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I got laid off...Trying to find a career
A couple of weeks ago, my office was told we were closing and being combined with another office, and I was the only one who they couldn't find a position for, so I got laid off. Which in a way is a blessing because I was overqualified and needed a push to go find a career, but I don't know what I want to do. I have a part-time retail job, but I know that that is not what I want as a career. I need to figure out "what I want to do when I grow up," I don't know where to start.
I have a BA in history. I'm considering teaching, but i don't know. I've been told I'm a good tutor, as in I explain things well, to the two people I've tutored (world geography in high school, and college algebra for a coworker), but I'm scared of having to put everything on hold for four years (I seriously don't think I could live in this apartment for another four years) to get another degree for education, but I'm scared that if I get my alternate certification I won't be prepared. I don't know the first thing about lesson plans, and everything else a teacher needs to do.
Outside of that I really don't know. Since graduating college, I've been doing jobs that a high school graduate could be eligible for (assistant for an eye doctor, clothing retail, and clerical). None have been potential careers.
I'm so lost. None of my hobbies could make me much money, they just cost money.
I just keep thinking of ideas, but I don't know if they are right. I'm just really confused and having a hard time getting let go like that. It's not like I can just keep going and getting new degrees and certifications to see if I like something. I'm so stressed about it. We're not floundering financially we're just now at a stand still, when we were saving before. We also cannot quite get the house we want.
How do you figure out what your career is? Do I just keep job hopping every few years until something clicks?
Re: I got laid off...Trying to find a career
I am so sorry to hear about your current job, that sucks!
I was you a few years back. I had just graduated and was so lost on what I wanted to do. I was working at a retail store in the mall and getting by.
I also have a degree in History, but I always knew I wanted to get into Education. I had a natural knack for children and I knew even though I didn?t get my degree in Education, I would pursue it and now I have a job that I love and I didn?t go back to school to get it. I currently work in childcare as a before/aftercare elementary/middle school director and I absolutely love my job!
With that being said, there are plenty of childcare jobs that do not require going back to school, but rather require certifications that you can get easily. I started out working as an assistant at a daycare and I learned that I really hated working with young children (toddlers) and that I loved working with children elementary and older. Through them I was able to get a basic certification while getting my feet wet in education. I also learned a whole lot about the industry of education and what it takes to work in the field. From there, I moved to summer programs which in turn led me to my current job.
I hope this helps
Since you have a BA in History, you don't need to go back to get another Bachelor's to teach, that doesn't make much sense. You could pursue a Master's Degree and finish in probably a year and a half in education....
or you could get your teaching certification. Look into what ou "need "to teach in your area.
You could also get your feet wet teaching at a Private school that does not require a teaching degree. However, the pay is barely anything, but it would be good experience.
Or as PP mentioned, go work at some kind of childcare center but I am sure the pay there is limiting as well.
OR people said you are good at tutoring. You could become a full time tutor at some place like Kaplan.
There are lots of options.
as an FYI, I am totally jealous of teachers. As someone married and with Baby on the brain in our 5 year plan, I'd love to have hte flexible schedule that a teacher has, having vacations off and summers with your children. Also, having summers off now, allows you do earn extra income in the summer, by being a camp counselour or a tutor...
The bolded. I have a friend that graduated with a bachelors in Biology. She couldn't get a job at the local zoo, which is what she really wanted to do. She decided she wanted to teach. She went back to school for some type of teaching program. It's not a master's degree program, but it's for adults who have a degree that want to teach. I think the program was only 1 1/2 years long, and she is currently in her 2nd semester of student teaching. Definitely look into that!
TTC since June 2012
Instead of a new degree have you considered getting certifications?
If you're computer inclined you could easily get some microsoft certifications which will get you a slightly higher paying job somewhere...or if you like medical stuff I know you can get certified to help out in nursing homes....or do you like childcare? You could try being a nanny. Do you like to cook? Maybe try being a line cook at a restaurant etc. etc. etc.
Find something that doesn't make you want to stab yourself and go for it.
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Ditto private schools, Kaplan, Sylvan Learning Center or those tutoring companies like it, private tutoring (start your own business?), try a local community college too...
Our old neighbor taught online classes at a community college and I think he may have had a bachelor's only.
Really evaluate what makes you happy & where it is easy for you to thrive. This will give you an idea of your gifts & talents. You want to be in a career that you enjoy and you can grow. Don't fear making a decision if you what you are pursuing brings a smile to your face. If you get to a place in life where you want to do something different...you can. Be flexible.
While you are making a decision on a more permanent job please visit my website and find out how to earn an income being a gift basket & flower consultant. I work full time & do this on the side. It has really been fun and having play money has been even more fun.
fromtheheart.labellabaskets.com