Ok, Joan
I'm 53 and have started over several times. You aren't too old unless you
think you are, and isn't 40 the new 30?
The advice you've received so far is good, you must think of these
attributes as skill sets (as indeed they are) and look about for a job that
would utilize them. Don't expect to translate them exactly. For example,
you could perhaps begin as a receptionist/clerical person at a florist shop
and train to do floral arrangements (a blend of creativity and practical
office experience). Or you could go directly into the artistic field and
perhaps begin as a trainee for window displays in department stores or other
retail outlets.
These are not meant to be specific examples, but rather examples of how you
can stretch your imagination to apply what you do to practical ways to make
a living.
I've been a costume designer for 17 years, a job that developed directly out
of throwing Halloween parties and making costumes for my kids as they grew.
I became the volunteer mom who did costumes for their shows and was good
enough that the opportunity arose to turn it into a professional design
career for which I feel very blessed. I have semi-retired now to pursue my
paralegal career (kid in grad school = necessity, pay is much better) and as
a creative outlet have finally begun work on my long-delayed novel. Writing
legal briefs or discovery is hardly fiction, but I've done creative writing
on the side for years. Anyway, not exactly the point, except to say that
one can find creativity in any endeavor if one is naturally creative.
Best of luck~
angela
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joan Broneske" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 11:47 AM
Subject: [h-cost] Question regarding career path
I'm not sure where to start with this, but I figured you kind people on
this
list may be able to point me in the right direction.
Without getting into too much detail about the circumstances surrounding
my
personal life at the moment, I find myself in a situation where at age 44
and after being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker for 14 years, I may
need
to "start my life over". My great love over the years has always been
costuming, making things, building things, helping with events, putting on
elaborate Halloween displays in my garage, helping with school plays and
things of that nature. I have never been paid for any of it, and it has
always just been a "hobby", never anything professional. I have no
college
education in anything (other than a few college courses over the years in
various general things like English, Logic and Anthropology) and no real
work experience other than a few stints as a clerical worker, medical
typist
and retail clerk.
I am seriously thinking of pursuing some type of career where I can use
these strengths that I have, because I know that I have them. What I could
really use some direction and assistance on is:
A) Am I too old to pursue this?
B) What kinds of things could I do with these talents?
C) Would I be able to pursue something which I could make a comfortable
living at? (other than an $8 an hour receptionist)
D) What types of schooling should I be looking into?
E) Would it help me to create a sort of "portfolio" of the hobby things
I have done over the years with pictures, etc.?
I appreciate any insight, assistance, suggestions..
I currently live near Sacramento, California, but there is a chance I may
end up near Utica, NY or near Winston-Salem, NC.
Thank you all for your time.
Joan B
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