Jobs

[aliengal24]

Hi everyone.

I'm just starting session 7. A few months before I began this program I was completely lost. I quit my job because I was sick all the time with IBS which related to my stress and anxiety. I'm starting to feel better. My stress level has gone down tremendously, due to being unemployed and going through the program. I want to get a job, but I don't want to go back to work until I can figure out what would really make me happy. I have been trying to figure this out for a really long time, I've gone from job to job quite often in the past. I'm only 23 years old. I told myself I won't do anything, like a job, if it makes me miserable. Has anyone else been in this postion like I am? I'm not sure where to go next, I feel like I'm at an impasse in my life with no pathways ahead, I still feel lost...just not so anxious. Does anyone have any advice? Or felt like this and want to discuss it?

[Faith_TX]

I'm 24 years old and can relate. The place I worked at for three years closed last June and I have been unemployed since then. I was so burnt out on work by the time my store closed that I decided to take a break and focus on school. Sometimes I miss working but I do not want to go back to a retail job where I won't feel fulfilled (retail is where most of my experience is). I do not need to work since I am financially secure. For now, I am focusing on my career goal of being a college professor. I'm graduating with my A.A this May and am transferring to a four-year university in the fall.

My advice to you would be to find out what you are passionate about. What career do you want? Work towards that goal. You're young, you can do whatever you want! If you have to find a job in the meantime just tell yourself that it's only temporary. Your job doesn't have to be your life. Cultivate whatever interests you.

[Guest]

I agree with theresa2008. Your job doesn't have to be your life. Some of the best advice I ever got was "Some people work to live, and others live to work". You may be a work to live kind of person, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, if you are, a job won't make you feel fulfilled, and you'll have to find that somewhere else in your life, while maintaining a job that isn't your favorite. It's worth it if you can find happiness elsewhere.

[Guest]

Carla42, I've been in the work force for 27 years, I've been many things. I found as I entered my early 30's I was career confused. I knew I wanted to make money, and easily! I did not know what to do for a "job". It took me a dozen years to learn these next two sentences. My best advice to you is quit looking for what will make you happy, look instead for what you can do well, what comes to you naturally because of your unique abilities. You have abilities in you that can be exercised and honed by providing service to others that don't have those abilities. the result of doing this is a particular satisfaction from accomplishment and that you will be able to pay your bills and live comfortably. after 11 years in my trade, I can get work anywhere anytime because I have a skill (auto mechanic) that is important to anyone who drives a car, but doesn't have the time, tools, and knowledge to repair it. It wasn't my first choice of "work" or even my tenth when I was younger. I wanted to race bicycles, hang out and drink beer (lol). unfortunately I am no lance armstrong. I enjoy my trade now because I see that my happiness is not based on my work, it is based on things far removed from a job. I sure don't want to have to generate my own electricity, haul my own water, grow my own food, etc. I let other people who are good at that do those things. find your niche in the work force, and you will be satisfied with your job. Are you good with people, are you an artist, good with kids, can you build things? start asking yourself these questions. I hope this helps.

[Guest]

thanks guys..i really appreciate it!