BS: change of career - any advice?

Subject: change of career - any advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 05:48 AM

We have redundancies looming, and I'm thinkin that if I go then I'd like to change direction completely. At the moment I work in mobile phone networks software - it pays well but its hard to be enthusiastic when greed and speed mean most of what we do is appallingly bad.
So - I thought I'd request the benefit of your experience and advice.
Anyone got any idea what I could do that would be interesting and worthwhile - and a million miles from software development? Maybe something outdoors? Something that isn't so all-consuming that I don't have time for music?
All ideas gratefully recieved.

Kris

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 05:55 AM

I've often had serious thoughts about this kind of change (I'm in software too, although I'm not yet in this position) - after doing a 2-week living history somewhere, you come back to the office and wish you'd been born a blacksmith, or a thatcher...

I did look into thatching seriously once. But it costs something like 15K to get trained and buy your franchise.

Traffic Warden?

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: pinkfiddle
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 05:57 AM

How about working in the arts somewhere? It is very badly paid but also very rewarding..

pf

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 06:01 AM

You could do installations using discarded mobile phone parts :-)

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 06:08 AM

Oh God Dai - I could be Mrs Thatcher!!!
Cheers guys - food for thought already. Working in the arts sounds really nice - but in a vague sort of way. What sort of jobs are there - and more to the point how do you get them?
Installations using discared mobile phone parts could be terribly earnest don't you think? :>)

Kris

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: The_one_and_only_Dai
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 06:09 AM

just think of how much you'd make by flogging one to a saatchi, though...

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: pinkfiddle
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 06:32 AM

There's all sorts of jobs... within all the different art forms! In a theatre for example, there's marketing, education, development, box office, front of house and venue management, backstage things. Obviously for some positions you need formal training, others you don't. However, if you don't have any experience (most people have some i.e. running any kind of arts event, like a folk club or festival is good experience)the expect to start at the bottom. Once you've been there for a few years it can be very quick to progress up the ladder.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Arnie
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 06:43 AM

KingB - Ever thought of joining the Health Service? Having just experienced hospital at first hand, I can testify to the staff shortages in just about every dept. Unfortunately it's a Catch 22 situation with the existing staff getting fed up of covering up the shortages and looking to leave, making the situation worse for their remaining hard-pressed colleagues. I suspect that even Alan Milburn (Health Sec.) will eventually realise that higher pay and better working conditions are the only way to attract and keep good recruits Now could be a good time to get on-board - and just think of the personal satisfaction you'll get from working in the 'caring profession'. I've got nothing but admiration for the hospital staff and more of them will definitely improve their lot! Almost feel like joining myself!

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Morticia
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 06:51 AM

How about social services? It's worthwhile work although has it's frustrations and limitations....you'll never have to worry about redundancy again though....we're so short staffed it's beyond a joke.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: SeanM
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 06:55 AM

I gotta say,there's a LOT of ground you could go into.

What appeals to you? Is this something you want to do immediately, or something you can ease into? Does it need to be lucrative, or can it be a bit more frivolous? What other skills do you have?

Also, what do you define as 'rewarding'? It takes a lot of education, but teaching is usually a very rewarding pursuit. If you're young and in good enough shape, law enforcement may be an option. If you're interested, there are quite literally thousands of options available in the medical field - some of which your prior training may be useful for (medical equipment maintenance, software and database wrangling, that sort of thing).

Again, if you've got the wherewithal to afford it, you could also look at various forestry positions - and as our dear Chanteyranger proves, sometimes that even leads to music! (He's in charge of the Hyde St. Pier shanty sings in San Francisco - held in the Hyde St. Pier Maritime park, aboard one of the ships there).

If you're serious about a complete change of career, and have the money for it, this could be something that very few people ever get the chance to do. Just go into it with eyes wide open, and brain fully engaged.

M

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 07:47 AM

I just say go for it.... I've had some vastly different jobs in my time, from waitress to bus mechanic, classroom assistant to office cleaner... my best was researcher/conservitor for a military museum and the worst was cook in a pub.... have now discovered that I could be a Parks Constable (Royal Parks that is.... nice!) for £3K more a year than I'm on now!

Whatever you do, I'm sure you will throw yourself into it completely, just don't make it a sewerage plant operator!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From:
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 08:22 AM

I'm also in software and in a business closely related to mobile phones and I'm also facing redundancy. I'll be watching this thread with interest to see what gets suggested. Some sort of countryside ranger type job would be appealing. The really hard thing to do would be adjusting to the drop in salary such a change of career would mean; but what price happiness?

Scott

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 08:52 AM

Oh definitely the countryside ranger thing would be heaven!! And my monetary needs are modest - just need to cover the bills & buy the food & drink.
Living in the M4 corridor we've got a lot of equity in the house & so could move elsewhere & make a profit.
Would need to find two such jobs though - one for Mark & one for me. And I bet they're not that easy to get......
Liz - you're a diversity inspiration to us all!!! That military museum job sounds wonderful - and bus mechanic comes a close second!
As to the caring professions - I'm afraid I'm the wrong person for those jobs - I'm not very much a people person (dreadful to admit, but then you have to be honest dont you). Perhaps one of those behind the scenes medical jobs though.
I've already dropped my salary 1/5 by going part time (to free up time for the things I want to do with my REAL life) - so definitely happiness is worth more than an excess of money.
Jock - sorry to hear you're facing redundancy (mine is still in the balance as yet, I'm just getting some advance thinking in). Lets hope we both find a happy niche.

Kris

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Allan C.
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 09:49 AM

This usage of "redundancy" is new to me. I presume it means that you are facing a cutback that will likely result in your being without a job.

We could submit ideas here until the cows come home without ever really coming close to something that suits your mindset and lifestyle - not to mention your ability to attain the skills necessary for such jobs. It would make much more sense, in my view, for you to take a very close look at what is going on around you. Becoming a close observer of the local trends can clue you toward job possibilities.

Is there a lot of activity in the local parks systems? Are they creating more new parks and improving old ones on a large scale? If so, then perhaps the suggestions concerning that might be well worth looking into.

Is there currently a big surge in the local housing market? This could indicate that there might be some new openings in related fields - anything from selling real estate to becoming a plumber's assistant or carpenter.

Is the tourist trade on the upswing in your area? If so, you could look into work as a museum guide (as mentioned above, I believe), a tour bus driver, a guide to hiking trails, conduct wildflower walks - what about one of those trains that are designed for touring specific areas? For instance, I believe I read that there is one that passes through Bury, heading toward Manchester and onward. There are many jobs associated with trains.

Associated with the train idea are the many other travel-related jobs. Check the local airport, for instance for positions there. It takes a lot of people to put a plane in the air. Working on the flight line, loading baggage sounds rather bleak to me, but there are people (yes, I have seen women doing this!) who get a lot of enjoyment from alternating that with directing huge airplanes to their assigned parking spots. What about being a travel agent? Your computer savvy could be extremely useful in that field.

What about hobby- or lifestyle-related jobs? Do you see a profitable connection in the work world? For instance, if you are an avid canoeist, could you find satisfaction in working for a local outfitter/canoe livery? Are you an avid herbalist? Could you enjoy working in a healthfood store/homeopathy shop?

I hope this all helps. Best of luck!

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: GUEST,jockmorris
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 09:52 AM

Well I haven't been given notice yet, but with 50% of the staff to go and me only having been with the firm 7 months I don't feel very safe.

Scott

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:11 AM

You could become an archaeologist - it's a great job...except I left it to work in computers! Actually, archaeological work is difficult to come by in England. To make it a fulltime thing with constant employment you'd need to move to Ireland where the road schemes are keeping everyone in business. The money isn't great, but it's enough to get by on. The job satisfaction is wonderful, and on every site I've been on, the craic has been brilliant. There's a great social side to it, you get to dig holes and play in the mud, and it keeps you fit. And if you come into work with a hangover you can just be sick on the spoil heap.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:20 AM

Kate Wendleton of "Through The Brick Wall" fame suggests the "Seven Stories" method.
1) Keep a list going for aws long as it takes of accomplishments in your life which have given you the most pleasure or of which you are proud.
2) When you have 25 (this can take a week or two), choose the 7 which are most important to you.
3)Write a story about each explaining exactly what happened, what you did, how you did it and why you are proud of the accomplishment.
4) Have one or two people you respect read the stories (better not to make it friends but people who don't really know you personally hence no pre-conceived ideas)and ask them to comment on the person who wrote the stories, his strong points, weak points, expected profession.

Note: The accomplishment can be ANYTHING. Could be learning to ride a bike as a child or saving a neighbor from a burning building or setting up your VCR. Anything. Kate recommends that everyone do this periodically as people grow and change and outgrow jobs. Done well, this will give you a very good idea of where you will be happiest.
Good luck. And enjoy the process. Changing jobs is exciting and fulfilling as well as traumatic.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: smallpiper
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:34 AM

Try "giving somthing back to the community". You say that you're not a people person, you can learn and its a hell of a lot more rewarding that I.T. There is a desperate shortage of Mental Health Nurses and you will have some experience of working with people with mental health problems already (even if you arn't aware of it) 1 in 4 people in the UK suffer some sort of mental health problems. The money is crap while you're training but once qualified the sky is the limit (just remember its an overcast sky) and the rewards ona personal basis are fab! Also there is always music therapy you could tap into that. best of luck John

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: M.Ted
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:35 AM

The thing about working "in the arts" is that there are a lot of people who want to work in the arts. so in addtition to low pay, it can be a very cut-throat business. And, if you thing that speed and greed are pervasive in the software industry, wait until you see how desparate the pursuit of money can be in the arts world--If you have a gift for finding money, you will never be at loss for work, but be aware that, in terms of time commitments, it has been said that there are no parttime jobs, only part-time salaries--

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: GUEST,just a nobody
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:46 AM

I heard a radio station advertise for people that would take the 'underprivilaged' (not sure of the meaning) children on camping trips. I liked the idea and if it wasn't for the fact I have a family I have to support (Damn responsibilities) I would have jumped on it. I would want to make sure I was not taking the juvinile detention center out camping... but otherwise it sounds like a blast.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:57 AM

Cheers all. This is just what I need - lots of vary different ideas. As AllanC points out, I'm unlikely to read my ideal job on this thread - but it is giving me directions to think in, which is what I was hoping for.
Some things seem very inticing, whilst others definitely don't appeal to me. So its very helpful in giving me an idea of the scope of things I'd really like to do. Not that I necessarily will be lucky enough to get my ideal job - it just seems that redundancies are the time to take stock and at least explore the options.
Hopefully it'll prove helpful for Jock as well, and for anyone else in a similar situation.
Anyway - as ever - X-fingers.

Kris

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 11:30 AM

I don't mean to discourage anyone...but you'll find that changing careers is one of the hardest endeavors you'll ever undertake, especially if you're over 40. I changed when I was 40 and it took all my resources and some dumb luck to make it happen. Count on six months minimum of constant looking, inquiring, following leads, talking to everyone you know, following up on each lead two or three times! Don't get discouraged. For every 10 or so people you talk to, about 9 are dead ends, but that 10th one is a "guru" with many leads. It's best to start while you're still employed, which can also be difficult if you have to be discreet about the fact that you're looking. Don't forget college alumnae employment services (free) and all the good info on the 'net. The most important thing is to GET STARTED NOW. In retrospect, you'll be surprised at how time consuming all this is.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 11:58 AM

Mary,
You're right about getting started now.
What did you change from and to?

Kris
PS - from conversations in the office it looks like a really high proportion of IT people would rather be countryside rangers. The grass is alway greener...?

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 12:20 PM

After spending 27 years in the Aircraft manufacturing business, I was laid off. Through a total quirk of fate I ended up working as a blacksmith, doing artsy and functional ironwork. I was greatly assisted by a programme run by the UIC folks called the SEA (Self Employment Assistance) Programme. So I would recommend any retraining schemes that you can get into. I subsequently took a contract job that paid real money (I needed a new truck) this eventually became a "permanent" job. All back with the company that laid me off. I now actually look forward to being laid off again, or retirement, whichever comes first. So that I can get back to the Blacksmithing full time. So let the fates take their course, assist them when you can and go with the flow. Good Luck. JohnB

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 01:47 PM

I went from teaching High School math to working as a research technician at a resin company to a chemist at a paint company to a teacher in a psychiatric hospital. After being diagnosed with MS, I can't commute to a larger city and now work as office assistant and general goof off at my husband's vet clinic. And these are just the paying jobs! Don't underestimate the geographic factor, ie can you commute or relocate.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 02:05 PM

A 30-yo friend of mine decided against becoming a medical doctor because being outdoors was so important to her.

So she became a naturalist- she conducts field trips, gives classes in sketching flora and fauna, takes school groups out hiking... She's busy, and more important, she's happy.

Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Llanfair
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 03:33 PM

For £100,000 you could buy a smallholding here. There is always casual work at the local factories, and there is forestry and wildlife work. My next door neighbour works for the wildlife trust, and they always need people to dredge lakes and count newts and stuff!!!!Pay's probably crap, though. I stopped being a social worker 2 years ago, and theres always a lot to do, even though I haven't got much money till my pension kicks in in 7 years time.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 03:58 PM

Hey, Pippins at Llanfair had a 'for sale' notice on it if you want to try your hand at running a cafe and B&B....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Helen
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 07:08 PM

Hi,

I don't have time to read everything written in this thread so far, so forgive me if I repeat what has been said. Find out about what really makes you passionately interested and alive and then find work which lets you do that ... and get paid for it.

there are some really good test sites on the 'Net where you can find out lots of interesting things about your self, what makes you tick, what you love doing, your aptitudes, etc

Try these two links siv34w - sorry, that was a message from my cat. She is standing between me and the keyboard, making it difficult to type, but she agrees with me so she typed something too.

Barbarian's Online Tests Page http://www.wizardrealm.com/tests/
Click here

Body-Mind QueenDom: Main page, Outline
Click here

http://www.queendom.com/index1.html

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 05:06 AM

Aha - just as I was beginning to despair..... some brilliant new ideas. Cheers'm'dears!!
Llanfair that smallholding + casual labour idea sounds really tempting. Almost feasible....... and getting more feasible the more I think about it. Time for a new 'internet quest' I believe, on the lines of smallholdings & what to do with them...
Its really funny what you say about the forestry work - as I've been telling everyone in the office that I want to go and count ferrets (newts would be just as good). Pippins is not feasible because I am a really crap cook!!! But at least I'd be assured of a set of customers each october....
Ebbie - can't tell my husband I want to become a naturalist - he thinks they're the people that go around naked.....
Mary - sorry to hear about your health problems. Working in the vets sounds nice though. What on earth is a 'general goof off'??
JohnB, that blacksmithing sounds like something you love. I hope you get back to it but without losing out too much financially. I had pretty much come to the conclusion overnight that keeping an eye open & going with fate is a good idea. I'm a big believer that things generally work out well in the end, its just a case of looking out for opportunities. And then convincing Mark....

Kris
PS - the office block's airconditioning cooler unit has broken & will cost £30,000 to fix. What's the odds on that getting done d'you reckon?? Gets very warm in the afternoons & we're all fighting to stay awake, let alone work.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Trevor
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 05:46 AM

Can't help with your dilemma KB, but I'm looking at this thread with interest. I have been working in training and development for 30 years and I've decided that I'm going to leave the organisation I'm working for and go and do something else. The whole idea is scary - I'm not just finishing a job, I'm ending a career. I'm doing it for a number of reasons, partly because the company I work for appears not to value my skills and experience and one result of that is that I'm losing my bottle (I regularly have to stand up and deliver to big, scary groups) and partly because I'm conscious that pretty soon I'm going to be the old fart on the block. Tie all of this in with the fact that I've got a significant birthday galloping towards me and the sum is that I'm full of trepidation - but not enough to stop me doing it. When I rationalise, I realise that the best I've got out of life is when I've 'gone for it' - setting up my own business a few years ago, getting up on stage in front of a big audience, going for a big move on a climbing route and so on, and the fear butterflies feel just like the excitement ones - when I rationalise! There's a brilliant bit in the prologue to 'Illusions' which talks about letting go and moving with the flow. That's what I've always tried to do, and am trying to stick with now, but it is SCARY! Sorry to pinch your thread, KB, for a bit of self-talk but I've not been able to articulate this at all till now - and am conscious that this rambles a bit. I suppose if I was in a 3D caff with mates, I'd brazen it over. Cheers

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 06:14 AM

Trevor - you're not pinching the thread, you're contributing to it. Part of the good thing that is coming out of this thread is the fact that there are a number of us looking at changes for various reasons. Sometimes we just need that push that redundancy gives, or sometimes I suppose it just builds up to a decision point.
I really hope its works out fine for you (I'm sure it will). And when is the big birthday then? I know what you mean about being the old fart on the block. It ain't easy being the fat old hippy woman either!!!!
Keep us informed - and what d'you reckon is the direction you want to take? I'll fight you for the counting newts job!!!

Kris

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: sian, west wales
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 06:38 AM

The 'geography' angle is important in a number of ways ... in Britain anyway. There are currently three regions which will be getting a LOT of European money over the next 6 years for economic development (including training) and for developing new kinds of employment. This could open a lot of opportunities for you, particularly with ICT skills (ICT is an element which has to run through all of these Euro programmes). The "Objective 1" areas include Cornwall, West Wales & the Valleys, and somewhere up in the north of England. There are also Obj. 2 and 3 areas (Bronwen is in Obj. 3 ... a programme which is mostly training-oriented)

All these programmes have their committees ( !!! ) and I happen to be on the Forestry, Countryside and Coastal Management one for Wales (by a strange twist of fate). We're getting all kinds of applications for funding ... and a lot of the projects will find it difficult to fill the ICT jobs, I would think. So maybe you could do something which is both out-doorsy AND computer-y. All the projects which are getting grants in Wales are listed at http://www.wefo.wales.gov.uk. Happy hunting.

sian

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Trevor
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 06:43 AM

Thanks Kris. And, by the way, - you don't know how funny that last comment is. I live in a converted hill farm half-way up a mountain. I wouldn't say it was damp but this morning I woke up and there was a newt on my kitchen table, staring me out! Honest!

One thing I have decided is that whatever I do, it's going to allow me to get back to being who I am. When I set out on this path I was so committed, full of ideas and what I was doing was a real expression of myself. Corporate life, and compromise, has crept up and got me, and taken over my bit of the world, so I'm going to find another bit to inhabit. With my principles. In fact, I needn't go out of the house again if I take the newt-counting option!

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 06:47 AM

The Objective 1 area 'somewhere oop north' is South Yorkshire. Another thing to look at is to see if you arean 'Action Team' area. Certain wards in Sheffield are and you can receive all sorts of help if you're on the dole and have a chance of getting off it. Check with the Dept of Work and Pensions (new name for Dept of Employment) to see if you are one of those areas

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 06:50 AM

The Objective 1 area 'somewhere oop north' is South Yorkshire. Another thing to look at is to see if you arean 'Action Team' area. Certain wards in Sheffield are and you can receive all sorts of help if you're on the dole and have a chance of getting off it. Check with the Dept of Work and Pensions (new name for Dept of Employment) to see if you are one of those areas

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 07:13 AM

ahhh Fib... that sounds great! I'm sacking in being a graphic Designer NOW... I want to be sick on soil heaps... I could use my spare bodhran as a sieve...

NOW>>> STOP IT!!!!!

Made me laugh... Archaeology sounds dead glam

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 08:05 AM

I can't think of a better use for a bodhran, Ella dearest!

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: Llanfair
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 02:59 PM

I'd encourage "downsizing", particularly if the present job is destroying your soul to the extent that you don't know who you are any more. It takes a while after finishing with the nasty job to begin to trust your instincts again, and to work to your strengths.
Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: BlueJay
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 04:04 AM

Changing careers is difficult, and I have no advice other than it can be done, but it takes dilligence and a little luck doesn't hurt. I went from odd construction and factory jobs as a youth, to working for the railroad for 17 years, to going back to college and getting a degree as a registered nurse. After five years as a nurse, I am sorry to say that I couldn't really recommend nursing as a career in today's health care climate. The pay is fairly good, (way better than teachers), but the stress of having too many patients and multiple long shifts result in inadequate patient care, IMO.

I was fortunate enough to find a niche in the music industry, (which sadly still pays higher than the average teacher gets). Now I get to talk to musicians and instrument builders daily. It's the funnest job I've ever had, and I don't have to work graveyard shift. Plus, I have time to play in a band, comprised mainly of my co-workers. It's about the most regular music playing I've ever done.

I'm lucky, and I realize my story is probably an exception to the rule. But it can be done! Thanks, Blueay

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 04:56 AM

BlueJay you lucky soul!! Sounds like heaven.
Bron - downsizing sounds like the way to go, and I'm getting some great ideas from this thread. I particularly like your idea of a smallholding + casual work. But isn't there a lot of competition for the jobs that come up? I'm also intrigued by Sian's idea about using the IT skills - at least I know that's a strength.
The fly in the ointment will be convincing Mark that I'm not just going off the deep end half cocked (if that's any kind of phrase). I don't think I'd have too much trouble convincing Hamm though.
Will keep you informed...

Kris

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: GUEST,pavane
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 05:12 AM

Try the contract agencies - mobile telecoms skills are still in demand, although you may have to commute to Europe, maybe Brussels (Shame). You may find you prefer the contractor's life (and money can be UKP40ph+ for the right experience). But then, it isn't suitable for everyone.

If you want to do it, get going now, before the rush.

(Pavane, contracting in London)

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 05:20 AM

As a transition, if you can sell your place and find a good set-up, consider looking for caretakers jobs for the two of you. If you are fairly mobile there are some great opportunities out there. Some can lead to ownership of shared land, some to permanent positions. We subscribe to the Caretaker's Gazzette and, while most of the positions are in the US, there were several in the UK in the Nov./Dec. issue. You can get it mailed to you or delivered by email. There are many places in the Caribbean which have ads, too. In general a lot of the ads seemed to offer separate living quarters, a small stipend or salary and sound relaly interesting.

It might be a good way you to regroup, release all of the stress from your present job, and take stock, try out different things and see what appeals to you.

Here's an example of one for the UK:

"FREE ACCOMODATION, plus cash for 20 hours/week work. I run a bed and breakfast in XXXXX, near XXXXXXXXX, and am looking for male or female workers to help run the house. I also have an interior design/building firm, so I have lots of different types of work."

If you want an exciting change for awhile, here's an example from the Islands:

(near Puerto Rico) "XXXXXX ISLAND - Looking for semi-retired person or couple for part-time light duties on a small Caribbean resort, including the greeting and checking-in of arriving guests and being able to attend, in a friendly manner, to guests' needs. Free housing on the resort's premises plus moderate pay in exchange for about 50 hours per month work."

You can find the Gazette at www.caretaker.org . It costs $29 per year for six editions. The current one has ads from 40 states in the US, 22 countries with over 130 caretaking opportunities.

Something to think about! **BG**

Best to you,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: change of career - any advice?
From: John P
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 09:03 AM

I work for a company that builds musical instruments and also operates an acoustic music store. We have had several people come to work there (including me) who were fleeing other professions. People who were tired of their jobs or being forced out and who were wanting something to do something associated with music. A geologist, a lawyer, a boat builder, a plumber, etc.

If there is a folk music shop anywhere near you, they may be looking for knowledgable people. We often have a hard time finding people who can work with customers, add numbers effectively, and who know a LOT about folk music. Specialty shops of all kinds need experts in their specialties, so if you are into photograpy check out the camera stores, etc.

We also hire musicians to do the final set-up on the instruments we build. People with good ears, ability to use tools, and a technical mind-set get hired by musical instrument manufacturers all over the world. Especially with folk instruments, employers are not expecting to find people with experience. In our case, we build folk harps and hammered dulcimers. We have never had an experienced hammered dulcimer or harp technician apply for a job, so we hire likely looking people and train them.

John Peekstok