Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Directionless - Have any of you found your passion?
So, I'm sure I'm not so different from other post-grads out there...
Hi, my name is Kelly and I have no direction in life. I graduated college two years ago with a degree in English Literature which basically says I know how to read books. I spent my whole life thinking I was going to be a high school English teacher. Once I started going to school for teaching, I figured out it wasn't for me. I went ahead with the English degree and dropped the education focus just before my senior year.
I graduated and ended up landing an entry-level job in a cubicle which, as student loan bills keep on coming, I am very grateful for. But let's face it, it pays like crap and after two years, I'm realizing how truly unhappy I am. We're talking like, crying at work unhappy.
Now that the chaos of wedding planning is over, I know it's time to focus on this part of my life that I've put on the back burner. The problem is, I have no direction. I have no idea what I'm good at or what I'm passionate about. The only thing I've learned after two years in the professional world is that I am not cut out for the corporate world and its politics. I've learned what I don't like. Can't that count for something?
The last thing I want to do is find another entry-level job at another company that I'll ultimately be unhappy at. But I'm so unhappy now that I feel like I can't be picky about the job I take - as long as it gets me out.
How does anyone go about finding what they're passionate about? I can't help but feel like the education system has failed me. I learned what I had to get the grade, but never really found that thing I LOVE.
Have any of you found your true passion? Did you go back to school? Did you change your job? I just want to be one of those people who truly loves going to work each day. Is that too much to ask for?
Re: Directionless - Have any of you found your passion?
I wont be much help, as I'm pretty much in the same situation as you. Graduated a year and a half ago and got an entry level job at a desk that certainly does not pay enough after having spent 5 years in college getting my degree. I don't like my job at all, coming to work each day sucks. But- its a job and it pays the bills. But I'm interested to see what advice others might have so I'll be checking back and hopefully we can both figure something out!
You don't have ANY hobbies or ANYTHING you like to do?
If you hate working for corporations, have you thought of non-profit work? There are paying jobs and the work might be more rewarding for you.
If you're really not sure of what you might be interested in, start volunteering. There are animal shelters, museums, veterans homes...so many places need intelligent caring volunteers. It looks great on resumes and you might just strike the right chord with yourself.
Sorry I'm not more help, but I knew exactly what i wanted to do when I graduated high school and I'm doing exactly that now (which is working in a corporate environment doing graphic design).
Side note: you may THINK you hate the corporate environment, but is it possible you just hate your current role? The right KIND of job may click right for you. If you're just doing secretarial work right now, that might not be very fulfilling, but maybe you wouldn't mind managing people within that environment etc. I would sit down and figure out exactly what it is you don't like about your job.
Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter
I'm sort of in the same situation, too. I went to school for Language Arts and Reading education. Found a job but due to (very) illegal things going on I was afraid I could wind up in a big mess... long story short, I pretty much had to resign if I wanted to keep my moral decency. So now do I want to teach? I don't know. If you want to go back to school, do it! Now's the time! Before you have a house mortgage (maybe you do), babies, soccer games, and so much more. Or, find out what you can do with your degree. It wasn't for nothing. You used to think you'd teach high school English but decided against it. Ever thought about teaching college? Many of your community colleges hire someone with a BA or BS to teach. Then you may be able to decide if you like it and if you do, pursue your Master's to work at a private college or state university where they make the big bucks (and they do!). They have much more free reign (making your own office hours, types of assignments, sick?... post a sign on the door) and less overhead to deal with (hence, your corporate atmosphere). Or, with your degree in English, have you ever thought about freelance work? I know someone with your degree and she made a full time career out of it. Who do you think writes these articles on this site? or in People? or what about editing work? Any major company (even Marathon!) hires freelance writers to edit bills and other work going through. And, because you don't necessarily work for them, you're a subcontracted. Sounds pretty nice to me!
Hope this gives you some ideas. I'm considering getting my Master's in English to build upon the degree I have now, which would help in education, but also enable me to teach in a college or do some other type of work outside of a public (so government...) school district.
I don't know if I'll be much help but I'll tell you what worked for me.
I graduated in the spring of 2011 with an English degree and an Elementary Education minor. Two years before that, I had every intention of becoming a teacher - until I met my husband and realized teaching was my fall-back. My one true dream in this world is to become a mother. So, instead of having 6 years of student loans to pay off (yikes!) I decided to forgo a year of student teaching/teacher assisting and to just graduate my degree.
After graduating and realizing that the money I made working part time at a day care wasn't really doing much for our finances, I decided to look for another job. Currently, I work at a local bank part-time.
The first branch I started working at, it was like I was back in high school. In the beginning, I thought I was pregnant because I was making myself sick every morning before I went to work. I didn't enjoy the people I worked with, I was paranoid about what was said behind my back and was so insecure!
After 4 months of that, I did some transitional work at a branch 10 miles away. What a difference! I now currently work there permanently and have never been happier. I love my co-workers and my boss and I actually enjoy going to work.There isn't any drama, we all get along and are supportive of each other. We are all so close, I call it my "work family."
Moral of the story: I think majority of your passion in the corporate world comes from the people you work with and the environment you work in. I don't have a passion for banking (hahaha!)
but I DO have a passion for my customers, helping them, and interacting with my co-workers. IMO, you could work mucking out horse stalls but when you like the people you work with, it makes it fun, enjoyable and REWARDING.
GL with everything! As I said before, I don't know if this helps you, it's just what I have discovered that works for me.
This is so timely! I have been struggling with this (still am a little) since before my senior year of college last fall. I graduated in April with a degree in Media Communications, found a job near my DH worked, and we got married in September. I'm finally feeling competent at my job, but still find myself craving a job that doesn't feel like a job. Something I just love waking up to do everyday.
The summer before my senior year, I did an internship with a television news station. For the previous three years, I was absolutely sure that I wanted to be a television producer. I worked at the TV station at my university producing community programming and loved it, but a larger news station ... not my cup of tea for a variety of reasons. I knew DH and I would be getting married shortly after I got married, so I focused on figuring out if there was something I enjoyed that had opportunities locally. I thought, maybe public relations, but found no opportunities in that field (we live in a SMALL rural area...). I ended up with a job at a non-profit ... helping keep track of all the grants we receive.
I'm thankful I have a job. I'm thankful that I have a salary and can contribute to our household finances. However, I find myself feeling creatively stifled. I feel like I spend most of the day doing busy work, with the occasional days that I feel like I did something that actually contributed.
My husband was approached by another employer about potentially coming to work for them. It's in a more suburban area (check), near a big city (check), and would get him out of a less than ideal work setting too (double check). Within two weeks, I saw a post on facebook from a photography studio I follow that they were looking to hire someone. Someone with skills in video as a huge plus. I've always loved photography as a hobby but (regretfully now) never "studied" it at a college/professional level.
The brief description of the job, the location, and the thought of working for a group of equally passionate people who are amazing at their jobs --- just screamed dream job for me! I don't quite fit the skills they are looking for, but DH pointed out that we now finally know what I'm really passionate about and do something about. I signed up for a basic digital photography class at a community college (it's not quite as advanced as I'd like ... but it's free ... so I'm doing it anyway).
Sorry that got so long winded. I guess my point is, don't stop looking. You don't need to quit your current job today, but think about things you are interested in. For me it was photography ... so many photographers want to be able to offer video services as well and I never really made that connection before it smacked me in the face on facebook. Follow organizations, companies, groups, etc. on facebook that you may want to know more about. Think about how you like to spend your time and what you enjoy doing in your free time and work from there. I'm still not working my dream job, but I feel like I have a clearer picture of what it looks like.
Thanks for letting me share! Good luck!
I found my passion but it took a tragedy for it to happen. Before having my son I worked at an energy company doing mapping even though my degree was in Journalism and PR. We moved to Michigan and decided I would work from home freelance writing after DS was born. Well, DS was almost 11 weeks early and we spent 10 weeks in the NICU with him. Through that experience I got involved with the NICU board and am now a family support person meaning I help current NICU parents through the emotions and hardships of having a premature child.
To make it an actual full time position I need to get my masters in Social Work but I absolutely adore what I do.
Looking back a few years ago I can tell you I was lost too. and maybe I still am...
when i first graduated college in 06' it was difficult for me to find a job. I ended up taking a job at a marcom company because i thought i could get my "foot" in the door type thing. I ended up staying there for 4 years. Take it from me, you DO NOT want to get stuck at a company you hate and a job yhou hate for 4 years, so that is the advice i can give you.
At the time-- I thought i could NEVER get out of the job. I felt trapped. I had to pay my bills and if i didn't work there i wouldn't have been able to pay the rent. This feels so stupid looking back. I could have quit my job and sublet my apartment and moved home. I would have saved a lot of heartache and tears. I wish i had realized I had a "way out" and didin't feel so trapped. I could have spent the time finding out what I really wnated to do.
If you have the financial ability to find out what you like now,then do it. Think of what is your ultimate dream job and look for jobs in realted fields. You likely won't get your "dream job" but you will be heading int he right direction. If you aren't sure what that is, volunteer, think of what activities you love etc.
I hate to say this and I don't mean to be a downer, but at some point you have to take responsibility of being an adult and wanting to pay the bills over your dream that you had in your mind in college. But...this doesn't mean you should settle for a job you hate. You should still look for something that you at lesat enjoy going to. Maybe you won't even enjoy it, but it shouldn't make you upset and cry.
When I think back to all the time i wasted in a bad job it wasn't worth it. Now, I am at the same crossroads. I have been at my currten job for almost 3 year,s its a small company and i know that eventually if i stayed here there might be room for me to really "take on more", our boss and company owner leaves me a lot of responsility and i am sure she wants to retire soon. Anyway...the point is i see opportunity here, which is why i stick it out and make probably $20,000 less than I should be making (IK have a college degree and a masters and am no where near making the $100k+ salaries my friends and people i graduated grad school with are).
A college degree is the new high school diplmoa so you want to be sure that you are keeping up on schooling. Taking classes, earning a master's extending your education. Even if it means taking one class a week in an area you are interested in at the local community college- you want to keep on your education. This is how you network and meet people.
I know my ultimate goal is to own my own business. But I can tell you i am 6 almost 7 years out of college and i don't even know what that means, or what type of business it is.
also! Take a chance! I took the job i am in now, because i needed a job to get ouit of my situation. In the meantime, I learned a whole new trade. I am still in the marketing industry but i have learned all about importing and exporting which is a hot topic right now and big in business. i am glad to have learned tis skill. It wasn't what i "wanted" to do but i ended up liking it a lot... so i think keep your eyes open to job opportunites that are interseting to you.
at the end of the day, we are in a recession, and finding a new job is going to be extrememly difficult, especially as a recent grad- so keep your eyes open for other ways to find your passion, volunteering is one way, taking courses, continueing your education, getting into the arts, painting, music, babysitting- anything that helps you get where youa re going,
Thanks, everyone. I feel better knowing I'm not the only one!
A co-worker suggested I look into civil service jobs. There are jobs for library assistants with bachelors degrees, and they don't require a masters in library science! I worked in my college library while I was a student, and my husband and I had a whole library/book themed wedding! I missed the civil service exam by about a week though, by the time I was told about it! I think it's only offered once a year so that's a huge bummer. When my co-worker told me about it, I spent the rest of the day excited thinking about it - which I think is a good sign! Even if I did miss the boat for the exam, I think it's a good road to look into.
I think you guys are right, too about maybe it's just the environment I work with. I've been told it's not all like this. I guess it's unfortunate that I don't know any different, and that my first "corporate" job is a bad experience. It makes me so hesitant to get another desk job.
I need to work on being more positive and optimistic about things. I tend to sell myself short. Maybe some things to work on in the new year...
I'm an English/Education major who ended up in a cubical. I have to say that, though my industry is not my "passion," I can tell that my company actually appreciates English majors (which is why there are several of us in my department). I would probably hate the tasks associated with my job except that my team is amazing.
Something that really came across when I interviewed at this company was that the corporate culture would be a good fit for me. I was interviewed by two people--an English major and an Education major--which was a good sign right off the bat because it showed that people like me were valued. This definitely doesn't mean you shouldn't look at civil service jobs--I personally haven't necessarily given up on the Ed. part of my degree--but don't be afraid to look at corporations as well.
What do you like to do as far as hobbies go? What things make you feel confident and accomplished when you've finished? I found a passion for writing while in school - papers I'd write for non-English classes came back with rave reviews, which made me take more writing classes. When one of my professors submitted a paper I'd written for class and it won the top award for my year, it was like a hook. I've not been able to stop chasing the writing dream ever since!
In my case, even though I dream of writing novels, I realized I had to have a paying job that could cover the bills. But I also wanted to stay true to my inner requirement of having a fulfilling job that makes me happy. I accidentally stumbled upon copywriting and haven't looked back. I'm still trying to get myself in the door and up and running, but I know that once I get there, I'll be happy and well off.
I guess my advice is to try and find something you're equally passionate about and explore all the little subcategories that are available. It might take some digging and time, but hopefully something will strike you as a meaningful, enjoyable pursuit. What special talents/gifts do you possess? What dream has been placed in your heart?
And remember, no matter what you decide, it's never too late to try a different route if you discover it doesn't "do it" for you, you know? Life is all about the experience! I know we all have dreams of being settled into our life-long career shortly out of college, but if our dream path is a little elusive and takes a while, try to enjoy the ride there! Good luck to you!
Lurker coming out of hiding....
I'm a lot like many of you - feeling lost and directionless. I actually was talking with my sister today on my commute home sobbing bc I don't love my job anymore. I'm so thankful I'm not the only one out there!
I'm a HS Spanish teacher and decided in HS that its what I wanted to do - I love learning and I wanted to pass it along. I graduated in '06 and found a job right away. My DH and I moved from OH to PA so I had to find a new job. I worked in daycare for a year before finding another teaching gig (back in Ohio - we live near the OH/PA border). I've been here since '08 and while it's ok, I no longer love it like I used to. Part of it is the students in more recent years, part of it is my commute (1hr w/o traffic), part of it is politics and part is my administration. While I work with some amazing colleagues and some great administrators (some...), I feel like this is no longer my passion for many reasons.
I've been looking off and on in my area since 2010. (I had my son and was going to grad school PT while working FT.) i'm still at my current district but I did find a PT gig that I do at home and I enjoy it. I'm an adjunct teacher for a distance learning. While it's not 100% what I want to be doing, I enjoy the extra money it brings in and I still get to use my degree. I'm still job-hunting as much as I can and I hope that I can find something new. I just keep hoping and praying that something new shows up soon....
Sorry for the long post, but this really resonated with me. But OP, good luck in your search. You're not alone!
Also, sorry for any typos. I'm on my phone.
I worked for a big corporate company in my little cubicle for a few years. The work load was NOT demanding by any means, and it paid decently, but I was bored, un-challenged, and my coworkers drove me insane. Once I was literally written up for going to a water fountain that was further away from my desk than another water fountain, because I wanted to actually get up and WALK a little instead of sitting on my ass all day. My manager would complain that I wasn't social enough with my team, then when I tried to be social and chat with them, she'd complain that I was ignoring my job. I was also the youngest person on my team so I got stuck with everyone no one else wanted to do. I simply didn't fit in, and it showed. I was miserable, I gained (no joke) 60lbs in less than 2 years, and sitting at that stupid desk caused ulnar nerve irritation so I had a lot of pain on my back and down my arm every day. Finally after one day where I was berated for something else insignificant, I said F U to that job and left.
I swore to myself I would NEVER work at a corporate, sit-down cube job ever again, and thankfully I haven't since, and that was 7 years ago.
What lead me to my passion was actually the nerve damaged caused by that job. It never really went away, and after a bunch of EKGs and steroids and doctors throwing pills at me, I was fed up and miserable. I saw that there was a massage school taking applicants at a local job fair, and signed up on the spot.
I immediately adored it. It was SO much more in-depth than I realized (I had a 16 months worth of med school anatomy/physiology drilled into me in under 8 months!) I graduated first in my class, got licensed and all that jazz, and now years later I can still say I am very happy going to work.
I have a lot of flexibility in my job that most people can't get. I can choose to work for a company, or work for myself, or both! I can afford to work part time if I need to, when i'm sick I don't have to feel guilty calling in because by law I have to stay home (since we work in such close quarters with clients, we're not ALLOWED to work sick). though one thing I can see people having a problem with is clients tend to want to come in evenings and weekends, so I work those. I enjoy working evenings (I get to sleep in and don't feel rushed, and less traffic), and since my "weekend" is thurs/fri, there is less traffic and lines to deal with when I need to go out and get stuff done.
Three things I appreciate immensely about what I do are 1. I have no boss standing over me, making me nervous, or making me feel like I have to do exactly what they want me to do. I'm not a cog in a machine. I have my own room, I go in there and between intuition and education, fix people's owwies. You feel accomplished and proud of yourself at the end of the day because you see the good that you've done immediately. 2, the impact and the relationships you make with your clients are very rewarding. You get to actually educate people. Most have no idea how their bodies work, and think they just have to take a pill to fix their pain. I've had clients bring me birthday/xmas presents, thank you cards, home-baked goodies, etc just to say they appreciate me, and that really makes me feel awesome
3, It is an ongoing learning experience. You have to stay educated in this profession, take your CE courses, learn new modalities, keep up to date on the state laws, etc. It keeps it challenging, which keeps it interesting.
I always tell my clients who work desk jobs to come do what I do for a living!