"I'm not in the career field that I want to be in and it's stressing me out. I can't help but to compare myself to my friends who all seem to be in a career that they love. How did you get the motivation to pursue the job that you really wanted?"
I completely understand where you're coming from. It took me awhile to get the courage to pursue what I truly wanted, 4 and a half years to be exact.
My degree is in English. The year before I graduated, I began to look for jobs in my field, to no avail. I was working retail until almost a year later, I got my first job as a teacher.
Educating is one of my passions but it was also my plan B. I wanted to write for a well known magazine or newspaper. But in order to pay those bills that seem to find its way to my mailbox every month, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
I stayed at that particular school for almost 5 years before I got the courage to leave. I'd wanted to leave 2 years prior but I couldn't find that perfect job.
I knew that writing was what I loved to do, so I started my blog. I also went on countless interviews, only to be rejected.
That was hard. I hadn't experienced rejection in the corporate world to that degree and it hurt my ego.
"Why didn't they want me? I'm a hard worker! I'm a team player! I'm a good person! They'd love me if they gave me a chance!"
I slacked off with the job searching until I had a talk with the people that knew me best and could tell that I wasn't completely happy with my job.
They helped to motivate me to resume my job search. I also began to do freelance and volunteer work in my field. That helped me to figure out what I wanted to pursue.
I left that teaching job and spent almost a year at a transitional job, still looking for that next opportunity.
I emailed and called numerous people who were in the job that I wanted. A lot never returned my phone calls/emails, but for the ones that did, I was grateful.
They told me that looking for a perfect job is futile because the perfect job doesn't exist. My goals should be to find a job that allows for the improvement of your strengths AND weaknesses, gives you purpose, and be something that you look forward to spending infinite hours doing.
I encourage you to not only brainstorm what it is that you want to do, but also get out into the world and pound the pavement. Revamp your resume. Network. Talk to the people who hold the jobs that you want and pick their brains. Talk to those who know what it's like to be stuck at a dead end job but found a way to leave it. Research workshops and classes to take that will help you.
And leave yourself daily reminders. I put up sticky notes on my bathroom mirror and keep a list of goals in my purse so that I stay on track.
I also encourage you NOT to compare yourself to others. One of the biggest lessons that I've learned career wise is that everyone is on their own path. There is no timetable of what you think you're supposed to be doing. Not only do things happen when they're supposed to, they happen when you are actively seeking them. Also, use your friends success stories as motivation to go after your own goals!
Patience and persistence is what will help you on your journey towards career fulfillment. Currently, I'm still an educator but now I'm a reading specialist. After years of searching, I've finally found a job that combines my love of reading and teaching.
I appreciate what this journey has taught me thus far. It's taught me that no one owes me anything. I have to go after what I want and consistently seek it. At the end of the day, if I get it, I'll know if it was meant for me. And if it wasn't what I wanted, I'll know to go to Plan E!!
It's not an easy task to go after exactly what you want when you're worried about paying your bills. But if you're beyond tired of being stressed out and unhappy, you'll find a way, with no excuses!!!!
Thank you for your question! I wish you the best of luck!! Peace!!!
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