NewZealandCoach’s Weblog

I’ve talked to a few people lately about career issues … it’s ranged from selecting options at high school, to people in their 20’s who aren’t sure they’re on the right career path … to people who think they are stuck in dead end jobs because they don’t know what they want to do.

Think about this : 40 is the new 30.  ‘Middle age’ stretches into the 50s.  People are getting married at 50, 60, and 70.  If you’re 25 and unmarried it’s no longer unusual.  People are having first children in their 40s and 50s.  So why on earth do we think that people should know what their career path will be when they’re 21?

Realising what you want to do is a lot easier if you look back at the things you’ve enjoyed.  A job/career doesn’t have to be a grind.  Think of the things you enjoy and are happy about doing.  Don’t think about money, or status, or who has the best parking space – think about what makes *you* happy.

The other thing to consider is that career paths are constantly changing and evolving.  A lot of jobs around are thing that weren’t even heard of when I left school! (and I’m not that old, so sssh!)  People are retraining, going on courses, seminars, upskilling and gaining new qualifications.

If you’re stuck in a job that you don’t like, sit down and think hard about what it is that’s upsetting you.

1. it’s boring, my mind wanders, and I’m not learning anything
2. there’s no one around my own age
3. I don’t like the corporate culture
4. I’m not making enough money and I feel undervalued
5. I am sick of being stuck inside, I’d rather be out and about
6. I prefer working with the elderly, they really interest me
7. there’s too much pressure, I find it hard to switch off after work
8. I want to be my own boss, I’m sick of management types telling me what to do, and I think I’m ready to take the plunge …

There can be a number of things that aren’t right for you.  But don’t ever think you’re stuck there.  There are a number of options you can take.  The bad thing is that if you’re stuck in a job you don’t like, it messes with your self esteem.  If you want to do something, break it down into little steps.  Investigate re-training options, look at working part time in the field you think you might like, talk to other people who are doing jobs that you think are interesting.  Make a list of the most improbably interesting jobs you can think of, think about being self employed.

To summarise – it’s never too late.  You always have options.