Any suggestions/recommendations???

Hi ladies. As you may know I had been ill for several months. During that time I lost my job because I was not able to work. I also did a lot of soul searching and decided that I would rather not go back into my previous field, however I am not sure what I really want to do..well more precisely I am not sure what sort of career fits what I enjoy doing.

I know that I need some sort of career counselor to help me out with this, but I am not sure where to go to get someone good. I have tried the internet, but all they have are tests, which cost a fortune by the way, that they mail you and then they mail you back results. I have looked in the phone book and there are a few, but I having no experience with this, I am not sure where to begin or if these people are reputable.

Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing that they are willing to share? Help!!!

hi WEndy-
This can be a huge undertaking depending on how long you have been workin gin your field...but I hear that it is more than worthwhile once it is done.
I read an article or 2 in this month's or last moinths working mother magazine. Maybe you can ck them out online and see if they suggest any resources.

I did not keep the mags or else I'd post whatever info I saw.
Sorry I cannot be much help but I wish you the best of luck!

Did you go to college? Perhaps you should contact your placement center. Did you have a nice adviser? Give him/her a call. Even if you are changing fields, your adviser might be able to help.

I agree with Julie, most colleges offer career counseling to their alumni if you went to college. What do you enjoy doing? Sometimes you can figure out a career based on hobbies & there are professional organizations you can join who offer career services.

Best of luck!

Hi Wendy

A good place to go is your local Employment Office.

The website for all of them is:
Employment Offices

Click on 'Find your Local One stop'.

The one by me, in Hauppauge has counselors available, they offer several FREE classes, seminars, which are nice to attend, because there are so many people in the same shoes, so it becomes a little chat session.

They have free fax, internet, phones, and job listings to help you out.

I hope that helps you !

Hi Wendy;

A very successful friend of my father's recommended the book 'What Color is Your Parachute' to me and it was helpful for me. It has a lot of exercises to help you find out what sort of job suits you and your skills and how to find the job you want. It's an easy read. They have a website you might want to check out.http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/

What color is your parachute is an GREAT book.

I just finished my class on career counseling so I may be able to help you with ideas on how to start researching a field. I'm not a professional, but I might be able to him you a little. Feel free to FM me any questions you have and I'll take a look at my resources and see where's a good place to start for you.

Hi Wendy - I don't have any ideas for you that weren't already stated, but I wanted to wish you the bestest of luck
Trish

Thanks so much to everyone for your suggestions, ideas, and good wishes. I really appreciate the input. Anna and Karen I will check out the site and Karen the book too. It sounds like exactly what I am looking for. I will let you how it all works out.

I don't have any advice to give or places to suggest but I did want to wish you the Best of Luck!!!

good luck