All over the place!

Anonymous

October 7,2022 at 6:39PM UTC

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All over the place!

I left a job not long ago that wasn't serving me well personally or professionally. I left to pursue a "dream" with little direction.

I've been taking courses for this and that - all within the sector I wish to pursue. In the meantime, a solid job offer came my way from a friend-of-a-friend. It's in an industry I was in for about 2 years, and it can be brutal. But I was offered a good salary, and the manager seems to be quite good (and really wants me on his team). However, I would have to put in long hours (ok, I don't mind that too much) and commute (THAT is not what I want).

I'm starting to get disenchanted this "dream" as it may take longer than I anticipated in achieving. And time is not on my side (I'm 50ish). While it would be smart to take this position and attempt to go after my career goals on the side, I know myself too well; I would become too tired in the evenings/weekends and blow it off.

Another option would be to perhaps work PT - easy office work or even (gasp!) work in hospitality or (cringe) retail while I continue to learn.

My biggest problem is that I do not have structure. I'm learning here and there and not putting it into practice. I'm honestly considering hiring a career coach or mentor or something...I just don't know. I'm coming across as "scatter-brained" and "flighty" at best. I used to pride myself in being organized, driven and goal-oriented. Now, I'm feeling lost and overwhelmed.

Can anyone relate? What do productive, accomplished professionals do to make the best use of their time to get to xyz...?

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AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 6:57PM UTC
I would create a plan with timeline, budget and concrete detail.
If you are lacking structure this will help immensely. Then start executing so you can build momentum and a sense of direction .
You must work very hard to define what your dream translates in reality.. you can tweak the plan as you move ahead, learn more about steps you can take, opportunity that supports you etc. I think it's easy to succumb to what you know and what's comfortable. It's much harder to build that dream life.
AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 8:47PM UTC
What I did to force the learning is to work towards an MBA. You would need to research the degree you want to go for if that is the direction you want. Schools handle things differently. Places like Regis University have more structured learning blocks and can be online or in person. Western Governors University is more of a "learn online at your own pace". The minimum speed for WGU is 3 courses in 6 months in the Masters course. Getting an MBA would apply towards management among other areas. WGU has mentors that call / email you (every week or two) to try and keep you on track.
Gaby CadenaOctober 7,2022 at 10:11PM UTC
I was in a similar place a couple of months ago. I decided that people in my circle working on their own goals would partner up with me and begin an accountability buddy system.
At first, it was a little awkward since we were both unorganized and didn't have a clear end goal. As we talked, we decided to set weekly goals and discuss them the following week.
After three months of meeting, she finally left her job and found a fantastic opportunity closer to home, and I got a speaking gig.
The most significant part of setting goals is following through and having positive support throughout the process.
It's normal to feel all over the place and unsure- that's part of the journey. Keep connecting and trying things out, it's never too late to achieve your dreams and do what you love.
Good luck!
Deb HornerOctober 7,2022 at 10:30PM UTC
As a woman who changed career directions between 40 and 50, and was in grad school on my 50th birthday, this is easy. First go see the dean of the school you are attending, and schedule the rest of the classes you'll need to make the switch. Ask if they know of any paid internships for which you could apply while continuing your education. I'm assuming that you have living expenses you don't want to put on loans or credit cards. Ask if there are alumni working in your field with whom you could do various tasks related to the career switch so you are honing your skills and not forgetting what you have learned. The career skills office at the school is a great resource. Start asking questions of people in your intended field. Best wishes.
AnonymousOctober 8,2022 at 12:11AM UTC
It sounds like you need to first figure out what your "dream" actually looks like. If you let yourself take classes here or there it sounds more like a hobby than a profession.
What does this dream look like to you in 5 years, 3 years, 1 year etc. Once you know where you want to be at each of those time points, then figure out what you would need to do to get there. Is it more classes? Is it something else?
Then look at your schedule and see ok if I have to do xx classes and xx hours of stuff by this time next year to be where I want to be, can I do that while working another job? If so, how many hours can I work at that other job each week or day or month? Make sure to include 8 hours of sleep in the schedule, 3 hours to eat (1 each meal), and 30min-1hr to just do you each day. So your time each day for dream pursuit and job is 12 hours.
I know it sounds like a lot of work, but if you want your dream enough it will be worth it. I had a full time job with travel, a part time job, and I was pursuing my mba on a schedule that meant I completed it in 2 years. I was only able to do it by having my time ridiculously scheduled. I had a part time job that allowed me to get some of my homework done during it. I scheduled time during each month to spend quality time with friends and family, and ensured that I still got my homework done. I was very diligent about blocking out my work calendar so that on days I had class or wanted to study after work, a late meeting couldn't be scheduled. Was it stressful, absolutely, tiring, of course, but I wanted to get my mba badly enough that it was worth it. Now I have a different job that pays me enough that I don't have to have a part time job unless I want one.
The key is the passion and want, because when you are exhausted and just want to sleep or watch tv, the passion is what will push you to do it. If you want it badly enough, the human body is capable of doing amazing things.
I hope this helps. Good luck! I'm looking forward to seeing an update about how you are making it work. ;)
StephanieOctober 9,2022 at 4:39AM UTC
Hospitality (gasp) & Retail (cringe)…
obviously these sectors do not have productive, accomplished professionals. Yes, with that said, you do seem a bit flighty for a “50ish” worker.