Rethinking the passion--should I or should I not?

Question

Before I get into my rant: would it be appropriate for me to write to professionals who have climbed the corporate ladder and ask for advice?

I asked my former college's career center, and I was turned away because I am no longer a student. Makes me proud to be an alum.

After a year of being a college grad and about 4 months of avid job searching, I've decided that I need to rethink my strategy.

When I graduated school, I thought I would just dive into nonprofit work with promotions and fundraising. Turns up that nonprofit work is tough to get into.

Now I've noticed that I'm deflated, even when I get a job offer, because I feel that I'm not going to get the job. In the end I am the one that dooms myself. And I hate that.

As a result, I feel like I need a new drive. For such a long time I was just kind, sweet me who just blew through life taking whatever life threw at her. Well now I'm ready to take control.

I graduated with a degree in communications; I graduated cu.m laude with distinction in 3 years. I worked my butt off and now I'm slacking?

Oh hell no.

I am seriously ready to dive in and climb the corporate ladder. Screw the "I'm changing my career" before I even GET a career. I'm ready to show the world what I made of.

----Rant over----

So....do you think I should do that? Just write a letter to these professionals and ask them for their stories?

Answer 1

Yes! When I find myself losing my passion, I have found it most helpful to follow my curiosity. If writing letters help you feel like you're taking control ... go for it!

(New career research suggests that someon graduating from college will change careers 4 - 7 times throughout their working years, so developing the ability to rediscover your passion is an important skill to develop.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

I really can't tell if you recently graduated, or have been out for a while. Not sure that matters much, you seem to be in the "just started" mindset, which is fine.

Do not write letters.

Make phone calls, and try to set up appointments. Letters will not get you what you want. You follow-up meetings with letters, you otherwise will accomplish very little in career advancement with letters.

What you want is about an hour of time talking to people who are doing what you want to do, asking "How did you get there? How did you start? What do you wish you'd known then?" and all kinds of questions about THEM that you can occassionally say "Yes, I've seen that" and "I feel that way".

What you are doing is sort of like an interview. When it starts to wind down, if they haven't made any hints about job openings they know of that you'd be good for that would fit the career path, you ask "Who do you know that you think I should talk to?" By this time, you've worked on their ego so much by looking at them as the Go To Guy, they HAVE to give you a good, productive name, maybe even one that they know is looking for YOU.

Basically, you are creating your own "old boy" network out of thin air (and a rolodex).

One last thing. NEVER lose contact with anyone you speak to, and they will remember you when a better position that you're suited for opens up.

That's how it's done.

Answer 3

Most of us that graduate think that we should have an easy time finding work because we have that degree. I graduated with a double major and honors but the job market stunk when I started my job search so eventually I had to take what I could find- like it or not, I went back to working as bank teller. Not that this is a bad career, but it was not my idea of what a person that had just busted her rump for 4 years should be doing. Besides, I had already been there and done that without a degree. Talk about being deflated. After spending $40,000+ for an education and only being able to work that same jobs I did before was very disheartening.

I tried telling myself that the degree would help me get promoted within the bank; that was a joke. They could care less what my piece of paper said. Bottom line was I fit the mold of a bank teller and I was good at it.

So once I faced that fact I started looking again and found position at a small accounting office. I found it easier to get the job that I wanted if I had one to begin with. I used this as motivation to get out of this position.

Answer 4

I climbed three ladders successfully, corporate, government, and professional and non-profit.
So you got fed a bill of goods about the worth of all those "A's, you tried being nice and they smiled and said don't call us, we'll call you? I'm going to be frank, ok?
You need to be seasoned a little in corporate life, get knocked down a few times and show your getting back up, you are green around the gills and to the boss he doesn't have time to show you the ropes. you didn't show your pants were afire by volunteering anywhere-- it is good experience and often leads to a job, you are already working there, you have made some friends upstairs, presumably, by finding out who uses the exercise room after work for example, teaches a class in fly tying on weekends,
or maybe even goes to the same church as you. If the thrift shop owner is pleased with your work, she may pass the word around and the boss hears about it.
I went for a job in a blinding snowstorm, stopped to help a gentleman in the parking lot whose car was stuck.
An hour later he shows up and interviews me for the job. I didn't know who he was.
Of course, we hit it off right away. I got the job and also made a good friend.
So, I guess the anser is, yes, get a little aggressive, but get out there.
Finding what you want in life may take longer than four months. You have proven
you can get through college, a tough proposition. Now you just need to get a little dirt under your fingernails, it may not be in the field you want right away. The market is slowing right now but there are always jobs for the ones who are creative enough to find them.
I wish you lots of luck.
and a wee prayer

Answer 5

Wow what a bad question, and from someone so educated. What exactly are you asking?? It's fine to add a little rant but what exactly do you want to hear back from us?

If you aren't getting into your desired field of work, whatever that is (nonprofit is NOT like the corporate ladder--I've done both), do you really have to ask us if you should change gears??

If you want to take control and get into non-profit, you can definitely do that. All non-profits need help, but you have to be prepared to volunteer for free to get your foot in the door.

Answer 6

Why write a letter? Set up a meeting to speak with them in person. If you are talking about professionals in the non-profit world, they are usually more than willing to share their story. This also gets you a contact who might just be able to get you a job.

Answer 7

I think you should absolutely write letters to whomever you think could give you advice. What's the worst that could happen, they don't answer? It will also help you build corporate contacts and establish a rapport with people on the level you wish to be on. I would simply be honest with them and write about your concerns and questions, and ask if they would be willing to counsel you on how they got to where they are now. I think many people will be flattered, and some will probably toss you aside, but I don't see how it could be inappropriate.

Answer 8

YOUR QUESTION I SO SIMPLE.JUST LOOK ON THE INTERNET FIND OUT WHERE TO GET FREE STUFF START A THRIFT STORE WITH A KITCHEN .YOU NEED ONLY TO TURN IN 30%.LEGALLY PUT UP A SIGN ..HAVE YOUR SHERIFF DEPT GIVE YOU LABORS THAT ARE DOING COMMUNITY SERVICE..I NEVER WENT PAST THE 12TH GRADE . I HAVE MY OWN PAINT AND PRESSURE WASHIING BUISNESS AND I MAKE AT LEAST 400,00 DOLLARS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK . HAD A THRIFT STORE ALSO I AM A ARTIST AND MUSICIAN /GOT A PENT HOUSE APY. AND GOD HAS BLESSED ME SO MUCH . GO FOLLOW YOUR HEART.YOUR SO YOUNG PLENT OF OPPERTUNITIES WILL COME . DO NOT DEPEND ON ANY ONE DO IT YOUR SELF! THEN YOU WILL LOVE YOUR JOB AND CAN BE HAPPY . CHEER UP THINGS COULD BE WORSE YOUR AN AMERICAN ..PRAISE GOD YOUR WERE NOT BORN IN ETHOPIA.. ,,,USE YOUR HEAD..!

Answer 9

regrettably sure, I used to love writing, some years in the past i began out writing purely a narrative in my head and have been given nicely over 30 pages, however the spark went and that i won't be able to seem to get it lower back. I omit it =(

Answer 10

hello there.
you young little woman, with an excellent education and capabilities. what are you complaining about?
you have got the world at your feet.
check out any graduate recruitment open days and do go for them. the times often advertise them.
do focus on presentation. do know how to sell yourself. of?
do not despair. i wish i was in your shoes!!!!!!