People often say that they are tired of being bored and want to work at something that really interests them. They don't want just another job. They usually know what they don't want to do, but it is harder for them to identify what it is they do want.
It doesn't have to be that way. Working at something that really interests you is a wonderful reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Are you still working and looking for a change? Retired and considering going back to work?
Having a job that is interesting and a source of continuous learning can be stimulating, engaging, and rewarding financially and emotionally. Identifying your interests and hobbies, and exploring opportunities often leads to the kind of work you can become enthusiastic or down right happy about. The job can be paid or volunteer work. What matters is that it is interesting and enjoyable.
Define your interests
If you don't know what your interests are, getting started is the hardest part. The lucky few have passions, hobbies or lifelong relationships with an interest, which can lead to fulfilling work. But if you don't have a passion, you are in the great majority. Most of us have interests. When properly pursued and nurtured, an interest may become a passion.
Most people need help to define what their interests are. One way that is sure to get you thinking is to sit down and write a few sentences about things that have interested you over the years. Putting pen to paper helps give clarity to your thinking and identity to your interests. When you finish writing, you may have several interests that are worth exploring. You may have to do this exercise several times before you start seeing interests emerge, so be patient and don't expect to identify your interests the first time you try.
Think back about your interest or hobby
Ask yourself how and when the interest started. Did it start all at once or did it develop over time? Perhaps it started at a young age, or you are now just getting interested in it. What is it about the topic that got you interested in the first place? Who introduced you to it?
Explore the interest
Look back and see what you have done up to now with the interest. Plan to increase your knowledge about the subject. Consider how the interest could be translated into work opportunities. Can you turn an avocation into a vocation?
Set goals for yourself
How deep do you want to go into the interest? Do you want to become an expert or just very knowledgeable about the subject? Will you need to go back to school part-time, full time or just take a single refresher course to become proficient in it?
Identify the experts
You may already know someone who shares the interest in the subject. They may be considered an authority on it or just someone who enjoys being involved in it. Ask them about it and if they know anyone else you could speak with about it. If you see an article or a book about it, call or email the author and ask their suggestions on how you can learn more. The Internet is filled with experts on every subject. Try www.allexperts.com.
Identify clubs, associations, and events
Each interest and hobby has a club or group you could join to learn more and meet others. Newspapers and online resources often announce club meeting dates and locations. Clubs are always looking for new members. Meetings are a great place to ask questions and share information. Check out the groups on Eons to get started.
Start a database
Starting a database sounds challenging. It doesn't have to be. Gather names and contact information of people involved in the interest or hobby. Most clubs or associations have directories of their members. When you speak to people ask who else you should be contacting to learn more. Go to the library and read. Find out what magazines are published about the subject and what Websites exist that will lead you to information. Soon you will have a database of your own. Start reading and collecting articles or books. Use Internet search engines to give you the latest news and articles on the topic.
How well does your interest translate into a job?
You can save time and money by taking an internship or a part-time job to see if you really enjoy it. If you do you, you can look for a full time job. If you don't find it to your liking, try another interest.
Dare to discard
At any point along the way you may decide you are not really that interested in what you have been exploring. Give it a chance, but don't feel you have to stick with it. It's OK to cross an interest off the list and start looking for something else.
If you are really stuck
Two books that have helped desperate interest-seekers get on the path are Barbara Sher's Wishcraft and Julie Jansen's I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This. They are great thought-starters.
Internet Resources
Do key word searches using the following: interests; hobbies; social networking.
Working at something you're interested in will give you a level of enjoyment you may never have had in a job. Give it a try and reap the rewards.
Visit: Don't retire, rewire!