What job/career?

Hi, I am looking for any advice people may have. I have spent years studying (MA) working at menial level and volunteering in order to get a good job in an area I love, which is anything in the archaeology/history/ heritage field, but haven't got anywhere and was made redundant from my job last year (it was in this area but very low down the scale).

I now find myself aged 35, with a mortgage and still no job and I don't know what direction to take. I think I need to just forget about getting any work in this area and am trying to think of a good area to get into, but it's difficult considering the "current climate" (for instance is there any point thinking about teaching?). I haven't got another ten or twelve years to waste, has anyone any suggestions.

My sister is a teacher and applied for 'one position' this year..
Two hundered applicants turned up for the interview.

Have you talked to any recruitment agencies?

Hi, thanks for reply. No I haven't, I don't trust them to be honest, haven't heard anything positive about them, and I can't afford any of those career guidance people. I have spoken to family and friends only.

FAS should be able to offer you free career guidance.

I wasn't aware of that, are you sure. I will check though, thanks. Haven't received any to date, but hadn't asked.

The FAS careers direction website reads:

"Contact your local FÁS office for Career Guidance, planning and support that will help you make informed decisions about the best career direction for you"

FAS Careers Directions webpage:
http://www.fas.ie/en/Job+Seeker/Jobseeker+Directory/Career+Directions.htm

Thanks, didn't realise they offered this help. The internet version has an error though (typical) but will check with them in person. Thanks again.

plaid said:

Hi, thanks for reply. No I haven't, I don't trust them to be honest, haven't heard anything positive about them, and I can't afford any of those career guidance people. I have spoken to family and friends only.

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I don't understand this comment. You want a new career, so you should be taking action. You don't trust agencies - why? Can't be personal experience because you have not even contacted any.

My advice is to act. Pick up the phone, make phone calls, do your research. Family and friends are all well and good but it takes legwork on your part. List what you love doing, what your skills are, where your strengths lie, and what additional training you need to get you where you want to go.

Hi Diziet,

Well I don't see what a recruitment agency can offer in terms of advice regarding which way to go, that's all, and I have heard that many are unreliable regarding true number and types of jobs out there etc. You are right that I need to act and I am out there checking things - I suppose I posted here because I am afraid of making more mistakes and was wondering if anyone knew of a fairly safe way to go careerwise - but I suppose nothing's safe anymore really.

You need to be researching - the agency jobs are on the web and you quickly get an idea of the job landscape by looking at these. Being afraid of making a mistake can condemn you to inactivity; better to take some action than none!

If you are looking at a safe option you will be disappointed. But if you concentrate on your strengths you are by definition on a better footing.

is (ma) a form of mma,can you get paid to submit people?

Hi plaid.

I know that in the last ten years there were many hundreds of jobs in archaeology in Ireland. But with the slow down in construction and road realignments etc most of those jobs are gone. Obviously there will always be a percentage of this work available (archaeological testing in advance of construction etc) but even at the height of it, most archaeologists were only ever on contract work and had to be very flexible in terms of travel for work.

If i were you i'd try your local VEC to offer a night course in history/archaeology. It's broad ranging enough to interest a lot of people and i think it would appeal to all age ranges.

The only thing is that i know most of the night courses would already be organised and advertised. Still, it's worth a thought for next semester/year. You don't need any teaching qualifications to offer the course and get paid before commencement.

Best of luck.

Hi

Why don't you check out the new Labour Market Activation programmes which are funded by the government - the list is available at
They are designed for people who are qualified to degree level but need to be re-trained and all the courses are provided in areas which have been identified as growth areas of the future. Cost to attend these courses - maximum €500. Most are part time too. There are Undergrad and Postgrad courses. You'd need to act quickly though as they all start shortly.
You won't lose any SW benefit on these courses and could end up in a year or so with a good qualification that could result in a nice lucrative career!

Best of luck!

Hi Woodbine and Helen, really helpful suggestions there, thanks a million. I shall investigate. Thanks again.