When you don’t know what you want, take steps to find out
When you don’t know what you want, take steps to find out
How do you find a job when you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing?
What do you want to do?
Have friends, live on my own and go out once in a while.
That’s it?
I’m not asking for much but I know it takes money to do those things, which is why I need to work.
What’s important to you?
Like I said, being with friends, going out.
That’s what you want. I asked a different question: What’s important to you?
Do you mean, “What do I believe in?”
That’s a good start. What do you believe in?
I believe in being a good person and doing things for my friends and family.
And why is that important to you?
Honestly? I want people to like me. I feel good when I’m doing something for people and they appreciate it. I like to help without having to be asked. I take my parents’ friends and our older neighbors to doctor’s appointments because they get scared and too distracted to drive safely. And if someone I know is having a tough time with money and something breaks down or looks run down, I help repair it so things work better and look better than they did before.
Do they pay you?
I don’t get paid because I like to help and these people don’t have much money. Getting paid takes the fun out of it, and they may not appreciate what I’m doing if they paid me for it. I don’t know how to do things I can get paid for. I don’t have the analytical skills to be an accountant or an engineer. I’m terrible in the kitchen, so I don’t want to cook. I like my weekends and evenings, so I don’t want to wait tables or tend bar. I don’t want to work retail because customers are rude, and loading trucks or delivering packages is good work, but not for me.
I feel stuck and pretty useless. I live at home with my parents, and they seem OK with it, but I’m not. My dad’s getting older so I do what I can to help him; I paint, take care of the yard, fix what I can, run errands, things like that.
Have you ever volunteered at a human services agency?
You mean a place that helps people? I’d like to but volunteering won’t pay, and I need to make some money.
If you’re willing, you can solve your dilemma in four steps.
First, think strategically. When you anticipate needs while helping others you feel confident and competent because you’re making a difference. That means you do know what you’re supposed to do. If you begin that journey as a volunteer you can learn about many areas of need. You can match your abilities to where you are most comfortable and can add greatest value. As a volunteer you’ll grow in your ability to focus your strengths enabling agency administrators to learn more about you, your capacity and capability, so that when a paid position becomes available you’re a viable candidate.
Second, think tactically. You need an income and you want to work in the helping professions, so that’s where you ought to be looking online and in person for temporary, part-time and full-time positions.
Third, think pragmatically. While you’re looking for work in an area you most want to be, go after part-time and temp jobs where you’re likely to meet people with whom you share common interests, values and ideals.
Fourth: You know what you should do, can do and want to do. Get out there and do it.
Joyce Richman is a speaker and career coach conducting seminars and workshops throughout the United States, and the author of “Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success.” You can reach her at 288-1799 or JERichman@aol.com. Watch Richman’s latest career advice Wednesdays at 6:35 a.m. during “The Good Morning Show” on WFMY News 2 at http://www.digtriad.com/business/columnists/career_minute/. You can find this column online by visiting TriadCareers.com and clicking on “News & Tips.”
