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I'm not that old, but I've come to the realization that my current career (graphic/web design) isn't right for me. I have no passion for it, but I've been struggling along and burning through jobs to pay the bills. I plan on freelancing in the short-term to keep some money coming in, but I'd really like to explore another, completely different career path.
I have a few ideas of what I might like to do, but one thing I'm completely lost on is... how do I break in to a new career when I have no experience in it? I unfortunately don't have the luxury to take my time and test the waters too much; I have a fair number of expenses and I don't have enough savings to support me for an extended period of time.
I've now gone through my third graphic design job and I desperately need a change... what would you all suggest?
I'm 30 and planning for the same thing. For the field I'm going into I will need a degree & need to be certified. Through the process I'll get field training, and as I look at entry jobs that's acceptable work experience.
So if you need to get a degree, maybe through the school they'll offer field work or an internship.
Do you have an idea what you want to do? Volunteer for an opportunity if you can in the field. Start on the bottom, work your way up. There are many ways to transition without going back to school.
Do you have an idea what you want to do? Volunteer for an opportunity if you can in the field. Start on the bottom, work your way up. There are many ways to transition without going back to school.
I'm at my happiest when I spend time outdoors and get to help people. As strange as it sounds, the most fulfilled I've felt in a job was during the years I spent working at a theme park on my summers off from school. It wasn't glamorous—most days it was brutally hot, smelly, and I dealt with rude people—but I went home every day feeling exhausted (in a good way) and like I did something. I also love being outside in nature. Spending hours outside in the woods with the trees, animals, and water is my "zen".
I've been doing some research and I think I'd make a good Park Ranger. I fully realize that the job isn't glamorous, nor does it pay well, but I feel like I'd be good at it. I started looking in to it a bit and it's a long road—law enforcement certifications, potentially having to go for a new major—but I think it might be worth it.
I'm a graphic designer by trade and never considered law enforcement, but I'm going to keep researching and see if it's something I can do.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,585 posts, read 81,206,701 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arjo
I'm at my happiest when I spend time outdoors and get to help people. As strange as it sounds, the most fulfilled I've felt in a job was during the years I spent working at a theme park on my summers off from school. It wasn't glamorous—most days it was brutally hot, smelly, and I dealt with rude people—but I went home every day feeling exhausted (in a good way) and like I did something. I also love being outside in nature. Spending hours outside in the woods with the trees, animals, and water is my "zen".
I've been doing some research and I think I'd make a good Park Ranger. I fully realize that the job isn't glamorous, nor does it pay well, but I feel like I'd be good at it. I started looking in to it a bit and it's a long road—law enforcement certifications, potentially having to go for a new major—but I think it might be worth it.
I'm a graphic designer by trade and never considered law enforcement, but I'm going to keep researching and see if it's something I can do.
I have a relative that is a state park ranger, and he never had a degree. There will be a written test, with psychological tests, and a physical agility test that can include rope climbing and lifting/carrying 100 lbs. If you get through all that and get into the academy, and pass, the lack of degree will only make it harder to move up. Depending on the agency, besides law enforcement there may be requirements for some botanical and/or biological knowledge. In his case, my relative had spent several years as a volunteer at a wildlife museum/rescue organization, which helped him. He also had experience as a park aid in his youth, doing things like clearing trails, emptying trash, painting fences and benches.
I'm at my happiest when I spend time outdoors and get to help people. As strange as it sounds, the most fulfilled I've felt in a job was during the years I spent working at a theme park on my summers off from school. It wasn't glamorous—most days it was brutally hot, smelly, and I dealt with rude people—but I went home every day feeling exhausted (in a good way) and like I did something. I also love being outside in nature. Spending hours outside in the woods with the trees, animals, and water is my "zen".
I've been doing some research and I think I'd make a good Park Ranger. I fully realize that the job isn't glamorous, nor does it pay well, but I feel like I'd be good at it. I started looking in to it a bit and it's a long road—law enforcement certifications, potentially having to go for a new major—but I think it might be worth it.
I'm a graphic designer by trade and never considered law enforcement, but I'm going to keep researching and see if it's something I can do.
A geologist could be a good career choice, but you will need to go back to get your degree in the subject and you will be required to travel and be away from family/home for periods of time. Still, the career will let you travel the world, pays very well, and allows you to work a lot in nature.
OP, in my case going from law enforcement to engineering required knowing someone up high. And particularly in my case, my brother is a reputable senior engineer in charge of a project worth a hundred mil, so he was able to introduce me to the profession. I also had to take classes and slowly studied above and beyond to catch up.
I'm at my happiest when I spend time outdoors and get to help people.
Do you have any camps in the area for special needs children? One woman I know teaches horse back riding to disabled kids. Maybe you have something similar in your area.
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