I've been doing some research on the career changes people make today. It is making me feel much better about myself, actually! One source said that today's workforce will change careers 10 times in a lifetime. The article went on to clarify that it was actually 10 jobs, and typically 5 careers. Another blog stated that people are making 7 career changes in a lifetime, however the author had changed careers 9 times. I know I have heard the number 7 thrown out before. I, personally, am coming dangerously close to using up my last cat life of careers.
You see, I graduated college hoping for a career life similar to my dad's: I would work for one company, dedicating my life to that company, for my career. I quickly realized that company wouldn't be the first company I chose! The company touted itself as one that promotes from within and likes to keep employees moving forward in their careers. However, try as I might to move up, I was only ever given one promotion. In fact, the parent of one of my clients tried to get me into a trainer position (training new staff on how to work with our clients) because she felt I exemplified the traits needed to be a community support professional. She was told, in no better words, that I actually needed to dumb down if I wanted to move up in the company! This sealed it. I moved onto graduate school to earn my Masters in Counseling and pursue my original career goal of being a counselor working with middle school age children.
I had intended on being a mental health counselor, however didn't have the funds to work for free for a full year completing a second internship in counseling. So I settled on the school counselor license and decided I would find a middle school to dedicate my life to. Well everyone in education knows this is nearly impossible because if you love middle school you are not going to leave! And elementary counselor positions are nearly extinct. So after the third school fell through, all due to circumstances out of my control, I decided to move forward again.
Perhaps I am not meant to dedicate myself to one company or career. Or even two or three!
Along the way I have tried out other career paths. My absolute favorite job, as I referenced not long ago, is being a mom. However, with the Tiny in kindergarten, and someone wanting more income, it is time to seek out the next career path. Life is extremely boring when no one is around all day!
This brings me to this blog. Redirecting. Apparently it is something most people do quite often in our lives. I just happen to be surrounded by people who don't redirect a lot. I'm married to a teacher. For 15+ years he has worked in the same school. My dad gave his career life to Lilly. My mom dedicated herself to us kids. My brother is a vet who, like me, has been seeking out one company. At least he has had one career goal, though! I am the black sheep. I am the direction-less floater. I am the one who is most frustrating. I have career ADD. I can't ever be happy. I feel like the screw-up of the family.
And yet, I am more like the average working person than any one of these people in my life. Why can't I accept that? Better yet, what am I even looking for in the next career move? I can tell you what I want on the surface: flexible hours, good pay, and security. I want to be part of a team who respects me and the other hard-working employees. I want to matter and I don't want to feel like a screw up. I want the job to last...longer than a year or so. Is this asking too much? Is it unrealistic for Me?
Recently I interviewed for a job, and accepted the position. The interviewer said that my assessment results said I was "in transition" and that I am a "generalist". He went on to say that generalists are great people to have on staff because they are not limited in their skills. They are the kinds of people who like to learn and practice a lot of different things. They are typically good project managers. This sounds wonderful to me! This makes all my flighty-ness seem normal and even useful. So there you go. I am a generalist. Now, who wants to take that and make a career of it?!
This has been an extremely long blog, with no real relevant point to anyone but me. The idea came to me in the shower and it was much more succinct when I was speaking out loud. But perhaps someone else will read it and it will make him feel much better about himself or realize that he is not alone. Feel free to share your career path by commenting below!
