Is It Time to Find Your Dream Job?

Here's an exercise that might help you zero in on a possible career. Pick up course catalogues for a few local colleges or community centers and read about the classes. Perhaps an old interest that had gone dormant long ago will resurface. You can also approach this quest like a detective. Interview family, friends and acquaintances and ask them what sparked your passion in the past.

Do Your Research

  • Start brainstorming about professions or companies that best match what you learned about yourself.
  • Consider companies you patronize and support as potential employers.
  • Identify and contact associations or organizations that focus on a particular field you are interested in pursuing.
  • Use the Internet to search actual job titles that reflect your interests and see if the job responsibilities mesh with your interests and skills.
  • Determine what skills or education you will need if you are making a change in professions.

PMullaly's picture
I am a graphic designer and a blogger (www.midlifejourney.com) and am moving in on a time when I might retire. Blogging has given me an opportunity to pursue my writing which is something I've always enjoyed. But can I make an income from blogging? I've been exploring the many opportunities that I find on the web. Still unsure. One route to go is creating a membership site, as described by web guru Yaro Starak. Any thoughts?
darrahg's picture
I want my retirement to assist me in continuing to work on my hobby (antique watch and clock repair) that I have cultivated over the past several years. I have taken classes, have been tutored on repair and restoration of these items, have joined various associations related to the topic, and continue to work on the skills it takes to master this craft. I don't want to have to worry about making money doing it as the fun would soon disolve and turn into my present work (computing) which I basically still enjoy. I want to do work on my own terms and enjoy it for the joys it gives me. It would be nice to make a little money at it though as it would help offset my pruchase of repair parts and supplies for this and my other hobbies of growing orchids and stone carving. Basically, I don't want to have to deal with the public very much (businesses seem to require this) as that is the only downer for me. I have been planning this for fifteen years and it just might happen. I am fortunate in that I have multi interests and should be able to capitalize on one of them. Best advice I can give is to not consider one's career as his/her life and get a second interest. Use that second interest as a jump off point for retirement or pleasure. However, if one insists on only one interest then continually educate in that area. And, apply modern job hunt techniques to your search. That is, don't just mail resumes but physically visit job sites. Prepare for your interview and seek them out. Prove to them you are worth whle and you want to work..
bessann1234's picture
60 yrs old...just moved to GA...worked as an administrative assistant/receptionist in NJ..potential employers are telling me that I'm over-qualified for jobs that I've applied for. I have sent out over1500 resumes (with revisions) and have not been successful. Anyone have any advice?
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