Changing Professions

[homeboy]

Hey,
I am a recent graduate and I am currently finding work in the computer industries. I find that lately I have been hating the industry more and more. I first found myself liking programming because I loved games and still do, but now I find that THAT one job is incredibly hard and the industry treats you more or less like dirt. I was wondering what I should do since I am in debt and need to get it off my shoulders before I can actually change professions, but the other track I want to get on takes roughly 10 - 12 years plus its a rough track and very hard to stay on. It will also put me in further debt than I am in right now. By the time I see surplus money I will probably be in my mid 30s. And if i decide/happen to get marriend or have kids... well lets just say it will be incredibly difficult. I just wanted to know what I should do. I find coding very boring and unsatisfactory.

Thanks,
HB

[Pegasus]

What other career path do you want to get onto?

[homeboy]

I was thinking going into the medical field. I love animals, but decided not to go since I don't like to see neglected animals. I am now having second thoughts about that or maybe just a doctor in general.

[babuji]

I definitely can relate to your situation. I'm in a similar situation, where I don't like the profession I'm in.. with a passion... simply because I realized that what I do goes against my personality..

So what do I do.. well I'm going after another position that's completely unrelated to what I do.. (yoga teacher), and will try my hand at that.

Regardless of anything else. I'd recommend that you do a bit of self-introspection and write down your thoughts as to what you feel are your strengths and how you can contribute to society as part of the general workforce. If you have a knack for creativity, then go in that direction. If you have a skill for managing projects.. then try to find something related.

Ultimately, even if you have no professional experience in a particular area, but have plenty of experience outside of work, then that is just as good. So for example, if you want to enter the marketing arena, perhaps you've been part of a project where you really had to sell your product to a client.. How did you accomplish that? Make sure your resume states what your objective is.. and try to draft up a cover letter highlighting why you deserve to be in a certain position of your choice... If you can get across to the hiring manager that you are serious about moving into a new job function, then you're in good shape.

The best way to do this is like I mentioned before, analyze your strengths and come up with as many examples from your life as possible. No matter how minor, write it down.

So when it comes time during an interview that you're asked. So why do you want to move into (fill-in the blank)? You should be ready with an ammunition worth of examples as to why.

Lastly, in any attempt to switch positions or move into a totally different role which you have minimal experience... just be passionate... show that you are trying to further your skills in an area you like... and not acting out of desperation... Just think.. would you hire someone who acted apologetic in an interview.. or someone who was passionate and knew what they wanted?

Hope that provides some insight..

[Pegasus]

That expains the ten years.
Med students are often required to do animal testing. Doctors can be manipulated by hospital administrators and insurance companies. So whatever your calling is will determine what you're willing to do.

I’m wondering if there’s a way to combine the fields? Like maybe health information analyst or something like that? A lot of hospitals are moving towards electronic medical records, and the user-friendliness of how the records are set up gets tweaked often.

Have a plan to get out of debt and follow it. You don’t have to put your life on hold. Good luck in whatever path you choose

[dgorila1]

Hospitals are huge users of computers and related technology. They always have a demand for people with experience in the various IT/IS disciplines since they rely heavily on data (records, storage, security, networking, etc) as well as meeting strict govt standards on data privacy and security. This might interest you if you don't want to get into the "human" side of medicine but would still like to be in the industry.
Another way to see how you might like hands on medicine is to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic or Paramedic. You can take the classes and get certified in less than a year. As a paramedic you will deal with every imaginable situation, interact closely with emergency room staff (nurses and doctors), and be allowed to do a wide range of medical procedures. This is a good way to see if you like the field and want to further your education to become a nurse, PA, or doctor.