring career right out of undergrad is a huge challenge and one I experienced myself. I can offer some advice gained through my personal experience.
1) Be flexible with your expectations of work
Right out of college I struggled to find a satisfying full-time job that made use of my education because I lacked relevant work experience. I was lucky to find a part-time job that paid decently. While not exactly what I wanted to do in 10 years, that gave me the flexibility to gain other experience through volunteering and working other part-time jobs to supplement. It also helped me avoid burning out with one particular job and opened up my network where I was able to land a more lucrative full-time job after 2 years.
2) Lean into your interests
What energizes you outside of work? If you find enjoyment in something you aren't getting paid for, look for work in those industries or activities.
3) Use your network
Are there positions within your current company that you would like to hold some day (even at a different company if you want to leave). Ask people in those roles about their career path and what they did to get there.
3) Go back to school
Administrative work can be hard to break out of, especially since it doesn't typically require a bachelors degree. Going back to school to gain more specialized education could be a great way to make you a more marketable candidate for jobs.
Best of luck!
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/31/20 at 9:05PM UTC
Nora, thank you for your great advice! I admire what you did and think that maybe be a good idea for me, to do a part time job which would give me more time to pursue other activities at the same time without getting burnt out. There are many things I enjoy outside of work, so I should look into finding work that would include those hobbies. Networking is so important! I try to talk to as many people as I can so I can get a feel for what they went through to get where they are. It's truly helpful.
User deleted comment on 08/28/20 at 2:33PM UTC
Anonymous for a day
449
08/27/20 at 5:40AM UTC
I can so relate as that’s where I was in my mid-20s. I went back to school and got my MBA because I realized my job opportunities with only a bachelor’s in psychology were very limited and I knew I didn’t want to counsel other people. I worked for several years as a financial/data analyst but didn’t really enjoy that either. Several years ago I switched careers to marketing and communications and have finally found my calling. It’s never too late to make a change and you shouldn’t be afraid to. Try out options. Human Resources is another path for a psychology degree. You’re only limited by yourself. Go for it!
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/28/20 at 2:33PM UTC
Thanks for sharing your story! I've thought about an MBA myself, as there are a lot of options to go with that, but I haven't made any moves yet. I'm glad you found your calling, that's amazing! I've looked into marketing and communications as well, but I really don't know much about it. You're right - I'm only limited by myself!
Focused760933
13
08/26/20 at 10:47PM UTC
Julia - very sorry to hear that you are feeling lost. If nothing else, I hope that the posts in response to this note show that many of us feel lost at various points in our career and you are not alone in experiencing this feeling. The beauty for you is that you appear to be at the beginning of your career journey and you have plenty of time to change your direction and circumstances.
I'm going to sound a little old-fashioned [perhaps] and suggest that you park the idea of a 'dream' job just for a little while. I didn't find my 'dream' job until my early 30's and , looking back, I wouldn't have known how to describe it until I was actually in it.
Here are my suggestions:
1) Spend some quality time reflecting on your values, what is important to you in your life, what is important to you in your job? For example, some of mine are:
- Work with smart people I respect enormously [btw like and respect are different!]
- Work in a company where collaboration and partnership is valued
- Work in an environment where people like to have a little fun together
What are the values that are important to you!
2) Start a journal and start logging things that pique your interest. It can be anything, but over time you will start to see patterns emerge. Not everyone has the "wow, I have to do this" response, some people are simply low-key and find themselves consistently interested or intrigued in a particular subject or area. The journal will help you to discern that pattern if your 'passion' is not obvious to you or you are simply not that person
3) Get to know yourself as well as you can. For example:
- Consider doing the free version of the Myers Briggs test to see if you prefer to think alone and then engage with people or your thinking is energized by being with a group. If you are a person who likes to think things through solo before engaging and you find yourself in a culture where everyone does everything as a group, you will be unhappy no matter what the content of your role - and vice versa will be true
Use these insights to look at any roles that might fit the non role-specific criteria you have identified. Try really hard not to set any limits or boundaries for yourself. Again, you have a huge advantage because your degree in psychology equips you to effective interact with people. Those people can be in a medical setting - but they don't have to be. I am passionate about y neuroscience studies but I am not ever going to be a neurosurgeon! I apply my skills in the banking industry helping people to be more impactful and effective by simply harnessing a little ore of their brainpower than they did before.
Last but not least, think about your role in the context of your whole life. Maybe, right this minute, being content in your role and doing more fulfilling things elsewhere in your life might be a good match. There are definitely days when I would consider trading my consuming role for something a little more pedestrian if it gave me the freedom to travel more.
You have everything going for you - you will find your path!
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/28/20 at 1:41PM UTC
Hello! You make some wonderful points and I greatly appreciate you taking the time to explain them!
I often have a hard time identifying my values and likes/dislikes. I think I just don't spend enough time reflecting. I tend to make excuses about why I don't spend time journaling or writing things down. I don't know why I do this, because I truly do love writing! I'm the person you mentioned - low-key and interested in many different subjects. These are probably all reasons why I'm stuck in this situation I'm in!
I relate so much to what you said - I loved learning about everything psychology in school, but I don't necessarily want to be a psychologist! Thank you so much for your advice and kind words :)
Valerie Cook
139
08/26/20 at 4:27PM UTC
Have you considered getting your masters with an LPC option? Many universities have switched to the online route and I believe this may open more doors for you. I wouldn't quit just yet, ride it out a bit more but have an end goal. Perhaps talk to job recruiters and put fillers out to see whats available. Talk to your school's Career Resources office and see if they can assist you as well.
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/28/20 at 1:13PM UTC
With everything going on, I really should be taking advantage of online courses! I should make an appointment with my school's career office as well, I didn't think of that at first! Thanks for your advice :)
Gail Orfanos, CMP, HMCCMeetings & Events
154
08/26/20 at 3:03PM UTC (Edited)
Suggestion: reach out to your connections and talk with them (FGB, Linked In, Social). They might have an idea of what you would like to do next. This corporate job was a good fit for the time - you gained experience and have grown. It is okay to want to move on to your next step. What is interesting, I am going through something similar. Most because the contacts I have in the event industry are more "what can you do for me" vs "how can I help you". Since I am a "how can I help you" personality, I was a prime target of sales people and it has left me in a place like you and have been having the exact conversation with myself for weeks. Already a career changer, I know it is possible, but what is next? I have spent over ten years as a Meetings and Event Planner. I received multiple certifications, sat on several associations, and tech start-up planning committees. The time, money, and effort I have invested, I feel, has been for naught. During this time of COVID, the realizations are disheartening, which brings me further into an inactive state. I am taking Data Science online courses in hopes of staying in the industry doing Event data analysis, Registration, Post-event survey, etc. and have no door to knock on to ask how to make the shift. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your journey!
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/28/20 at 1:10PM UTC
Hi Gail! You are so right... making connections and networking is so important, it can truly make a difference.
I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling too! It is very disheartening at this point with everything going on, which makes it very hard to stay motivated to make new moves. But it's good that you are taking courses, that's a positive move! I'm always afraid that if I decide to make a move that I'll put so much time and effort and money into something I'll end up not enjoying. We have to remember that it's not for nothing though! At least we learned something about ourselves. It's a process, you know?
I wish you luck too! I hope everything works out for you :)
Gretchen SkalkaCareer Coach/Professional Development Consultant
876
08/26/20 at 2:27PM UTC
Hi Julia - for what it's worth -- my degree is journalism and I was a reporter and editor for about 4 years before I took an opportunity to do something wholly different - and it changed my career forever.
A degree is an area of study, but if you find that it's not what excites you to get out of bed and crush it at work - then it's perfectly fine to consider your options. Because you definitely have options -- little golden nuggets of opportunity inside every one of your transferable skills.
Last year, an old j-school friend was laid off from the newspaper he worked for (for decades). He called me in a panic because he'd gotten it into his head that he HAD to find another newspaper job because 'all I've ever done is edit sports copy' - to which I said no.
Editing mean's you've re-written - underscore written. It also means you researched as part of the fact-checking process - underscore planning, organization and strategic thinking. And it also means you had to consider design in terms of how best to present/package the story visually for the reader - underscore user experience, personas, design.
All of it wrapped together points to strong organizational, communication, collaboration, strategic thinking and other skills - all of which are in demand virtually everywhere you look.
He does PR now for a sports agent who represents a bunch of athletes.
Point being - you've accumulated 4 years of experience in a corporate environment that has given you transferable skills you can use to help identify YOUR next opportunity.
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/27/20 at 1:13PM UTC
Gretchen, thank you for sharing your friend's story! It is truly inspiring. I relate to your friend - I get the feeling that I'm stuck in one spot with only one or two options. Which is absolutely not true, as you said! You're right, I need to remember the things I've learned and taken from this job to find the next step for me.
On a side note, I've always found editing and proofreading very enjoyable... but I haven't pursued it because I don't have any experience, and most places are looking for experienced individuals for their positions! I think that's what holds me back a lot of the time.
Gretchen SkalkaCareer Coach/Professional Development Consultant
876
08/27/20 at 3:26PM UTC
That's great, Julia!
I would look for companies that allow for completion of a test as part of the process (not all do, but there are some).
You can also do a skills assessment on LinkedIn and then add that to your profile to show your proficiency.
And you can also get some experience under your belt (and clips for a portfolio/content for your resume) with some freelance editing jobs.
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/28/20 at 12:50PM UTC
Thanks for the advice Gretchen :)
Kim E.Head of Learning & Development
28
08/26/20 at 1:02PM UTC
It is very common for people to feel burnout in a job. Moreover, I see many people who came from a liberal arts background who feel they have to justify their degree by seeking work in that field. I always advised students that your education is a springboard to whatever comes next. Everything you do adds to your experience and your capacity to do more in your next role.
Here are some quick things you can do to reframe your thinking about what comes next for you.
1. What don't you like about your current role? You shared some things, but are there also aspects of the work itself that you don't like?
2. What excites you? Is there anything in your current role that you do that challenges you or inspires you? This can help guide you to the type of work you like.
3. Do informational interviews with people. This is one of the best ways to understand the work others do. It also allows you to do some positive networking. (Never ask for a job in an informational interview. Just ask questions and listen).
4. See your career as a journey, not a destination. I switched careers at 46, having spent over 20 years in higher education and now heading up Learning & Development. It is different, exciting and challenging. You should be open to new opportunities.
Good luck in your journey.
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/27/20 at 1:06PM UTC
Thank you for your advice, Kim! Often I have issues with your last point, not seeing my career as a journey. I have to remember that it's okay to evolve and that the journey can be exciting! Sometimes change is hard but like I mentioned, I think I'm ready to be challenged. I'm so glad that it worked out for you!!
Loida OteroMarketing Strategist
19
08/26/20 at 3:42AM UTC
Firstly, don't feel bad because this happens a lot more than you may think. Now, if you can't stay where you are any longer, find another job that you feel could be a better fit. However, if you could take a short break to review all options, then fo for it. Whatever suits your current situation!
Though you have no shortage of recommendations, I'd add some more: (1) I'd take the quiz from 16 Personalities (https://www.16personalities.com/) knowing more about yourself makes it easier, (2) write down a list of things you love to do, are good at and things you don't like (ask your friends/family members and/or colleagues), and (3) take some classes, listen to some podcasts and read some books. Exploration and discovery takes time, so enjoy the journey. I'll be hosting a virtual vision board workshop soon, let me know if you'd be interested. Good luck!
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/28/20 at 12:55PM UTC
Loida, I came across the 16 Personalities test a year or so ago and loved it!! It was so spookily accurate yet also taught me things about myself I didn't know before. It was cool seeing things spelled out about myself that way.
I do need to learn patience - like you said, exploration and discovery takes time! I'm all about instant gratification so this can sometimes be hard for me.
That would be great! I am very interested in the workshop. Thanks for all of your advice! :)
User deleted comment on 08/27/20 at 12:53PM UTC
Kirsten SchmittResume & Social Media Profile Expert
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08/26/20 at 1:21PM UTC
Loida, I completely agree with your recommendations. I would also add the 34-point Gallup CliftonStrengths test, which is excellent. It allows you to think outside of the box in terms of career directions.
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
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08/27/20 at 12:55PM UTC (Edited)
Kirsten, I have never heard of that test! I will definitely check it out. Thanks!
Loida OteroMarketing Strategist
19
08/27/20 at 12:49AM UTC
I haven't heard of 34-point Gallup Clifton Strengths test. I'm looking into this...
Sharon HarrigerQuality Control in Mortgage industry
288
08/26/20 at 6:20PM UTC (Edited)
Kirsten, I also recommend the 34-point Gallop Clifton Strengths test. The book that goes along with that is Strengths Finder 2.0(there may be an updated version by now). I took the test a few years ago and I was amazed at what new things I learned about myself. What I like most about the test is that it identifies the top 5 strengths you have. So if you seek jobs that allow you to function in those strengths you just may find your happy place.
JuliaJust a girl trying to find her purpose in life!
376
08/27/20 at 12:57PM UTC
Sharon, glad to hear how successful this test was for you! I will have to check it out! I love learning new things about myself.
Paulla FetzekTeacher, Lighting Expert, & Office Professional
1.73k
08/26/20 at 12:57PM UTC
Loida: I loved the 16personalities test! Took it about a month sgo. Overall, it didn't reveal many new things I hadn't learned from taking a Myers Briggs back in college (mid 80s). Which for me means it's quite accurate.
When you host the workshop - I'd love to join in!
Loida OteroMarketing Strategist
19
08/27/20 at 12:43AM UTC
Hey Paulla, Me too, I loved it! I never took the Myers Briggs test. Now I'm wondering if I should take it.
Absolutely, would love for you to join! It'll be on Friday, September 18th at 7pm EST via Zoom. I'll send you a message.
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