Do I get a choice in jobs?

[CardShark]

I'm getting mixed feelings.

The job advisor where I had my last course said i shouldn't go for a job I wont like.
but family seem to suggest I should be getting a job i don't like?

I'm lost.

[wouldlikemuscle]

Personally.. I think you should go for a job you'd enjoy.

I'd always wanted to work with animals since I was a kid. Knew for a long time too I would not be able to stand working in retail / with the public / in an office etc. This fact came to light when I had a 3 months secondment from working with my dogs to see what another area of my company get involved in - the office side of things... jeez, I was bored stiff!! Although on the plus side, did get to eat whenever I wanted, and send MANY MULTIPLE emails chatting to Shadow :biggrin:

But yeh... the office side of things I didn't really like... was interesting in getting to see a different side of the busines, but not summat I could do permanently.


If you get into a job you don't like, sure you can make some new friends and have some money coming in, but you may not be motivated to always do your best.
My Dad for example.. he don't really like his job.. and he does what he HAS to do, then as soon as that clock says 5 o'clock each day.. he' off and there ain't nothing gonna stop him! He's not interested in being promoted to have more responsibility shoved his way or anything.

If you know what you'd like to do, go for it. If not, then try some different types of work till you find summat you like.

My guess is your family want you to take any job, so you've at least got an income... which means they can start charging ya rent!!

[CardShark]

well said!

But from what I see I need a job I cannot do physically to get a job i want to do, as everyone seems to ignore me because of my working experience (ie none!)

[wouldlikemuscle]

Does the job you wanna do offer voluntary positions.. a good way to get some experience, and should a paid position become available whilst working as voluntary staff, would stand you in good stead.

[marshlander]

Wouldlikes, great answers

Unless family actually have a career path marked out for you, CardShark (and are getting a commission on you taking up the job ), it shouldn't hurt them to be patient with you ... unless the bailiffs are trying to wrench the computer out of your hands?

[CardShark]

unless the bailiffs are trying to wrench the computer out of your hands?

Ha should see people even asking to use my computer, my blood sweat and tears went into building that machine, I can name every single component that went into that machine and its price .
Two years ago it was bloody well amazing!

I don't want to work for free! Its a good idea though, I thought about it a few times.

[marshlander]

Ha should see people even asking to use my computer, my blood sweat and tears went into building that machine, I can name every single component that went into that machine and its price .
Two years ago it was bloody well amazing!

I'm impressed mile:

I don't want to work for free! Its a good idea though, I thought about it a few times.

I quite understand. It's extraordinary the number of people who seem to think that musicians should not be paid because they are doing something they "love". (I was a bit shocked when a friend recently offered to send me a copy of an album by a band I was listening to. I don't like pirated copies and will buy it if I want it enough. The only exception I make to this rule is that it is music that is otherwise unavailable and I am certain I will buy it as soon as it is released.) However, a time-limited period of work experience is a means to an end, not a lifetime of slavery ...

[sparky71]

I spent years working as a support worker for people with behavioural difficulties and i resented every minute of it. Every day i had to get up and go to that job knowing that it was making me more and more unhappy. We spend most of our lives in work so it is vital you do somthing you enjoy and somthing which adds somthing to youre life. I hope you get the job of youre dreams, If you dont find it at first, keep trying. It will make such a difference. I wish you all the best in youre endevours and keep us posted as to how you are doing.

[fjp999]

I dont know if I have just been super lucky and had jobs I found something to like about the job or I quit the next day.

I guess the most rewarding job I ever had was one started myself. You may kill yourself 24/7 but when you see something you have created out in the public.. well, there is nothing like the rush and it is all worth it.

good luck

[BiPenny]

In a nutshell - YES - you do have a choice in what job you do. For those of us who live in free countries we have a choice in almost everything we do (or at least we do until the nanny state takes over but thats a whole other ball game)

My advice would be to go out and find a job that doesn't tie you in for too long, for example most shops are currently recruiting christmas staff. This means you can get some work experience whilst earning some cash, you are not tied into the job for huge amounts of time if you find you don't like it and there are often opportunities for some staff to stay on after the temporary contract is over if you DO like it.

Your first job DOES NOT have to be the career you follow for the rest of your life. Move around a little (not too much or it looks bad on your C.V.) between a few jobs and try out different things, you will gain a wealth of experience and you may drop into something you really enjoy - sometimes the jobs you turn your nose up at really aren't that bad (eg my cousin recently got some work experience in the H.R. dept of an insurance company, she really turned her nose up at the idea to begin with but loved it by the end of the first 2 days!!)

I am really lucky, I get to do my biggest hobby (horses) as my job, HOWEVER this means I have to work very long and unsociable hours for very little pay. There are compromises to be made.

Don't panic but don't procrastinate for too long!!!