A new career - what is in demand?

C

Caveat

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Hi all

In my late 30s and up to now, have found myself in a succession of sales based positions - I appear to be quite good at it but don't really enjoy it.

I'd like a complete career change before I get much older - almost anything considered (but with less of a 'customer' emphasis ideally). I've been trying (in vain) to find out what the country needs in terms of skills/professions etc as I was hoping that while it's impossible to make any career 'future proof',for now at least, it might be a good starting point.

I have a BA(Hons) degree and would consider augmenting that with further education as long as it could be completed by distance learning.

I know this is all very vague and I don't really expect actual career recommendations but if anyone knows what is in demand or is likely to be in demand I'd appreciate the feedback.

Thanks

C
 
I'd say the country could really do with someone who could invent a perpetual motion machine. Or find new sources of renewable energy which are cost effective and efficient. Plus personally I'd love if someone invented one of those 'beam me up Scotty' machines so that traffic jams could be completely eliminated. How about it?
 
In the company that you work now can you see any position you would like to be in. I am sure alot of people who start in sales move into other related areas.
I don't think you can really pursue a career now by saying what is in demand.
You need to have some specific preference
 



Ye canna defy the laws of physics.
 
My own personal opinion is that "Nannystate" issues will drive the future. Think of the requirement now to have Safepass for every employee on building sites. You could make a new career out of delivering Health and Safety courses and seminars. Once the government brings in some regulation, it creates a career opportunity!
 
Or you could start an anarchy group. Just make sure it's well organised.
 
Lifecoaching is "trendy" at the present & a good sales technique / persuasive powers would help you in this area.
 
droileen said:
Lifecoaching is "trendy" at the present & a good sales technique / persuasive powers would help you in this area.
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I just wonder if somebody who posts on a bulletin board asking for career recommendations is necessarily the most suitable to be telling others what they should do?
 
Thanks for replies

capall said:
In the company that you work now can you see any position you would like to be in.
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No, company is quite small.

Welfarite said:
Once the government brings in some regulation, it creates a career opportunity!
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Good point - but hard to predict though.


Would appreciate any further advice - I know I should have a career preference but I don't really. No harm keeping my options open.

So what about finding out what is needed in the country, what there are or are likely to be shortages of - is this a bad approach? I realise of course that trends/conditions will change but doesn't that affect almost anyone in the private sector anyway?
 
ClubMan said:
I just wonder if somebody who posts on a bulletin board asking for career recommendations is necessarily the most suitable to be telling others what they should do?
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That`s a bit "off the wall" Clubman - You are mistaken - I never " posted on the bulletin board asking for career recommendations" So please get your facts straight.

I was only responding to Caveat`s request for suggestions.

P.S. And by the way - I am not a Lifecoach !
 
How about recruitment? Recruitment Consultants are always in demand, and candidates with sales experience are usually welcomed without the necessary recruitment experience.
 
Caveat said:
So what about finding out what is needed in the country, what there are or are likely to be shortages of - is this a bad approach?
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You need also to consider what you are good/bad at - for example, you may find there is a demand for IT/Computing staff in the future because so few school-leavers are opting to study computing courses now, but would you have the aptitude or interest in that area ?

Maybe consider becoming a consultant, self-employed or as part of a consultancy firm, in sales/marketing, giving courses or advising in those areas ? What about a post-grad diploma in a business related area ? You might need that for a consultancy role.
 
Become a politician....loadsa money, more holidays than anyone and when you're working, you're not really doing anything !

Or become an 'artiste'....get a Lotto/govt grant and throw some random pieces of junk together and sell it for a fortune to someone with more money than sense.
 

Think ClubMan referring to OP, not you droileen...
 
A while ago, I would have suggested anything to do with a building trade that could be done part time at a local VEC/tech. Not sure it's a good idea in the near term, except maybe interior decoration (on the assumption that employment levels remain stable, but people find it difficult to move due to the slow market).

I work in IT and enjoy it, but it's not for everyone. Many people start off on it and by the middle of year two they've had enough.

Given that most of the population can't count and don't understand statistics, what about being a leading economist? Even with no training, you can't be as one-eyed as the current crop we have!
 
yoganmahew said:
I work in IT and enjoy it, but it's not for everyone. Many people start off on it and by the middle of year two they've had enough.
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I'd consider IT Yoganmahew - have unrelated BA, would a postgrad diploma be sufficient for an entry into this?

What in your experience have people "had enough of" by year 2 - do you mean year 2 of study or employment BTW?

I've very little IT knowledge/experience but I'm a fast learner - would it be recommended to do a niche course or would a more general qualification be more beneficial do you think?

I suppose the 2 main positive things I've heard about an IT related career are:

Not as 'ageist' as other professions can be - all kinds, all ages.

Fairly steady demand, which may increase as less 'new blood' comes into the market (as another poster suggested above)

Would appreciate any feedback & thanks to all for replies so far.

(Except of course those pair of wags, Vanilla & Purple )
 
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