Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodybag
There are a lot of careers I've thought about and tried, but nothing has fit me so far. I'd like more suggestions from you guys.
My ideal criteria (I doubt there's one career that fits all of them, but here they are):
-Creative in the way of idea making and brainstorming concepts
-Something to do with writing/English skills (though I'd rather not be sitting and writing and/or reading the entire time)
-Stimulating environment. I get easily bored and would like a job where I could be changing tasks and locations somewhat often.
-Job where recognition and approval from others is something to work toward
-Growth potential
-Where it'd either be largely based outdoors or at least I'd have plenty of opportunity to get outside
-Helping others/serving the community would be a big plus
So far, my top choices are: home-based tutoring business, copywriter for ad agency, television writer, freelance photographer.
Each has their own cons though, so I'd like to hear other suggestions from you guys. (I know no job will be perfect but I want to make sure I consider all paths that meet my criteria well enough.) Thanks!
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What your ideal work criteria describes, sounds like project-based work to me. You can find project based jobs in the non-profit arts or non-profit environmental or political areas. Fund-raising as a development director is another job that may suit you.
Have you seen a career counselor yet? I'm in my 40s and have decided that I no longer want to pursue the career I went to graduate school for, so I went to see a career counselor at my grad school and she gave me one of those inventory tests that suggests jobs to you based on your skills and interests.
I have taught ESL abroad but that was 15 years ago. I would recommend doing that for a year of adventure, but not for long-term as those teaching contracts tend to only be for a semester or two semesters depending on which teaching abroad program that you choose.
Also, nowadays, one needs to have a certificate to teach ESL, whereas when I did it, all I needed was my BA in English. To obtain an ESL certificate, you can take classes online or at your local university or college, but then you need to pass a state test at the end of your coursework to get your ESL certificate.
If you want to live and work abroad, then teaching ESL is the quickest and easiest way to do that. While you teach ESL, you could look into alternative career options if you fall in love with your host country.
As far as a job as a copywriter. You'll need to take copywriting courses before an Ad Agency will even look at your resume. You'd have to apply for junior copywriting jobs after you take a few courses. A 2 year community college may offer a certificate in copywriting so you should check that out.
I am friends with a television writer. Her advice to me, when I expressed an interest in writing for tv, was to move to either NYC or LA, get a grunt job at a local network, and then social network like crazy with tv producers and other tv writers by going to social events where they would be. Since I didn't have the money or time to do that, I went into a completely different field which in hindsight was a mistake. So I'm scrambling to find what my true calling is, which I think is related to the arts. Now I just have to pick a job-type that fits my personality and interests, do some informational interviews, then socially network like crazy until I get that job that I want.
Go see a career counselor or go to your local workforce center (if you live in the US) as they have great resources for finding you rewarding work. Also, set up informational interviews with: copywriters, freelance photographers and television writers (even if they will only interview with you over the phone or via email) to gather more information as to how you can get a job like theirs. But don't ask them for help in getting you a job as that is unprofessional.
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