Trouble figuring out career?

Question

I'm 29 yrs old, and have a BA in political science, as well as a little grad school. I've been out of college for 6 yrs and have had a few jobs that I didn't like or really didn't click for me. I'm having trouble finding direction for my career and don't want to job hop until retirement age. I feel like being unsure was OK at age 18-24, but I'm almost 30! It seems like many people my age have found careers and are getting 'settled' with their careers. I've had so many 'ideas' about careers from firefighter to teacher, lawyer, aid worker, peace corps, etc. (the list goes on) and can't seem to figure myself out. Anyone else had this problem? Suggestions or advice?

Answer 1

My suggestion is to go to your local employment office and speak to a career counselor who will ask you questions and see what your job skills, goals, and strong personality traits are, and then he/she will determine from there what career field you should be in. I took a test like that in college, it was fun, and I was told that I am a people person, I love to help people, and that (along with other things factoring in) I should work in sales or customer service. I've been selling things since I was little in Girl Scouts, and am very proud of my abilities.
P.S. My father was a career counselor in the military, and he says that the average person will change careers 5 times in their lifetime, so no worries, don't be ashamed to ask for help and guidance, you're still young!
Here's another idea from me, make a killer resume, without an objective listed, post it on monster.com and hotjobs.com, and see what kinds of companies call you and offer you a job, you just never know when a great job could land in your lap!!
Hope this helped you, have a great week and good luck!!

Answer 2

Typical problem and let me assure you that it's okay to be your age and older before you decide what career choice is best for you. I have 4 degrees and not until I was 34 years old did I know what I wanted to be. Part of my indecisiveness was related to what I thought others expected me to be, and the other part was related to my inferiority and low-self esteem. I am glad I took the long route to my career because I am the better for having been through those expereinces. I am also more educated and knowledgable about certain things I never thought I would be. Have you ever met with a career counselor? Most university centers have them and they are trained to take you through several different career exploration programs that are self-directed. Many of the programs look at your personal qualities and personality characterisitics, as well as the things you despise. Whatever you do, go with what feels right for you. You'll know it when you've made the right decision for yourself, but that sometimes means letting go of what others expect you to do - such as parents, lovers, friends, and advisors. I have no regrets for taking such a long time to be in my chosen field, but I sure know a number of people my age (40) who wish they would have taken more time to figure out what they were best suited for. They wake up every morning dreading their 8-5 jobs that are more like 7am to 7pm jobs with no extra perks. I could defintely work longer and harder hours to make more money, but leisure time is important to me so I cut back some on my hours. It also makes me a little more sane. Ask yourself how important money is to you. If a large income is important then you will definitely want to explore occupations that pay well, unlike teachers, counselors, and law enforcement. But, if you want to wake up feeling like you're glad you have the job you were hired for then you might end up having to sacrifice a little more money.