I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Does anyone else feel this way?? I was in retail management for 10+ years and now real estate in Manhattan for 8+ years. I'm ready for a career change but I don't know what I want to focus on!!

Meanwhile, I'm moving to LI at the end of November and I *really* don't want to commute!!! I think I can handle it for a few months, but our plan was always that I'd work on LI since we're trying to start our family...

Sigh. What to do!? Real estate and retail are always options... but I've been there, done that!

Ugh! Anyone know the winning lotto numbers?!

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Hey Michelle!!

I was just thinking of posting to you b/c your situation is similar! I can't imagine commuting from Ronkonkoma. Sorry!! I commuted from Queens for about 8 months before I moved into the city and I hated it!!

Are you thinking of working on LI?? I'll probably have to see a head hunter for some direction!! LOL I have no clue what I want to do. Steve really wants me to do real estate on the Island but it's just too uncertain (although, I *love* the flexibility!). Us brokers are a dime a dozen... I don't think I'm cut out for it anymore!

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

LOL, Stef! That is true. I don't mind being poor and happy, I just don't want to be bankrupt!! It's not an option for me to stay home once we start a family, so I really need a solid job. A good paying one wouldn't hurt!!

I just don't want to be at a boring job or one that I feel I'm not contributing. This is tougher than I thought it would be!! When I left retail, real estate fell into my lap. I actually need to *work* on figuring out my next career...never had to do that before!!

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Stef, you are right!! I'm poor, b/c I chose a field that doesn't pay well, basically I get paid from taxes. I work in Public Health where most jobs are govt funded. I have my Master's which I took out student loans for. I love what I do, but the pay stinks!! My advice for anyone who takes student loans, only do it if you're going to make a lot of $$ when you're done with school.

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

I hope no one is offended by my poor but happy theory....I think its wonderful to find a profession that you love and more important than making a lot of money. I just havent found something I could love AND make any money doing.

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

I work in marketing promotions for a business publisher and while the pay is decent, the work is not satisfying and lately I've been tempted to just walk out the door and never return. We recently had a slew of layoffs and are currently going through a reorg which means I've been sitting in long, boring meetings all day, every day 'strategizing' about how to market products I dont have any passion for. It's discouraging but what can we do - we are all stuck I suppose.

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

I am definitely in a similar position!! I went to law school, got deep in debt and now wish that I never got myself into it!
I make decent money but with my loan payments every month, it's really not great.
And i'm not thrilled w/ what i'm doing....It makes me crazy!

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

I HATE what I am doing now, but the pay is good, a Once we move I am seriously contemplating becoming a reading teacher.

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

I'm not crazy about what I do either. I went in to my field to be creative and ended up working for corporations that have to stick to the 'strick corporate standard'. Not much creativity there.

I'm doing a lot of soul searching on what I want to do. I really want to work with kids in a youth center but as Sonicstef said...they don't pay.

So, do I **** it up, make less money, live in an apartment forever...or stay where I am, make good money and buy a house and have a family.

So far, I'm voting for the latter of the two. It's sad though, isn't it?


edited to say: I really didn't curse up there...weird that it starred it out!

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Welcome to my world, won't you come on in??

I totally understand and relate to this thread! And, I cannot agree with Stef more. I have been working in the same field for years, and have become extremely disillusioned by it. I was in high tech PR before I had the baby, and while it paid *very* well and it helped me meet my husband, I cannot stomach the idea of going back to it.

It is all about buzzwords and rote press releases and pitches. I really want to do something much more creative and inspiring. I would LOVE to start my own business, but that can be a difficult undertaking when you are trying to buy a home!
Plus, if I do have to put the baby in daycare, I refuse to commute into NYC! I cannot be that far away from him.

We need to start a career support group!

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

Maybe a headhunter could be one of our NWR vendors. Probably generate alot of leads

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...

I have to disagree with the Poor But Happy thing... While I am NOT rich, I make a decent enough salary with annual raises and raises for every 30 mater's credits I accrue, and I really do enjoy my job.
It helps to have holidays and summers off...

Re: I'm 37 and I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up...