So, im 28 and need to find a career to get into. I get an associates degree for General Concentration from my Community College. I been working at the same job for 9 years and making about 20K after taxes annually. Its a restaurant job. I have the oppurtunity to become a manager. But I don't think Id be good at that and not something Im interested in. I just don't know what I should get into or continue school for. Any suggestions? I live in the Boston metro area also.
Can any brehs help me find a career to get into?
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Hard Times Nakamura
Banned
Not to rehash the past but what exactly led you to work at this job from age 20 and not do anything in all this time to improve? And you are just thinking about this now? What was the logic behind getting general concentration AA? I'm confused as to why any person your age would bother getting an Associate's degree and just stop there knowing it's basically like having no degree. (Unless you had to by no other choice for a variety of reasons)
Just need to know the circumstances or challenges you are dealing with because ultimately if those are not resolved you won't make progress. Sick relative? Your own health issues?
Just need to know the circumstances or challenges you are dealing with because ultimately if those are not resolved you won't make progress. Sick relative? Your own health issues?
No, I am not just thinking about this now. After graduating high school, I needed a job to make my own money. So I found a job and kind of just stayed there. I always have looked for better paying jobs too. I thought id find a career path that Id be interested in while going to college. But I guess I never did. I didn't want to continue to go to college without knowing what degree to get. But now im thinking I should just pick a degree and get it.
I'd find a job offering tuition reimbursement before going back to school. Don't take this the wrong way but you sound like someone without a plan (which is fine...this can take time) but you don't want to graduate with a boatload of student loan debt and no prospects of a job.
GetRichOrDieTryin
Superstar
accounting is nice right now
King of Creampies
Hop in. You coming too!
Well what are you passionate about?
Seriously? If you are in the restaurant business you know hospitality don't you?
Why not work on a cruise ship?
General Concentration? What is this field exactly?
King of Creampies
Hop in. You coming too!
Hard Times Nakamura
Banned
The challenge is you are working from a disadvantage because you don't have youth on your side. Breaking into something new is gonna be rough and you need to be mentally prepared also for age discrimination. (Yes you can be age discriminated against as early as 30 if the industry you are in on average is early 20 somethings)
Concerning trades, some are physically demanding and you may fall behind some of the other young apprenticeships.
For whatever reason though you don't seem sure yet so I'd make sure to think long and hard about your next decision. Maybe you just need to teach ESL abroad for a while or something. They don't require the teachers to have Bachelor's degrees in certain countries if you enroll in the TEFL cert program which is about 1500-2000. Read reviews for the cert program before applying because there are a lot of them available.
Concerning trades, some are physically demanding and you may fall behind some of the other young apprenticeships.
For whatever reason though you don't seem sure yet so I'd make sure to think long and hard about your next decision. Maybe you just need to teach ESL abroad for a while or something. They don't require the teachers to have Bachelor's degrees in certain countries if you enroll in the TEFL cert program which is about 1500-2000. Read reviews for the cert program before applying because there are a lot of them available.
I agree and disagree
Agree because it can be hard to get into a new industry and age discrimination is real
but disagree because if OP is only making 20K a year, he doesn't have much to lose starting from the bottom in a new industry
@Genome
Try this website:
Figuring out A Career through Taking Tests | dikk Bolles.com
Take a few aptitude tests, see what you like and dislike and maybe this helps
when my men's group helps people,, we do something like this-
1. Take Holland code test(I have typed out full details previously)
2. Determine target income --
Calculate budget.. for what you need and want to do - marriage kids car home clothes health insurance etc
Include all costs, including old debt and retirement planning
This can depend on age and a whole bunch of factors
If anything, over estimate what you need to earn (W-2 and/or self employed)
..at some point, you will say" I need gross earnings of $$$" to do what you want to do in life
3. Then.. match this number against median pay (us bureau of labor statistics) of results from Holland code
Chop the list down
If you need $$$ but job pays $$, then cross it off
4. Assessment
Do a self assessment and ask your trusted friends if you possess the needed attributes
If "welder" is on list, go ask welders and see if you'd be a realistic fit
if "mechanical engineer" is on the list, speak with a couple of them
You don't have to be a perfect fit, but some occupations might need to be eliminated
5. You'll probably be left with 2-3 options..
Make a choice
At this point, there's no wrong answer because -
..the work/earnings are there
..the situation matches your temperament
..you possess the skills or can develop them
Success happens at the intersection of (1) your skills, (2) your interests, and (3) society's demand for those attributes (aka what the market will bear)
1. Take Holland code test(I have typed out full details previously)
2. Determine target income --
Calculate budget.. for what you need and want to do - marriage kids car home clothes health insurance etc
Include all costs, including old debt and retirement planning
This can depend on age and a whole bunch of factors
If anything, over estimate what you need to earn (W-2 and/or self employed)
..at some point, you will say" I need gross earnings of $$$" to do what you want to do in life
3. Then.. match this number against median pay (us bureau of labor statistics) of results from Holland code
Chop the list down
If you need $$$ but job pays $$, then cross it off
4. Assessment
Do a self assessment and ask your trusted friends if you possess the needed attributes
If "welder" is on list, go ask welders and see if you'd be a realistic fit
if "mechanical engineer" is on the list, speak with a couple of them
You don't have to be a perfect fit, but some occupations might need to be eliminated
5. You'll probably be left with 2-3 options..
Make a choice
At this point, there's no wrong answer because -
..the work/earnings are there
..the situation matches your temperament
..you possess the skills or can develop them
Success happens at the intersection of (1) your skills, (2) your interests, and (3) society's demand for those attributes (aka what the market will bear)
Rich Spirit
#LeveledUp
how you get into Healthcare IT w/o healthcare or IT experience?
King of Creampies
Hop in. You coming too!
I no longer work for anyone as I work for myself for the last few years.
but one of my brothers works in IT.
Go to community college. Start getting your IT certs.
There is also a subforum here with PLENTY of advice on certs.
