Suggestions; I need a new career.

[ccga3359]

This past Tuesday I got word that my plant went bankrupt. Such is life in the automotive world. My wife and I discussed our finacial situation and I'll be taking the rest of the summer off and look after the spawn. Considering my age, 42, I don't think that I'm in too, too bad of shape. I'm seeing this as an opportunity, as a chance to start a new and exciting career. My 10 years of volunteer work unfortunatly won't translate in gainfull employment in that field. I could however weather an apprenticeship. My son suggested apprentice kiltmaker, I had to laugh as I could not live on $4.00/hr that's why I pay schleps like Canuck and MacHummel (whom I can longer support BTW). So what I'm asking for is suggestions for some interesting, rewarding and exciting career paths.

[Howard Clark]

I think there is probably a future in a career counseling those made redundant in the auto industry. I'm not sure how exciting it would be though.

You could always go up north in Alberta to work in the oil shale digs going on there. I hear the pay is phenomenal, but there's no where to live.

Teach seminars on "readjusting to the new paradigm" of the 21st century ?

I'd suggest sword maker, but that's already taken ;)

[Panache]

Grant,

I very sorry to here this.

Hang in there!

Cheers

James

[Splash_4]

If your looking at an apprenticeship, what about electrical or plumbing? Likewise, I am very sorry to hear about the job loss, it is a hard thing to have happen.

[Colin]

Why not turn your experience into a money making venture. I have friends in the BC coast guard that love the 4 weeks on, 4 weeks off schedule.

Sorry to hear about the plant closing Grant. Best of luck.

[Darkislander]

I had to find myself a new job in my early 40's too, having been self-employed for 10 years previously. It wasn't the easiest of transitions, but this coming November I will have been there for 4 years. It's not the best job I've had, but at least it's a regular income and I like my colleagues. Good luck in whatever path you follow.

[ccga3359]

The wife has suggested shipping me off to the oil sands but I know she''l sell the house and tell me the new address. I'm actually giving plumbing serious thought (in spite of the fact that I bite my nails) electrical has always concerned me (I once shocked myself twice while installing a microwave oven, might have been more but luckily the second time threw the breaker ) Unfortunatly Coast Guard in Ontario get laid off in winter or serve abourd an icebreaker in the Arctic over the winter. Were I single of at least without kids I'd consider it. Right now I'm very positive. I have time to give this thought.

[Retro Red]

Sorry to hear about this difficult turn of events, Grant.

According to what I've read, career fields that are essentially recession-proof include technology (especially if you can speak Hindi ), health care, education & energy.

A good place to start might be to take an online career assessment test. You might find one of these useful or you can google others.

Queendom.com has 35 tests measuring everything from "Coping Skills" to "Power Profile."
http://www.queendom.com/tests/testscontrol.htm?s=71

Based on the "Birkman Method," this 24-question, color-coded test can help you zero in on your ideal career.

http://www.review.com/career/careerquizhome.cfm

Or, just to help lighten up your situation, this humorous quiz reveals the medieval occupation that suits you best.

http://www.cmi-lmi.com/enterppp.html

All the best...

[Nick the DSM]

hired gunman!! kilted gunman!

[mddock58]

I understand how you feel Grant.

Last October, my job ended (those of you may remember the Studio I worked at closed) and even though there were some possibilities, I did not get a job until mid April (I started back at SonyBMG as a consultant, but at their main building on Madison Ave in NYC).

Take time to consider the skills you already have, and how to adapt them into other possibilities. You will usually find that you have skills that can be used elsewhere.

Best of luck,

Mark