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How Can I find a More Rewarding Job?

Dear Julie,

I am 40 years old and have worked in retail my entire career. Right now I am terribly under employed as a lead cashier in a high volume retail chain store. I have a Masters degree in art history from Columbia. I feel so trapped. It would be so easy to find another retail job but I really want to do something more rewarding. What should I do?

Larry Simplex, Lincoln, NE

Dear Larry,

The first thing to do is to identify which values you'd like fulfilled in your next career. Are they creativity, financial stability, challenge or recognition? There are hundreds of values so it's important to prioritize them.

Next, brainstorm industries that appeal to you. You mentioned your degree in art history. Does this mean you'd like to pursue something in the art field? If so you could work in a museum, for an art foundation or an auction house. You are fortunate to live in New York City where these are plentiful.

Now make a list of your skills. Most working adults possess 30 or more skills by the time they reach 35 years of age. Which ones are you willing and eager to use and which ones don't you want to use anymore? Think of the different kinds of jobs that exist within the industries you've identified. Using art as an example, there are administrative, curatorial, fundraising, event planning, IT, human resources, and finance jobs. If you're not sure what the jobs are, network to meet people who already work in the industry.

You'll also need to network to learn how realistic it is for you to work in the industries and jobs you've identified. The more you network, the more you'll learn and you'll begin to uncover job openings.

Changing careers is a process that can be difficult, discouraging and tedious at times. Finally finding a new job in an exciting new field is well worth it. Good luck!

About Julie Jansen

Company: Julie Jansen, LLC
Website: http://www.juliejansen.net/

Julie Jansen - motivational speaker, coach, and trainer - works with companies and individuals in developing the competencies, skills and techniques needed to thrive in today's chaotic business world. Her clients include Time Inc., Pitney Bowes, Merrill Lynch, New York Road Runners and DHL.

Julie has been quoted in publications including Fortune, Forbes, the Boston Globe, Details, Cosmopolitan, Essence, WSJ.com and has been interviewed on television and radio stations such as ABC World News Now, Bloomberg TV and Radio, NPR, CNN Financial News.

Julie is the author of I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Gratifying Work and You Want Me to Work With Who? Eleven Keys to a Stress-Free, Satisfying and Successful Work Life...No Matter Who You Work With.