What will I be when I grow up?

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I'm at a crossroads in my life. I've been at one before, many years ago. Back then, I went back to college, finished my degree, dropped 130 pounds, changed careers, and got married.

Now, 24 years later, I've had WLS, dropped 100 pounds, am getting a divorce, and am wanting another career change.

Problem is, I have no idea what I want to do. People ask me what my "passion" is. I haven't a clue. For 21 years I've been a mom. Now my little chicks are flapping out of the nest, and both will be graduating college over the next 18 months. I'm on my own and will soon be buying my own home as a single woman. I'm 54 years old. I feel like it's time for me to figure out what I want to do.

I just don't know where to begin.

[Bandista 7,466]

Whatever you do, you have learned to make great choices for yourself. Way to go! How about another trip to Europe for starters?

[gowalking 10,790]

Maybe talk to a career counselor at a local college? Perhaps they can let you know some of the professions out there that might grab your fancy.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

This is such a great question!

I am excited for you.

My goal in the next year is to be able to return to work (I have been on disability) so I am right there with you. I also have a background in training and development and love to see people find their passion.

You can start at your local library.

Some good, classic books I would recommend are: What Color is My Parachute, and Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow.

I need to look up some other titles for you. Martha Beck has some good ones (check out her website, too). Strengths Finder is another good book/assessment tool. Productivity classics like Steven Covey's Seven Habits are also really helpful in helping you "find your passion".

I would recommend that you do a couple of different things.

Get a notebook/journal so you can start capturing your ideas. As you read through career transition books take the assessments and answer the questions as they are asked.

Make a vision board of what you want your life to look like.

I assume you are in the US? Go to the USA Jobs website. There are lots of resources for exploring careers and doing self-assessments. You can look up interesting jobs and see requirements, salary ranges, outlooks, etc.

Talk to a career counselor. You may be able to find someone at a local community college, library, or even church or other community group. Your state's labor department/employment center is a great place to start. If you have been unable to work because of disability, your state's vocational rehab office may also be able to help.

Ask some trusted friends to tell you what they can see you doing as a career. You may be surprised at what they can see you doing!

Take some classes. Look for community education classes through your local library, community college, art center, church, or other community education venue. Online classes are useful, but if you attend in-person classes then you will meet interesting people and improve your network.

Is there something you have always wanted to do or learn? Are you afraid of doing something uncomfortable? Now would be a great time to: join Toastmasters, take a stand-up comedy or improv class, art class, dance class, or other experience that will shake up your usual day-to-day routine.

Don't let this overwhelm you. Like preparing for WLS surgery, it helps to have a plan, but then take it one step and one day at a time.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

P.S., I'll come up with more suggestions but if you want to talk about this off-line feel free to PM me.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live https://www.amazon.com/dp/0812932188/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_mrZwwbXMQR4W3

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2016: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers https://www.amazon.com/dp/160774662X/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_htZwwbEGMQDA4

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451639619/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_MzZwwbV8NM5HR

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Now, Discover Your Strengths https://www.amazon.com/dp/0743201140/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_MBZwwbW2FMRSP

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401323278/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_MDZwwb9415X5X

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143126563/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_0FZwwbW5JF6XX

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Some more suggestion to start with:

In your notebook or journal:

Start a LOVE and LOATH list: what you LOVE about your current and previous jobs and what you LOATH about your current and previous jobs.

Also, start a list of your skills and accomplishments. (Gather old resumes, and work product to help you remember.)

[gowalking 10,790]

Such great advice and resources @@Inner Surfer Girl.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Wow!!!! Thanks so much. Such great resources. Has anybody out there changed careers at my age? I'd love to hear your story.

[gowalking 10,790]

I was younger than you but changed careers after my husband passed away. I was 36 and my children were 16 and 13. I did not want to continue doing what I was doing because we owned a business together and it was not my dream..it was his. I supported him but had no interest in taking it over.

I was in the right place at the right time. My SIL asked me to give her my resume as her department was looking for junior data coordinators to assist data managers in overseeing data for clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies. I knew nothing about this industry but my SIL said that her company was desperate for intelligent people to move into starting positions.

I got the job because I was Mimi's SIL and I didn't drool at the interview. That was luck and timing because I knew nothing about data management. Nothing.

The success was my doing. I worked hard, learned the business...made tons of mistakes, but ultimately became good at what I do.

Before I wound up in this industry, I had no idea what i was going to do to earn money. None. Everything I have I owe to my SIL who opened the door for me to have this second career.

I'm not saying it's easy, but you have to at least give it a shot just to see what happens.