https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:18:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-604247 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:51:09 +0000 Jjsloane 604247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae - no time to read all the responses and I'm no expert and not completely sure what you'd be good at, but I know you seem to be very passionate about your fashion and finding bargains and helping others. I don't know if you've been pursuing your business of swap shopping for others, but I read an article about Fashion Trucks (like food trucks, but with fashion inside) and thought "Rae could do that". Obviously not a stable predictable income, but choosing what you love over what will pay the bills can sometimes work if you are able to manage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-603926 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:08:23 +0000 Vicki 603926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What about Public Relations or Marketing in the fashion industry? Or, veterinary work since you like cats? I think the book title Parlsey recommended is a good exercise for you. You are so good and talented in so many areas and, for that reason, it can be difficult to settle on a profession. You have a passion for life and need to keep that passion.</p> <p>Other thoughts: Music therapist (you love music and people), fashion buyer, school counselor (would provide good benefits), journalist, broadcasting, etc. Keep me posted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600739 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 17:23:39 +0000 HelenInCanada 600739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some interesting and helpful advice here. Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs personality test? It's a well-regarded, widely-used, generally accurate analysis of your strengths and weaknesses - and the results help steer you to ideal careers. It's quite amazing. Here's a link to the free test: <a href="http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp" rel="nofollow">http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp</a><br /> Once you get your "type" (i.e. INFP, ENFJ, etc.), look up the suggested careers and see what you think!</p> <p>From what I've observed about you, you could explore journalism (write for the Huff Po!), creative management, LA/California tourism (seriously - could be fun!), HR, fashion/retail marketing...</p> <p>While I'm not the world's most practical person, the "Best Jobs of 2012" did catch my eye. Here's the link: <a href="http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/the-25-best-jobs" rel="nofollow">http://money.usnews.com/career.....-best-jobs</a> Not sure if any would appeal to you, but check it out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600729 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 16:58:25 +0000 christieanne 600729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - lots to think about here for you. </p> <p>Are there other opportunities within the bank that interest you? You might be interested in HR for example? Ask at your review about the opportunities for internal promotions or transfers to other depts (but make sure your boss knows it's not because you are unhappy with them or thinking of leaving - that's never good ;0 ) and see what the company has to offer. You might also check out benefits program to see if they contribute to ongoing education. </p> <p>I don't know very many people who actually have careers in what they studied unless they studied a very technical or science based subject area. Sometimes for liberal arts majors (we usually have such a variety of passions and interests) you find an outlet outside of your career to explore what you love. </p> <p>Going back to school right now might not be the answer - I think you came to that conclusion. I explored this recently and in California, the state universities are in such a crunch that graduate programs are being thinned down, grants impossible to get and even entry to programs is delayed. Some of the certificate programs are easier to get into and more streamlined for working students though. </p> <p>I would also think about the type of environment you work best in - are you self motivated and work well alone? Do you have the discipline to drum up your own business? Starting your own company or business can be frustrating if it doesn't suit you.<br /> My DH worked for himself but as a subcontractor for designers and artists/craftsman who needed his technical skills or an extra pair of hands/eyes on big projects. He had a few initial contacts and built up over time more and more folks who would call him for jobs.<br /> If he had to go out and cold call though, he never would have been successful as that didn't suit his personality. </p> <p>Lots to think about! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600698 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:28:25 +0000 Kristine 600698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marketing? Event planning? I don't know your preferences and background well but you seem outgoing, creative and energetic so it seems like those areas might be a good fit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600678 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:49:56 +0000 Isabel 600678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, some great advice here already !!</p> <p>A couple of small suggestions. Think about volunteering somewhere in an industry that you think you might like. It gives you connections and exposure. </p> <p>Coincidentally enough, I used to be in molecular biology, and since I have become a SAHM, I have done some volunteering. I found that I could NEVER be a teacher, but I really like working with at-risk youth ( like gang members ). I have, on a few occasions been asked to volunteer interpret for Catholic Charities and our local hospital, and I loved it ! Can you use your skills to interpret ? Also, good communicators are really in demand. Have you thought of learning to write grant proposals and then free lance that ? You could even start that now and see if you like it. Start small. You could put together a small proposal for a series on article on thrifting for a local paper....</p> <p>I am reading a great book called " Kitchen Counter Cooking Lessons.." The author studied at the Cordon Bleu, but she writes narratives about cooking. Could you do something like that ? ( Not about cooking, but something else. )</p> <p>Finally, it is ok to be all about the money for a little while. You don't have to spend it. You can save it and invest it and maybe by the time you are 50, you can stop working for pay and do something that you really love, like travel. Think long term. In the end, some times a job provides you money to fund the rest of your non-work life. And you seem to be enjoying that. Don't let your dad's ambition make you doubt yourself. ( Recently, my mom' brother, who lives in Europe, told my mom that he couldn't believe that my parents were "allowing" me to not work. He said that they had put so much into studies and that I had spent so much time studying molecular biology that it was an embarrassment to the family that I just did "nothing". I am 48, he needs to stop holding out hope, LOL !!!! Wait til he learns I like hanging out with kids who carry guns and knives ! LOL !!! It is cultural......and trust your self. One doesn't have to have a burning passion. Some of us just don't . BUT you do want to be happy ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600671 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:30:21 +0000 Scarlet 600671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just ready all the comments, so here I am again.<br /> Could it be that you need to focus on moving up the corporate ladder, so to say, so that you are dealing with more complex situations, more people, more responsibility? You said you don't feel challenged enough, and it seems to me that taking on more responsibility could be a solution there. For what it's worth I am someone who chose passion/stimulation over money. We make enough to enjoy our little lives, but we would make a lot more doing conventional jobs. The good thing is that in my particular field I could get a good industry job if money becomes an issue for some reason. I didn't plan it like that, but just followed my heart. I worked a lot in all different kinds of jobs as a student, and it made it clear to me that what I really wanted to avoid was boredom, so that guided my decision making more than anything. I agree with the others regarding another degree. I would be loathe to go back to school in your position unless I had a clear goal in mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600663 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:08:29 +0000 Transcona Shannon 600663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Suz, I'm late to this thread but I still wanted to pop in to comment. </p> <p>Wow. That's a BIG question Rae! From our YLF knowledge of you, I see someone who is undoubtedly creative (music and fashion), hard working, analytical (the way you break down outfits of your own and in critiquing others), not one to give up easy (trench coat come to mind?) and detail oriented. i love Claire's ideas of something in the fashion/entertainment field. I also think Chewy is onto a fab thought with the shopping/vintage vein. </p> <p>Lots to think about for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600617 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:52:34 +0000 Suz 600617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, I'm awfully late to comment. But I know this is one of those subjects you're going to mull about; it's not like a Keep or Return or "in the dressing room right now!" post. So I will jump in, anyway. ;-)</p> <p>I'm slightly awed that you would trust us enough even to ask us this question. What a gift you give us, with that trust. And what a gift YLF is to us all! </p> <p>I would like to echo everything that Janet, Elizabeth, Claire, and Scarlet have said. I don't know the in-person you, but the Rae who is here on the forums is exceptionally intelligent, analytic, a superb and tactful communicator, creative—and a lot of fun! </p> <p>I'm a big believer in following your passion. It may not always lead to the most money. But it will certainly lead to the greatest satisfaction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600576 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 07:39:22 +0000 Scarlet 600576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You definitely have a way with words! Something that involves writing/communication. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600554 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 06:20:32 +0000 Anonymous 600554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Rachel Zoe just needs to hire you! You need to be in a creative field and you have everything you need to work there, it's just being in the right place at the right time and getting an "in". Even if you could just start as someone's personal assistant in the film industry it might lead to getting into wardrobe/costumes/shopper/stylist for TV, music videos, what have you. I could see you in the music industry as well. Finance is great, but IKWYM about it being a bit brain-dead for the creative side of your mind. </p> <p>You have great energy, drive and enthusiasm, enough be a wife, have a full time job, be a fashion blogger and contribute greatly to YLF. Your people skills are as good as your ability to analyze things and solve problems. Really, you could do anything, but you will need a creative outlet or two if one isn't built into your career. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-600495 Sat, 21 Apr 2012 04:41:05 +0000 chewyspaghetti 600495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae- you live in the perfect city for combining your love of fashion and bargain hunting. The good thing about established marketplaces is that you don't have to have contacts already- you have a built in audience (doesn't mean they will necessarily buy, though). If you are seriously interested in that vein, I would start making contacts right away. Make regular rounds to all of the resale/vintage stores in your area. Introduce yourself to the owner and let them know that you are getting into the business- ask them their policies about buying/selling/trading with other dealers and consigning pieces. Make friends with the clerks at your favorite suppliers- see if they would be willing to set pieces aside for you, let you know when deliveries are put out, or call you when something spectacular arrives. Become a presence in the vintage clothing circuit and before long you will have tons of contacts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-599620 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:28:29 +0000 Fruitful 599620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, amazing about your sister - yes, it would be hard to get work - I guess this is the kernel of the problem; what do you love so much that you could deal with that; alternatively, if not being under financial pressure/instability is core to what makes you happy, that helps narrow your focus when searching for a goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-599599 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:40:43 +0000 rae 599599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fruitful, that's interesting, because my sister is pursuing sound! She is having a hard time with finding work, too. I guess you can't have it all!</p> <p>BJ, perhaps I will bring that up whenever I have my next review at work. Should be coming up... I think I've been there about 6 months. I'd be surprised if there was anything for me within the company, but maybe. I definitely know I am not interested enough in wealth management to get my Series Seven. I started studying for that at my old job, and while I know I *could* do it, I could feel my brian refusing to pay attention. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-599570 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:59:45 +0000 Fruitful 599570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Random, but - sound engineering? You're musical and would be able to appreciate it from a number of perspectives. I did a sound engineering course but then decided it was too hard for me - the main things that were hard were paying the fees (!) but also the blokey culture, which I think you'd be fine in (correct me if I'm wrong); also the weird hours and sometimes heavy lifting.</p> <p>There are some weird and wonderful uses for such a skill set - not just live/studio music, also foley artist for movies/television; and post grad as a number of things, such as ethnomusicologist (travel and field work!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at/page/2#post-599542 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:10:42 +0000 bj1111 599542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rae, excellent identifying aspects that you would like to incorporate in your day to day...more problem solving, more people interaction. as an english major, i bet you have the skill to translate complex ideas into written pieces coherent to a variety of levels. can you network within your place for potential positions that make use if these skills? or go for informational mtgs, perhaps a more senior person who is doing the job or engaged in projects that you find interesting? have you talked to your supervisor for opportunities? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599535 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:58:53 +0000 Meredith1953 599535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late as usual to comment but I totally agree that going back to school is risky financially unless you have a very clear idea of what you want to major in. You are very creative and talented and there is nothing wrong with just following your interests. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599516 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:38:31 +0000 Jonesy 599516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I couldn't agree more with the notion of only going back to school if you feel passionately about something! Lots of good advice on this thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599511 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:33:00 +0000 rae 599511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to Ana, Elizabeth, and Gaylene for validating the argument I've given my dad for 4 years! I have very strong feelings about the price of education, the way many schools run themselves and allocate funds, etc. But my husband and I feel most strongly about being free of debt - he's totally in the positive, and I only have a little left on my student loans (I could pay them off now, but the interest is so low that I haven't seen the point). I would not go back to school unless I *really* felt I found my calling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599508 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:28:08 +0000 krishnidoux 599508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>bj1111, yes, "research meetings" or exploratory interviews, or informational interviews. That is certainly an intelligent strategy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599507 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:27:54 +0000 Gaylene 599507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just had to add that I totally agree with Ana and Elizabeth's comments. As a university prof, I see too many students who are going into debt to obtain degrees because someone told them "I think you'd be good at _____". </p> <p>By all means, go back to school if YOU find an area of study fascinating or exciting. But don't do it because your parents want you to have a degree or because someone you know is planning to become a lawyer and you think it sounds like a nice career. If you aren't sure you'd like the actual day-to-day work, why would you go into debt to obtain the credential to allow you to work in that area?</p> <p>I've been lucky to have spent a major part of my career teaching and working with students. The work is demanding (and often frustrating) but always fulfilling. And, no, teaching wasn't even on my radar when I was starting my career. My original inclination was towards research but, as time went on, I kept increasing my teaching load because I enjoyed interacting with my students more than spending time in the lab. </p> <p>I think Elizabeth is spot on when she says that most of us have a number of things that we like to do or can be good at, but enjoying your work comes from finding a job that fulfills you. And finding out what you like is more often a zigzag path rather than a straight line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599477 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:23:13 +0000 rae 599477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the great resources! BJ, I know it isn't BAD, and this has kept me going for a few years. I guess the part I don't like so much is the feeling that my brain will atrophy... I miss, like, having conversations and solving problems and stuff (a large part of why I am *here* at every lull in the day). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599454 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:24:15 +0000 tarzy 599454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice from these wise ladies! </p> <p>I have a friend who saw a career counselor and it helped her tremendously. The person she saw, Serena Santillanes, is in Pasadena, but of course there are many others.<br /> <a href="http://www.careerjourneys.net/company/about.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.careerjourneys.net/company/about.html</a></p> <p>My only advice is - do something sooner than later. It's definitely possible, but it does get harder the older you get. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599439 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:53:17 +0000 bj1111 599439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ps...@lyn*...med school sucks. residency will suck more. then you get to be a real doc and it gets so much better. promise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599438 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:52:28 +0000 bj1111 599438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i think the problem is multifactorial and not necessarily you. you're in a tough job market so competition keeps salaries down--while not necessarily a deal breaker, a better salary might make up for some of the frustration you're experiencing now. also, the opportunities for advancement in your particular line of work may not be that great unless you switch industries--i sense you do admin/support in corporate banking, which is likely the most lucrative business in general--but i'm not sure. when corporations cut back, it's on the admin/support side, which may leave the current staff overworked. the possibility of advancement with a salary increase may not be as great in your area.</p> <p>in another geographic area, the situation may be different. ratio of salary to cost of living is higher, less competition for jobs, more industries for crossing over/advancement. </p> <p>for me, the money i make gives me security to walk away from my job if/when it gets dreadful. i spent last year talking to all sorts of people whose jobs i might want to see how they got there and what the job actually entails. it was a phenomenal experience. </p> <p>i would go back to your college's job placement service or alumni network resources and start contacting people in different industries. you get a more realistic sense of the job. this may reassure you that your job is not that bad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599412 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:46:31 +0000 krishnidoux 599412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A very good book<br /> Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath<br /> Helps in discovering, and naming your talents in terms of the working world. You need this in job hunting to determine what skills/assets you can bring to a company, as well as better judge if a company is a good fit for you. </p> <p>As for your diploma, it is rare to use your skills directly (unless you are a specialized technician, doctor, engineer...). If you have a BA I would try to go for one step up.Frankly if it were me I'd do either MBA or law, as these are very adaptable to so many employments later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599403 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:32:15 +0000 Aziraphale 599403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, asking us what we think you'd be "good at" is the wrong question, I think. I can tell by your posts -- from both the content and the way you express yourself -- that you are very bright, and bright people can learn to be good at just about anything. In fact, the whole concept of "giftedness" is flawed. Upon examination, it turns out that people who have apparent natural "gifts" have in fact simply put in hours and hours of practice. Often they don't see it as such because the practice is enjoyable, and approached as a form of play, but still. That's what the research shows. I can back it up with my own experience, too. </p> <p>So. The real question should be, "What sort of work will I find fulfilling?", and only you can find the answer to that. And there are likely several possible answers, just as there are likely a number of people you might have married with whom you could have been happy. You chose one man, and he's awesome, but had you not met him, you might have met another who is equally awesome. (The good thing about a career, of course, is that if you want to change it, it's much less heartbreaking than deciding to change your marriage partner, lol).</p> <p>As for how to find a good career path when you're feeling a little directionless? Well, start asking around. Ask everybody you know about their jobs, about the parts they like, the parts they don't like, why they chose it, etc. Get a book like "What Color is Your Parachute?" or the one by Barbara Sher that Parsley suggested. Actually do the exercises in the book and it might help narrow your choices.</p> <p>You've got two more things on your side, besides being smart. You've got time, for one thing -- you're still very young. And you've also indicated that you may not want children, which means you will have a lot more career flexibility than many women. It's a lot easier to change careers (and many people end up changing careers, not just jobs, several times in their lives) when you're not also juggling the demanding and financially stressful job of raising a family.</p> <p>ETA: one more thing. Don't get too hung up on choosing the "perfect" career. Give it careful thought, but then pick something. And follow through. If you find, after a few years, that it's not working for you, it is always possible to change to something else. Sometimes it's easier to find what you enjoy by discovering, through trial and error, what you definitely DON'T enjoy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599392 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:18:02 +0000 lyn* 599392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I advise you avoid medicine like the plague... I don't think I would have done it if I knew it was this much work; but I'm probably in my disenchanted med student phase. They warn us about it. :p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599361 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:01:39 +0000 Janet 599361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, this is tough to answer for another person, especially one I haven't met in person yet! I would just have to share that my career path(s) have taken some most unexpected turns and detours that have led to all kinds of great experiences and people in my life. </p> <p>At the same time, it's funny how I seem to have made a big circle and come back around to art, which is the thing I loved most as a kid. In high school I thought it would be fun to design record album covers because I was so into music and art. Funny that I ended up doing a bunch of other things (almost went to law school, etc.) but ended up working in radio (music) and taking up photography.</p> <p>What is that you do that makes you lose track of time? What engages you and excites you? If you don't know what that is, it's time to play. Maybe try doing the "Artist's Way" book/course. I did that years ago and it did help me figure out where some of my creative outlets needed to be. </p> <p>I think it's great you're thinking this way, and you're young and have all kinds of options in front of you! Enjoy it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-so-what-would-you-think-id-be-good-at#post-599352 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:52:45 +0000 Ana 599352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm...I'm not sure what you would be good at, but I think others have given you good advice about how to find out. I think you could definitely do something with thrifting and fashion because you are good at both those things. </p> <p>I guess my only advice would be not to take out loans to get a higher degree. If you can get a grant or have a company pay for it, or otherwise save up the money to pay your tuition fully without loans, then it might be worth the time and expense. But having a student loan payment can really limit your options (and it's surprising how much the payments add up every month--yes, I'm speaking from experience here). Honestly, if you can find something you like doing, I would try to pursue it as far as you can without a higher degree. Also, don't forget about trade schools and community colleges if you just need some actual training to develop a hard skill. They are often much lower cost than a four-year university would be. </p>