How did your DH get his job? Or yours? LONG POST

[spencersmommy]

OK, I know this is a weird post, and my DH probably wouldn't be happy I am posting this, but shhh...OK, my DH has changed careers about 3 times in 4 years...each time it was supposed to be "the one". I know you can't LOVE any job 100% (maybe, maybe not...), but he is looking for a new job. Can you recommend or tell me about any jobs/job fields out there that you know of and are good to get into, whethe it's entry level or not? He has been in production work, insurance, and real estate. He has good skills,works hard, willing to work any hours, is willing to do some training (school, whatever), but looking for a job online or in the paper is frustrating when you don't know what you are looking for.
He wants a job that pays well (don't we all), doesn't have to be a lot to start off with (I am going back to work next year full time for one year only...). His current job in real estate had been a job someone recommended as a good field to get into, but with the real estate market changing/going downhill, it hasn't been as busy/lucrative as we need. We live in CA...high home prices, high everything...ughh...don't want to move until our home price goes up again and we can sell for some profit (though it will be tiny...)
So anyway, just wondered if you had any ideas...Someone mentioned to us about radiology/cat scans? and it has some training and then pays well once you start. That's a thought. He is willing to do anything. We've evn thought about teaching, that's my field. He is currently subbing as a side job.
Thanks for any help you can give!!!

Amy
Mom to 2 Precious boys
6/03
6/05

[Marisa6826]

Your DH should *really* consider going to see a career counselor. They will test him and make suggestions based on his interests and abilities. He will likely have to pay for it out of pocket, but I think it might really be valuable in this situation.

Jonathan went to one once or twice and found it really helpful in zeroing in what *type* of writing he should be involved in (he's in internet advertising). He lost his job during the dot com crash, and it took a long while before he was able to find work again. I think it was the better part of 3-4 years before he was offered a permanent position (he freelanced for a couple years before becoming full time).

There are also therapists that specialise in career path issues. By examining what it is that your DH wants to achieve in his career, he might find aspects of his personality that he's not aware of.

You didn't mention whether your DH has a college degree. If he does, he should check out his Alumni Office. Many colleges offer services regardless of how long ago you may have graduated.

Good luck

-m

[spencersmommy]

Thanks for your advice. He does have a BA in communications. I'll have him see if they have anything to help him.
He did mention doing some career testing. i'll check on a career counselor. Thanks for the advice! :-)

[robinsonbn]

If his degree is in Comm then he could look into Public Relations, that has elements of his past jobs. It is always changing and is a growing industry. He can also freelance and dabble in the different types of PR till he finds the right one.

[mmaimp]

I would also have your husband brush up on his networking skills. It's really hard in the beginning to talk to others about employment but you never know where your next job will come from.

My DH volunteered to leave a position at a large bank when it was purchased by another bank a few years ago and was offered a job placement service as part of his package. The most important thing they stressed was networking. The newspaper and Internet are not the best place to find employment. It's who you know and who they know.

Networking is not asking people for a job but asking people if they know anyone else who may need employees with your skill sets. Just keep following those leads and you never know who you will meet.

It's a tough journey but worth it in the end.

[C99]

I think it's easier to get a job through someone you know (networking) - that is how my DH got his job (9 years ago) and how I got my last 3 jobs. But it's easier to network if you know what the hell you want to do. I second Marisa's suggestion that your DH see a career counselor - if you are in the Bay Area, there are several; I have experience with Patti Wilson (http://www.careercompany.com).

[kozachka]

I got my last job through somebody I've known for years. It was much easier to interview and land a job as I've been out of the work-force for a while by than. I am currently exploring career options as well as the company I work for is getting acquired and my job function would be discontinued. Again, all my leads have been through the people that I know. I'd dear to say that it's important to network all the time, not just when you need a job.

[niccig]

I know how your DH feels - you know what you don't want to do, but you don't know what you do want to do.

Has he seen a careers counsellor?? I did years ago and she had me do a series of questionairres, activities etc that helped me to focus. Just a thought.

Our Jobs.
DH is a trailer editor - studied communications at college, then worked various entertainment industry jobs until worked for a college alum that owns a trailer business and decided editing was what he wanted to do. DH started when it was moving to computer editing and quickly advanced to full editor, but now it can take years to work your way up and the early years isn't good pay.

Me - I was a librarian as loved doing research at college and the aim was to work at a university library until ready for more graduate school in some history-related field. I did that for year, then when I first moved to the USA I couldn't work for a while and I started volunteering as a research assistant with an archeaologist. I'm studying it part-time until DS is school age, then I'll do more.

[MayB]

You might want to suggest that he contact his college's career placement service. Most offer career counseling and services to alumni as well as current students. The cost would be lower than going to a private career counseling firm.

[hudsonam]

How about pharmaceutical sales? Apparently there are certification courses out there for it, rather then having to obtain a 4 year degree, and the pay is good, from what I hear.

[gina]

Maybe he should read this book.

48 Days To The Work You Love (Hardcover)
Further revelation and truth about vocations and a j-o-b
by Dan Miller

here is a link w/ more info
http://www.daveramsey.com/shop/48_Days_to_the_Work_You_Love_-_P367C44.cfm




Gina

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w132/ginaelms/Dec06020.jpg

DD 15 yr Jade
DD 12 mo - Happy First Birthday Olivia!

[spencersmommy]

Thanks for all of your suggestions. DH is probably going to see a career counselor. We live near the bay area, so there are a few there. My DH has many skills and talents, so I *know* he'll find his career. It just sucks that it didn't work out as well. appraising was supposed to be a hot field, but with the market falling, it is not as busy as it needs to be for us. So, don't go into appraising as a full time career! He plans to still appraise on the side. Thanks again. I felt a little weird posting my question, but I knew you ***wonderful*** mamas would help!!!! Thanks, you rock!!!!