Career questions tagged career-change
When a person is 57 years old and they want to change careers, is this possible #Spring25?
Hello. I am a 57 year old female who has been a social worker since 1992. I have worked with people from many cultures, economic status’, across all ages, and with a broad spectrum of life challenges. I have professional experience working with children and adults who were mentally ill, chemically addicted (and a combination of both illnesses), neurodivergent, criminal offenders who were under probation supervision (as a Probation Officer for 17 years), physical illnesses, suicidal, homicidal, and self harmers. I have found that the majority of people were traumatized by childhood abuse/neglect, domestic violence, community violence, significant losses, systemic racism and/or homophobia, parental addiction/mental illness and/or incarceration, poverty, homelessness, veterans with PTSD, and the list goes on. During my career as a law enforcement officer, I realized that first responders overall, had been traumatized at some point(s) in their careers. First responders were extremely reluctant to acknowledge and seek treatment, unless they were surrounded by their peers with similar experiences. Only when they were in peer support groups and/or specialized therapeutic services, were they willing to break their silence and the stigma surrounding the effects their trauma had on their lives and careers. I then began to educate myself in specialized law enforcement peer support and critical incident stress management trainings. I also encouraged my law enforcement colleagues to consider utilizing peer support, crisis lines run by and for law enforcement, and/or specialized therapy. I have been very successful in my lengthy career, however I too have had lifelong trauma, whether it be as a child, as a young college student, and throughout my career. As a result, I am burned out. Although I have been in treatment for the majority of my life, trauma has led to early retirement from Probation and a subsequent job loss. This was followed by major back surgery 3 1/2 months ago. Today I find myself unemployed, reliant on a small pension, and was recently granted federal Medicaid and SNAP (formerly referred to as food stamps) benefits. I have not even been able to pay rent since December. One benefit of my time as an unemployed person since September 2024, is that I have had a lot of time to consider what I want to do with the rest of my career. I have realized that I have always wanted to work in emergency medicine and, as a result, I have applied to the community college that I am an alumni of and I am seeking to become a critical care nurse. Therefore, my question is, is it possible for me, at my age, to successfully complete the college requirements in order to become a critical care nurse? Thank you for considering this long description of my career and the reasons why I would like to pivot in another direction. Respectfully submitted, Kimberly A. Huber, MSW ,
Farmington
How to change career paths?
Three years ago, I quit my job in accounts payable. My parents contracted Covid. Mom became bedridden, and Dad has dementia. I decided to be their caregiver. Now, three years later, I want to return to the workforce; however, I do not want to return to a finance career. I want a change in my career. I'm seeking a meaningful, exciting, hands-on, and fulfilling job. Additionally, I'm looking for a career that understands and accommodates my learning disability, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and comprehension deficits., and comprehension deficits.
New YorkWhat is the quickest, most efficient and effective way to transition into a career in UI/UX design with no prior experience in the field, but with a bachelor's degree and a limited budget?
What is the quickest, most efficient and effective way to transition into a career in UI/UX design with no prior experience in the field, but with a bachelor's degree and a limited budget?
Jacksonville
What resources might help a science education postdoc figure out a career change?
I always though I wanted to be a professor, but now that I have a Science Education PhD and am near the end of my postdoc, I find I don't really want to go into traditional academia (At least not with a research component). Unfortunately the schools that are hiring without a research component are hiring adjuncts or VAPs only, which is not sustainable long term. I've never considered what else to do and am seeing a lot of roles that I'm over-educated but underqualified for. I don't know what job hunting resources are out there when you have a PhD but no known/intended career field. I do not care about the money beyond pays-my-rent-food-and-gas, and I'm more than willing and even potentially interested in "downsizing" the career aspirations to a field where I can make a positive community impact that is not necessarily in my field. Are there any programs or coaches that could help me explore what might fit my skills?
Cincinnati
How to change careers from Lawyer to Landscape Architecture ?
I’m a practicing attorney in business immigration law looking to switch careers but with little transferable skills in Landscape Architecture. Is getting the full Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture the only route?
New Milford
Quickest Way To Become an Optometrist?
Hello all I wanted to know what was the quickest way I could become an optometrist I currently have a bachelor's in Arts and I'm 25. So I wanted to know how long it would take and whats the quickest route.
Tampa
Is a Fitness Coordinator basically a Physical Therapy equivalent without a Doctorate Degree?
I have been sold on Physical Therapy for a while now, but recently I have begun struggling with the idea of going to Medical School and all of the debt and excessive studying that entails. I took a career quiz and it recommended Fitness Coordinator rather than Physical Therapy. I love studying the human anatomy, working out, and helping others learn about their body, how it functions, and how to strengthen and enhance their performance. Would a Fitness Coordinator be the same thing as Physical Therapy, just without going to Medical School and getting a Doctorate? Also, what is the job satisfaction like for a Fitness Coordinator? What about the hours? work load? salary? work environment?
MadridWhat was your dream job as a child and what is your current job now?
Have your interests changed? How did you discover what job you truly wanted/was best for you? Do you have any regrets about where you are at right now?
New YorkI have DPT - is there a way to get ATC without having to go through 2-3+ years of school again?
I currently have doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) and right now the company I work for is looking to hire an athletic trainer (ATC) for my location. I was always interested in either doing DPT or ATC - now I am thinking about getting both certifications. I know that there are a bunch of classes that are basically the same thing in each curriculum (anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, etc.) I really don't want to have to take all of those courses again, so if anyone knows of like a transition program that I just take the necessary programs that were not included in the DPT program that I need for the ATC program, that would be great. Thanks!
Tinton FallsIs it okay for me to change my desired career path, and how would I go about doing so? ?
Note: this is part of our Professionals series where volunteers share questions they wish they saw on the platform
Palo AltoI dropped out of medical school; now what?
What are some ways to pivot if you drop out of medical school? Note: This is part of our Professionals series where volunteers share questions they wish they saw on the platform
Palo AltoWhat can I do if I select a career and decide its not a good fit?
This is part of our professionals series
Palo AltoWhat if you want to switch careers after you've already started college? How about if you've already started working in the field?
This is part of our professionals series
Palo Alto
Hi I'm planning to shift course but I only got into a ladderized course (Diploma in Industrial Facilities Technology) and planning to get a BS Customs Ad, Is it possible for me to shift course from Ladderized to BS?
Hi I'm planning to shift course but I only got into a ladderized course (Diploma in Industrial Facilities Technology) and planning to get a BS Customs Ad, Is it possible for me to shift course from Ladderized to BS?
Makati
Changing Careers to Creative
I'm looking to make a career change back into the creative space with the goal of being a Creative Director. Any advice on how to make this switch?
Winston-Salem
How to approach finding engineering work after ten years of only being hired for low-skill jobs?
Received master's degree in engineering ten years ago with excellent grades but I have never had a chance to work in the field. I've had to accept zero-education or associate's degree level work just to have any income at all, and I've worked two associates-level jobs for the past six years. I have been applying to engineering jobs frequently since my graduation, but I haven't even had any interviews since 2014. I've done some of Cornell's free online engineering certification courses, that hasn't helped. The career office at the college where I got my associates says my work history of associates-level work has poisoned my prospects and I have no chance of ever getting into engineering. I estimate my application: interview rate is 0.1%. I have checked to ensure my resumes are compliant with the most common applicant tracking software. Beyond that, is there anything I can realistically do to get any attention at all?
San Antonio
I am currently doing BSc in Business Management and Information Systems. What are the possibilities of doing MD after? Read below.
I am doing Coursera courses and specializations. I am gaining as much knowledge as I can. I am planning on doing GRE chemistry and GRE psychology (as I want to go into psychiatry). I know it’s very hard but I am doing whatever I can. Any recommendations or anything at all (what do you think?) How do I prepare for the MCAT without taking any medical courses in undergraduate studies? Also, I am doing my bachelor's at the University of Aberdeen and here we don't have electives.
Doha
What proffesion would you recommend for a person who likes being in charge?
#career #career-change #careers #life #special-effects #medical
Lake Worth
What are some options for someone who might drop out of college and who would like to become a teacher?
Asking on behalf of a friend who might need to take some time off due to mental health challenges <3 #college #career-change #college-drop-out #teaching #education #mental-health
Rochester
For anyone who has made a successful career change, what were the most important things you had to do, or what advice would you give others looking to do the same?
I'm a current college student, so I haven't officially started my career yet, but I'm extremely anxious about doing so, especially now that the pandemic has changed life as we know it. I've changed my career aspirations several times already, but now I'm nearing graduation and I'm still terrified that I'll wind up in a career I don't enjoy. Whether you ended up changing careers because you were dissatisfied or because you found better opportunities in another field, I'm really interested in hearing the experiences of professionals who have been in a situation like me. How did you overcome your worries, and what advice would you give to someone else? #career #career-counseling #careers #career-advice #future #career-options #college #college-student #graduation #career-change #career-switch #career-changes #career-switches #advice #july #july20 #scholarship
Los AngelesShould I finish paying my college fees and tuition first or pay to start my own business after I graduate college?
#business woman #professionals #career #career-change
Round LakeWould someone graduating at 40 with their first degree in civil engineering have a chance in the workforce?
Is it sensible or feasible (or how does the outlook seem in general) to get one's first degree at 40 as a civil engineer? (Entering college at 35, graduating at 40) Would potential employers be biased against an "old" newbie, making it impossible to pay off school debt at such a late date because jobs would go to younger graduates? #engineering #civil-engineering #adult-education #career-change
WheatonCould you change your major on your fourth year of college?
If you change your major on your last year, will you have to make up more years? #not-trynna-be-in-college-for-more-than-4-years #career-change
Mayhew StHow do I find internships (eventually a career) in a different city?
I’ve live in Southern California my entire life and I really want to move to another city after I graduate, but I’ll need a job. What are some tips on getting an internship/career in a city that’s farther away? #internship #career-change
West Covina
How does it look to future employers if you work in a different field for a while?
I am hoping to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. However, I will likely work in an electrical product engineering position for a non-biomedical company following graduation. How will biomedical companies I apply for in the future see this? Will this experience help me or will they assume I am unfamiliar with biomedical technologies and pass on me? #electrical-engineering #biomed #engineering-industry #engineering #biotechnology #first-job #biomedical-engineering #career-change #career-plan
HometownWhat happens if you graduate with your degree and find out that the career you thought you wanted is not for you?
I recently visited and old roommate of mine who graduated last year. She just began her first teaching job at an elementary school and hates everything about it. It made me start to worry that I may graduate next year and go into a career and hate what I do and that the 4 years I spent getting my degree might be wasted. #psychology #PTSD #career #career-change #career-plan
Rexburg
I have a challenge for you today. What are...?
What are the real life job equivalences to jobs like in the movie TheTransporter(2002), Drive(2011)? If you haven't seen the movies here's a quick summary of their jobs: - TheTransporter: Main character delivers packages from point A to point B for the mob. He works by a strict set of rules he makes sure his clients understand and agree to beforehand. He gets a destination and a timeframe, how he accomplishes the task though is completely up to him. The rules: #1 Never change the deal. #2 No names--Frank doesn't want to know whom he's working for, or what he's transporting. #3 never look in the package https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90jvl6PzhQQ -Drive: Driver is a highly skilled getaway driver criminals hire to escape their heist jobs. He too, as the transporter, follows a strict set of rules. »You tell me where we start, where we're going, where we're going afterwards. I give you five minutes when we get there. Anything happens in that five minutes and I'm yours. No matter what. Anything a minute on either side of that and you're on your own. I don't sit in while you're running it down. I don't carry a gun. I drive.« https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk9bz3ieERM Of course I don't expect a job with fancy luxury cars, sharp suits, high speed police car chases and action fight scenes ( a cheap rental , a t-shirt and a leisurely drive will do;)). What I do seek in a job though are some of the qualities these movies portray that speak to me and work well with my personality type (INTJ): -Professionalism: both characters display a high degree of skill,professionalism and attention to detail. They know what their job is(they make sure others know it too) and they do their job as efficiently as possible. (This reminds me of a story this bodyguard told. A VIP politician arrives at location, his bodyguard opens the car door for her, the VIP hands him her purse (or umbrella) as if he is just one of her personal assistants/servants. The bodyguard refuses and proceeds to escort the VIP to her destination. Now he could have just carried her bag for her out of the goodness of his heart, but in event of an attack that might have hindered his ability to react properly. His job wasn't to carry bags, his job was to protect her and that is what he did. Great display of professionalism.) -Autonomy: while they have a boss that gives them jobs, they have complete autonomy on what is the best way to accomplish their tasks. Once they receive the instructions, they work alone. -Lone wolf work: Most of the time they work on their own and their job success does not rely on high social success. In most career tests I don't score well in the Persuasion category making sales/promotion jobs more or less a nightmare for me. -Driving: I love driving, so any job that involves driving cars as a job or driving to a different work location every day is a real joy for me. -Money: They do their job professionally, they get paid well. I almost prefer to get paid by the task opposed by the hour, as long as it's set up in a way where you can actually earn more while not completely rushing through the task making quality and attention to detail suffer. However money is not that important to me, as long as the rest of above qualities are met I'd be willing to lose some on the money side. I had a perfect(not really) summer job like that once. I was doing surveys for this big research/marketing company. I would talk to my boss on the phone once or twice a day only, he would give me all the info, location, what to do, the tools I would need,… I would drive to location (different location every few days) -I enjoyed that a lot. From there I was on my own on how to accomplish the task given. The pay per completed unit was ok as well. Not great, but ok. Perfect right? Not really. The survey sampling was often very restrictive (find x number of age 79-89 people) at a strictly set location(usually a business). That already limited the available target group significantly. From those left I then had to persuade the rest to participate (by default not my strong suit), every time somebody said »No« I was earning precisely zero. Most say no anyway, couple that with low Perssuasion and…All that combined meant I was working 12 hours a day for very little money. Needless to say, I wasn't working there for very long. A job exactly like that minus the »human element« (i.e. every person says yes) so I can turn out task after task at my own pace as fast as I can and I would be working 12-14 hours every day easily. #career #career-counseling #career-choice #career-development #career-path #careers #career-plan #career-planning #career-change #job-search #job #job-coaching #job-market #jobs #first-job
New YorkHow to make connections on LinkedIn?
I am new to LinkedIn and am wondering who I should add as a connection? I also am transitioning into a different career section, hopefully the non-profit, human service, or social service sector and am not sure if I should add old employees/supervisors from the insurance industry. #networking #linkedin #social-networking #career-change #linkedin-recruiter
BaltimoreWhat should I put on LinkedIn when I am an unemployed student looking to transition into the non-profit, human service, or social service sector from financial services?
Should I list that I am a student who is looking for job opportunities and looking to transition into the non-profit, human service, or social service sector from financial services in my headline? Should I mention the career which I aspire to have? In the experience section should I list my financial service experience, though it does not relate to my goals? I mostly want to showcase my need for employment and the fact that I am a student in an appropriate manner. #career-counseling #career-path #job-search #linkedin #career-change #job-search-strategies #linkedin-recruiter
Baltimore
If you could start over again, would you change your career?
I am just curious to see how many people are happy with their career choices and how many would change them! Thanks! #business #career #teaching #healthcare #law #career-choice #career-path #career-change
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