Should I return to school or job hunt?

Question:
 
Dear Cher:
I'm 57 and have been out of work for almost 9 months and my career plan is in shambles. I haven't really started my job search in earnest yet. My big debate is whether it makes sense to go back to school and earn a degree in an industry projected to be in high demand (MRI tech, or some other area where there are current candidate shortages) or attempt to return to "the past". I've been a Marketing Communications manager for several major financial/ professional services organizations, and frankly, could use a change. But not sure which way to go at this point. You offer great advice - you need a plan, and I just can't decide on one that I'm comfortable with.

Thoughts?

Thank you
Stacy

Answer:

Dear Stacy:
Thank you for your nice words and great question.

Such a dilemma you are facing! I hope you’ve had some fun over the last nine months, Stacy. Seriously, I actually advise people to take some time off before embarking on a job hunt. Maybe now your life is less harried, your psyche relaxed, and you are better prepared to consider new career ideas.

I definitely think it’s a smart idea to look at re-training if your old career no longer holds your interest. You didn’t mention what kind of shape you are in financially, but I didn’t read any panic in your “voice” so I’m going to assume you’re OK for a while. You’ve obviously done some homework since you know medical related jobs and MRI Technician positions are expected to continue to grow in demand. If you haven’t already, you may want to explore just what this job entails, what it pays, what the physical demands are, and what type of schedules are common.

You most likely know how VERY different Marketing and hospital work are in the day to day activities. While your Marcomm jobs have always been rather au courant, MRI Techs don’t need to be concerned about the latest fashion trends, or being up-to-date with social culture. They are more likely to wear a uniform or casual clothes they would not mind getting dirty or stained. In this profession you will usually be working with people who are ill, not feeling their best, and who will be much more impressed by a gentle touch than the latest fashion. The good news there is you can save your dressier clothes for “going out” and save money on work duds at the same time. Another difference will probably be your work environment. In marketing one usually ends up in a nice section of the building, where you are visible, need to be on your best behavior, and the heaviest thing you are likely to pick up is the mail. In the hospital setting, it is possible you’ll work on a bottom floor, maybe the basement since that is often “work” space rather than patient care space. Also, you may need to be able to support the weight of a patient now and then.

This said, is this line of work something you feel good about? Have you done any assessment testing to see if this is a career you would likely thrive in? There is some wonderful material available on the internet. JobHuntersBible.com hosted by Dick Bolles, author of “What Color is your Parachute”, is a good resource for Career Assessment Material. Having some passion for a new career certainly makes getting there a lot easier.

If you have some affinity for MRI Technician work, and are truly burned out on your Marcomm career, go for it! As your research has shown, this is a very promising area for future employment.

Here are a few hints to help you reach your goal. While you are going to school, see if you can’t leverage your past success in Marketing Communications into a part time position at a local hospital. Even if it’s primarily clerical work, it would give you time to become familiar with the environment, the types of people who work there, and even make yourself known to the current MRI Technicians. Being friendly to your co-workers may help you land an MRI position when you are ready, either at that facility, or through a friend of a friend somewhere else. Good networking will always put you a step ahead of the competition when you are trying to snag a position.

Stacy, you seem very savvy about the job market as well as business in general. My guess is your MRI Technician aspirations are well thought out and will be the next step in your contribution to re-careering. This profession is something you can continue as long as you’d like. Full time, part time, day or night, will be just the start of the new flexibility you will have working in Health Care. I wish you much work and personal fulfillment in your new career! And by the way, please consider writing a blog for OurExperienceCounts.com about your experiences while making this big transition. Countless numbers of your fellow mature workers would treasure your insights that provide them job search help and help them create a new career development plan. 



Best, Cher

Categories: Career Plan, Career Management & Transition, Changing Jobs or Careers, Training, Things You Need to Know