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In Search of the Perfect Job
I am 23 years old and following A levels trained to be a midwife receiving a BSc (Hons) Midwifery studies at 2:1. I got a job straight away and practiced for around 18mths before deciding that I was not happy and wanted to change career path.
I have spent the last year doing various temping jobs, including outbound sales, managing a small cafe, customer service, bar work etc. I have considered training again, applying for graduate schemes, moving away to different areas...but don't actually know.
Like many people i am probably in search for the 'perfect job', something that probably doesn't even exist. But for the moment I at least could do with earning some money and getting some worth while experience.
Any suggestions?
Comments
I only know a handful of people who have ended up doing a job that's relevant to their education so I wouldn't worry too much about wanting to change career paths. What's important is that you have a degree, it shows that you can apply yourself to achieve a goal.
The most common question you will get asked in an interview is "Why do you want to work here then?" and you must avoid saying that you haven't decided what you want to do, otherwise you'll be doing temp jobs for the next few years!
You've got a lot on your side though, a good degree, dealing with different work environments and youth. No one will think you've been wasting your time because you're only 23.
You need to read the jobs paper every week, and of course Jobsite, and start applying. Try contacting a few agencies as well to see what advice they can offer.
I changed career at about the same age and I haven't looked back, keep at it and good luck.
Tony - January 4, 2007 4:55 PM
What IS the perfect job ?
Answer: It's one where you end up doing mostly what you enjoy most, and someone pays you for it.
So, start with deciding what it IS you enjoy doing most and work from there.
There is no definition of the perfect job, because it's whatever suits us the best at the time. Consequently, it might be any or none of the following as examples:
Meeting New People
Doing Suduko or Crossword Puzzles
Talking on the phone
Keeping your home organised
Shopping
Spending Money
and the careers these might offer you might be any, all or none of the following:
SALES
OPERATIONS OR FINANCE
CUSTOMER SERVICES & SUPPORT
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
PURCHASING
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
That's the first place to start, and once you've cracked that one, it will surprise you how easily everything just slots into place.
Charlie
Charlie - January 8, 2007 4:23 PM
I would advise that you take a mapp test. It gives you a list of statements in which you put your strengths and weaknesses and come up with your ideal job... well the one that your skills are most suited to. Hopefully it could be something that you have never considered but will give you some ideas.
mike - January 28, 2007 12:27 AM
Have you tried reading "What color is your parachute?" I'm 25 and have never known what I wanted to do until this year when I read this book. It's thorough, inspiring and packed with great advice.
Mark - January 29, 2007 9:10 AM
You sound like you are in a strong position currently. With a degree behind you and experience of jobs you know you don't want to do, you sound ready to play valuable role somewhere.
Someone once said to me that 'most people don't enjoy their jobs' and I think there might be an element of truth there. I'm one of the lucky exceptions, may be because that advice spurred me to be one (an exception to the rule).
For me careers is a facinating subject because as a UK passport holder, with access to credit and affordable education I feel like the world is my Oyster. At least more so than many people round the world.
To find that perfect job I would do a combination of self-analysis and research. Self analysis to understand what makes you tick and research to discover roles that interest you and match your skillset.
For example, what motivates you? I am fairly motivated by money, but mainly down to the security it can bring.
Considering your age and degree I would probably take the following approach.
* Visit prospects.ac.uk and go through all the job types by industry. Try to draw up a short-list of potential careers. Take your time and try not to discount a career type based on some misguided perception. For example "I couldn't work in an office all day" ..... have you ever experienced an exciting and dynamic office environment? The BBC Careers section has some useful job insights as well. There is also a book called "Occupations" which you will probably find in your Careers office.
*When you have short list, look at potential employers. There is a lot of information out there about the good, the bad and the ugly. Sunday Times Best Companies is one, and there are books on the best Graduate employers etc. The quality of the employer may make all the difference to your job satisfaction and personal development.
*You should now have a shortlist of employers and potential careers. Go after Graduate and Entry level positions in those companies. Increase your chances by reading books like "How to win friends and influence people", 'Emotional Intellegence", CV and Interview books and websites.
Moving away for a job is a big decision but can be very maturing and exciting. I've done it twice, encountering a mixture of challenges and fantastic experiences.
Good luck.
Ade - January 31, 2007 9:39 AM
How about using your training for a different job? Four jobs I can think of are:
Medical Writer.
Medical Sales Rep.
Administrator (Hospital).
Bed manager (Hospital).
Good Luck.
Kevin - February 10, 2007 12:56 PM
My last emploer did not want a refrence,good for me as I was retuning to work after years of raising my three kids.Now however I find they dont give them either and seeing as this was my only job I cant even get an interview now!!! I left to go to australia (not as great or cheap as you think.We came home!)I am REALLY fed up and want to work but cant see an answer.Thanx for the chance to rant !
Diane - March 27, 2007 10:24 AM