Carole Said:

I am changing career after 30 years in retail, how can I convince new employer that I am serious?

We Answered:

Lay it out just like you just did. I went from owning a business to working for someone else. I was worried about what new employers would feel about that, but they can value that you did something and it is not for you anymore. They are getting more than they are paying for in you because they are able to offer better hours, less stress, etc.

Jeff Said:

Where is the best place to start your counselling career from scratch for a single mother changing careers?

We Answered:

The lack of time is the part that hurts, because many people get their start in counselling by doing it as volunteer work, then getting training for professional certification and a paying job.

Carol Said:

I am currently a teacher and am thinking of changing my career to pharmaceutical sales. Pros/Cons?

We Answered:

first, the stress. if you are stressed in your current job, triple that stress in sales.

second, the pay. its true that its a high-paying job with a car, company mobile phone, opportunity to travel, to dine in excellent places and get to attend great events and parties. if you are the type of person who can take the stress and adventure, why not?

but its not easy , not only do you get stressed by the monthly sales quota but there's also the admin side plus the intensive training you have to undergo since you will be discussing medicines to doctors and it can be highly technical at times.

but the career opprotunities are endless.

i am in pharma for 10 years in my current company and had 2 years pharma experience as well in my former company.

the retirement pay for me will be good when it comes to that in the future bec ive already had the 10-year tenure and agree the stress level is high but if you can take it, the rewards are plentiful.

what's in your heart, what you think you're really cut out for, then you decide.

lastly, if it turns out bad i know you can always go back to teaching bec youve already had the experience and im sure schools will still hire you. esp. now that there's a shortage of teachers.

dont be rash in deciding!

Clarence Said:

Changing Career at 33: What do you do when you are in the wrong business?

We Answered:

33 is not that old to change careers. Actually it sometimes takes awhile to determine what we like, dislike and what brings out the best in us. So, its a very natural process not very many start out doing exactly what they were meant to do.

Three options I see:
1. Cold Turkey - drop it all and go pursue what you want. Hard to do and very straining on the finances of course which excludes most of us from this option.

2. Hybrid - try finding a smaller company where there is value for your current skills/expertise but will give you a chance to move into new areas as you go a long. Hard to find especially if your new idea of a career is polar opposite to your current skills.

3. Create your own company - high risk and high reward.

Glenn Said:

How do I succeed at changing my career?

We Answered:

I would say the issue may be with your resume. You may need to do some updating. I recommend "Resumes that Knock 'Em Dead" by Martin Yate. It may not be that your resume is outdated but maybe needs to be reformatted to highlight your skills. There are sooo many different ways to format a resume and the above book will help with all aspects. The book is only about $13-$14. You could go into a bookstore and flip thru the book to see if you think it would be helpful or not before purchasing. Good Luck!

Clinton Said:

Is it normal to keep changing career directions?

We Answered:

I believe most people experience this exact thing. If you like being around plants more than people and this is something you are passionate about...Good for you!!! As far as a career...How do you see incorporating your love for gardening and plants with making money and doing something you love??? Anything is possible...if you want it bad and enough and are willing to do what it takes! You have to give as much as you want to get.