How can I find a job that will be well rewarded, if I don't know what I want to do?

Question

Have tried lots of things and am generally good at them, but often get bored. I have a teaching degree, mobile with lots of interests and abilities, but don't know what to do at the age of 47

Answer 1

Ah, the famous mid-life crisis. You look at the guys who went straight through school, knowing what they wanted to do and doing it, and you sigh and say, what have I really accomplished? What do I want to do now?

Fortunately, it is possible to answer that question. My own favorite tool is "What Color Is Your Parachute?," but by now there are probably on-line versions which make it easier. You need to evaluate what you like to do, what you know how to do, and what you would enjoy learning more about. And you need to see how that fits in with what the job market wants, and what the business world more generally wants.

One of the basic questions is whether you want to be self-employed or employed by someone else, or in partnership? And in what most general field: what would you like to do all day if money was simply not at issue? What are your values? What's worth the time and effort it takes to do it? We all know it is never JUST about money, but how much someone is willing to pay you to do something has to be factored in.

For myself, I eventually found that the real wisdom was in the gap between what I ADMIRE and what I can do with confidence. I admire things that I'm not good at, and mistakenly believe I would like doing them and be good at them. The truth is I admire them. So I am now thinking perhaps that admiration could shape into a reasonable writing career. Write about what I admire, which is a rather positive style, you must admit.

You need to do the self-analysis, but as I say, the Internet undoubtedly makes that easy if you get to digging. Try surfing for professions centered around your hobbies and leisure time activities to get you started, and see where that leads you.

Of course, with a teaching degree, you can do a wide variety of stop-gap jobs, like substitute teaching or tutoring, or even teaching in an unusual setting, such as on the set of a movie involving children. If you want to be involved in education in some way, look broadly, because that degree will give you a good head start. How about the design of educational materials for home schooling, for example? There's a fascinating field!

Answer 2

Ever-so rewarding, which has nothing to do with the pay, which is nothing. The reason it is rewarding to me is that, and I mean this most sincerely (I had to learn to think this way or I would have never held any job for any length of time), I remember what I bring to the job, my qualities - not as I'm the great worker or anything - just that I do my work well, with integrity and quality, and I avoid the pitfalls that plague so many working folk (like complaining about this and that and gossiping, jockeying for position, backstabbing, etc). I also always keep my eyes and ears open for that available position elsewhere that may serve my personal side better (better working conditions, pay, personnel attitude, etc). I used to be on a monthly pay schedule as well, and the first half of the month was good and the second half was usually a stretch, no matter how well I budgeted. Funny tho, I never thought of pay as 'reward' in any sense. I always thought they should pay me 'ahead' of my work because I deserve that type of respect (are you laughing yet at my strange thought here?). When's the last time you had some PAID time off? Sounds like a break is in order.... Here's to you that you get to count all your chickens right quick :) Just don't put all the eggs in one basket..... :) Thanks for the Q.

Answer 3

This past Christmas the company I was working for closed. I needed money for presents, needed a job, and well.... I thought I would just try a retail job where I could find presents for all, get paid and a discount to help out. I'm now the manager, it's the greatest company ever to work for.

Anyway, the point is, trying something very random paid out. I would never have thought I would end up being a retail manager but it's always changing, I don't do the same drill over and over. I get unexpected money through my bonuses (well I know I'm getting it because I made our goal). Sure it's not a Mon-Fri 9 to 5 but then I'm not the girl waiting in a two hour wait on Friday night because I wanted to go out to eat.

So try something that is not a current interest but for some reason would benefit you/your family or maybe your hobbies or exetremely new to you.

Make it an adventure!

Answer 4

As we do not know you personally, do not know all your likes and dislikes, your temperament or anything else other than age and degree, we on answers can't possibly be in a position to give you advice on your career. At 47 years young you should be in a position to know what you want to do and achieve for the remainder of your working life

Answer 5

There are plenty of tests available online that can make suggestions based on your personality type and abilities. Some free, others you have to pay for. Can't think of any off the top of my head sadly.

Answer 6

Try the Learn Direct website. You answer some questions about the type of things you like/dislike and they help you focus on what sort of occupation you could do.

Answer 7

What are the fastest growing jobs? -- A list of the occupations projected to grow the fastest is available at http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab21.htm.

What are the occupations adding the most jobs? -- Occupations with the largest projected growth are available at http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab3.htm.

What are the fastest growing industries? -- A list of industries with the fastest projected employment growth is available at http://www.bls.gov/emp/empfastestind1.htm.

Do you have projected employment growth for States or geographic areas? -- Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not make projections for States or areas, almost all States make projections for their States and some local areas. These projections are available at http://www.projectionscentral.com

Do you have more details on projected employment growth? -- The Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections page at http://www.bls.gov/emp/ has a great deal of data on and links to projected employment by occupation and industry, including the National Employment Matrix, which, for each occupation, provides base year and projected employment by each industry, and for each industry, provides base year and projected employment by detailed occupation.

Answer 8

don't go looking for just the rewards you have to find something you really want to do, obviously the bills have to be paid but money is not the be all and end all of work.

Answer 9

You could try working from home. If you are interested in a home based job,you could check this out http://www.pcworkathome.net/onlineteaching.html

Answer 10

apparently you getting older sorry but it facts and you must think about 25 years from now. help your self secure your future, learn business for two years in college and be more confidence.

that link can help you to decide.
http://sratim.mikeronet1.hop.clickbank.net/