Monday, July 28, 2008

Career or lack thereof

Since the beginning of last summer I have been a little obsessive about finding a new career path. I don't always have these feelings, like when things are going great at work or when I get a promotion, but when I do feel like I should definitely be doing something else they feeling hits me really hard.

It's not that I dislike my job. I definitely have my days, but overall I like (sometimes love)what I am doing. My boss #1 is wonderful (#2 and #3 are pretty good too) and I have great people on my team that give me a good amount of respect. But I still keep feeling like I have a ton of talents that are just being wasted.

For instance, for a many number of years I utilized my public speaking skills through presentations, plays, etc. I feel like I have a gift because I can get up in front of a group of people, feel at ease, and then proceed to deliver a good public speaking performance.

In addition, I feel like I am extremely personable. While I able to use this skill with my current clients, I just feel like in a different career I could be utilizing this skill more often.
I just have some major hurtles to overcome if I want to switch career paths. Potential employers are always turned off by the fact that I have put so many years into the food industry. This is totally understandable, but I just can't seem to get my foot in the door anywhere. Ultimately, I would like to work in an Office of Admissions at a community college, but even with the contacts I am making now working on a college campus, this goal seems so far away.
Anyone else have these issues? Or have some words of wisdom?

3 comments:

Amy said...

i had the exact feeling and am now searching for jobs. I love what i do but its a loong story. if you like what you do, do it. There are not a lot of ppl that can say that. good luck with whatever you choose!!!

Jen said...

I have the same issues and am in the same job-searching boat right now. If you get any fabulous words of wisdom, pass them my way :)

Jamie said...

Good friend of mine does just that...I'll try and connect you two! And um....you? Comfortable in front of random strangers? I never would have guessed! :)