What should I do with this situation?

[bob5483]

I recently lost my job and now I find myself not wanting to get back into the workforce. Its not that I'm lazy, its just that I cant seem to understand what I want to do with my career. I was in sales and I hated it, cold calling, generally feeling like I am being fake is not something I am interested in. Also, I am not motivated by money, I just want enough to support a family. That mentality doesn't bode well for a salesperson. I want the ideal uptopian career were I can be creative, dedicated and believe in what I am doing. I feel like every job posting I look at is sales. I looked at nonprofit and its all about getting funding and donations so its basically sales again. I can't get away from it. Unless I become an engineer or something that requires going back to school, I fear that I am lost.

Does anyone out there know of anything that could transfer from sales to another profession were my main duty isn't pushing some product or service onto someone. I don't want to go back to school, but with the economy as it is, it might be my only option. I go back and forth with what is practical and safe or really looking into what interests me. Its hard when you are running out of money not to be practical. Any advice is much appreciated.

[ar81]

I would not recommend to jump of the ship of employment.
I would suggest to stay in a job, and start a small business in your spare time.
As you have something solid to jump, you may switch to the new business.
A new business usually takes about 2 years with losses.
Jumping off the deck is not a wise decision.

[Kirill Pojev]

Sorry if I'm going slightly out of the topic, but I'd like to clarify certain points concerning sales in general:

1. Sales (in any reincarnation) are the core of the global economy, whether you accept it or not. No sales -> no production -> no companies -> no jobs etc. Therefore, feel no shame or disappointment to pursue that path if this is something that generally confuses you.

2. Another point is how you approach sales. Blindly pushing your products and/or services is truly disappointing and dishonest. Instead, asking your target customers about their needs and trying to help them is a conscious and honest intention. Needless to say that you have to believe in products and/or services you are offering.

3. If approaching the sales in a right manner, you get dedicated and thankful customers, trust, longterm relationships that might turn out in a lot of opportunities from private and professional point of view (and not relating to sales only).

4. Would you create that topic if your approach was right? I bet not.

Sorry if it seems like I try to defend sales. In reality, I completely understand that sales are not suitable for everyone, especially if you are a creative person inside.

In your case, I would strongly suggest to continue the actual "career" for certain survival period, but meanwhile try to find the field you're most likely passionate about and develop your skills within it. The rest will naturally follow.

[SimonaRich]

I would definitely suggest starting your own company. Employment should be the last option as it is the worst option.

[Vanessa]

I cant seem to understand what I want to do with my career.

I go back and forth with what is practical and safe or really looking into what interests me. Its hard when you are running out of money not to be practical.

You my friend are lost. How can you expect someone else to show you the way to self fulfillment by starting a business or finding an ideal job that produces value to others, money to you and aligns with your self image.

Some questions to ask...

Do you perform well under pressure to take the lead of a situation, do you want someone to tell you what to do or do you want someone to rescue you from the impending pressure?

Do you know and accept that you might fail no matter what you choose to do and that's okay as long as you learn more about yourself along the way.

What sense of security do you belive going back to school will bring as it relates to what you want in your ideal work and an ideal you?

What would you do with your self if money and limitations were not a concern? What would you do if you were a bum on the side of the road?

These are straight up Steve questions that should help jog your brain on who you are and what you want.

If you don't get any clear answers, try something. Anything and move forward with it. Don't get paralyzed by indecision. After all that, if the obligations you think are real are greater than your idea of who you are, then let someone else (job) lay out a path for you to follow until you find your own way. That's okay too.

Any step is great, no matter if its a nudge, a dance or a leap. Get momentum going in your life in the direction that makes you happy.

[Rebecca800]

Hi Bob

You sound a bit down and I understand the pressure you're under to make a decision about your career. Perhaps you just can't see the wood for the trees.

Originally Posted by bob5483

I want the ideal uptopian career were I can be creative, dedicated and believe in what I am doing. I feel like every job posting I look at is sales.

There are lots of jobs out there that don't involve sales. I don't know what kind of training or experience you have besides sales, but there are many small companies looking for creative people who will not demand that you have a degree - just a talent and a strong motivation. Consider:

Journalist
Copywriter
Editor
Web Designer
Illustrator
Events Organizer
Media Analyst
Production Manager (editorial)
Press Officer
Photographer

etc, etc. You may have to take a pay cut to get on the creative ladder but you can quickly work your way up in a couple of years. As long as you can support your family, right? Also consider an evening class in your chosen subject. Or doing a little freelance work (like writing or drawing for greetings cards). I'm sure if you are dedicated, you will quickly find yourself on the right path.

Good luck following your dream.

[ssandra]

With sales experience, but not wanting to push clients you could also look into customer service for a while until you have found your true passion.

I would not recommend staying in sales if you truly do not like it.