Hi,
Don't exactly know how I made my way to this site, guess its ironic really, considering I have a degree. (im just going to put it down to fate )
Anyways, I finished the degree last year, but unfortunately I just got a regular pass degree in Law (handy if I ever run of out toilet paper). That result was purely due to the fact that at the time I was incredibly lazy and just did not bother (known as the guy who never shows up but deadline day). A few months after I finished, I worked in a call centre for a few weeks. I hated it, and I cant stand the idea of going back to one. Since then, time spouted some legs and ran as fast it could, bit like my ex, but thats a story for another day, another thread .
Fast forward to a year later....I'm 23 and apart from those 3 weeks I don't really have much work related experience. If I'm completely honest with you and myself, my worst enemy has always been me, always lacked motivation and that in turn has... well, its been extremely detrimental to my career path.
Hate to reference a line from a movie, but recently after I watched that damn film, a line has been banging in my head repeatedly ever since (heck its 9am and I still have not slept yet). ''the saddest thing in life is wasted talent''. I am, as everyone tells ''wasting my life away'' and I feel that way to. I am, and have always been very bright, I pick up things really quickly and when I'm focused on something more often then not I get good results. But admittedly, I lack direction. Right now I am focusing on finding a career path, I want to establish a career and actually achieve something I can be proud of, other then a few cheap laughs. I just don't know where to start or what to do. I'm in need of some wisdom .....
Not sure if you can call it wisdom but careers advice is what we’re good at!
It struck me as I read your post that you have a way with words and the ability to extract humour from the mundane indignities of life. If you are not already doing so I would encourage you to devote an hour or so each day to developing this ability – either through a private diary or perhaps a blog on the web.
Now I’m going to talk about passion. No not that sort! You may have noticed that the P word gets used a lot when high achieving types talk about their own career development. May I suggest that you begin by developing your passionate side? What I’m referring to here is that certain something that makes people want to get out of bed in the morning and get going. Human beings are extremely varied in their personality, abilities and temperament and it follows that the things that drive us to achieve are also many and varied. Jack is hell bent on making loads of money so he can realise that dream of living in a swanky house and driving an expensive car while Jill is happiest working at her potter’s wheel creating items that bring in a modest income courtesy of the local craft shop. This allows her plenty of time for long walks with her dogs on that Cornish beach.
Then there is Mel who showed musical talent from an early age which was encouraged by her parents. It is Mel’s “dream” of performing at the highest level possible in front of an appreciative audience that sustains her through the long and often tedious hours of experimentation and practice.
What I’m suggesting here is that when you say you are seeking a career path what you are actually looking for is that elusive something that will light a fire within you and propel you forwards along that career path. Whatever your “passion” turns out to be it will be unique to you and will seem very obvious once you have found it.
So here are some questions for you to mull over:
Can you recall doing something that brought a sense of real achievement? Ever had a warm glow of satisfaction at having overcome obstacles to reach a desired objective. The objective could be anything at all – the important thing is that feeling of success. Maybe it was reading a difficult book or writing an essay. Winning an argument in a classroom debate or persuading people to sign a petition or make a donation to a worthy cause. It might have been figuring out why some gadget wasn’t working and how to get it going again. Or perhaps it was spending time helping someone to deal with a personal crisis by offering advice, practical assistance or just being someone they can confide in.
Think about the various tasks and activities that you have engaged in over the years either at school or Uni, at work (paid or unpaid) or in your spare time. What were the things that you found enjoyable and looked forward to and what were the things that made you feel bored, irritated or even a little scared?
Now try to imagine that someone who knows you well and feels well disposed towards you has been asked to write a reference or make a recommendation on your behalf. What would they say about your strengths and abilities? How would they summarise your personal qualities, the way you respond to challenges, your social skills, your practical or technical abilities or the way you contribute to a team?
The conclusions you reach about these questions will almost certainly provide strong clues to help you find the motivation you are seeking in terms of what to do with the rest of your life. I could go on to talk about the next stage in the process but that is best left for another day. Decision making is a step by step process and this first stage is by far the most important.
I'm just wondering would it be alright to give you a detailed post/response (meaning would I actually get a detailed reply like above, thanks for that bdw, it is very helpful and surprisingly (well to me anyway) seems as you actually give a biscuit, maybe 2).
I'm not really sure how busy you are and I do have some questions (tell a lie, quite allot actually) as I do have an idea in mind. But as I'm asking these questions I would like to give you in essence, a little background knowledge so you can really tailor your advice to my personality.. as well... it is unique....hope to hear from you soon...
Kind regards,
Shammy.
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