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Career Changers

Talk about career changes- whether that be changes you've made or changes you hope to make. Seek advice, post advice, or share your story.

Network Leader: Erin Murtagh

Networks > Career Changers

Bryon Ownby I've been passed up on two promo's due to freezes on company relocations. My last performance review only stated I need more visibility to site senior mgmt (although I have great visibility at ...MoreI've been passed up on two promo's due to freezes on company relocations. My last performance review only stated I need more visibility to site senior mgmt (although I have great visibility at our hdq location, but it is remote and only seen by a few). I have led the intern program here for 2 years, teach two learning/development classes, on team to coordinated the annual site holiday party (in addition to my normal job). Any ideas what else I could do (very bored with my position right now)?

1 day ago from Career Changers

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JenG: Have you thought about directly asking your boss or other mentor for specific feedback on why you were passed on promotion? Many managers have ...MoreHave you thought about directly asking your boss or other mentor for specific feedback on why you were passed on promotion? Many managers have difficulty giving what they consider negative feedback and fail to help their subordinates grow. Asking for ways you could improve helps them go there, and obviously your reaction to the feedback will also encourage them to share their impressions. Worth a try, I think!
3 hours ago

Bryon Ownby: Thanks JenG for the thought, I have directly ask the last mgr and also my mgr for direct feedback. I'm not given any improvement areas to be ...MoreThanks JenG for the thought, I have directly ask the last mgr and also my mgr for direct feedback. I'm not given any improvement areas to be honest - it's either due to company freeze policy for the last promo skipped. For my annual job eval, I was told more visibility, but I have also discovered this was told to several people in the annual review - a way to avoid a riot I guess. I've spoken with other mgrs, and we cannot come up with other additional things to do - and my mgr cannot think of anything either (but maybe take one mgmt class). Odd is all I can say!
59 seconds ago

Brian Schroeder I do not have a degree in anything and live near Detroit in Michigan, Does anyone know how I can get employed or intern, anything working with computers or servers?

8 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Brian Schroeder: Any information would be nice, thank you. I have been feeling so depressed, helpless, and more and more worthless everyday. I would have responded ...MoreAny information would be nice, thank you. I have been feeling so depressed, helpless, and more and more worthless everyday. I would have responded sooner had I not forgot I even signed up here until going through my emails.
1 week ago

Patricia Stewart: Brian, Their is a meeting Tuesday, March 9th at 8pm at The Theater at the Dow Center, 303 Johnson St., Saginaw, MI. It is free, just let them ...MoreBrian, Their is a meeting Tuesday, March 9th at 8pm at The Theater at the Dow Center, 303 Johnson St., Saginaw, MI. It is free, just let them know I sent you and this is your first time coming. I think you will be impressed with the company and the owners. Let me know what you think. I know if might be an hour to 2 hours away, but it is worth the drive.
1 week ago

Marian Schembari Okay, I love this group but the concept of "career changers" tweaks me out a bit. There are so many things I LOVE to do that I don't want to tie myself down to only one. I wrote a blog post about ...MoreOkay, I love this group but the concept of "career changers" tweaks me out a bit. There are so many things I LOVE to do that I don't want to tie myself down to only one. I wrote a blog post about it: http://marianlibrarian.com/2009/11/10/a-rant-on-only-choosing-one-career/

What do you guys thinks? Am curious if I'm the only one...

8 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Rebecca MacDonald: Thanks Marian! One of my writing "tics" is typing "their" vs "there". Drives me nuts!
8 weeks ago

Patricia Stewart: Great blog post Marian. I agree with you 100%. I have searched all my (I am turning 52 next week) to try and figure out what my purpose it and I ...MoreGreat blog post Marian. I agree with you 100%. I have searched all my (I am turning 52 next week) to try and figure out what my purpose it and I know it is not sitting behind a desk and pushing papers. When we turn 18 people tell us to grow up and pick a career and that is what defines us. I don't agree. Why can't we do several things in our lifetime. I just joined a leadership group called TEAM and I just started my own network marketing health and wellness company with them leading me through some challenges I know I will face. I want to travel, help charities of my choice, spend time with my grandson and not be tied to an office and have someone else dictate my pay. It is great, so you can reaching for your dreams and don't let anyone squash them.
1 week ago

Zohaib R I am doing this and I think I am ready: I am quitting my job (it's a great position and pays very well but everyday in the morning, I have to force myself not to call in sick). I am about to give ...MoreI am doing this and I think I am ready: I am quitting my job (it's a great position and pays very well but everyday in the morning, I have to force myself not to call in sick). I am about to give it all up to work on my venture. So far it has been a great experience, from incorporation to hiring developers, but having no steady income scares me. Any body else went through this experience and like to share their perspective :)

8 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Zohaib R: Transition is hard especially when you are moving to a different city as well. I plan on working part-time... but currently trying to work my ...MoreTransition is hard especially when you are moving to a different city as well. I plan on working part-time... but currently trying to work my tails off at my current job so that when I leave, they beg me to stay and I can eventually work part time remotely. Let's see how my plans work out. Good luck with your ventures as well. :)
7 weeks ago

Patricia Stewart: Thank you for your posts. Zohaib you are headed in the right direction with following your dream and starting your own venture. Stop making ...MoreThank you for your posts. Zohaib you are headed in the right direction with following your dream and starting your own venture. Stop making someone else rich and put the ball in your court. You should read the Magic of Thinking Big and How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success. Both great reads. I hated my job to and decided to start my own network marketing business and did alot of research. Their are alot of 95% thinkers out their that will try and tell you to work for someone else, but us 5% are rare and you need to keep going after your dream.
1 week ago

Thao Le How many career changes does it take to find "the one"?

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Erin Murtagh: I think some people change careers their entire life, or even balance more than one career at a time. And I hate to be pessimistic but you may ...MoreI think some people change careers their entire life, or even balance more than one career at a time. And I hate to be pessimistic but you may never find "the one"...but you may find a hobby that is "the one"...and if you like your job (like not love) then you'll be a step ahead of many people.
7 weeks ago

Patricia Stewart: Statistics show that people now in the career seeking field will change their jobs at least 17 times until they find the one they desire to do for ...MoreStatistics show that people now in the career seeking field will change their jobs at least 17 times until they find the one they desire to do for the rest of their life. I just decided to own my own business and go out on a limb.
1 week ago

Matthew Wagner I need some help in redefining myself. I have been in the financial sales business for the past 6 years but was laid off in November. After much soul searching I've decided I want to change career ...MoreI need some help in redefining myself. I have been in the financial sales business for the past 6 years but was laid off in November. After much soul searching I've decided I want to change career paths and do something more in the business administration/marketing arena. I keep getting calls from financial service companies, but I'm having a hard time getting anything in my field of choice. Any thoughts or suggestions?

4 weeks ago from Career Changers

May: Hi Matthew, to brainstorm ideas, do you want to change industry + funciton? Correct?
4 weeks ago

Patricia Stewart: Where do you live? There is a great Direct Selling company expanding in all areas of the US and Canada and they are looking for ambitous people ...MoreWhere do you live? There is a great Direct Selling company expanding in all areas of the US and Canada and they are looking for ambitous people that want to own their own business. They are a Health and Wellness Co. that just came out with the first all natural energy drink and have done 2 billion in sales in just 5 years.
1 week ago

Brian Jensen I just finished reading this (http://bit.ly/bFq2uT) article in the Financial Times about a retired Nasa astronaut ...MoreI just finished reading this (http://bit.ly/bFq2uT) article in the Financial Times about a retired Nasa astronaut now working at Google. The article describes how Ed Lu joined with no clear job description and goes on to exhibit how "people with cross-disciplinary skills can prove invaluable. Though they don't fit into any particular role, they can enrich the company culture, and uncover new business opportunities."

An encouraging read for those of us with unconventional backgrounds!

2 weeks ago from Career Changers

Rebecca MacDonald: Great story, Brian, thanks for sharing! I once hired someone for similar reasons and never regretted it. I love that this highlights the value of ...MoreGreat story, Brian, thanks for sharing! I once hired someone for similar reasons and never regretted it. I love that this highlights the value of "people with cross-disciplinary skills." It's an undervalued approach in many companies, which is why Google is still a leader.
2 weeks ago

Scott Rossow: Nice find, Brian. Thanks for sharing; definitely well-suited for this group. Hopefully my good looks, charm and quick wit will someday 'enrich' ...MoreNice find, Brian. Thanks for sharing; definitely well-suited for this group. Hopefully my good looks, charm and quick wit will someday 'enrich' some company's culture while uncovering new business opportunities.
2 weeks ago

Erin Murtagh "Good job, lousy co-workers" via CNN...seems timely: More"Good job, lousy co-workers" via CNN...seems timely: http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/news/1002/gallery.workplace_culture/...

2 weeks ago from Career Changers

Erin Murtagh Questions for the group: How much should/do negative relationships at work make you want to change careers/jobs? What do you do when a team member is driving you out of your company or maybe ...MoreQuestions for the group: How much should/do negative relationships at work make you want to change careers/jobs? What do you do when a team member is driving you out of your company or maybe (unavoidably) making your job harder and you less successful? (such a loaded question, I know!!!)

2 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Isao Kato: Can he or she avoidable? is the first question I ask myself and unfortunately for my previous job it was my boss. Everybody hated him so I guess ...MoreCan he or she avoidable? is the first question I ask myself and unfortunately for my previous job it was my boss. Everybody hated him so I guess it wasn't my issue. And it did contribute to my departure though I do believe when we pick our next company, it should have at least one "I want to work here" than "this place looks better."
2 weeks ago

JR Moreau: The decision to flee is a fine one if you're not interested or able to usurp the source of your distress. There is always more than one way to ...MoreThe decision to flee is a fine one if you're not interested or able to usurp the source of your distress. There is always more than one way to deal with a wall, ya know? Over, around, through or maybe under(mine).
2 weeks ago

Elizabeth de Bagara Hi - I'm new here, and I'm wondering: Does anyone have any specific experience or thoughts to share on leaving the field of law? I worked as a columnist and assistant editor prior to attending law ...MoreHi - I'm new here, and I'm wondering: Does anyone have any specific experience or thoughts to share on leaving the field of law? I worked as a columnist and assistant editor prior to attending law school, and I've stayed active in communications and government relations on the Hill. Now I want to move to a small public relations firm where I could specialize in media and government relations, crisis communications, and other public relations work.

Any help or advice would be wonderful! Thanks!

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

Joe Gusmano: Fortunately the Washington DC region is rich with opportunities for all kinds of advocacy: legal, corporate, social, legislative, etc. I am not ...MoreFortunately the Washington DC region is rich with opportunities for all kinds of advocacy: legal, corporate, social, legislative, etc. I am not an expert, but consider: (1) while looking for that perfect small public relations firm, launch de Bagara Public Relations right now; (2) even without opening shop, you can write in your field for publication or self-publication; (3) find someone in your network with a complementary skill set, marketing or design, to make a broad approach to clients.
7 weeks ago

Rebecca Vandiver: Hi Elizabeth,
There is a lot you can do while you are still working. I'd start networking (both in person with your contacts on the Hill ...MoreHi Elizabeth,
There is a lot you can do while you are still working. I'd start networking (both in person with your contacts on the Hill and online) and find out what skills you might need to sharpen or what information you need to brush up on. I'd also start going to events that the public relations firms you are interested in are holding. I'd be happy to talk more about this with you off line if you would like. I regularly help people make the transition from law. www.rebeccavandiver.com
3 weeks ago

Michelle Ward Don't know what you wanna be when you grow up? Looking for a low-cost way to find out? Consider yourself a creative person who doesn't want to settle for a passionless career? How did Snooki land ...MoreDon't know what you wanna be when you grow up? Looking for a low-cost way to find out? Consider yourself a creative person who doesn't want to settle for a passionless career? How did Snooki land herself a boyfriend (as long as we're asking questions...)? Join me on my free info call tomorrow to learn more about my next group coaching session, Operation: When I Grow Up! http://is.gd/8t0Kc

3 weeks ago from Career Changers

Zohaib R So you think you want to be an entrepreneur.. make sure you fit the bill
MoreSo you think you want to be an entrepreneur.. make sure you fit the bill
http://venturehacks.com/articles/10-skills-2
Read# 7

3 weeks ago from Career Changers

Sarah Matz Hi network! I'm doing a piece on online networking and thought this may be a good place to look for info. I've of course been searching around BrazenCareerist and LinkedIn for info, but would any ...MoreHi network! I'm doing a piece on online networking and thought this may be a good place to look for info. I've of course been searching around BrazenCareerist and LinkedIn for info, but would any of you have more tips, blogs, or articles to recommend for someone looking to explain how it works for career changers (or merely unemployed workers) who don't know much about online connections? Thanks in advance!

4 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Keith Keller: Hi Sarah,

I do a weekly internet podcast on Career Success Radio and we have done quite a few shows on this topic

Here ...MoreHi Sarah,

I do a weekly internet podcast on Career Success Radio and we have done quite a few shows on this topic

Here is a recent show we did - would love to hear your thoughts

"Creating a Social Networking Plan For Your Job Search"

http://tiny.cc/tgr9b

Cheers

Keith (Melbourne)

Career Success Radio

www.careersuccessradio.com

4 weeks ago

Sarah Matz: Keith, thanks for the link. I look forward to listening and letting you know what I think :)
4 weeks ago

Tai Goodwin 7 Ways to Makeover Your Career - Just released free ebook. Includes ways to change how you are working - even if you can't leave your job: More7 Ways to Makeover Your Career - Just released free ebook. Includes ways to change how you are working - even if you can't leave your job: http://careermakeovercoach.com/7-ways-to-makeover-your-career/

5 weeks ago from Career Changers

Stephen Cullen Who is creating jobs??
http://tinyurl.com/yhxfwrl

6 weeks ago from Career Changers

JR Moreau: It's getting easier than ever to scale the walls of HR with the right techniques through social networking too.
5 weeks ago

Erin Murtagh Great article on people changing their career focus/shaking things up after being laid off:

MoreGreat article on people changing their career focus/shaking things up after being laid off:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/garden/21architects.html

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Amanda Christianson: Yeah, that was a good one. It got quite a lot of play in the press.
7 weeks ago

Isao Kato: Amazing turnaround stories- these people show us that continuing what we know how to do by downsizing or engaging in part-time gig is not ...MoreAmazing turnaround stories- these people show us that continuing what we know how to do by downsizing or engaging in part-time gig is not necessarily the way to go, with evidence. Thank you for sharing.
7 weeks ago

Amanda Christianson This could be a shot in the dark, but has anyone here had experience moving out of a design field into something new? Or out of something in the construction/building industry?

I am ...MoreThis could be a shot in the dark, but has anyone here had experience moving out of a design field into something new? Or out of something in the construction/building industry?

I am contemplating using my experiences gained as an architect in another field. I'm actually pretty sure I want to step out, but to where, I have yet to decide!

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Rebecca Thorman: Those transferable skills being what's most useful to other employers: problem-solving skills, project management, business development, staff ...MoreThose transferable skills being what's most useful to other employers: problem-solving skills, project management, business development, staff management, communication skills, etc. - and that's what should show up on your resume/cover letter in result-form and how you should talk about yourself when networking. And yes, I would also see if you really want to leave your industry... :) Sorry that was long, hopefully helpful!
7 weeks ago

Amanda Christianson: Yes, helpful! This reinforces lots of research I've already done, and it's always reassuring to have info backed up by others.
7 weeks ago

Erin Murtagh Hey guys, check this out if you haven't already: http://www.lemonademovie.com/

I'm ...MoreHey guys, check this out if you haven't already: http://www.lemonademovie.com/

I'm looking forward to seeing it. Has anyone seen this yet?

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Thao Le: What an inspiring piece of art! I look forward to seeing it.
7 weeks ago

Cathy Dempsey: Awesome, awesome movie. I've seen it -- as one of the email subscribers. Highly inspiring, especially if you've been laid off (like me). S/b on ...MoreAwesome, awesome movie. I've seen it -- as one of the email subscribers. Highly inspiring, especially if you've been laid off (like me). S/b on hulu.com by now.
7 weeks ago

Magen J I am trying to undergo a career change from Medicine into Film/TV. I actually never started my career because I was in graduate school. So I have the problem of not having many jobs on my resume ...MoreI am trying to undergo a career change from Medicine into Film/TV. I actually never started my career because I was in graduate school. So I have the problem of not having many jobs on my resume in the first place. The other problem is most of my experience is health/biology related.

Any advice to leverage what I do have into opportunities in the Film/TV field would be appreciated. Thoughts, comments, suggestions about the Film/TV field will be appreciated as well.

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

Adam Rocca: You didn't mention the specific jobs that you're targeting in the Film/TV industry, Magen. Nevertheless, I can only speak for actors or actresses: ...MoreYou didn't mention the specific jobs that you're targeting in the Film/TV industry, Magen. Nevertheless, I can only speak for actors or actresses: generally actors can come from almost any background, and this actually enriches the industry with much needed expertise in several fields. You can save your production team money on hiring experts to double check any medical facts declared in the scene; you can spot medical mistakes or inconsistencies, and so on.
7 weeks ago

Adam Rocca: But of course, you would still need to be a skilled actor. So either naturally talented and independently trained, or professionally trained. And ...MoreBut of course, you would still need to be a skilled actor. So either naturally talented and independently trained, or professionally trained. And if you find yourself a niche, this will speed up the ladder climb upwards. The rest is about highlighting all your strengths, putting together a personal or amateur show reel then posting it on YouTube, increasing your popularity on YouTube, and constantly contacting agencies, sending photos, links to show reels, and subscribing to sites like StarNow.
7 weeks ago

Adam Rocca Yes indeed, there's probably no specific number of career changes to find the ideal or most suitable one for you; and averages are misleading and in many cases not spiritually helpful. Be aware ...MoreYes indeed, there's probably no specific number of career changes to find the ideal or most suitable one for you; and averages are misleading and in many cases not spiritually helpful. Be aware that it is an unfortunate fact that most people actually go through their whole lives never truly loving or enjoying their jobs. So you have a fair challenge to dedicate time to.

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

Richard Visotcky I just read the following article with advice from Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman and thought people here might find some relevance in their own lives. Combined with some of the posts below, like the ...MoreI just read the following article with advice from Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman and thought people here might find some relevance in their own lives. Combined with some of the posts below, like the one from Zohaib, it may help give people the push they need to start down a new path!

http://adage.com/talentworks/article?article_id=141421

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Isao Kato: I like the part that quitting the current job beforehand (so-called burning the bridge in the old days) is getting less relevant. Unfortunately ...MoreI like the part that quitting the current job beforehand (so-called burning the bridge in the old days) is getting less relevant. Unfortunately that still does not apply if one stays in a foreign country using a working visa (I am from Japan and works as a technical writer in Taiwan). In that case we should still be extra careful not to damage any relationship because we don't have access to the local society's "inner circles." I believe she is spot-on about making up our mindset though.
7 weeks ago

JR Moreau: Isao, I've known a lot of foreign workers deal with some terrible jobs just because of the same reason you mentioned. It's such a tough situation ...MoreIsao, I've known a lot of foreign workers deal with some terrible jobs just because of the same reason you mentioned. It's such a tough situation to deal with. Very delicate!
7 weeks ago

melissa I am invited to Keith Keller and Annemarie Cross's show on @careerradio - Job Search & Career Development across the Generations: More I am invited to Keith Keller and Annemarie Cross's show on @careerradio - Job Search & Career Development across the Generations: http://tobtr.com/s/861948

7 weeks ago from Career Changers

Tai Goodwin I'm almost ready to launch my first e-book and would love some feedback from the group. The book is called "7 Ways to Makeover Your Career." Anyone interested let me know and I will send you a ...MoreI'm almost ready to launch my first e-book and would love some feedback from the group. The book is called "7 Ways to Makeover Your Career." Anyone interested let me know and I will send you a link to the download. It's going to be a free give away to subscribers to my newsletter.

9 weeks ago from Career Changers

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Tai Goodwin: Thanks Rebecca and Beth. I've signed up as a fan to both of you -if you fan me I can send you a direct message with the link.

9 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: Done!
8 weeks ago

Stephen Cullen While poking around for a new career path I came across the following and thought it was useful/helpful.

MoreWhile poking around for a new career path I came across the following and thought it was useful/helpful.

http://www.emc.com/collateral/article/100-job-search-tips.pdf

9 weeks ago from Career Changers

Tai Goodwin On Career Makeover Strategies: My guest tomorrow (January 10th) will be Brilliant author - Debra Shigley. I'll be interviewing her about her book the Go-Getter Girl's Guide and tips for building a ...MoreOn Career Makeover Strategies: My guest tomorrow (January 10th) will be Brilliant author - Debra Shigley. I'll be interviewing her about her book the Go-Getter Girl's Guide and tips for building a great career. Here's the link to listen live tomorrow, Sunday @ 9PM : http://www.blogtalkradio.com/taigoodwin/2010/01/11/the-go-getter-girls-g...

9 weeks ago from Career Changers