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Career Inspiration Needed

Maggie

Hi guys, 

Im newly diagnosed 32yo woman who has had almost 40 jobs in my life from volenteer cleaning to agency graphic designer. 

I'm wondering if you guys notice any patterns or have any ideas on a career/job area to explore or focus on. 

A bit of background: As a kid I prefered to express myself through creative outlets, crafts and drawing mainly. I grew up around animals, my mum kept many small mammals, and my grandparents had a farm with a variety of the large ones. To blaze my one trail I studied graphic design and did well at it in college. But I found myself in an incompatible advertising degree after. During my higher education years I did bar work (only liked the loud happy music) and waitressing (very stressful). After my degree I did some graphic design freelancing but this didn't pay the bills. Since I've bounced between jobs from au pair, blacksmiths assistant, face painter, party host, pet sitter, teaching assistant, commercial chef, head of graphic design, receptionist, sales agent, tattoo designer ect. 

I love cats, dinosaurs, films, dungeons and dragons, and designing not in that order. I can be vibrant and flambouant especially in a colourful environment with support and feeling safe. 

I'm now feeling stuck and depressed in an office sales job. 

Pondering teaching assistant but feeling quite exhausted with current job and needing more education and training to get into a role. I also have no car and based a town over from a city center. 

(I dunno where this Jane Austin tone has come from in my writing.)

Ps: As a kid I wanted nothing more than to study Paleontology (dinosaurs) but I was told their is no money in it and I wasn't smart enough. So packed away that idea mid-teens. I would take it up but again money keeps being a problem. 

Any ideas? I'm open to them. 

  • It seems like you have had a diverse range of experiences and job opportunities throughout your life. Your creative background and interests in crafts, drawing, and graphic design stand out as potential areas to explore further. Considering your love for cats, dinosaurs, films, and Dungeons and Dragons, there may be avenues within the creative industry that align with these interests. Here are a few ideas:

    1. Freelance Graphic Design: Since you mentioned that freelancing as a graphic designer didn't pay the bills previously, you could consider expanding your skill set or exploring different niches within graphic design. This might involve learning new software, exploring different design styles, or targeting specific industries that align with your interests.

    2. Illustration and Character Design: Given your love for dinosaurs, films, and vibrant environments, exploring illustration and character design could be a great fit. This could involve creating artwork for books, movies, games, or even designing merchandise related to your interests.

    3. Art Therapy: With your passion for creative expression and your interest in helping others, pursuing a career in art therapy could be worth exploring. Art therapists work with individuals to utilize art as a form of self-expression and healing.

    4. Content Creation and Social Media: You could leverage your creativity by creating content related to your interests on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. Sharing your love for cats, dinosaurs, and design could attract an audience and potentially lead to collaborations or sponsorships.

    Regarding your childhood dream of studying paleontology, it's never too late to pursue your passions. While money may be a concern, there may be opportunities to learn more about paleontology as a hobby, such as joining local paleontology groups or attending workshops and conferences. You could also explore online resources and educational platforms to continue learning about the subject. More so, do not lose hope in your job search making sure you do a thorough interview preparation with AI assistance to increase your chances of getting hired.

    Remember, these are just a few suggestions to consider. It's essential to take into account your personal circumstances, financial considerations, and any additional education or training requirements for specific career paths. Exploring these options with a career counselor or mentor could provide valuable guidance tailored to your unique situation.

  • in reply to Maggie

    All companies prefer to employ those who are passionate. You can't go wrong exploring museums and galleries which have potential and summoning a little Tenacity to simply inquire who you can speak with about a future position.  Good luck! 

  • in reply to Ladybug5

    I like your ideas! And thank you, I appreciate your response :) 

  • in reply to JuniperFromGallifrey

    I would very much be happy working in a gift shop to be honest! :D

  • in reply to JuniperFromGallifrey

    You have piqued my interest here. I once did work experience for Exeter Museum. Fascinating place. I overlooked it. Thank you for this :)

  • in reply to Iain

    I've left jobs due to there tempary nature, stress/mental health, the location and/or late hours mostly.

    I've been stressed daily to the point panicing or crying in bathrooms in a lot of jobs. 

    I did like Hollywood Bowl, lane host and receptionist because management let me be me. They let me face paint, I used the tanoy, adorned roles of stickers and bunches of baloons to give out for free. It was hard work but came naturally to me. 

    Then I has to relocate ans havn't found a rolw like that since. 

  • in reply to Desmond79
    1. I appriciate your honestly and it's a positive perspective, thank you :)
  • in reply to Peter

    Interesting. Didn't know assistants are needed I'm them roles. It's a shame the industry is underpaid and overworked. 

  • Not quite palaeontology but working in a museum could combine some of your interests perhaps ? Sometimes some even do craft workshops for kids (if teaching assistant is too much of a rigid role but you like to work with kids) and such related to museum displays..

    This might be too niche but I’m  not a careers expert in the slightest, it just came to mind.

    I understand the struggle with your thought process though, I hope you find something that fits you:)Beetle

  • in reply to JuniperFromGallifrey

    To add. Hunt them down, pitch long-term (10-20 year plans) for growth and vision. Mention you're happy to work in the gift shop!

  • If I had a degree in advertising and loved Palaeontology, I'd get a job at a natural sciences museum. The London one being the exception, most do seem to be in need of better branding, better layout, better design and structure. There's no reason for any to be boringly pieced together. A better immersive experience, create work for taxidermy enthusiasts (who exists and are often overlooked), and give us rock and botanic gardens. 

  • I wanted to be a Radio DJ, at fourteen. However, I had an interest in Computers; and the school pushed me, that way.

    Looking back, at my life, I wasn't a boy; but a performing Bear.

    Do what you love, and the money will follow.

  • What are the common threads between the reason for leaving jobs?

    If you can work out what really doesn't work for you (or for the employer) then you will know what to avoid.

    Which roles did you really enjoy?

    How about mixing your interests and skills - maybe draw dinosaurs in a contemporary setting, maybe as a public figure and sell the orginal art. That should fetch a reasonable price if the artwork if good.

    I think you could get ChatGPT working to do the basis of some of these pictures to save you doing it all from scratch.

    I'll throw in some more suggestions if you are up for answering the questions above.

  • I mean the two recurring themes here are artistic output and interaction with people in a supportive role. I might suggest assistant illustrator in comics or animation role. There’s always demand for artist to do the in between keyframes and ink them in. But from what I hear the  hours are really long and the pay is really bad.