Here's a nice open question for you Asylumites. Have any of you ever switched careers? Not like "I went from Accounting to HR in the same company," but more of a "I quit working Wall Street and became a zoologist."
The job market is sucking for me right now, and while I graduated with a BS in Management, with no experience I'm simply not finding any jobs. One service is thriving in my area, however: nursing. I have recently been considering nursing programs at nearby universities. However, it's a complete shift; my last "advanced" science class was chemistry back in 11th grade. Unless you want to count "Geology 101" as advanced in college. There is very little overlap, obviously. And I don't know too much about the field except that it's in demand and competitive (one of the reasons demand is so high is apparently a lack of professors for the nursing programs). Well, I know the basics of nursing from TV, movies, and real life when I or my family/friends have gone to hospitals.
Obviously it's a huge change, but my degree has gotten me nowhere in the past 6 months, so a change could be just the thing I need. My dad's side of the family has been in nursing for years (my aunt and grandmother were both nurses), so I may ask them for more advice, but in general... anyone ever up and changed their life's track? How'd it go?
Edit: I have no worries about getting through a college courseload, even if it is in science. I may not graduate magna *** laude like I did with business, but I have no problems with academics at all, so it isn't a big concern for me.
Edited, Nov 17th 2008 3:04pm by LockeColeMA
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Unless your degree is vocational (Medicine, Law etc.) it can be more of a constraint than an opportunity.
I went from full time musician to linguist (translater & interpreter) to Hospitality Management (Clubs, Hotels etc.) and ended up in healthcare.
I was successful in the 1st and enjoyed it until I became to close to 'the music industry' where corporate menace > creative joy. I just quit.
Hated interpreting so didn't stick with that beyond a few years.
Was very successful in the leisure industry but developed an Social Conscience about gaining my wealth from people's gambling & drinking habits.
Went into Healthcare management (bottom rung of the ladder) but brought some of the entrepreneurship I'd learned in industry and flew up the ladder. Within that field I've changed specialty 3 times.
The point of those ramblings is that the 3 factors to take into account are your skills, your satisfaction in what you do, and your determination to succeed, even when it's bloody hard work. (I suppose income is a 4th dimension, but in my experience, that usually follows the other 3).
In each of those career changes I started from the shop-floor and have always got to where I wanted. It's not because I'm better than everyone else (although I probably am) - it's because I worked out what I was good at, decided what I wanted and jumped in with both feet. It's often involved scraping by with little or no money, but I have no regrets.
As for academic study, I have 2 and a bit good degrees in Modern Languages and the arts, but apart from the ability to get laid in different countries, they've proven about as much use as a one-legged man in an ************ competition.
Look around, and when you see something where you genuinely have ability and ambition, just go for it.
I went from full time musician to linguist (translater & interpreter) to Hospitality Management (Clubs, Hotels etc.) and ended up in healthcare.
I was successful in the 1st and enjoyed it until I became to close to 'the music industry' where corporate menace > creative joy. I just quit.
Hated interpreting so didn't stick with that beyond a few years.
Was very successful in the leisure industry but developed an Social Conscience about gaining my wealth from people's gambling & drinking habits.
Went into Healthcare management (bottom rung of the ladder) but brought some of the entrepreneurship I'd learned in industry and flew up the ladder. Within that field I've changed specialty 3 times.
The point of those ramblings is that the 3 factors to take into account are your skills, your satisfaction in what you do, and your determination to succeed, even when it's bloody hard work. (I suppose income is a 4th dimension, but in my experience, that usually follows the other 3).
In each of those career changes I started from the shop-floor and have always got to where I wanted. It's not because I'm better than everyone else (although I probably am) - it's because I worked out what I was good at, decided what I wanted and jumped in with both feet. It's often involved scraping by with little or no money, but I have no regrets.
As for academic study, I have 2 and a bit good degrees in Modern Languages and the arts, but apart from the ability to get laid in different countries, they've proven about as much use as a one-legged man in an ************ competition.
Look around, and when you see something where you genuinely have ability and ambition, just go for it.
"I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left" - Seasick Steve
I stopped being an Intel analyst and went back into Computer IT servermonkey type stuff.
I find that my degree has largely not played a roll in employment. The fact that I have one, yes, but the specific content, not so much.
Nursing would be a completely different undertaking. Nursing chemistry in particular, which i started taking and then dropped because it was too annoying back in high school, is conversions to conversions to different conversions, so its all the fun of chemistry coupled with advanced math!
yeah, I took a normal chemistry class after that and was much happier
I find that my degree has largely not played a roll in employment. The fact that I have one, yes, but the specific content, not so much.
Nursing would be a completely different undertaking. Nursing chemistry in particular, which i started taking and then dropped because it was too annoying back in high school, is conversions to conversions to different conversions, so its all the fun of chemistry coupled with advanced math!
yeah, I took a normal chemistry class after that and was much happier
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If you are seriously considering a job as a nurse: can you stand blood, **** and ****? You come across a guy having a heart attack or bleeding out: Would you freeze up? Have you ever been in a position similair to that to know? Those are the more important questions to ask yourself.
Saved some guy, who was bleeding to death, on the side of the road last year. I got such a rush from it I'm studying to become an EMT now.
Saved some guy, who was bleeding to death, on the side of the road last year. I got such a rush from it I'm studying to become an EMT now.
LockeColeMA wrote:
Well, I know the basics of nursing from TV, movies, and real life when I or my family/friends have gone to hospitals.
No you don't.
While you will pretty much always have work as a nurse, the work generally sucks. If you work at a hospital, you will almost certainly have to start on the night shift and stay there for many years before you'll be able to get a day shift job.
Nurses are also the fall guy for everyone else's mistakes at the hospital. So the doctor misplaced his decimal point when he wrote out that prescription, and the pharmacist filled it to a lethal concentration, and your nurse supervisor okayed you to give it to the patient? Well, guess what, since you are the one that administered the drug, you will take the fall. Happens all the time.
Most of your nurse co-workers will be women, and many of them will be single moms. That makes them very reluctant to go out on strike for better working conditions, which means that IF you even have a union, it will be a weak and ineffective one, so you'll be the door mats of the hospital. You'll routinely be given unsafe patient loads, and your only recourse will be to file a 'dangerous assignment' form, which will accomplish nothing, because you'll receive the exact same patient load the next night as well.
But you'll never starve, and you may at some point have a major impact on someone's life (not necessarily a positive one).
My wife is a nurse. Although she loves caring for people, dealing with the administrators and other hospital policy wonks drives her nuts.
Your mileage may vary.
Yeah, I thought I wanted to be a nurse in my younger days. Then my boyfriend had to stay in the hospital for a week and the dude sharing his room must have crapped his bed, like, 5 times over the course of 2 days. Man, I felt so bad for those nurses.
What's bred in the bone will not out of the flesh.
Nobby wrote:
The point of those ramblings is that the 3 factors to take into account are your skills, your satisfaction in what you do, and your determination to succeed, even when it's bloody hard work. (I suppose income is a 4th dimension, but in my experience, that usually follows the other 3).
<snip>
Look around, and when you see something where you genuinely have ability and ambition, just go for it.
<snip>
Look around, and when you see something where you genuinely have ability and ambition, just go for it.
/nod
Nursing, like teaching, is very much a vocation and many people that enjoy their careers say they don't do it for the income, but rather for the feeling of knowing they have positively impacted someone's life.
If you decide to go back to school, I urge you to not only look into nursing classes, but other classes that just catch your eye and you think you may enjoy.
I went from being in the military to being civilian, which was a pretty big change.
OK, not really. Good luck with it if you decide to go that route, it's certainly high in demand. I've considered changing careers but I honestly don't know what I'd be interested enough in to sacrifice the time and effort.
OK, not really. Good luck with it if you decide to go that route, it's certainly high in demand. I've considered changing careers but I honestly don't know what I'd be interested enough in to sacrifice the time and effort.
Some people are like slinkies, they aren't really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
Lady Tare wrote:
the dude sharing his room must have crapped his bed, like, 5 times over the course of 2 days.
"I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left" - Seasick Steve
My oldest sister decided she hated business after managing a Kmart for several years, and went into teaching instead. With her MBA, she only needed two semesters of classes for her teaching certificate, and she was able to enter at one of the higher teacher pay grades. She now teaches high school business math and other math/technology classes, and she's happy as a clam.
I underwent the all-too-common cliche metamorphosis from insurance agent to dog farmer. Now I'm thinking of having the surgery reversed and returning to insurance. I don't regret a thing.
Here's some advice that is totally new and fresh: life isn't a destination; it's a journey. A little variety can spice things up. Do what you love. Or do what others expect of you. Money won't buy you happiness, but a distinct lack thereof can give you hepatitis. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, buy gold.
Edited, Nov 17th 2008 3:48pm by Barkingturtle
Here's some advice that is totally new and fresh: life isn't a destination; it's a journey. A little variety can spice things up. Do what you love. Or do what others expect of you. Money won't buy you happiness, but a distinct lack thereof can give you hepatitis. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Never look a gift horse in the mouth. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, buy gold.
Edited, Nov 17th 2008 3:48pm by Barkingturtle
As others stated, if nursing isn't something you really desire, I would look at other careers. Nursing, from what I hear, is usually long shifts, dealing with alot of crap from patients, docs and admins, and often leads to burn-out. If it's not your calling, you could be miserable.
If I were to switch careers I think I might look into alternative energy development, energy networks and distribution, energy economics...something like that.
If I were to switch careers I think I might look into alternative energy development, energy networks and distribution, energy economics...something like that.
Alma wrote:
I lost my post
I'm planning on changing careers in the next few years, actually. I've regretted not going in to medicine for too long and it has lately occurred to me that the older I get, the harder it is getting back to the path I should have taken.
do something you love,
or try social work instead of nursing.
Its the smells can get you. On the other hand my neice is just starting her career in nursing, she has a nurse mentor, rotates hours, and is not a single mom.
or try social work instead of nursing.
Its the smells can get you. On the other hand my neice is just starting her career in nursing, she has a nurse mentor, rotates hours, and is not a single mom.
And first thing, get tested to see if you are allergic to latex and not do that after you graduate. 
LockeColeMA wrote:
Have any of you ever switched careers? Not like "I went from Accounting to HR in the same company," but more of a "I quit working Wall Street and became a zoologist."
Yes, but to follow the analogy, I got an advanced degree in, let's call it "zoology" then worked for an internet startup company then came back to zoology and I'm totally happy. With it all. Coming back to a field I knew well was like meeting lots of old friends. Being able to make a very good living at something I have no business doing in the interim is a nice feeling. It's a nice life experience to have. Stay away from your field of expertise too long and you'll start to loose knowledge. Especially advanced math. Not that that should be a big concern.
Quote:
The job market is sucking for me right now, and while I graduated with a BS in Management, with no experience I'm simply not finding any jobs. One service is thriving in my area, however: nursing...I have no worries about getting through a college courseload, even if it is in science. I may not graduate magna *** laude like I did with business, but I have no problems with academics at all, so it isn't a big concern for me.
There are *lots* of very good careers in math/science/engineering that the US is still importing people to do and by the time you get out of school, it is likely the economy will be better off.
But you've been through a lot of school. You must have some feelings toward one field or another. Do the world a favor and do something you love. Yes, business isn't working out right now. As for that, could you consider broadening your job search? (I'm not saying you should, or haven't already - just something to think about). Lots of places do very well during recessions: fast food, walmart, etc and I'd really be tempted to take *anything* and even if you don't get hired as "manager", talk to the people where you work who are and find out about that gig first. Hang around and if you're good, you'll be that person soon enough.
Like others have said, nursing is a calling. You may catch the fever if you do it. But you may not, which would suck. And there go years of your life and a whole lot of money.
I'd really try to work at something. I find it focuses people and when anyone asks why you are back in school, you know. It may take you places you don't expect.
With a BS in management, look for something in hospitality. People always need a place to stay & hotels never close so they're always looking for people.
I moved to Boston in 2000 with a high school education and now manage @ the #1 hotel, as rated by Tripadvisor, in Boston. It's not a hard job, you just have to be able to not take getting yelled at personally.
I moved to Boston in 2000 with a high school education and now manage @ the #1 hotel, as rated by Tripadvisor, in Boston. It's not a hard job, you just have to be able to not take getting yelled at personally.
"The Rich are there to take all of the money & pay none of the taxes, the middle class is there to do all the work and pay all the taxes, and the poor are there to scare the crap out of the middle class." -George Carlin
Consider moving:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/11/24/cb.best.cities.find.jobs/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/11/24/cb.best.cities.find.jobs/index.html
Omegavegeta wrote:
With a BS in management, look for something in hospitality. People always need a place to stay & hotels never close so they're always looking for people.
Donate. One day it could be your family.
An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come. Victor Hugo
An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come. Victor Hugo
Quote:
Most of your nurse co-workers will be women, and many of them will be single moms. That makes them very reluctant to go out on strike for better working conditions, which means that IF you even have a union, it will be a weak and ineffective one, so you'll be the door mats of the hospital. You'll routinely be given unsafe patient loads, and your only recourse will be to file a 'dangerous assignment' form, which will accomplish nothing, because you'll receive the exact same patient load the next night as well.
Not in Massachusetts. The Nurse's union is quite strong here. I'd say that he'd consider the setting, as being a Nurse Practitioner for psychiatric patients, for example in an outpatient setting is very different than being an ER nurse.
Turin wrote:
Seriously, what the f*ck nature?
BS in management or bussiness are a dime a dozen these days. without any experience it means little to nothing.
engeneering degrees are where the money is. nursing is a good career and you can get a job in just about any state at any given time during any type of economy pretty much. the reason is most nurses go to school and become doctors and leave a hole in nursing staffs everywhere.
reguardless, your degree is pretty much the equilivent of a high school diploma today. a masters would server you better. a degree in enginerring would make you rich. nursing will pay the bills however just about anywhere and anytime.
engeneering degrees are where the money is. nursing is a good career and you can get a job in just about any state at any given time during any type of economy pretty much. the reason is most nurses go to school and become doctors and leave a hole in nursing staffs everywhere.
reguardless, your degree is pretty much the equilivent of a high school diploma today. a masters would server you better. a degree in enginerring would make you rich. nursing will pay the bills however just about anywhere and anytime.
shadowrelm wrote:
a masters would server you better.
Donate. One day it could be your family.
An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come. Victor Hugo
An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come. Victor Hugo
Uglysasquatch, Mercenary Major wrote:
shadowrelm wrote:
a masters would server you better.
I'll quote a made-up speech attributed to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison (but actually invented by satirist Andrew Marlatt.) It purported to be his speech to the Graduation Ceremony at Yale in 2000. Whilst fictitious, it rings many bells for me:
Quote:
Graduates of Yale University, I apologize if you have endured this type of prologue before, but I want you to do something for me. Please, take a ood look around you. Look at the classmate on your left. Look at the classmate on your right. Now, consider this: five years from now, 10 years from now, even 30 years from now, odds are the person on your left is going to be a loser. The person on your right, meanwhile, will also be a loser. And you, in the middle? What can you expect? Loser. Loserhood. Loser *** Laude.
"In fact, as I look out before me today, I don't see a thousand hopes for a bright tomorrow. I don't see a thousand future leaders in a thousand industries. I see a thousand losers.
"You're upset. That's understandable. After all, how can I, Lawrence 'Larry' Ellison, college dropout, have the audacity to spout such heresy to the graduating class of one of the nation's most prestigious institutions? I'll tell you why. Because I, Lawrence "Larry" Ellison, second richest man on the planet, am a college dropout, and you are not.
"Because Bill Gates, richest man on the planet — for now, anyway — is a college dropout, and you are not.
"Because Paul Allen, the third richest man on the planet, dropped out of college, and you did not.
"And for good measure, because Michael Dell, No. 9 on the list and moving up fast, is a college dropout, and you, yet again, are not.
"Hmm . . . you're very upset. That's understandable. So let me stroke your egos for a moment by pointing out, quite sincerely, that your diplomas were not attained in vain. Most of you, I imagine, have spent four to five years here, and in many ways what you've learned and endured will serve you well in the years ahead. You've established good work habits. You've established a network of people that will help you down the road. And you've established what will be lifelong relationships with the word 'therapy.' All that of is good. For in truth, you will need that network. You will need those strong work habits. You will need that therapy.
"You will need them because you didn't drop out, and so you will never be among the richest people in the world. Oh sure, you may, perhaps, work your way up to No. 10 or No. 11, like Steve Ballmer. But then, I don't have to tell you who he really works for, do I? And for the record, he dropped out of grad school. Bit of a late bloomer.
"Finally, I realize that many of you, and hopefully by now most of you, are wondering, 'Is there anything I can do? Is there any hope for me at all?' Actually, no. It's too late. You've absorbed too much, think you know too much. You're not 19 anymore. You have a built-in cap, and I'm not referring to the mortar boards on your heads.
"Hmm... you're really very upset. That's understandable. So perhaps this would be a good time to bring up the silver lining. Not for you, Class of '00. You are a write-off, so I'll let you slink off to your pathetic $200,000-a-year jobs, where your checks will be signed by former classmates who dropped out two years ago.
"Instead, I want to give hope to any underclassmen here today. I say to you, and I can't stress this enough: leave. Pack your things and your ideas and don't come back. Drop out. Start up.
"For I can tell you that a cap and gown will keep you down just as surely as these security guards dragging me off this stage are keeping me down . . ."
"I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left" - Seasick Steve
In technical fields (science, engineering, math), a masters degree will often get you into more interesting work - however it sort of puts you out of the running for less interesting work, of which there is a vastly greater supply. A phd even moreso. The general line of thinking is that if you have that advanced degree, you won't stay long in a job you are overqualified for thus they will have to do another job search and you are just wasting their time. I have no idea about less technical fields, such as business.
That said, there are so few good science/math/engineering folks in the US I know several who work in industry (most often this is with defense contractors or large drug makers, your mileage may vary with other industries) and their own company pays them to go back to school for advanced degrees.
I have heard of this with MBA's but I don't know those people personally. Also, I'm not really sure there is still a lack of them.
That said, there are so few good science/math/engineering folks in the US I know several who work in industry (most often this is with defense contractors or large drug makers, your mileage may vary with other industries) and their own company pays them to go back to school for advanced degrees.
I have heard of this with MBA's but I don't know those people personally. Also, I'm not really sure there is still a lack of them.
You can never have enough nurses!!
I should know, I've had a few......
Yeah yeah I know..the OP is a bloke.
I should know, I've had a few......
Yeah yeah I know..the OP is a bloke.
"If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you're gonna get selfish, ignorant leaders". Carlin.
paulsol wrote:
You can never have enough nurses!!
I should know, I've had a few......
Yeah yeah I know..the OP is a bloke.
I should know, I've had a few......
Yeah yeah I know..the OP is a bloke.
"I started out with nothin' and I still got most of it left" - Seasick Steve
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