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Starting a New Career...Help?

Hello Everyone,

 

For the past nine years (Since High School) I've been a professional dog groomer. At the end of 2012 I lost my job because I was more concerned with quality vs. quantity - and have been on unemployment now for just over six weeks. My only issue is, I don't have experience in anything else. I'm a year into my Bachelor's Degree in Photography (At 26) and I can't seem to find a position in a different field that pays well enough to manage my bills. It seems like a vicious cycle, no experience in other fields to land a job, but no experience because no one wants to hire someone without experience : /

Any tips out there for a struggling twenty-something with lots of dreams and goals, but no feasible way to get there?

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Re: Starting a New Career...Help?

  • That is a tough place to be in. Is there any way you could groom dogs, self-employed? I think that's what my aunt does. She uses a space in an animal hospital, but she's built up her own clientele. 
  • The main reason I'm trying to get into a different career is because of the toll its taking on my hands,back etc. I've been doing this nine years, I hate to see what will happen if I do this for another 40 years. I like grooming, but I'm not sure I love it - I used to think it was what I wanted to do for a career, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe you're right and I should look into opening my own place
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  • What about working at a Vet's Office or a Doggy Day Care place or something that is with animals (using your siginicant experience with animals and your passion) but maybe a receptionist or office manager role? You could then make the slide over to a different type of job, but in a place where your current experience would be very valuable. This will also be helpful should you become a freelancer and need some business know how. 

     What part of the US are you in? Maybe we can help with other ideas?

  • You said you have a lot of dreams and goals - what are they? Where is it you ultimately want to go? Let that guide you. Don't have the skills? Start working toward them. In the meantime work through a temp agency, or wait tables, or whatever fits the timeline/availability/income needs. 

    I understand you don't want to groom for another 40 years, but what about continuing while you work toward something else? Mobile groomers are very popular in my area. They either groom in your home or out of a van or trailer. There's likely also opportunity to freelance through a vet, pet supply store, etc.

     


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  • I'm now going to be freelance grooming through a holistic pet supply store while I put myself through school. I'd ultimately enjoy being a Veterinarian (Large Animal Zoo Vet or Theriogenology (Reproduction Specialist). I also want to travel, and am passionate about photography as well - among wanting to be self-sufficient. I know I need to pick just one and make it happen, so for now grooming will pay the bills : )
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  • I think you first need to pay close attention to what those "dreams and goals" entail?  You are going into a pretty abstract career choice (photography), which can turn into a lucrative business if you can get it going and marketed...

     It seems that you like freedom and to be creative, which is great!  You just need to get real with yourself and see what you want out of the process and optimize what you are doing now to benefit your future.  Photography, if that's your goal, start doing real research on how to get moving, take pics of friends, family, and scenery and build your portfolio, and voila!  You are a photographer!

     

    Just throwing out an idea...  :)

  • Join my team with It Works! Global - Make your own hours, be your own boss, put as much time into your business as you want to! There's no limit! Visit my website to view our products and what they do and message me if you have any questions or concerns! http://krystalstimpson.myitworks.com

    Have a wonderful evening and God bless!  

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