Recession bringing about life/career purpose?

[JagJ]

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I don't know if 11:11 on the digital clock has anything to do with it, or if it is just pattern recognition.

Well, this recession is kicking my ass, as I am unable to get a job in banking and finance where I used to work. I am in the process of giving up on that path. Sure, I'll continue to apply for jobs in the sector, but I'm not so hopeful, etc.

The other thing is that I have been working as an "extra" in movies and television shows as there are a lot of shows that film in NYC. The "irony" is that I originally wanted to work in television and film out of business school but it is a hard industry to break into especially outside of L.A. and a program, so, I wound up working in banking and finance because at that time there were a lot of jobs in this sector--lots! But give people enough rope, and they will hang themselves, including outsourcing bank, accounting and credit jobs to overseas, exacerbating the job market in the sector over here in the U.S. That being said, I am thinking about working in entertainment. I may have had a chance to do it 13 years ago, but did. Now, I may have to do it out of necessity.

I am wondering if this recession is a way for people too "reset" themselves and to pursure careers and jobs of their own making via entrepreneurial projects, and also to pursue the careers that they love. At this point, it is hard to make money, so why not pursue a job that you love?

Perhaps only an Akashic record reading will reveal my change to entertainment from banking. Perhaps I never really got along well in banking as I feel I was always under "psychic attack" by other co-workers, or managers or whomever. A lot of negativity in that industry, despite the above average pay and good benefits. People are angry and passive aggressive! So, I now understand the need for protection...boy!

Does anyone have any feedback for my comments and implied questions which is the "reset" of life career path and such given the economy? Does anyone know where I can get an Akashic record reading or is there someone who is doing them for free ( preferably)?

[C33]

This is very interesting! I am getting the same feeling. I feel that the recession is weeding out the horrible, stressful jobs and bringing one's true purpose in alignment with one's life path. Now, if only I could believe that 100% every day instead of 20% of the time on some days...

[JagJ]

That's an intersting observation. I have always had an interest in healing and naturopathic medicine, so now I feel I am being forced, or "guided" to focus in this direction because the demand for nurses, NPs, and physician assistants will increase with the healthcare act and the aging population. It almost makes me want to major in gerontology and "anti-aging"! What do you think?

[alexb5784]

The recession or any sort of break down in life can help reveal what's really important to you. Look at this situation as your chance to finally follow your heart. If I were you, I'd consider myself an actor first who just so happens have a job as business person.

Stop looking at yourself as a business grad and see yourself as an actor building your career in NYC, who will soon be in Los Angeles.

You should really read Life on Purpose by Brad Swift. Steve wrote an excellent review of it here. I'm reading it now, even though I'm already living my life purpose. It's a great book.

You should also check out The Type Z Guide to Success - The Lazy Person's Way to Succeed by Marc Allen. It's a great book for people wanting to go from being crazy Type A to a more relaxed, yet productive Type Z. I own the book and have found it to be very helpful.

If you don't take your chance now to follow your dreams, when are you going to do it? Don't wait until you have the perfect job in banking or anything else. If you focus on getting the "right job" first, you'll be right back to where you were before, working your butt off and ignoring your REAL dream.

You'll spend another 13 years wondering What if?, do you really want that?

If I were you, I'd get a job - something I can use your skills in - and then spend the rest of my time getting acting gigs.

Maybe you can work on the business side of show biz to pay the bills. Since you have banking experience, check out entertainment business careers.

Here's a list of a couple of jobs you could apply outside LA:

SENIOR FINANCIAL ANALYST, SONY PICTURES TELEVISION

SR BUSINESS ANALYST SONY PICTURES

The question is...how bad do you want this? How much are you willing to give up in order to get into show business? If you wanted it bad enough, you'd come up with an exit plan now, save money, and head to California in 2012. You'd find the best job you could, pay your bills, and then go on auditions. You would do more than sent our resumes, praying for a call back. You'd network like hell, 24/7. You must be so hungry for acting jobs that you'd do anything - legal of course - to get work.

If you want more resources, PM me. I can send you some stuff to help you move forward.

You can do this, your heart is leading you in the right direction

Don't let another 13 year pass you by! From experience, I know what it's like to switch careers and follow a dream, especially if the dream is a long shot. But once you make the firm decision to do what you love, everything will fall into place. But of course, you'll still need to work your butt off to succeed

[SeekingMore]

I definitely would say the recession has made me want out of my current career (healthcare) and into my "true purpose". Unfortunately I'm not having much success as I have no clue what my ideal job would be.

I've read a ton on how to figure it out, bought and read books to no avail. At least the recession has shown to me just how unhappy I am in my current occupation. I'm no longer on that excessive search for my true calling with a career...I'm looking for the next best paying job that isn't in my current field.

On a side note, I heard about an interesting poll that was recently done. It showed that 84% of people nationwide are unhappy with their current job and will be looking for a new job in 2012. That's a lot of unhappy workers, blew me away how high the percentage is!