Another Thread About Careers

[eMsta]

Hi guys/gals - The last few weeks i was questioning my future career path - and in terms of what I want and where I want to go etc. At the moment I am doing my CPA - which once complete, it will bring me quite a bit of money. But it has me thinking about a few things - most importantly though - if I actually like being an accountant. Within the finance industry its hard to get into Management/Cost accounting - where we build upon business development etc - and that is actually a great field to be in within accounting - so that means most roles are auditing/financial accouting/tax accounting etc.

I have begun to question if I am willing to stick it out, while being unhappy with my current profession. So in a bid to find out what it is exactly that I want - I went to a careers counsellor - and the results were amazing! I have done the Myers-Briggs test 2 times before, and also did the DISC profiling last week - and the results are always the same. The thing I found out is that I would be more suited to a job where I am dealing with people - setting strategies to reach goals, helping by counselling etc.

So now i am thinking of dropping my current job - taking a break from CPA - and going for a job where I can deal with people on a regular basis. I was also told to pursue my interests in counselling and psychology - so have begun to look at courses relating to both. And as a person I am always looking at psychology related work - things that make people excel above the rest etc. So this was no surprise when she told me i should look at courses like that, or even any therapy related courses.

Is there anyone here who is a counsellor or psychologist - someone who can give me pointers on what path i should take to become one or both? I am already doing my PT course - which is nearly there -so i am well on the way to workign with people on atleast a casual basis. I was going to do counselling - grad dip - so that I can use that both with PT when i do open my gym - and the psychology i was going to do later on once I got myself settled.

Would people leave their current jobs if they were unhappy to pursue their passion?

Am keen to hear what everyones thoughts are with regards to this, and just career in general.

edit: yes, this is quite the jump, after going from computer science to accounting - bachelors degree and masters - but i think in life we all need to do some searching for who we are and what keeps us motivated - and this is where I am at the moment.

[Rekin]

you ask sau for help and yet you say no to club meets </3

Where is the love Emsta!!!1 where is the love!111111

Finish off the CPA, doesnt hurt to have qualifications. Ive seen a lot of general mangers and directors who have CPA and similar qualifications. Thats sorta people interaction but with big wages!

[eMsta]

you ask sau for help and yet you say no to club meets </3

Where is the love Emsta!!!1 where is the love!111111

Finish off the CPA, doesnt hurt to have qualifications. Ive seen a lot of general mangers and directors who have CPA and similar qualifications. Thats sorta people interaction but with big wages!

hehehe dont worry man - r33 will be sold regardless, jazz still staying, maybe sold for a cheaper car (3k) - but will return to sau meets etc, in the near future - once i get things back on track with work etc

yes, i am considering finishing it off - but as I have to decided what I want to do with my current job - i need to think about postponing CPA for a bit to pursue my true interests (i.e psychology/counselling etc)

[GTR-N1]

Would people leave their current jobs if they were unhappy to pursue their passion?

Finished Pharmacy in '70

Became a Life Line Counsellor in '71 being a Christian (not being too interested in retail business or making heaps of $$$)

Became a Hypnotherapist in '71 > Love to get my teeth into each day's puzzles

Went back in '78 to do Arts (Psych)

Became a Psychopharmacologist in '80

I'm happy to have made the switches. Had to pray about what my purpose would eventually be though...

Yes, you can take guidance from Career Motivation Testing + MBTI (Myers-Briggs).

Besides, even if you went down a particular tributary and didn't feel it was you, you can always go back to your former qualification.

But if you do go down a tributary and you're filling a niche & you look forward to each day's work, that tributary becomes a main trunk!

[eMsta]

Thanks terry - thats what i was looking for - can I ask what you specialise in now out of all those accreditations?

in the end I have decided (for the most part) that I dont want to be in a role where I am working for the money - i.e i am only going to work because its paying the bills etc. I want to go for a career that is fulfilling, and that each day is bringing a sense of satisfaction that is making me want more and more as the week/month/and year progresses. You know what i mean?

Finished Pharmacy in '70

Became a Life Line Counsellor in '71 being a Christian (not being too interested in retail business or making heaps of $$$)

Became a Hypnotherapist in '71 > Love to get my teeth into each day's puzzles

Went back in '78 to do Arts (Psych)

Became a Psychopharmacologist in '80

I'm happy to have made the switches. Had to pray about what my purpose would eventually be though...

Yes, you can take guidance from Career Motivation Testing + MBTI (Myers-Briggs).

Besides, even if you went down a particular tributary and didn't feel it was you, you can always go back to your former qualification.

But if you do go down a tributary and you're filling a niche & you look forward to each day's work, that tributary becomes a main trunk!

[paulR32gtr]

I have been thinking about a career change a lot lately too - but for different reasons.

While I love what I do, it is killing me sitting at a computer for very long hours. I'm under 30 and I am already starting to feel and see the effects. It pays obscene amounts of money, for good reason, and that is really what is keeping me in this job, plus it is my own business so comes with great freedom for "quiet" periods.

I have always been very interested in engineering, mainly automotive but incorporating materials, metallurgy etc as well as fabrication / welding etc. I would love to study as a mechanical engineer and start a business designing and manufacturing performance parts. I think for my own sanity, and to make sure I am not dead by 40 I need to make a jump soon.

Sounds like you might be suited to a coaching role of some description - unfortunately working for someone else qualifications are generally needed. Start your own consulting business however - and qualifications are no longer needed - just customers and results!

Would you be looking at studying psychology?

[eMsta]

I have been thinking about a career change a lot lately too - but for different reasons.

While I love what I do, it is killing me sitting at a computer for very long hours. I'm under 30 and I am already starting to feel and see the effects. It pays obscene amounts of money, for good reason, and that is really what is keeping me in this job, plus it is my own business so comes with great freedom for "quiet" periods.

I have always been very interested in engineering, mainly automotive but incorporating materials, metallurgy etc as well as fabrication / welding etc. I would love to study as a mechanical engineer and start a business designing and manufacturing performance parts. I think for my own sanity, and to make sure I am not dead by 40 I need to make a jump soon.

Sounds like you might be suited to a coaching role of some description - unfortunately working for someone else qualifications are generally needed. Start your own consulting business however - and qualifications are no longer needed - just customers and results!

Would you be looking at studying psychology?

yes, I will be looking into studying psychology - i have written to the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for info on how i can get my doctorate in psychology after having done bachelors and masters in other fields. So yeah, I am def thinking about this change - as its giving me that excitement based on what I am truly passionate about.

I am like you - under 30 - going to be 29 this year, but seriously unfulfilled as im working long hours (mainly because i am not happy with my job - so it takes me 2 times longer to complete things), and every week is like "i am going to work" instead of "i get to go to work" or "im going to serve for the greater good of the community" - so yeah, for my sanity as well, i have had to make this change.

What brought about this was that my manager caught up with me last week and said that my performance is at 2/10 - so thats a major indicator that i need to move ....and move now......

[paulr33]

how long is left on your CPA? it would be a shame to ditch it if you only have a bit left

even if you dont like, at least finish it if its only a bit left (a few months for example) and then do something different

at least if your plan B fails you can go back to your CPA as you've now finished it

[paulR32gtr]

I know how draining working in offices with regimented hours can be. I quite often work on-site for a number of weeks and it saps all my motivation - tired in the morning after the commute, on and off during the day, then lazy once I get home.

Worst thing is I resort to things like giant cans of mother / red bull to keep me moving - again weighing on my health.

As soon as I can pick my own hours again I can use periods where I am motivated to rip through the work full pace... a wonderful thing if you can set yourself up like that.

[GTR-N1]

Thanks terry - thats what i was looking for - can I ask what you specialise in now out of all those accreditations?

in the end I have decided (for the most part) that I dont want to be in a role where I am working for the money - i.e i am only going to work because its paying the bills etc. I want to go for a career that is fulfilling, and that each day is bringing a sense of satisfaction that is making me want more and more as the week/month/and year progresses. You know what i mean?

Well, there's absolutely no drudgery in what I do.

2 Roles = Hypnotherapy & Nutritional Psych

Hypnotherapy patients come for Nicotine, alcohol, pot, confidence, concentration/recall, shyness, phobias and so on...

Nutritional Psych deals with ODD, ADD, OCD, various forms of insomnia, bipolar, passive/aggressive moods, borderline personality, rage...

My make-up?

I guess God has made me empathic + I love to solve puzzles.

Funny about CPAs; two of my former pastors at the church were CPAs.

Funny about psychologists; when I held a practitioner meeting, and on seeing them all off on the street, we all laughed at how we were drivers of 2 door coupes. Must be that we like to have a weekend fang lol - I do keep my Pharmacy registration (although I wouldn't trust myself to do a pregnancy test atm lol)

[saff_cossie]

how long is left on your CPA? it would be a shame to ditch it if you only have a bit left

even if you dont like, at least finish it if its only a bit left (a few months for example) and then do something different

at least if your plan B fails you can go back to your CPA as you've now finished it

Exactly the response I was going to type.

Most people will question decisions they have made with careers especially during the troughs. I would be doing everything in your power to complete that CPA as having it sets you above the book keepers and gives you a leg up anywhere in the globe.

Good luck in what you decide but the last thing you want is in 2-3 years time when the decision you make now to possibly change path, restricts your options down the track.

[xALmoN]

more is better than less, when it comes to qualifications.

[eMsta]

how long is left on your CPA? it would be a shame to ditch it if you only have a bit left

even if you dont like, at least finish it if its only a bit left (a few months for example) and then do something different

at least if your plan B fails you can go back to your CPA as you've now finished it

Exactly the response I was going to type.

Most people will question decisions they have made with careers especially during the troughs. I would be doing everything in your power to complete that CPA as having it sets you above the book keepers and gives you a leg up anywhere in the globe.

Good luck in what you decide but the last thing you want is in 2-3 years time when the decision you make now to possibly change path, restricts your options down the track.

hey guys - after this subject, i would have 4 modules left - so about 2 years. Depending on which job I land next, if I have more time to study CPA - I would do 2 subjects per semester, and finish it in a year.

[eMsta]

I know how draining working in offices with regimented hours can be. I quite often work on-site for a number of weeks and it saps all my motivation - tired in the morning after the commute, on and off during the day, then lazy once I get home.

Worst thing is I resort to things like giant cans of mother / red bull to keep me moving - again weighing on my health.

As soon as I can pick my own hours again I can use periods where I am motivated to rip through the work full pace... a wonderful thing if you can set yourself up like that.

I am like you - i work on 2 sites, and the drive yeah - its killing my time - atleast 2 hours on the road - over the whole week its about 10 hours in total. And similarly to you - i am on takeaway almost everyday!!! its crap i tell u!

Well, there's absolutely no drudgery in what I do.

2 Roles = Hypnotherapy & Nutritional Psych

Hypnotherapy patients come for Nicotine, alcohol, pot, confidence, concentration/recall, shyness, phobias and so on...

Nutritional Psych deals with ODD, ADD, OCD, various forms of insomnia, bipolar, passive/aggressive moods, borderline personality, rage...

My make-up?

I guess God has made me empathic + I love to solve puzzles.

Funny about CPAs; two of my former pastors at the church were CPAs.

Funny about psychologists; when I held a practitioner meeting, and on seeing them all off on the street, we all laughed at how we were drivers of 2 door coupes. Must be that we like to have a weekend fang lol - I do keep my Pharmacy registration (although I wouldn't trust myself to do a pregnancy test atm lol)

Very nice terry - i was thinking of doing the following:

CPA (might finish, might postpone - depending on the job i get next)

PT course - almost done

Grad Dip counselling - 1 year to finish.

Grad dip psych - 1 year full time

4th year psych - 1 year full time

PHD psych - 3 years full time

Would this work well? I also wanted to get training in NLP and positive psychology - as that is supposed to complement psych very well? What are your thoughts on this?

more is better than less, when it comes to qualifications.

Yes - the careers counsellor i went to - had literally like 8 qualifications - some certs and grad dips - but still heaps none the less!

Thanks for all your info guys - its helping heaps

[Cowboy1600]

Whatever you do, finish your CPA.

After that, the world is yours. Ask yourself what you want from work because everyone is different.

Myself, for example, would shovel shit for a living so long as it gave me the readies to do the things in life I want to do. I don't care about job satisfaction or conditions or anything like that. I just want a decent income so I can live life to the fullest.

My wife, on the other hand, has a real need for job satisfaction and achievement. She needs to feel like she is actually making a difference and be supported and commended on the brilliant work she does. She is also qualified out the whazoo. Bach of Sci/Arts at Melb Uni, majoring in Genetics, Geography, Psychology and Enviro Science with honours in Psychology. She's now a psychologist in a primary school, after having been an organisational psych for 6 years and in a high school for 3 years, and loves it.

Everyone is different so it;s a matter of figuring out what you want out of work and going after it. But having a few fall back qualifications up your sleeve is really handy during those transitional stages.

[Snowman]

Yeah for what it is worth I did a degree in Biology as it was something that interested me and afterwords worked in that field for a couple of years for not much coin.

I now work in manufacturing in a field which doesn't really interest me all that much, but it allows me to do all the things I love in my spare time.

I find I'm much happier now than I was before in life.

If you look at daily life it can be basically broken up into 3 parts. Work, Sleep and Peronsal Time. We all need to sleep so there is not much that can be done about that time - but the other 2 you can choose to a degree how you spend it. I don't hate my job by any stretch and I work my best at it - but I'd happily do another that provides me with the same personal time lifestyle even if I didn't like it much either.

[NORBY]

emsta - i feel your pain, i did one year in accounting as work experience and changed my major as soon as i got back to uni. I have now changed to Accounting / Human Resources double degree with hope that i can run my own recruitment firm in the future

[alr33x]

so i didnt read all the above but from what i have found with working doesnt really matter if you like it, work is just that work its a key to provide you the things in life you actually want/want to do regardless your going to have to work may as well make alot doing it.

i often find myself thinking the way you have posted emsta but at 23 going on 24 and earning six figures for the last 4 years without going to uni etc how else would i get the same income and luxuries that my income can provide? its impossible so im stuck doing something im moderatly happy with these days but i offset the dissapointment through the income it provides.

so id say stick out cpa it'll take you a long way and let the contacts and money you earn along the way be your satisfaction not the work itsself.

if your gunna hate work may as well hate it from within your big house in a nice street with decent cars in the garage, you will end up hating whatever you do, cos lifes a bitch

[Basti]

emsta from what i can recall, uni courses are valid for a maximum of 5 years. within this time, you can pick up where you left off. from 5 to 10 years, you get recognition of prior learning, which is credit of sorts, but you probably will have to repeat some of the stuff you've done.

finish your CPA while you can still be bothered to study

[Wheezy]

so i didnt read all the above but from what i have found with working doesnt really matter if you like it, work is just that work its a key to provide you the things in life you actually want/want to do regardless your going to have to work may as well make alot doing it.

i often find myself thinking the way you have posted emsta but at 23 going on 24 and earning six figures for the last 4 years without going to uni etc how else would i get the same income and luxuries that my income can provide? its impossible so im stuck doing something im moderatly happy with these days but i offset the dissapointment through the income it provides.

so id say stick out cpa it'll take you a long way and let the contacts and money you earn along the way be your satisfaction not the work itsself.

if your gunna hate work may as well hate it from within your big house in a nice street with decent cars in the garage, you will end up hating whatever you do, cos lifes a bitch

6 figures since you were 19-20 with presumably some sort of trade/high school cert....wtf!

or perhaps selling drugs?