https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 05:54:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173615 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:53:26 +0000 Katja 173615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in computer science as a second career.</p> <p>I have an undergraduate degree, worked a little, got married, had kids. At some point we decided that I would go back to work, and I started in on the same process you're in.</p> <p>I learned that the career placement services of my university are available to alumni at any time. So I went back to uni and did several days of testing and counseling (for free!). That really helped me hone in on what I wanted from my new career field.</p> <p>Then I went back to school for years and years, but that's another story... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173531 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:20:23 +0000 stringy 173531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A book that might help is called "I could do anything, if only I knew what it was" by Barbara Sher (that title is from memory, but you'll know it when you see it even if I've got it a little bit wrong). It's about how people who are capable of doing well at a lot of things can find a way to narrow down the options. </p> <p>Everyone says "do what you love", but honestly, if I did what I loved I'd only get out of bed to go to the library to borrow more books </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173468 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:10:07 +0000 puffenstuff 173468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey that's it Theresa maybe you can be the Aussie Cake Boss and if you move to Brisbane I will come and work with you!</p> <p>Very interesting reading through the sage advice here, I have been at a bit of a crossroads for the last few years and only just last week had to fill in a self evaluation for work and I had to think hard about how to answer "Do you get satisfaction from your job". I have been contemplating different paths and I am yet to come up with an answer also combined with the fact that I am in a secure job right now and do I really want to go through study and upheaval in my life. I am waiting for the right answer to come to me so until I do I will gladly come along for the ride on your decision making process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173457 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:47:22 +0000 Theresa 173457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank You all so much for being so open and honest with me girls - really appreciate it and you've certainly given me a few different ways of looking at things.</p> <p>Having several career paths does seem really common and I feel like I'm about to embark on Round 2.</p> <p>Its rather funny but today's episode of Oprah is all about "dream jobs" and everyone they've interviewed so far has said "do what you love". (And can I just say "OMG I SO want to eat one of the Bobby the "cake boss'" cakes!!)</p> <p>So I just need to work out what I love - which is hard cos I really like pretty much everything I do - I don't do housework or my office work cos I hate it, so really only do what I love - now just to work out which bit to try and get paid for LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173297 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:03:48 +0000 wilson 173297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Theresa,</p> <p>A few years ago life happened and I was unable to continue the car dealership my husband and I owned for ten years without him so I wrapped it up and went to work for another dealership in town as a car salesperson. I love so many aspects to the business but in order to succeed you have to put A LOT of hours in. As a single parent it didn't feel right. So....</p> <p>I just ended my job there because I am returning to school this fall to get my BSN. Emergency or Intensive Care is where I want to be and I like that I can work a lot less hours so I can be with my son more and although it'll be a lifestyle change it is still decent income. I also love the idea of helping people at that level in life and having those kind of skills. And I love that nursing has a pretty secure demand, which is important to me. I don't like that I'll be wearing scrubs so many hours out of the day though. Yuck!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173165 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:54:43 +0000 Michelle 173165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a fascinating thread. Thanks for starting it and for being so candid about your thought process, Theresa.<br /> One thing I would suggest has to do with the educational piece of the puzzle. If you decide you need to upgrade your skills in some way, I would strongly recommend pursuing a specific, targetted program of some kind rather than a general degree or diploma. It will give you a better sense of whether or not the chosen field is for you. Let's say you decide you might want to be a legal assistant, you take the courses and absolutely hate them. Cool. Now you know you don't want to pursue that path, and through analyzing the reason for your dislike, may be able to zero in on something that is more appealing. </p> <p>That was how it worked out for me. I started university doing a degree in English literature and Psychology. I dropped the psych component and focused on English, and while I loved writing, I found I wasn't into the subject matters I was forced to write about (I felt like I was being asked to over-analyze novels I would rather just appreciate in my own way). I felt that if I got to write about more practical matters I would enjoy myself more. I was working as a recruiter through my undergrad years and also liked the interviewing component of my job. One day I had a Eureka moment and realized that journalism would allow me to combine the two most positive aspects of my work and academic life. Going to school for a program specifically focused on journalism was a very different and much more satisfactory experience for me, and led to the reporter job I've had for the past four years.</p> <p>If you decide further education is not necessary or possible for you, then all I can do is reiterate Kristn's advice -- focus on what you love to do and are good at and pursue jobs that play to those areas. Your enthusiasm will come through in interviews or act as motivation if you strike out on your own. In either context, your passion will be incredibly helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173153 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:37:14 +0000 anne 173153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theresa, no great wisdom here - just some empathy on the small town situation. I was only talking last night with some women about the whole issue of what to do for work post SAHM and it happens to be pretty limited in our town too. Even admin jobs are fiercely sought after here. So this issue plays in our minds too.</p> <p>My own job training and experience is very big city based, so I am not sure I'd be able to go back to it (and I loved it too). At the moment I am in the happy position of not needing to work for financial reasons (no mortgage), and having more than enough to occupy me in other areas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173149 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:04:25 +0000 yublocka 173149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow reading through this thread has been so interesting. I love hearing what people do and how it came to be - life is always full of suprises! </p> <p>Like many others I've had one major change of career as well. It seems to be fairly common these days!! I went to uni and did Comp Sci straight out of high school because I landed a job that paid me to work for them and go to uni at the same time. Working full-time and studying part-time was hard though, especially when I realised it really wasn't the thing for me about half-way through - I hated sitting and staring at a computer screen all day, although I did enjoy the problem solving. Anyway I finished that, worked for a while and went back to uni to do medicine. Now I'm working as a doctor, and loving it for the most part. But the decsion-making doesn't end there, now need to work out what to specialise in, which is a can of worms in its own right.</p> <p>Anyway I've rambled on a bit haven't I? Theresa what would your ideal workplace be like? Would you rather work out of home, or in an office? Do you like being around people or working independently? Do you want to deal with kids, adults, other people in your company or customers? In a group setting, or one-on-one? Maybe that would help give some answers?? Working out want you want to do sounds like it should be easy, but really it's tough sometimes, isn't it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173145 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 09:08:53 +0000 Steph 173145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theresa, the book that I mentioned I was reading is called Passion at Work by Lawler Kang. He has a lot of exercises in it where you list likes and dislike, strengths and weaknesses and try to find patterns, and also where you rank things based on their importance to you. All together, it is supposed to create a picture of what drives you and makes you happy, and will hopefully allow you to determine what you really want.</p> <p>It sounds like where you live might be one of the most important factors to you and as a result I do think that you should look at what types of jobs there are around you. But also try to figure out what you would do in an ideal world, because that will give you direction and you might find out that there is a way to do what you truly want and stay in your area. Just try not to be too narrow when determining what is available to you locally--don't just look at area companies and forget things like working in schools, working for a local government, working out of your home (even if that means creating a business of your own), etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173122 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 05:50:47 +0000 Scarlet 173122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Where you live is HUGE in determining your happiness, and who you work with is probably even more important than what you do in determining your happiness, IMHO. Besides that, I think there is some kind of myth of the perfect job or the career that is perfect for you and will bring a sense of completeness and fulfillment to your life. What you are doing is exactly right--assessing your career in the context of your life and your other needs. You wrote "do I look at what's available and then work out how best to fit in there... although that's fitting me to the job not the other way round..." That's not true--it is still both things. You look at your options--which option FITS YOU the best and then the rest is fitting yourself to the job. It's both things. It's a compromise. Hopefully you find something that is good enough. It doesn't have to be perfect or your dream job. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173066 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 03:33:04 +0000 Kristine 173066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theresa, I think where you live is just as important as what you do. It's a good idea to be realistic about jobs you can find in that area. </p> <p>Have you ever thought about starting your own business? It doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, you could start with something simple. I started a pet sitting business a few years ago and I really enjoyed it (but couldn't balance my regular job with it). </p> <p>I think you're very smart to think about the whole picture! Maybe you could daydream about where you see yourself five years from now, then ten years from now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173057 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 03:09:02 +0000 Megan 173057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a grad student doing a PhD in psychology. My research area crosses over a few areas of psycholog- I'm primarily working in developmental psychology but also in cognitive and forensic psychology. My thesis (when it is eventually written!) is looking at false memories in children. </p> <p>Theresa, I know you are an Aussie so thought I'd let you know that lots of unis around have organisational psychology clinics that offer career counselling at very reasonable rates- it might be worth looking in to? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173022 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:58:07 +0000 florida 173022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Theresa! I have a degree in music, and I was really clueless and scared about how I would support myself when I got out of college. As much as I love music, I knew that I would not be able to support myself working as a musician. Probably not the most practical choice for my college degree, but, I had followed my heart. Anyway, after a couple of dull administrative jobs, I got a job working at a huge IT firm. I started out updating/maintaining technical manuals, then moved up to a technical writer (actually writing user guides and technical specs), then moved in to proposal writing and a bit of marketing and graphic arts. I then moved in a more technical direction, working as a systems analyst. I'm now a senior analyst for a smaller IT firm. I love the work!</p> <p>The point that I want to make is that it is important to be open to new experiences and to at least give things a try before you write them off! Being an artsy type of person, I never, ever, not in a million years thought that I would enjoy working in information technology--but I gave it a shot because I couldn't think of any reason not to and I wanted and needed to support myself. It turned out to be a good fit for me. Life is full of surprises! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-173007 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:37:26 +0000 Maya 173007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Kristen 100000%. I absolutely love my current job and here is why:</p> <p>-I am treated with a lot of respect, which hasn't always been the case. According to most studies, I have everything against me: I'm young, petite, dark haired, shy, female, etc. Alone none of those things is a big deal, but the reality is that when you put them all together, people really do treat you differently even if they don't mean to. I have had so many jobs where people treat me like an idiot or a child, so this is really a big deal for me.</p> <p>-The people have all been friendly and helpful. I have to admit I don't feel fully integrated yet and my social anxiety isn't helping. Being temporary at such a tight-knit agency where everyone seems to be best friends is a little weird. I feel almost like I'm intruding on their familial community. But that is just my own silly hangup and not their fault.</p> <p>-They place a lot of trust in me. Again, it kind of goes back to respect, but I appreciate how much they trust me to get things done and learn new tasks. Past jobs have kept all the "important" work out of my reach and just left me with crummy junk that no one else wanted to do.</p> <p>-I can share my opinion, even if I don't agree. In fact, they even ask for my opinion. Not to sound like a broken record, but again, that shows they respect me and my work.</p> <p>-It is a stressful job, but very rewarding. In the end, I always have a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. </p> <p>Those are the things that are important to me: being respected, feeling accomplished, getting along with my coworkers (which I guess isn't totally ironed out even though they are all nice...), and being entrusted with important tasks. Honestly, the fact that I'm designing is secondary. I have had design jobs that I absolutely hated, even though I was essentially doing the same thing. </p> <p>Ask yourself what you want out of a job, what kind of people you want to be around, and what your strengths are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-172996 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:16:15 +0000 Theresa 172996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW - I am totally in awe of what a diverse bunch we are and the fabulous ideas/suggestions you have all made!! Thank you!!</p> <p>I worked out my biggest dilemma last night... (both girls are sick so I was up with them and my mind was running flat out LOL).</p> <p>The reality is that I live in a very small area with limited educational resources (for me), and a limited range of jobs (statistically we have more sales assistants, admin &amp; mining tradespeople than anything else).</p> <p>So, I'm often left wondering if I should find what it is I really want to do, possibly study and then find out I can't get a job locally, or do I look at what's available and then work out how best to fit in there... although that's fitting me to the job not the other way round... </p> <p>Does this play on anyone else's minds when thinking about this sort of thing? I'm not at all in a position (nor do I want) to move anywhere - I love where I live.</p> <p>More things to think about!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-172560 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 03:41:56 +0000 Isabel 172560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely agree with Kristen. Think about that types of things you enjoy, not necessarily a job, but individual ( the "hows" like Kristen said ).</p> <p>I spent 20 years in molecular biology and biotechnology. Once my kids are in school, I won't go back, but I know that I love to research, analyze, put reports together, teach a little, brainstorm in group settings.....etc.</p> <p>With that said, I also have no problem doing something to put food on the table and to pay for what I do love to do.</p> <p>Look for a job that fits you - not you fitting a job.</p> <p>I think that if you follow Kristen's advice you will be very happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers/page/2#post-172553 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 02:57:24 +0000 Desmo April 172553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've taken the long and winding path to where I am now. I'm work in publishing which is a tough industry right now. I'm the Managing Editor for a couple of motorcycle magazines. I never could have imagined this job back in high school but it is a good place for me and a count myself very lucky to have wound up here. I get to combine my passion for bikes with my job. </p> <p>I've done a ton of different things--bartender, truck driver, retail (great for a discount), Hollywood assistant...the list goes on. I started here as an assistant in a different group, transferred to the motorcycle group and worked my way up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172532 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:37:01 +0000 Kari 172532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in Human Resources. It's kind of an area that I fell into when I got a job recruiting for a temporary staffing company. (I don't do that now, though.) I ended up loving the work, especially when I got into a non-sales role, and am thinking about working my way towards a generalist career path. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172476 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:57:47 +0000 MsJournalista 172476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this community because if I've been thinking something for awhile, I realize someone else has been thinking it too. Just today I bought Strengths Finder 2.0:</p> <p><a href="http://strengths.gallup.com/110440/About-StrengthsFinder-2.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://strengths.gallup.com/11.....der-2.aspx</a> </p> <p>I took the online assessment (must open the packet inside for online access code) and my results energized me. There are 34 different "themes." The assessment found that my top 5 themes are futuristic, ideation, intellection, maximizer and strategic. The test confirmed what I've suspected.</p> <p>It's a good place to start. I found Strengths Finder 2.0 described me better than Myers-Briggs. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172395 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:26:14 +0000 Rosie 172395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theresa, are you overwhelmed with ideas yet? I've also worked in non-profits in school Development/Communications and as a volunteer at a museum. Both are very fun environments with positive purposes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172393 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:20:11 +0000 Kristine 172393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a museum registrar and have been in the museum/historical field for about 13 years. I'm in Collections but there are a variety of jobs in museums, maybe you'd be interested in something like education or special events. </p> <p>One nice thing about museum work is that it's diverse, almost every day is different. And most museums are non-profit so you also feel like you're doing something reasonably meaningful. But you would probably need a degree for anything beyond a part time or temporary job (which might be a good way to explore it). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172339 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:59:05 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 172339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarlet - my workplace at the time actually paid for it as part of the employee wellness programme.</p> <p>Theresa - yes, I met Helen Clark (or just plain Helen as she liked to be called) a number of times. One of the nice things about my job at the moment is that I get to meet very interesting (and sometimes famous) people on a regular basis.</p> <p>I did just have a thought - can you swim well? What about working as a swimming teacher? I did that for 3 years all the way through university and taught children aged 3 - 13. Lot's of fun - one lesson is never the same as the other so you don't get bored, the training is hands-on and doesn't take a particularly long time and who knows you could be the teacher who inspires the next Ian Thorpe or Leisel Jones! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172334 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:49:54 +0000 Queen Mum 172334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>what about trying to get a job as an assistant to a special needs teacher. I know you said time in the classroom would be overwhelming, but with your experience as a mum of a special needs child you would be a wonderful asset. </p> <p>As for me, I spent 6 years teaching first grade and loved it. I'm not quite ready to go back into such a energy consuming job at the moment, but I've been tossing ideas around. I have toyed with the idea of getting my special ed certification. I"ve also been thinking about getting certified as a personal trainer. I love the idea of inspiring other middle age gals like myself to get into shape, plus it's something that should not get in the way of my family. My gifting is in teaching so as much as sitting in an office looking pretty sounds really nice, I do think I'll end up back into some form of teaching one of these years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172330 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:45:37 +0000 rute 172330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I took a bussiness degree and now I work in Marketing but I've done other things: accounts, finances, bussiness consulting..<br /> I love my work! Love can't imagine get up everyday to do something I don't like! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172325 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:12:12 +0000 Anonymous 172325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theresa, have you thought of doing physical therapy? With all of us aging baby boomers they will continue to being demand. You would be helping people, (although sometimes they may feel you are causing them pain), and it seems to be a job one can do part time. If you do home visits, you could schedule them when the kids are in school. The down side is going back for more education. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172296 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:50:13 +0000 chewyspaghetti 172296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theresa- what about becoming a fitness instructor at a gym? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172288 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:37:42 +0000 Louise 172288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since 17 I've worked with children mostly in out of school clubs but with occassional classroom stints x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172256 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:42:36 +0000 Sharon 172256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'm another one who's career continues to evolve. I started out as a technical officer, then went back to university 10 years ago and did my medical degree.<br /> I worked rurally for a while and have been working in women's health for the past 3 years. At the beginning of the year I got very burnt out and became ill and left work, planning to have a year off, but I have started working casually as a surgical assistant over the last month and am really enjoying it.<br /> I guess my 2 cents is that you never "arrive" at what you are going to be - there is a continuous evolution. The trick is just to start doing something you like and see where it leads you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172252 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:14:25 +0000 Theresa 172252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - Thank You all for your input - I really appreciate it and feel comforted by the fact that so many of us are in similar boats. We are also a very divers group of ladies and I really like that - I have enjoyed reading about what some of you do.</p> <p>Steph - if you find the book you are reading helpful, I'd really appreciate it if you could give me the details and I'll see if I can track it down to read as well.</p> <p>Kristen - thank you so very much for your input and wisdom. This process is actually really helping me learn more and more about myself and I like the way of looking at it more from the "how" perspective.</p> <p>Frances - that organisation looks FABULOUS! I have never heard of anything like that in Aus (fellow Aussies let me know if you know of something like this - it just may not be around up here).</p> <p>KP - that is a beautiful story about your former student! I didn't have any inspirational teachers and I can already see how much of a difference having a wonderful teacher is making to my eldest daughter. And you know, its funny I used to love to bake and that would have been right up my alley a few years ago - since having the girls and having to cook every single thing they eat myself due to their many allergies I'm now officially over cooking!</p> <p>Scarlet - you know that is a good question - I actually started my accounting degree because I was top student in accounting in senior but after 1 semester worked out that I HATED it (phew!). So I was really good at accounting and computing, but didn't enjoy either. I loved and was good at Legal Studies and Home Ec, hated and failed at Maths, and did well and kinda enjoyed English. I'm glad I worked out that just because I was good at accounting didn't mean I had to do it though - I would be so miserable now if I'd done that.</p> <p>Natalie - very similar situation!! I haven't even thought about doing a resume and that actually scared the heck out of me now I do think about it... I have 3 younger brothers and 2 of them have always known what they wanted to be and are super happy at it too...</p> <p>Fi - hehe we can be nosy together then! Did you ever get to meet Helen Clark (that was her name wasn't it?) I always admired her whenever I saw her on the news. Career Counselling is probably a good idea actually - will look into that next week.</p> <p>Rosie - thank you for your kind words - I do feel like I need to empower the younger generation... Your going back and forth sounds a lot like me too.</p> <p>Stringy - the point about doing what you love to the point that it sucks the enjoyment out is a really good point - I know a few people who have done that and ended up hating it...</p> <p>I've been thinking about this all day and a few things I've realised that will be significant are:</p> <p>* I learn best by doing rather than studying - so if I were to have to complete a university degree to be qualified, I doubt I would actually succeed - especially because I would have to do it part time and that would draw the process out to 8-odd years...<br /> * I HATE anything that I find monotonous and repetitive - I am far too easily distracted so I need to be constantly engaged and provided lots of variety.<br /> *I'm good at researching or providing options but do not want to be the decision maker</p> <p>I'm sure this list will grow as I delve deeper though!</p> <p>Oooops that ended up like a novel!! (hmm definitely need to add "ability to waffle" to my list of abilities LOL).</p> <p>Thanks for bearing with me and I'm still curious as to what we all do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-careers#post-172226 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 06:30:57 +0000 Scarlet 172226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Londonkiwi - how did you go about finding a career counselor? </p>