Career Change Advice

[mely2020]

Hello Everyone,

Has anyone reached a moment where it was time for a career change?
Right now I feel stuck in my life when it comes career wise. I am a designer, I enjoy creating things and using my creativity but it does not bring joy like it has previously. I been laid off twice (jobs that I really enjoyed) and left me somewhat disappointed of the design industry (tear down your work, unstable jobs, snobby attitudes, ext). In my current job is a micromanaged environment and I feel my creativity is stagnated.
I volunteer teaching catechism and I really enjoyed it. I use my creativity showing the kids the lesson with Powerpoint presentations and hands-on art projects. I feel I am making a difference and Im using my talents God gave me helping the kids.
I am thinking of launching an invitation side business or going back to school to earn my Masters in MFT with specialization in Art Therapy. I am very compassionate and care of others specially kids. Here are some challenges I have: Attending graduate school while working full-time, I am 28 and I’m afraid I won’t be married or start a family until I finished with school and do my 3000 hours which would be in 5 years (age 33-34). Any advice of career change, or about the MFT career would be great. I just want to do something meaningful with my life.
Thanks everyone and God bless!

 

[grasscutter]

I don’t have anywhere near the same situation as you, but as of August 5th, I will be going to college (the first time!) specifically for a career change. The details would be boring because they aren’t applicable to your situation. Plus, I’m a mother of now adult children. (Which I guess is why I can finally go to college myself! )

I did a tremendous amount of research to determine that this would be the right path for me and I prayed for discernment. So now, this is the action I’m am taking…

I wish I could offer advice, but what I can offer is solidarity and prayers for your success. Please pray for me also! Best wishes for whatever you decide!

 

[tawny]

Hello Everyone,

Has anyone reached a moment where it was time for a career change?
Right now I feel stuck in my life when it comes career wise. I am a designer, I enjoy creating things and using my creativity but it does not bring joy like it has previously. I been laid off twice (jobs that I really enjoyed) and left me somewhat disappointed of the design industry (tear down your work, unstable jobs, snobby attitudes, ext). In my current job is a micromanaged environment and I feel my creativity is stagnated.
I volunteer teaching catechism and I really enjoyed it. I use my creativity showing the kids the lesson with Powerpoint presentations and hands-on art projects. I feel I am making a difference and Im using my talents God gave me helping the kids.
I am thinking of launching an invitation side business or going back to school to earn my Masters in MFT with specialization in Art Therapy. I am very compassionate and care of others specially kids. Here are some challenges I have: Attending graduate school while working full-time, I am 28 and I’m afraid I won’t be married or start a family until I finished with school and do my 3000 hours which would be in 5 years (age 33-34). Any advice of career change, or about the MFT career would be great. I just want to do something meaningful with my life.
Thanks everyone and God bless!

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance & direction in your life’s career choices.

 

[trevorhall]

Prayed for you.

 

[Groo]

First of all, you are young enough to change careers, go to grad school, and start a family - whatever you want to do.

I was in a somewhat similar situation, but I had been in a professional career for about decade before making a major change. It was a tough decision at age 32 with a young family, but I thought my long term prospects were better in a new career.

So I took a leap of faith and it has paid off. I have a Masters degree, am accredited in a professional society, and have a senior level position. I am very thankful.

As much as I believe I made the right decision, it was a lot tougher than I could have imagined. I succeeded right away in some areas, but got put on probation and was almost fired at one time. Also, while I have a good job, but in a sense a job is a job is a job…if that makes sense. I wonder if I could have achieved what I wanted in my career with much less upheaval.

My advice to you would be to do a lot of research before making a change. Find people in the field or fields you are considering and ask for informational interviews. Be clear that you are not looking for a job. Find out at the ground floor what people in your prospective career like and don’t like about what they do.

Then pray, make a decision, and don’t worry. Good luck.

 

[St_Francis]

If tou’ve all the things you should,like praying about it, and won’t be going deeply into debt, why not? If marriage comes along, great! If it doesn’t, you will still be in a good situation.

Plus it sounds like the work you want to do would be compatible with taking time off when your children are young, working part-time, or working full-time. And that is a big help

ETA: I say all that as a mother of college-age children. Unfortunately my training has become outmoded by the internet so I’ll be sorting this out myself in a couple of years.