Employment

Friday

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I’ve been invalided out of my field.

I do not have the money to pay for university for retraining.

What should I do?
 
I’ve been invalided out of my field.

I do not have the money to pay for university for retraining.

What should I do?
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. There are a few options available to you:

1. Look for scholarships and grants to pay for your education. Many organizations offer funding to help people retrain for new careers. Research these opportunities and apply for as many grants/scholarships as possible.

2. Consider alternative forms of education, such as vocational programs or online courses. These may be less expensive than traditional university programs and could still provide you with the skills and credentials necessary for a new career.

3. Seek out job training programs run by the government or non-profit organizations. These programs typically offer free or low-cost education in specific fields, with the goal of helping people find employment.

4. Volunteer or intern in a field that interests you. This can provide you with experience and contacts, which may help you transition into a new career.

Remember, retraining for a new career can be challenging, but it is possible. Don't hesitate to reach out for help from friends, family, or a professional like a career counselor to guide you through the process.
 
I need to be able to support myself, in the meanwhile. What would you suggest?
If you need to support yourself while you figure out the next steps in your career, consider the following options:

1. Look for part-time work: Part-time work can provide a flexible way to earn money while still allowing time to focus on your career goals. You can look for part-time work that matches your previous experience or even try something new.

2. Freelance or offer services online: There are numerous freelance opportunities available online such as writing, graphic design, and social media management. You only need a computer and an internet connection and can find work through freelance websites.

3. Gig economy jobs: You can also explore jobs in the gig economy, such as driving for Uber or Lyft, delivering food with DoorDash or Uber Eats, or pet sitting with Rover.com.

4. Temp work: Consider contacting local temp agencies in your area. They often have short-term assignments and can provide a steady source of income while you look for something more permanent.

Remember to prioritize self-care practices such as meditation, exercise, and therapy, as it can be stressful to navigate a career transition while also working to make ends meet.
 
Can you give me tips & tricks for navigating career transition?
Sure! Here are some tips and tricks for navigating a career transition:

1) Take inventory of your skills and experience: Spend some time reflecting on your career and what you have to offer. What skills and experience do you have that can be applied to other industries or positions? Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, and use this information to identify potential new career paths.

2) Research different industries and careers: Once you've identified potential new career paths, do some research to learn more about them. Look up job descriptions, read industry blogs, and reach out to people in the field to ask about their experiences.

3) Network: Networking is essential when making a career transition. Reach out to people in your network who work in the industry you're interested in and ask for informational interviews. Attend networking events and job fairs to meet new people and learn about job opportunities.

4) Refresh your resume and cover letter: Update your resume and cover letter to reflect your skills and experience. If you're transitioning to a new industry, focus on transferable skills and use industry-specific keywords.

5) Consider additional education and training: If you need additional education or training to transition into a new career, consider taking courses or earning a certification in your chosen field.

6) Stay positive and persistent: Career transitions can be challenging, but it's important to stay positive and persistent. Don't get discouraged by setbacks, keep pushing forward and continue to network, learn new skills, and apply to jobs.

Remember, a career transition is an opportunity for growth and change. By following these tips and tricks, you can make a successful transition into a fulfilling new career. Good luck!
 
3. Seek out job training programs run by the government or non-profit organizations. These programs typically offer free or low-cost education in specific fields, with the goal of helping people find employment.
Do you have any resources to get me started?
 
Do you have any resources to get me started?
Yes, here are some resources to help you get started:

1. CareerOneStop: This website is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and provides a wealth of information on different careers, training programs, and job openings. You can also use their resume builder and job search tools.

2. My Next Move: This website is also sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and offers career exploration tools and information on different industries and careers.

3. Coursera: This is an online learning platform that offers courses in a variety of topics, including career development and job skills. You can enroll in individual courses or complete a full certification program.

4. LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of courses on various topics including software, creative and business skills. You can get free access to LinkedIn Learning under trial offer for one month.

5. Local community colleges and vocational schools: You can find out about training or certification programs offered by local community colleges and vocational schools, which are often affordable.

6. State's Workforce Development Agency: This agency provides training, counseling, and referral services to people seeking employment. You can find their website by searching with the name of your state plus workforce development.

These resources are a good starting point to explore careers and training opportunities that may interest you.
 
1. Look for scholarships and grants to pay for your education. Many organizations offer funding to help people retrain for new careers. Research these opportunities and apply for as many grants/scholarships as possible.
Do you have any resources to get me started?
 
Do you have any resources to get me started?
Yes, here are some resources to help you find scholarships and grants to pay for your education:

1. FastWeb: This is a free online scholarship search engine that matches you with relevant scholarships based on your interests, skills, and background.

2. Scholarships.com: This website provides information on various scholarships for students, particularly for those transitioning to a new career. You can filter the search using categories such as career-specific scholarships, adult learner scholarships, and more.

3. CollegeBoard: This site helps students to find grants and scholarships that suit their needs. The site provides a list of scholarship and grants that are available for different kinds of students such as transfer students and working adults.

4. GrantWatch: This website provides a directory of grants available for individuals and organizations. You can search for grants that cater to your specific needs such as Career Development, Education & Literacy, Employment & Labor, etc.

5. State agencies: Check with the relevant state agencies to find out about grants and scholarships that they offer to help people transition to new careers.

6. Trade organizations/professional associations: Check with the trade organizations and professional associations related to the industry you're targeting to know more about scholarships or grants that might be available.

Remember, to increase your chances of securing a scholarship or grant you should research thoroughly, and be sure to prepare a well-written application, and submit it within the application period.
 
Do you have any tips/tricks for managing frustration whilst switching careers?
Yes, career transitions can be challenging and overwhelming, which can lead to frustration. Here are some tips and tricks for managing frustration while switching careers:

1. Practice self-care: Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, exercise, and eating well. Regular self-care can help reduce stress, and therefore reduce frustration levels.

2. Set manageable goals: Break down the career transition process into manageable steps and set goals for each step. Celebrate your achievements when you hit your goals, and use it as motivation to move forward.

3. Seek support: Don't hesitate to ask for help and support from friends, family members, or career coaches. Having someone to talk to can ease frustration and help you stay focused on your goals.

4. Stay focused on the big picture: When frustration levels rise, it's easy to lose sight of why you started the career transition. Keep reminding yourself of the reasons why you want to transition and hold onto the bigger picture.

5. Learn from challenges: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable in any career transition journey. Instead of getting frustrated, take a step back, and reflect on what you can learn from that situation.

6. Stay patient: Career transitions take time, patience, and persistence. Don't get discouraged if things don't happen as quickly as you'd like, and focus on the progress you've made so far.

Remember, learning to manage frustration is a critical skill to help transition smoothly into a new career. By adopting these tips, you can stay focused, motivated and limit frustration levels during the transition process.
 
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