I am lost for my future direction...
By mein_traum
@mein_traum (132)
Hong Kong
January 6, 2009 3:59am CST
My previous employer did a labour cut due to the financial slump. I am not regretful for losing that job as there is no perspective in working there, not because of the financial slump, but because of its job nature.
I have been doing similar job duties all these years after graduation. Frankly, I don't have much passion in my job and I want to change to another industry. But considering the current economy, I don't think it is possible because I don't have other experience (most employers are much concerned about experience). But if I stay on the same industry, I will continue working on something that I don't like. I did try in the past to find some charm in my job, but fail. It really is not my cup of tea. Should I stay?
And if I try something new, is it insane under an economic downturn like this? Please give your comment.
16 responses
@daydreamer20 (1688)
• Malaysia
6 Jan 09
Unfortunately, reality can be rather harsh. The question which has been bothering you now, is the same question which I've asked myself over and over again in the past. It's a good thing that you are actually asking yourself this question, as compared to many others who do not know what they truly want in life.
My advice to you is to start finding a job which you know how to do, not the job you like to do. Find it, start earning some decent income to survive because you will need all the money you can get during this recession period. At the same time, don't give up on your dreams just yet. You are still too young to give up (even a 70 years old is considered too young to give up on his dreams). Pursue whatever you like, your passions, as a part time interest. Do it after your day job and see if you really like it. For example, if you like to draw, maybe you can start improving on your drawing skills during your free time and slowly build up your portfolio. Who knows, maybe when the economy gets better, you will be there to pounce on any available opportunity with that drawing skill of yours.
I know that this will require tremendous hard work coming from your side but it is worth it. It will certainly help reduce the risk, and also be able to feed you and your commitments. It's more like the best solution in between the two extremes - doing the thing you don't like to survive, and also doing the thing you like but you can't survive.
Hope it helps. :)
@mein_traum (132)
• Hong Kong
6 Jan 09
Thanks for your suggestion and sharing!
I agree that the best way is to look for a job in my own industry while still keeping an open mind for other options. But the problem is I lack the motivation to work. I just do what I am told to do and don't do anything extra, not to mention with any motivation. I know I can't act like this, but I can't help it.
Besides, maybe you don't know how crazy the work situation in my home country is. Once I start a new job, I don't think I can have enough leisure time to purchase other things. The working hours sometimes are quite long.
If I can find some part-time job, maybe that would help...
@ktosea (2026)
• China
6 Jan 09
it's a hard time for all the individuals now,the financial slump thing affects us directly.virtualy I have the same problem with you about the future direction.my current job is so boring that I cann't stand it any longer but I have to endure this dreary situation as now, I need the money to maitain my daily life.
Anyway I will never stop to find a job which I likes.because if I still stick to the boring thing I will be crazy here.keep trying,my friend and let me know if you have better ideas.
@mein_traum (132)
• Hong Kong
6 Jan 09
Thanks for your sharing! I hope your situation is not that bad and you can hold on to your job.
The financial downturn has made many people miserable. But let us hope that things will be better in 2009.
@rhubee (13)
• Philippines
18 Mar 09
Well, as you have said, it's hard nowadays to find another job and you know that you're lacking work experiences. Maybe, for now, you'll just stay in your current job while searching for another. The problem is you entered in a field where you are not fitted with. But since you did, you must take the consequences. Try to be more creative, discover your passion in your workplace. Or try to approach your superior and tell him to move you in another department or to give you different tasks to do which fits your abilities/skills as well as with your characterestics.
@saimajo (10)
• Philippines
17 Mar 09
If you have no passion in your job anymore you better find another job. Because if you still continue working with doing similar job duties, then you wont learn. Your just repeating what you're doing which makes your knowlege limited. You will get bored and you will be uneffective worker.Dont be afraid of change and taking risk. If you will stay in your job nothing will happen to you. Just add some hardwork and patience and you will find the job that you want.
@donnalea (10)
• Philippines
20 Mar 09
IF you really want to learn more just try working to other company.If you really have the potential and you are really determined to achieved your goal, Go for it.You can do it!! Just believe in yourself!!
@rlhynne (11)
• Philippines
21 Mar 09
Well, its time for you to review your career path as early as now. Maybe you have choosen a wrong decision in choosing which your carrer would lead you. Having a job which you don't like at all would lead to failure in your part because you are not being motivated to do your job well.
Best thing to do is to look what you really wanted to do that will motivate you to do your best and to improve more your skills and abilities.
@thraCe (10)
• Philippines
17 Mar 09
Its either you opt to stay in your job; bored...
Or you choose to leave and find a job where your passion would blend with..
Stay in your job for safety measures, or take a risk, and find a job that is well and suitable for you..
well, you have experience and passion.. why not give it a try..
@josecarlos06 (12)
• Philippines
16 Mar 09
you should think it over again to have a good future. as of now thru the effect of economic downturn satisfaction on what we have is one of the key to stay longer in a organization. even if the field of your skills is did not match, experiance is the way of learning today. now the battle is more skills you have, the more you are competitive with others. i rather say you should stay for now, observe if this field will not match or will you learn from it, be passionate, love first your work money can come easy to it.
@machakada_09 (11)
• Philippines
15 Mar 09
yes sir you should stay in your present work or position. Maybe you are not properly oriented to your work so if i were you i will tell to my superior that i need more some seminars and workshops. The problem is it is possible that the superior will offer you this. Maybe yes be aware on the financial operation to your company try to approach whether you have more budget on seminars. But if talk specifically on the economic condition better to stay to your work.
@rhocky99 (30)
• Philippines
16 Mar 09
may be !I suggest it is better for you to stay
as you say , it is already difficult to find such job
because !! they already consider sech experience!!
so I suggest in order for you to enjoy your
job! maybe, you can asked to your boss some favores
for you to not to be bored! "syempre" it is more advantages
both of you and the company because as the employee enjoy his/her works
the company also will be more productive!!!thak"S U!
@Hubfee (665)
• Thailand
17 Mar 09
When we were young, we started to crawl before walk and walk before run. We also count one or zero to a hundred when we start to learn about math. Fix yourself and plan things well for your life and you must follow the plan you make, not just plan and do nothing so that you will feel better. About another industry, you just go for it and if your experiences are not enough then look for more and count from one. I believe you will get your direction back again. And last thing I want to say for you is nobody is going to stay with you all the time. It's only you, yourself to fight for your life. Fix your life well and rise and shine again! People comes to life and separate away but it's only ourselves that can't be separate. Also your family, don't forget the love of mother and father that makes you have grown to be who you are until today, no matter good or bad.
@czelie (10)
• Philippines
15 Mar 09
For now, I think you should be staying on that industry rather than taking the risk of having no job at all.However,if you could be able to find an opportunity for a new job which is better than your present job,you may take that opportunity already.It's too hard too quit for a job without having your assurance that you will have your new job immediately after quitting.In finding a new job,I would like to remind you that competition in the labor market is too strong.All you need for now is patience.
@lhanie04 (11)
• Philippines
17 Mar 09
I will resign to the job and look for another because it's not working anymore. With the experience that i have with the company maybe i can use it in looking for another. It will be difficult for me to look for a new job because of the crisis,bur i will be patient in looking for until i can find a new job.Since i'm not happy with my job o need to quit then.I will accept the consequences in resigning to my job,as long as i have already experience then i can use it as a weapon in looking for another job.
@blitzace_roshin (11)
• Philippines
17 Mar 09
Oh i find myself similar to you, Its hard to decide what to choose. Stay or leave, but in my opinion i suggest you should stay while trying to find something new. Its really hard to find an industry where you can feel comfortable and confident nowadays especially when that industry require or most prefer employees that have an experince. Endure it! until time passes by, you will finally find your direction. And try and try, dont give up!
@khia07 (12)
• Philippines
14 Mar 09
Well at least you can see both side of your situation. Such has always been the problem of many if i'm not mistaken, i mean choosing between passion for work or the salary that the job offers you. (*sigh*) For me, the very first thing you need to do is to assess yourself carefully, you need to sort things out and decide what you really want in life. In your case, it depends, i mean if you have a few savings and you can survive in case you quit the job you don't like then do it. Don't let yourself suffer. Go find your passion, but you must know what possible challenges you will face in doing so.
@jhanz05 (12)
• Philippines
14 Mar 09
why not try to plan first your goal in life, or your career path for you to find your interest in life. If you really don't want that job you are now why not try any job you wish to. For all I know there are lots of companies offering a job for people, the call centers for example. In your case, try to figure out what you really don't want in that company you are now, and try to understand those things.