NBR: Careers

Giraffealaff · December 2013

So, I am thinking I may be in need of a change of Career. Being pregnant and 5 weeks away from my little bundle, I realize that my current career path in Retail may not be ideal, and I am curious about other options out there. I'm mostly interested in/considering State or Local government jobs, but I am open to hearing about whats available what is out there. So:

What field are you in:

Occupation:

Did it require extra schooling/degrees?:

How did you get started?

Describe a day in the life:

Would you recommend this type of work to another:

Thank Ladies! I appreciate your input and hopefully some of this information can help me start figuring out which direction I would like to head in.

Giraffealaff · December 2013

KatyBriggs!

MissDemeanor · December 2013

I'm not sure I can be a lot of help, as I'm considering a career change as well. My job required a lot of travel, about 30% at a time! and I'd've away for 3-4 weeks sometimes. This will not really work for my new mommy life. I'm considering teaching, going back to hotel work, or ?? I'm planning to stay off for at least the next year, so I guess I have some time to figure it out.

What field are you in: Software / tourism

Occupation: software implementation and training

Did it require extra schooling/degrees?: I have an undergrad in a Hospitality Management, and a post grad in international business. I didn't really need all that education for my work, most people there don't have it, but it didn't hurt either.

How did you get started? I was offered an internship by someone I knew in the software field, and it went from there. I'd actually always planned to work in tourism, hotels, but the software gig was much better pay.

Day in the Life: lots of emails! Either answering technical questions, which I don't like, configuring software for a customer, on site training and setup. I love to do the on site training work, which makes me think I'd like to teach instead.

Would I recommend it? Only to someone who loves to travel

slwprincess · December 2013

My degree is in education but after graduation I had no desire to do it! I kept working my college retail job as a mgr until one day I got a random call to come work as a govt contractor doing real estate for the federal govt. I was puzzled b/c I never applied for this job. Turns out the hiring manager was a friend of my parents ;-). It's not WHAT ya know... Surprisingly, I loved it. Knew nothing about it but jumped in and started learning. Worked my way up to manager of the contract and then got picked up as a Fed. It has served me well and I do enjoy it but it's not for everyone. I know plenty of folks who walked out b/c they couldn't handle how backwards the govt operates! I'm looking forward to an extended maternity leave this year just to get a break from the politics. It is tough being at the mercy of congress for budget appropriations every few mos!

Most of the time I'm a paper pusher but I've also found a niche where I'm able to suggest new ideas and train others and that's what I love most. Attitude is everything in the govt.

Madelyn0713 · December 2013

Well, I'll answer for my career, although I'm not currently working. We moved from Alabama to Utah when I was 9 weeks pregnant and, unfortunately, there aren't any jobs in my field available here right now. Also, my field is very demanding and requires long days days at the office, working many nights and weekends and a decent amount of travel. We decided it probably wasn't best for me to do that and start a new job while pregnant/having a young child as DH adjusted to being a head coach again (which obviously requires an extreme amount of hours and travel). Especially in a place where we don't have any family and didn't know anyone. So, in short, my field isn't necessarily the most child-friendly, especially with a husband who is a coach. But I loved every second of it! And if you have a husband that works normal-ish hours and not nights/every weekend and doesn't travel 250+ days a year, it could totally work.

What field are you in: Event planning. Specifically in higher education fundraising/development and for capital/comprehensive campaigns.

Occupation: Event Planner

Did it require extra schooling/degrees?: Just a Bachelor's Degree, which I have (in PR).

How did you get started? I started our in higher education admissions where a portion of my job was to plan a few events. After I had that experience I moved into a new position in development that was strictly just event planning.

Describe a day in the life: Depends - if it was a non-event day I'd usually be in the office around 6:30 and spent the majority of my day planning details of events, working with vendors, booking venues, caterers, bartenders, florists, linens, etc., and also spent a decent amount of time in meetings planning events and details of the campaign. I was always working on at least 10 events at any given time, 2 of which were always out of town/state so I'd often travel to that location to look at venues and make plans. I was usually in the office until 6 or 7 at night. If it was an event day I was usually at the office or event space by 5:30 and spent all day setting up the room, meeting with vendors to receive and check orders, doing table linens, name tag tables, setting up IT equipment, decorating the space, etc. And then work the event and make sure everything went off perfectly. Since most events were in the evening and then I had to break down/clean up, I was usually at the event venue until around midnight.

Would you recommend this type of work to another: Yes, if they were highly organized, worked well under stress, and were creative.

karich · December 2013

I'll add mine, since I think nursing is really such a great job for a working mom.

Occupation: Registered Nurse

Did it require extra schooling/degrees?: Yes. You can get an associates in about 2 years and start working. The way the field is headed, it's looks like most will be required to get a BSN sometime soon. There are loads of programs tailored to the working nurse to accomplish this. Many are online and you never have to set foot in a classroom. If you already have a bachelors in an unrelated field, you can skip this and go right for your MSN.

How did you get started? I come from a family of nurses. It's joked as the "family profession". I was actually a middle school English teacher right out of college. It didn't take me long to realize this was not the job for me. I then did a year of Pre-K thinking maybe the age group would change my mind. Nope. Back to nursing school I went.

Describe a day in the life: Being a nurse is less than glamorous. The great part is, is that you can literally work in any capacity that you want. Hospital, Dr office, Clinic, school, health dept....even for legal.
I currently work in an ICU, so it's obviously intense, but my schedule is what keeps me there. I work 2 12 hour shifts (full time is 3 12hr shifts). For a working mom, I see my kids A LOT more than most. I only need a babysitter a few hours a week, and I still bring home a very attractive paycheck.

Would you recommend this type of work to another: You have to be the "right" kind of person to be a nurse. It's thankless, and you literally get your hands dirty. Many times, we are treated like crap by patients, families, and Drs. You really have to believe in what you are doing and earn your stripes to gain respect.

SuzyQq02 · December 2013

I'm on mobile, so bear with me!

Field: Mental health

Occupation: Clinical social worker

Schooling: I have an undergrad degree in English ( could be in anything, really) and a master of social work (msw) with a concentration in clinical practice with children, youth and families.

Day in the life: what's cool about being a social worker is there is no typical day! in my current role, I oversee clinical operations for about 8 residential homes and supported housing programs that provide support for teens and adults with major mental illness. so my days include running group therapy sessions, providing supervision to clinicians, going to meetings about program policy and procedure, designing and running trainings and staff meetings, and providing individual therapy to a small caseload of people with ptsd, psychosis and substance abuse concerns. in previous jobs, I've done individual, group and family therapy, case management, program development, discharge planning and emergency mental health evaluation in emergency rooms and with police calls. it's amazing the range if things you can do in this field!

would I recommend it: if you're passionate about helping people, I think this is one of the most challenging ( in a good way) and rewarding careers you could possibly have. I love my work and really see it as a calling or vocation rather than just a job.

quidditchcapn1120 · December 2013

What field are you in: Healthcare/ specifically dentistry

Occupation: Pediatric Dentist

Did it require extra schooling/degrees?: Yes- 4 years for Bachelor's, 4 years for dental school, 2 years residency for pediatrics (+ masters in Oral Sciences)

How did you get started? I was pre-med in undergrad and decided very quickly that being a physician wasn't for me when I started shadowing. Dentists don't deal with death very often.

Describe a day in the life: A lot of talking about kids' favorite colors, favorite TV shows, favorite toys, what they want to be when they grow up. Also a lot of looking at teeth. About 25% of the day is wrestling kids to get work done who can't quite sit still for the dentist yet.

Would you recommend this type of work to another: ABSOLUTELY. The only thing I hated was the road to get here. Now that I'm here, I wouldn't trade it for anything. However, dental school and residency are mostly pure hell and you have to be willing to put in 8-10 years of schooling where you will be miserable.

inluv4life2 · December 2013

What field are you in: Local Government

Occupation: Management Analyst/Program Manager (Economic Development)

Did it require extra schooling/degrees?: BA but MA, or MPA is helpful

How did you get started? I worked part time in college in the Rec Dept for a City and saw other City jobs I liked and went for them.

Describe a day in the life: My work can vary from day to day as I spend a lot of time solving problems. I work with exisiting businesses to solve issues affecting them and also work to recruit new businesses to my town. I meet with Mom & Pop owners and CEOs of giant corporations in the same day. I help to cut red tape for businesses as they navigate City processes. I also manage the business license department which includes 5 employees and oversees both business tax and regulatory licenses for my town. Sometimes I get to help plan events, too like business awards or expos.

Would you recommend this type of work to another: Yes! I love the variety of my work and the stability that comes from local government as an employers. My benefits are fantastic. Some downsides are dealing with political issues some of which do not align with my personal beliefs. Also, I get blamed and yelled at when folks are mad at the City. I have learned not to take it personally and to just stay as neutral as possible. I also do not live in the City I work for! That helps when it comes time to vote for Councilmembers. I can be totally inpartial!

ETA: paragraphs!

iverske9 · December 2013

Field: Biotech

Occupation: Technical Sales specializing in genetic reagents (so I sell science crap)

Education: They take people with Bachelors but prefer Masters or pH D. I have my masters in genetics.

How did I get started: I am a Gemini so I definitely took a little to find my perfect fit. I was a research scientist, then worked as an engineer, then got a job as a pharma rep and then came back to technical sales. It basically combines my science degree with my love for sales.

Typical day: This changes daily. Some days I am out the door by 8am to meet clients and appointments to see where I can position my products. Other days I am working from home doing research, contracts, negotiations, etc. I love the job because it is flexible but with any type of sales, if your numbers are bad your boss will be up your bum, when numbers are good you are left alone.

Would you recommend: Yes but to the right person. Technical sales is amazing since it is flexible, great pay, bonuses, and a car allowance but you also have to be good about getting kicked in the teeth by clients, and lots of doors slammed in your face. You also have to have drive to work because you basically work on your own. So if you are not competitive or driven you will sink fast.

crystalmt86 · December 2013

Scromlette said:
So, I am thinking I may be in need of a change of Career. Being pregnant and 5 weeks away from my little bundle, I realize that my current career path in Retail may not be ideal, and I am curious about other options out there. I'm mostly interested in/considering State or Local government jobs, but I am open to hearing about whats available what is out there. So:

What field are you in:
Occupation:
Did it require extra schooling/degrees?:
How did you get started?
Describe a day in the life:
Would you recommend this type of work to another:

Thank Ladies! I appreciate your input and hopefully some of this information can help me start figuring out which direction I would like to head in.

Im in the same boat as you. I have worked retail for the past 10 years. I know that my mommy life and career don't work together. However, I have a degree in retail merchandising so I'm looking into corporate retail but keeping options open for banking as well.

dizzycooks · December 2013

Field: education
middle school teacher
My position requires a specialty and I had to have specific license that was outside my initial BS degree. I've since earned my MA in literacy.
I had 6 different jobs over 7 different years at 5 different schools and it was a matter of taking any ft position I was offered. I never subbed, but that's a common route as well and it lacks insurance or retirement benefits.
Day in the life.... I get to work at 7am and usually have kids in my room by 730 needing help or turning in work. I teach about 6 hours total and have 80 minutes of prep/team meeting time daily. Sometimes I get to use it for grading, but it's not guaranteed. I am allowed to leave at 3 most days, but I tend to sTay because one day each week is a meeting until 330 or a little after, one day I teach an after school class (extra pay) until 330 and then I typically use the other two days to grade or enter grades. I always leave on time on Friday even if I need to take work home with me. I typically work 2-3 hours on the weekend which is far less than I did when I started and pre-kids.
I recommend it if you like kids, planning and dealing with people. There USA. Lot of parent accountability at the school I am at (websites are required, interactive homework boards online, emails, online calendars, etc.). I love my summers and winter break isn't so bad though. I don't get flex time and I can just leave for an appointment and return, I have to take a day off. I am not allied to leave campus during the day without signing out ands aging where I am going and why and some principals won't let you leave at all even if it's your prep time. If you're use to a lot of flexibility during the day this might be a hard change. We had a daycare provider who did not understand why I couldn't answer my phone whenever she called...we changed day cares, it just didn't work. I couldn't wonder if things were ok while I was unable to return what turned out to be a non-urgent phone call.

amathera · December 2013

KatyBriggs said:

First, kudos for considering a career change. I've done it myself, it's scary, and it can take sacrifice, but I found it's SO worthwhile in the end! I started out with a bachelor's in radio and television (worthless degree). I did work in the video industry for 7 years, it was fun, but not fulfilling. It had no upward mobility at all, and I was hardly making a decent living wage.

What field are you in: Medical

Occupation: X-ray Tech

Did it require extra schooling/degrees?: Yes, 2 year associates degree. You can do a quickie program, but you'll never get a job that pays squat.

How did you get started? I asked some very close and trusted friends how I could get in the medical field. A friend pointed to me towards X-ray. I took a leap of faith. I took some required courses online while still working my regular FT job and applied to the program the next round when I had the courses complete.

Describe a day in the life: I work for a clinic, so my day is far different than a tech that works in a hospital. I've done both though. Normally my day consists of calling outpatients (patients who can move on their own for the most part), changing them, performing their x-rays, and sending them on their way. Most exams take less than 15 minutes. Some days are really busy, some are slow, it just depends. In a hospital, the job is more physical. The patients are generally in more serious condition and require a lot more assistance, but if it's more than one person can handle, there's almost always someone you can call for help.

Would you recommend this type of work to another: I would absolutely recommend my career to others. To be successful you have to be comfortable talking to people & touching them, and be very flexible. It's ideal for someone who doesn't necessarily want to work M-F 8-5, although that's my schedule. You can knock out your whole weeks work in 2-3 days if you so choose - some people like that. You usually don't start out with the ideal shift, but you get there eventually.

Good luck with your career change. My best advice is to research the job market in your area on your prospective new career, and the upward mobility available in said career path. What's good as entry level gets stale after a while and leaves you looking for more.

THIS I'm also an x-ray tech. My program was 2 years plus the pre-reqs so 3ish total if you can fit all the pre reqs into one year. I love my job, because you can work in so many different environments! I also currently work in a clinic, orthopedic office, but i used to work at level 2 trauma center. Everything at the hospital is faster paced and you work in a department of other techs, so the more intense patients, trauma/child abuse, you have someone to work with, at the clinic i'm usually solo. But it also offers the opportunity to branch out into other imaging positions over time (MRI, CT... etc) if you want a change or a pay increase ^_^

Want a personalized experience?

NBR: Careers

Re: NBR: Careers

Choose Another Board

Search Boards