At almost 51, I find myself unemployed and struggling to answer the question "what do you want to do?".

7 Comments

1. Barb HansenJanuary 5,2024 at 4:21PM UTC

   Earlier in my work life I was faced with the similar thought and my Dad recommended the book "What color is your parachute?" to me.

   This book has been around for decades and it's great! It's constantly being updated and can be found in your local library or at any bookstore.

   Specifically this book gave me the tools to see my skills as a "swiss-army knife" (I had lots of skills that could be translated to different careers), the confidence to look outside of my then current industry, and it lead me to a completely different career (a 180 degree different career).

   From the book jacket:

   "For more than fifty years, What Color Is Your Parachute? has transformed the way people think about job hunting. Whether searching for that first position, recovering from a layoff, or dreaming of a career change, What Color Is Your Parachute? has shown millions of readers how to network effectively, compose impressive resumes and cover letters, interview with confidence, and negotiate the best possible salary—while discovering how to make their livelihood part of authentic living"

2. AnonymousJanuary 5,2024 at 5:58PM UTC

   We used the book, what color is your parachute, in one of my courses in college 30 years ago. It’s still applies today.

3. Gillian KuchmaJanuary 5,2024 at 7:02PM UTC

   That's a book I haven't thought of in years. I used that ages ago and didn't even consider dusting it off. Thanks for the reminder.

4. AnonymousJanuary 5,2024 at 6:10PM UTC

   I work at UNFI - take a look at our job board. We are the largest retail grocery distributor in the nation and it's a good company to work for. Best of luck to you.

5. Mystery MysteryJanuary 6,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

   What do you want to do? I would like to utilize my skills and experience to benefit the organization.

6. Barbara ThompsonJanuary 6,2024 at 4:53PM UTC

   Just a thought, are there any classes at CCAC that are in areas you find interesting, but haven’t really explored?

7. AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 6:54PM UTC

   I am also 51 and still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up. LOL I consider myself a "multipotentialite" who likes to learn, change, and do new things. Luckily, I have been able to do that through several careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academics as well as side hobby and volunteer efforts. But, I do find myself questioning what else I want to accomplish and what will bring me the greatest sense of purpose and joy at this point in my life.

   I try to frequently take some time to set a vision and ask:

   What I love

   What I am good at

   What I can be paid for

   What the world needs

   Then plot this on an Ikigai diagram (you can google for examples and it is loosely translated to "reason for being" or "life's purpose and bliss").

   Hopefully, that can help as a compass to begin tailoring to your next endeavor.