Working for a livin'
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| Tue, 08-14-2007 - 11:20am |
So I've been thinking... what I'm doing is very honorable and good. I get up everyday and roll my butt into this cubicle and I do my job to the best of my ability (as long as I get my online time that is). And I get paid a decent salary to afford shelter, food and ample entertainment. That is what alot of Americans desire, yeah?
But I don't feel like I'm LIVING! And I know some around here don't have the urges I have or have different urges but I seriously can't stand the thought of still being right here 10, 5 or maybe even 1 year from now! It's like I need to get out and experience some different things! And I'm at the brink of considering doing that!
My thing is what I'm qualified for, what I'm good at and will get paid the most for - is exactly what I'm doing! Office work! Administrative type stuff. But I don't want to do it anymore! I want to do something a bit more interesting - and I know you will want to shoot me - I have NO CLUE what "interesting" is!
So... I'm recruiting your help! Give me some ideas. Do YOU work an interesting job? Do you know someone that has an interesting/unique type job? If you could do anything in the world what would you do? And hanging at home watching CBS soaps doesn't qualify... I wish it did! :p
Anywhere in the world, anything you can think of, great pay - not so great pay, whatever! Post some ideas - it will start the ball rolling! :) Thanks!

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Actually, no, I have no idea what interesting is. :) I'm struggling with the same problem, but I'm at the beginning of my career/working years, so I'm trying to figure out what it is that I ACTUALLY want to do and I have an art history degree, which I think might be shooting me in the foot, even though I don't think it's fair at all because I love my liberal arts education. Anyway. :)
It really depends on what type of thing you like to do. I'm a fan of non-profits because the workplace itself is usually interesting. I work in development and fundraising for a historical cemetery now (disclaimer: not weird like it sounds) and the grounds themselves are absolutely gorgeous and it's a National Historic Landmark. You really know exactly what you're working for, not some nameless, faceless people. I wouldn't mind continuing with non-profit work, but I'd rather have more to do with event planning than gifts coordination, which is what I do now. But I've also applied for jobs in the past at art museums and worked at one for two years. I worked for an arts magazine in London, which was SO much fun and I'd do nearly anything to go back. Development and fundraising is something that also has a little bit of glamor, depending on what type of organization you work for, but we planned a beautiful gala in June that had some high society Boston/Cambridge guests.
I'm really into doing something that's SOMEWHAT creative, hence the event planning idea. I think interior design would be FUN, but it apparently takes a lot of schooling. Marketing would be the the more practical side of all that and I've thought (briefly) about getting my MBA...who knows. This is why I'm so frustrated about my job hunt. :-/
I'll be interested to see what other people have to say. :)
Hehe...you could always work at a school.
I sent this long email to my enrollment counselor (at school) about how I want to look into my options and research opportunities and this and that (speaking out of my arse! :p ) and she's probably gonna reply with... "contact so and so in career counseling" UGH! I have a rapport with her (or so I thought) that's why I went to her. Oh well!
Caitlyn - you are a "creative" person! I admire people like you. I always thought Charlotte on SATC had a cool job when she was working at the art gallery. Prestigious and intelligent type stuff. And an eye for art... wow! And the fact that you've lived in London probably influences your desire, yeah? You've had some "exposure" and experienced some things (in my opinion) which might help you move forward in the quest.
Nonprofit work seems like it would be very gratifying but to me that kind of work almost requires you to give up your life to it!? But I imagine those that get into it believe so deeply in it - that they don't mind!?
Shy - seriously? me in a school... it wouldn't be dull because I'd end up on the 9 o'clock news and subsequently in a padded cell. This girl isn't even sure she wants to deal with her OWN offspring - let alone anyone elses! :p I admire you for what you do - but there's no way I could do it! I'd have to bring spanking in schools back! ;p
I know two things... I do NOT desire to work in a cube any longer and I'd love to find a position where I can actually use my intelligence. I've always feared having to use it in the past... like I'm only 15 years old (regardless of my actual age), why would ANYONE listen to what I have to say!? But I'd LIKE to try my hand at it. Maybe I'd actually have something to offer, I just don't know to whom or regarding what! :p
Why thank you. :) Yeah, I'd love to work in a gallery, but that's also REALLY difficult. Sometimes I wonder if I should just go for it anyway because I love art history so much, but...it's hard when you know how many people are fighting over every single gallery/museum position. I used to work at our major art museum here in Boston, and I can't seem to get any job there even NOW after two years of experience there and one and a half in development. You pretty much have to wait for someone to retire or die to be a curator, though I still can't help but think it'd be one of the most PERFECT and fun jobs for me...if I got my PhD, I could teach at a college level, too, which is also something I've thought about a number of times...I really can't decide. :-/ I know I don't need to just yet, but it comes up when you're looking for a job...and if I want to get my Masters/PhD, I'd be best off working for a University.
Anyway. :) Working in non-profits really depends on what kind of non-profit. I know Harvard (and yes, I know, they're an exception, but other such universities as well) has a HUGE staff and pays extremely well. The Museum's largely the same way. Here's not great and there's a smaller staff, but I'm not any more swamped than anyone else I know. In fact, I'm on here a larger portion of the time than I probably should be and my work still always gets done. :) In smaller, probably more specific and "noble" non-profits, there's always the chance of going under and the pay is probably terrible. I'm not really sure on that, but it's my speculation. I've also wanted to work at a hospital fundraising for cancer research or a sports team's charitable arm...many jobs are coveted and a little difficult to get, but they are fun.
I'm just starting to feel like I have something to add and that people ACTUALLY want and value my opinion, which is nice. And is conducive to speaking out more in the future.
Don't feel alone in feeling lost though!
I do the same thing! Work in an office by day. I also go to school for my dream job in Human Services, and I do in home parties to fill my human interaction needs that aren't met by the computer at work LOL!!!!
What are your interests? Are you a helping type person? A math/science type person? What things/thoughts excite you? What do you find yourself doing naturally that excites you?
There are several career type things to do online that are free. I did 4 of them and they all pointed me in the direction I was already going with my school (phew!!).
Keep us posted!! This is exciting!!
Amie
~Heather~
Ya know what I'd enjoy doing... something in travel... someone who goes to this places, kinda researches them and then helps people plan their travel - taking care to provide the little details for their trip. I'd be good at that and it's kind of administrative type work but I'd also be able to get OUT of the office - key!
But that seems like such a hard industry to get into - wouldn't 60% of the population LOVE to do that! And... your income is based on clientele right? So... it seems like it'd be hard to come by that career!?
Anyone know?
Oh wow... This is a great question and topic that you started... It is a lot of fun to see what other people do. I love what I do and feel so lucky and blessed to have been given the opportunity to work at home part time around my families schedule with this company and team. I help other people with financial wellness and better quality of life. I love helping other people and making a difference in their lives and the world. Also knowing that my family will not have to worry about things financially and we will be able to do the things that we want to do.
Make it a great day!
Pamela
www.LoveYourHomeBiz.com
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