How do I switch careers?

Question

Hello. I am 34 years old and I am in need of a way to switch careers. My old line of work, financial research, I thought was something I was interested in post-college. The reality of that type of job was much diffferent from my perception of it though.

To make a long story short, I realized in about 1998 that I really didn't like that type of work that much and it wasn't going to change for the better. But I stuck with it and quit and got re hired about 4 times since then because I would get to the point where I couldn't stand it anymore, literally quit without anywhere to go, and end up having to get rehired to do the same thing and give it another chance because I couldn't switch careers. I guess it speaks well for me that I was able to get rehired after quitting so many times but now my resume has more holes than swiss cheese.

To make matters worse I left my last research job in 2002 and have only had a few interviews since then. I do not know what to do, please help!

My real problem is that it would be hard enough getting an employer to look at me seriously switching to a different area that I have no experience in. But combine that with a 4 year gap in work and about 5 different job switches since college and I start to get the feeling that I am in big trouble. Please help!!!!!!!

I get nibbles, phone interviews and even in person ones every now and then despite all my gaps. And I do ok enough on them, I don't think its a problem with what I am supposed to know. Negative feedback generally consists of "Your Resume has a lot of red flags". Its not my fault that things worked out the way they did though and most of the people I worked with think I'm ok. I guess it doesn't matter though cause I still get turned down.

Answer 1

Hey, at least you have something you can fall back upon. I've been unemployed for almost two years now and can't find work. (I have a college degree, among other education)

Answer 2

it truly isn't any longer a nasty idea in any respect. a job is someplace you need to upward thrust as a lot as head to well-known and therefore you want to verify to are honestly chuffed doing it. a good type of persons replace careers after going to school. The pastime marketplace is complicated. i detect the hardest element to do is to stability what you want to do and what supplies you money.

Answer 3

You have to decide what career you want to pursue. Then look for openings. Try newspapers, employment agencies, the Internet, networking.
If you are in the US, try your state's employment services.
Finally, consider psychological counseling.

Answer 4

you will probably have to start at a lower position if you are switching careers, but since you have a long work history, you will probably rise up faster than someone with no work history.