A Conversation About Careers: Are You Working in Your Field of Study?

[seoulsearch]

Hello Everyone,

Something I always find interesting is that when I talk to people, very few are working in their original career field of study or choice. I know our society always promotes going to college and getting a degree as the answer to finding a good career (and I'm certainly not saying it's bad), but how many people out there are actually doing what they set out to do?

In my own life, I followed "all the guidelines" in trying to pursue a "successful" career. I wanted to be a criminal psychologist, and I wanted the most extreme cases (crazy as it sounds, my dream in high school was to interview Charles Manson.) My reasoning is that I had a deep interest in how we can prevent things like the person who becomes the next shooter at our local mall or school by learning from the people who have "snapped" and "went there".

I completed nearly all the classes required for an MA and was working on my thesis... when life hit me (several things beyond my control) and bumped me off track. Everyone has asked me for years why I don't go back to school. To be perfectly honest, I no longer have an interest in that field. I had some opportunities to get to know a few inmates and while I DO think there are people out there who can change (or rather, will allow God to change them), the hardest part for me was listening to the vast majority who have no regrets about the horrible things they've done to other people. I know I personally couldn't spend a lifetime being around that mentality.

I often relate well to young people in college because for several years, I've prayed about what to do with my life. I haven't felt that God has led me in any particular direction, which makes me feel restless and anxious. In the meantime, I keep working and keep seeking. While I've always worked, I've never had what one could truly call a career. And I am hesitant, if not adamantly against, spending tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours of study and commitments once again, only to find myself disenchanted halfway down yet another career path.

I know the poll isn't perfect and may seem a little haphazard, but it includes some of the answers I am interested in. I never intend for polls to substitute a good discussion, only supplement it. Here are some of the questions I'd like to ask all of you--feel free to discuss as few or as many as you like (the poll is multiple choice and anonymous, but I'm hoping you'll share a post with us as well).

1. What was your dream career as a child or young adult? Are you working in that field now? Why or why not? What field are you currently working in?

2. Did you go to college to pursue your career goals, and if so, how long? Are you working in your field of study, and for how long? Can you see yourself in that field for the rest of your career?

3. Are you working in your field of choice, but intend to change careers? Why? Or, are you working in a different field, but still plan to go into your field of choice? What things have held you back?

4. Are you currently looking for a career change or direction in your life? Do you feel you know what God wants you to do? What tips can you offer as far as finding the correct path?

Any other thoughts and discussion are welcome--I'm looking forward to seeing how others are dealing with these life challenges as well.

 

[Donkeyfish07]

I successfully predicted the future in the other thread

I went to college for computer networking. I finished in 2008, same time the economy stuff started happening in southern California. I happened to graduate about the same time the economic issues started so it was a bad job market for that area at the time. I moved out of Cali not long there after and just never ended up using it. It's a common story from what I can gather, I know tons of people who went to college and never once worked in their field.

 

[seoulsearch]

I successfully predicted the future in the other thread

Poor ol' Miss Cleo is going to have some serious competition. Donkeyfish may have just found his new career!

 

[Donkeyfish07]

Poor ol' Miss Cleo is going to have some serious competition. Donkeyfish may have just found his new career!

For the low price of 9.99 per minute, you too can know the future

 

[keep_on_smiling]

I've always wanted to teach and that is both what I went to school for and what I'm doing. I absolutely love working with kids. I feel blessed to be in the position that I'm in.

However, I don't know what the Lord has for me in the future and I don't feel teaching will be a lifetime career in the traditional sense anyway. I am continuously seeking Him for direction.

 

[seoulsearch]

I love hearing it when people love what they do, or that they've fulfilled a lifelong dream.

But, as DF pointed out, with so many of us never working in our field of study, I wonder if there are any better (and much less expensive) options to finding fulfilling work?

 

[NukePooch]

I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

I work in a scrapyard and drive stuff like this...

I love where I'm at and what I do.

 

[secularhermit]

I would never say "I came form the "Holy Spirit" seminary"... That is foolish.

Recently I saw how some people have to argue with their profession or "professionallism"... Many needed a title to get money and others, without a title, have made more money with -or without- diplomas.

No doudt college is needed to make some things better but, I have heard some went to seminaries without believing in GOD or the Bible...

Have any of you read "Padre Rico and Padre Pobre" from Robert T. Kiyosaki ?

 

[lil_christian]

I'm probably the exception here. Buuut here goes nothing.

Well, I feel like God has called me to go into music ministry, and I have not heard anything else from Him. Now, I'm currently doing a lot of music for a church right now. I feel like I need more training and that there's more to learn. I eventually want to make a career out of this. Since I'll be graduating soon, I'll be going to college in the fall to study Music.

When it gets to that time, y'all will probably find out how much I like or dislike it.

 

[abbiejean]

I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

I work in a scrapyard and drive stuff like this...

I love where I'm at and what I do.


View attachment 71378

My dad was a professional welder doing a job most people in his field wouldn't. By that I mean he would go into the hog confinement lots and weld if needed. He would drive out into the fields and repair farm machinery. He would crawl in the manure in the barns to fix what needed to be fix. At the same time, he would walk the halls of a college campus building to repair a simple step railing. No job was too small or too big for him. I treasure that the most about him. He truly was not a respecter of persons. He owned and operated his business and traveled in his state and all the surrounding states for his work. He was known in the state capital where inspectors would ask if, "did so and so (my dad) do the job?" before allowing the work to pass inspection. He was known in the D.C. and consulted for his knowledge regarding welding and how to take care of certain things.

You go, bro!!! Liked the picture btw.

As I told my sister one time when she shared about doing custodial work (no longer does) in her job. I said sis, "just remember, when so and so is sitting down using the bathroom facilities and needing paper, your job will be the most appreciated one in the building."

 

[abbiejean]

I'm probably the exception here. Buuut here goes nothing.

Well, I feel like God has called me to go into music ministry, and I have not heard anything else from Him. Now, I'm currently doing a lot of music for a church right now. I feel like I need more training and that there's more to learn. I eventually want to make a career out of this. Since I'll be graduating soon, I'll be going to college in the fall to study Music.

When it gets to that time, y'all will probably find out how much I like or dislike it.

You go, sis. Music prepares the heart to receive what God wants us to have. Music also speaks what our hearts cannot at times. Cannot count the number of times music has touched me and changed my heart and feelings.

Be encouraged and trust in the Lord to open doors for you.

 

[wisebeardman]

I just wanted to be a dirt farmer

 

[Fenner]

I went to college for a couple years to become a Social Worker, I changed my mind. I didn't think it would be for me. I left college because I ran out of money to pay for it. I worked at an Life Insurance Company in Underwriting for a few years. I am not a sitting at a desk in a cubical type of person so I went on to be an Optician, I enjoyed that. I left because of the retail store hours didn't go well with my life right now. So now I work as a substitute teacher's aide at a pre school and one night a week at a laundromat. I do what works well for my family. I think God is calling me to work with children in some way. Either back to the optical that had a department specifically for children or more in the pre school.

Time will tell, I'll do what he wants, for now I do those jobs, and I also volunteer, I am grateful that I can do that as well.

 

[seoulsearch]

My dad was a professional welder doing a job most people in his field wouldn't. By that I mean he would go into the hog confinement lots and weld if needed. He would drive out into the fields and repair farm machinery. He would crawl in the manure in the barns to fix what needed to be fix. At the same time, he would walk the halls of a college campus building to repair a simple step railing. No job was too small or too big for him. I treasure that the most about him. He truly was not a respecter of persons. He owned and operated his business and traveled in his state and all the surrounding states for his work. He was known in the state capital where inspectors would ask if, "did so and so (my dad) do the job?" before allowing the work to pass inspection. He was known in the D.C. and consulted for his knowledge regarding welding and how to take care of certain things.

You go, bro!!! Liked the picture btw.

As I told my sister one time when she shared about doing custodial work (no longer does) in her job. I said sis, "just remember, when so and so is sitting down using the bathroom facilities and needing paper, your job will be the most appreciated one in the building."

Beautiful story about your Dad, Abbie . My Dad started in a grocery store as a bagger and worked his way up to managing two stores, just because, like your Dad, he hung around and did the jobs everyone else thought was below them.

Regarding your sister doing janitorial work, my Dad has always said, "[When I get to heaven], I don't care if I'm scrubbing toilets, just as long as I make it there!"

Lil', sounds like you have a very exciting time ahead and an awesome opportunity to use your gifts in powerful service. Please keep us posted!!

 

[Liamson]

I have.... gone to school for about 4-5 years. hahaha.

I'm not really a career person. That would imply that I want to retire or something, and I can't imagine that.

I've always done a couple of things at the same time.

Right now, I'm in school full time and I work at a Delivery Business and I'm trying to get a job at a local Hospital.

In the Past I've been trained and worked as a Hospital Receptionist, English Teacher for Arabic speakers, Auto Mechanic, Foreign Exchange Trader, Flooring Installer, Wells Fargo Customer Service Representative, and I got paid for some Voice Acting. I've worked at Denny's and Carl's JR. I also wrote and sold papers to high school students online, (or anyone who bought them) Due to Ethical concerns I quit doing that.

None of this counts Military stuff.

If you told me that next winter I would be building Canoes in Mexico, I would be okay with that.

Eventually I would like to start my own business. I see that happening sooner rather than later.


If I got a job with the Post Office I could retire in 13 years. Then what, keep working?

I would rather teach High School or be a Travel Guide or a Private Ski Instructor. Something I could do until I was physically incapable of doing anything anymore.

 

[Grace-Like-Rain]

They don't offer bachelors degrees for professional face painting. So I saved a whole lot of tuition money. And I love what I do. My daughter asked me the other day what I would do if I could do anything I wanted. I honestly can't thing of a job more fun or better suited to my gifts and my lifestyle. I've never gone to college, and have never regretted it for a single minute. Owning your own business involves a lot of business know-how, advertising, PR, organization and creativity, but those are all things I have learned through self-education via the internet and conferences I've gone to here and there through the years.

 

[abbiejean]

Seoulsearch, girl, you and your questions.!! Gotta admit you do ask good ones.

Ever since I was in fourth grade in elementary school I wanted to teach. In high school after working on an assigned home economics project I wanted to be an Interior Decorator.

After graduating from high school, family wasn't able to pay for college and I didn't have the money for it I went into the military. My dad was in and serving in the navy Seabees as a welder. I had aunt and uncles that served and they talked about the G.I. bill.

I went in and during orientation was told I would be trained as a cook. I said, "I don't think so." and excused myself to use the ladies bathroom. I went into one of the stalls and said, "Lord, my mom is a cook in the school and I know what she does. I don't want that for countless G.I.'s. I so don't want to peel miles and miles of taters or crack cartons of eggs. Please, give me something else." I went back upstairs and sat down and started talking with the person working my file. He said, "You know it's strange but a nursing position just popped up on the screen and you qualify." You fly out for basic training in two days."

I trained as a nurse in the army and when I got out because I wasn't civilian certified I couldn't be a nurse. I could take temps and empty bed pans but I couldn't do what I had done in the army. I assisted with births, started I.V.'s, assisted with surgery, prepped for surgery and various nuclear tests, drew and tested blood and other samples, so much more. So much. When I inquired what I needed to do to be a nurse and work in the hospital I was told I would need to do a four year college program. I opted out. Didn't want to do that.

I found work as an office manager and realizing my skills needed help I enrolled in a local voc tech school and graduated with a secretarial diploma and worked as a secretary/administrative assistant for 14 years.

Life happened, changes in marital status, and the doors opened for me to return to college and pursue a teaching degree. I did and graduated with honors, was widowed, did teach for a time in grades K-8. Also tutored elementary aged students and ESL/GED learners. Enjoyed it. Was living out of state and made the decision to move closer to my family. I did. Sub taught for a time. Even attempted a year of graduate college. Health issues surfaced and while I was working sporadically in the classroom, health became such that I had to make the decision to not teach.

Wanted to feel productive and that I was still useful, wanting to be gainfully employed I inquired about some health related classes at a local community college. Enrolled in a medical assistant program, graduated with honors, tried to find work and was not successful.

Then doctors determined I was medically unable to work and so I sew, type, read and look for areas that I can help or be of encouragement to others.

Will be honest and say I've had some lonely times not working but I am okay with how things are right now. Apparently God has more for me to do as I'm still here and still breathing. LOL

And that Seoulsearch, is my book on my career.

 

[Jullianna]

1. What was your dream career as a child or young adult?

I wanted to be a surgeon when I was a kid. Too much of this maybe



Are you working in that field now?

No, my dream changed when I grew up.

What field are you currently working in?

Law

2. Did you go to college to pursue your career goals, and if so, how long?

Did not go back to earn my master's degree until about six years ago.

Are you working in your field of study, and for how long?

I have held jobs related to my field of study for almost 19 years now.

Can you see yourself in that field for the rest of your career?

I'm not sure. Part of me wonders what it might be like to completely walk away and open a ballet studio. The jury is still out.

It's important to me to make a difference whatever I'm doing, but certain fields take a considerable toll. Moving far away from where I've been living doing something completely different is beginning to sound highly attractive. We'll see.

 

[Jullianna]

Seoulsearch, girl, you and your questions.!! Gotta admit you do ask good ones.

Ever since I was in fourth grade in elementary school I wanted to teach. In high school after working on an assigned home economics project I wanted to be an Interior Decorator.

After graduating from high school, family wasn't able to pay for college and I didn't have the money for it I went into the military. My dad was in and serving in the navy Seabees as a welder. I had aunt and uncles that served and they talked about the G.I. bill.

I went in and during orientation was told I would be trained as a cook. I said, "I don't think so." and excused myself to use the ladies bathroom. I went into one of the stalls and said, "Lord, my mom is a cook in the school and I know what she does. I don't want that for countless G.I.'s. I so don't want to peel miles and miles of taters or crack cartons of eggs. Please, give me something else." I went back upstairs and sat down and started talking with the person working my file. He said, "You know it's strange but a nursing position just popped up on the screen and you qualify." You fly out for basic training in two days."

I trained as a nurse in the army and when I got out because I wasn't civilian certified I couldn't be a nurse. I could take temps and empty bed pans but I couldn't do what I had done in the army. I assisted with births, started I.V.'s, assisted with surgery, prepped for surgery and various nuclear tests, drew and tested blood and other samples, so much more. So much. When I inquired what I needed to do to be a nurse and work in the hospital I was told I would need to do a four year college program. I opted out. Didn't want to do that.

I found work as an office manager and realizing my skills needed help I enrolled in a local voc tech school and graduated with a secretarial diploma and worked as a secretary/administrative assistant for 14 years.

Life happened, changes in marital status, and the doors opened for me to return to college and pursue a teaching degree. I did and graduated with honors, was widowed, did teach for a time in grades K-8. Also tutored elementary aged students and ESL/GED learners. Enjoyed it. Was living out of state and made the decision to move closer to my family. I did. Sub taught for a time. Even attempted a year of graduate college. Health issues surfaced and while I was working sporadically in the classroom, health became such that I had to make the decision to not teach.

Wanted to feel productive and that I was still useful, wanting to be gainfully employed I inquired about some health related classes at a local community college. Enrolled in a medical assistant program, graduated with honors, tried to find work and was not successful.

Then doctors determined I was medically unable to work and so I sew, type, read and look for areas that I can help or be of encouragement to others.

Will be honest and say I've had some lonely times not working but I am okay with how things are right now. Apparently God has more for me to do as I'm still here and still breathing. LOL

And that Seoulsearch, is my book on my career.

Interior designer. *sigh* Now THAT would be a fantastic dream job. Using other people's money to bring my HGTV visions to life.

 

[abbiejean]

Interior designer. *sigh* Now THAT would be a fantastic dream job. Using other people's money to bring my HGTV visions to life.

Exactly.

I enjoy working with color, I just do it with fabric and thread now.