[SLOPAR]

Hi all. I figure there is enough of a diverse work goup here that maybe I could get some good input from you guys. I am thinking about looking into a career change and have looked at the career assesment test that supposedly will point you in a path that is what you really want to do for the rest of your working career. I am only 36 so I am plenty young enough to make a change and though I am by no means well off, I am in a position to take a pay cut to find satisfaction at my job and not worry so much about a big paycheck right now. I have always been told that if you like what you do for a living, the money will always be there. Anyways, has anyone spent the money on these test and did they get anything out of it? I have been in printing now for 15 years and watching paper run through equipment is no longer an interest to me. And if any of you did make a change, were you happy you did it looking back and are you get the rewards out of it you were expecting?

Thanks in advance,
John Weaver

 

[SS396ELKY]

Well I'm 40, unemployed and I had to make a career change. I took the test for free and it told me to stay in the same career I was doing. So now what? Back to aviation I go...

Go to your local "Work Force Center" they should have the test for you to take.

Good luck..

 

[kevin d]

Are you taking the Discovery test? If so, it is one that I really like and actually administer once a month. It was an eye opener and made me think.

 

[bochnak]

I have never taken a test. Can anyone provide a link to a free one?

It never hurts to try, printing will still be there if your new career does not work out.

 

[BlackBetty]

LOL....my career path said I should be a Vet......so I bought one not really but will a Chevelle do?

 

[kevin d]

I have never taken a test. Can anyone provide a link to a free one?

It never hurts to try, printing will still be there if your new career does not work out.

I can't do that as it is tightly controlled. You have to be physically present to participate.

 

[SLOPAR]

I have found a few that are free but an involved test like a Rockport is upwards of 500.00. It would seem to me that if it really makes that much of a difference in your career the money you have to spend would not be an issue. The average working person will spend no less than 1/3 of their life at their place of employment. If you look at what people spend on things everyday that really don't even begin to compare to being happy a 1/3 of your life, money should not be the object. I am just curious as to if this stuff is money well spent and not just some snake oil.

John Weaver

 

[Professor_SS]

I did one time and it said I should be a lawyer. I can't stand lawyers (with the possible exception of my brother-in-law and I'm not really all that found of him). So I changed careers alright. I went from the building industry to education. Hey those that can't do teach, right? :yes:

 

[jpete]

Hey those that can't do teach, right? :yes:

And those who can't teach, teach gym.

 

[SLOPAR]

Funny you mention teaching because one of the test I have taken said that is what I should be as well as people that I have talked to about this change in me. The scary part is teachers are seriously underpaid and though money is not all of my intentions by any means, I surely don't want to look back when I am 65 and realize I have no decent nest egg. My dad was a teacher in the armed services as well as some time in a vocational class before he retired and he really enjoyed except for the attitude of kids today. And since he had a background of 25 years in the military, you can only imagine how glad he was to retire from that. And the sad part was he puts the blame of the attitudes of children today on their parents but I am sure that could be saved for another thread.

John Weaver

 

[kevin d]

Discovery doesn't pick specific jobs but rather types of jobs. It works well for education as well as careers since the two are related. It will give you options inside each path. It targets your interests, abilities and values.
We're doing one on the 21st. Swing by!

 

[66Malibu]

I took the vocational tests when I was in my late 20's and between jobs. I think it cost about $350 back in around '87. It said that I should be doing the kind of work I had been doing. I spent a lot of time reading books like "What Color is Your Parachute" and "Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow". If you can take a night class in something that interests you that you think might make a good career for you, that might help, and you also might make some contacts.

Now that I'm in my late 40's, all I can think about is retiring early!!

 

[CT Mark]

A guy I worked with took that test. He was a very talented computer programmer/analyst making 6 figures. BUT, he was miserable. He took the test and it said he should be working for the phone company as a lineman. Last I heard, he was working for Verizon laying fiber optic cable...making half as much money BUT happy as hell!

 

[kinzli]

I'm in high tech, and while it used to be fun, I don't see it as fun any more.

I've been wanting to make a change for a few years. I started working with a career counselor and we tried to discover what it was that I really wanted to do.

I tried a few different things but they weren't interesting enough, so I went back to what I was doing.

I wish I could find whatever it was/is that I "like" to do.

Best of luck, I hope you find your calling...