Career counseling (employment, secretary, unemployment, owner)

[katestar]

Has anyone done something like this?

I feel that I am at a cross roads with my current career. I can go one of two ways in my current profession or for a third option leverage my skills into another profession.

I know what my goals are and obviously we can't predict the future. I've done my share of research but of course for every article you read that says you should do one thing, there is another article saying that that is the worst mistake you will make in your life.

I don't know if a career counselor is the way to go but maybe an option? Any opinions?

[STT Resident]

My opinion is that it doesn't matter what someone else's opinion is. It's simply healthier and much more fulfilling to work in a field for which you have some passion than in a field in which you have no real interest at all. Over a 50 year span I've been a clerk, a secretary, a salesman, owner and operator of an equestrian facility, manager of a supermarket and owner/operator of a restaurant - and am working now on my next "career" adventure which I hope will come to fruition in the next year or two!

[SVTLightning]

Originally Posted by katestar

Has anyone done something like this?

I feel that I am at a cross roads with my current career. I can go one of two ways in my current profession or for a third option leverage my skills into another profession.

I know what my goals are and obviously we can't predict the future. I've done my share of research but of course for every article you read that says you should do one thing, there is another article saying that that is the worst mistake you will make in your life.

I don't know if a career counselor is the way to go but maybe an option? Any opinions?

You want to be a career counselor because you dont know what to do with your own career?

[jobaba]

Originally Posted by katestar

Has anyone done something like this?

I feel that I am at a cross roads with my current career. I can go one of two ways in my current profession or for a third option leverage my skills into another profession.

I know what my goals are and obviously we can't predict the future. I've done my share of research but of course for every article you read that says you should do one thing, there is another article saying that that is the worst mistake you will make in your life.

I don't know if a career counselor is the way to go but maybe an option? Any opinions?

I have yes.

I think a career counselor is good if you are really on the fence between Decision A and Decision B and need a knowledgable opinion.

I was in such a conundrum a while ago, and paid a career counselor for his services. He was professional and worked in my job field. They basically walk you through your own head since they don't know what you want. For example, one thing they'll have you do is make a list of positives and negatives of each option.

I do think it was helpful but in retrospect, I think he took me away from the direction I truly wanted to go.

I'm kind of a wishy washy person and as you say, you can never tell how things are going to turn out, so I still think I made the wrong decision many days.

If you are going to pick someone, pick somebody who has worked in your industry and has a strong knowledge of it.

[FBJ]

Originally Posted by katestar

Has anyone done something like this?

I feel that I am at a cross roads with my current career. I can go one of two ways in my current profession or for a third option leverage my skills into another profession.

I know what my goals are and obviously we can't predict the future. I've done my share of research but of course for every article you read that says you should do one thing, there is another article saying that that is the worst mistake you will make in your life.

I don't know if a career counselor is the way to go but maybe an option? Any opinions?

What would hurt to get a career counselor in addition to what you are already doing? Plus you can get a career counselor at your state career center which is connected to unemployment and they tend to have a lot of job leads.