Hello world

By willow

Hi everyone, I'm Willow. Thought it was about time to try a Shiftlog! Maybe I can let people know they are not alone in looking for their career, or motivate myself to stop procrastinating...

About me: I'm a mid 20s girl and seemingly stuck in a career rut. I am a graduate (business) and am still living at home after a spell in London that left me slightly career richer but finanncially poorer. And none the wiser obviously.

I have two jobs - one is office work and temporary and the other is waitressing and also temporary. Safe to say I am sick of doing work that has absolutely no interest to me (although, to be fair, they both have their good points and I do try to be good at them). I have a dream to earn above £6 per hour...

Career interests: using words, editing, writing, proofreading, layouts, being creative, concentrating on a single task, ethical business and the third sector, the Web, entrepreneurship, doing some good while doing a good  job.

My dream job would be to have a creative, publishing type role within a non-profit organisation or publishing company. And launch my own ethical online business - easy hey?!

That's me in a nutshell. Next time I'll update on my career path so far :-)

 

 

 

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Give us your feedback

By Selina Barker on 4 September 2008 at 08:29

Fancy joining the Careershifters team for some work experience?! I'm not kidding. On your CV you'd suddenly have 'Web Content Editor - www.careershifters.org' with all the relevant experience that goes with it, that could get your foot into the career that you're looking for. We've been waiting for someone like you to turn up - we could do with an extra pair of typing hands on board. Let's chat x Selina (Careershifters Content Director)

By rjosen on 22 September 2008 at 10:51

Hi Selina I like the idea of contributing. I've changed career 3 times, the last time setting up my own company. I'm not necessarily a career shifter as I've always loved what I do. The minute I didn't - I changed. My thought process is life is too short to spend even one hour unhappy, never mind a whole day!! I love to help other people in being able to change - in some very small way. Do you believe I can contribute? The second reason for my interest is that I'm a budding writer, having just changed my lifestyle to free up a few days a week to write, so this will give me good practice. However, I was looking at your site as I'm doing some research on behalf of a client. He is looking to partner with a few experts in the career change/lifestyle change fields and I believe you not only have a few there but will know more too. Are you able to help with that too? I very much look forward to hearing from you Best Wishes Rickie Josen www.missjones.info

By willow on 22 September 2008 at 20:13

That's a great idea! I'm definitely interested and will send you an email shortly :-) And thanks for the kind offer!

By applefizz on 5 November 2008 at 20:01

Hi Selena I´m looking to return to work after spending the last 4 years being a full time mum. Professionally I have spent the last 10 years working in Business Consulting. Economically it´s been rewarding but emotionally numbing. Perhaps it´s motherhood, but I need a change. I desire to do something more fulfilling, to make a difference(however small) other than to the P&L accounts of huge corporations. I saw your log and got inspired - ´a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step´. Maybe this is my first step. I´m interested in helping out, and would like to discuss it further. Regards

By Selina Barker on 5 November 2008 at 22:51

Hi Applefizz, You're on. Let's chat over email and see how you can contribute to the site while inspiring your own career change and giving yourself some new ideas... I'll be in touch by email. Best wishes Selina Content Developer, Careershifters

By pinkwontons on 14 September 2008 at 07:59

.

By Agatha103 on 22 September 2008 at 14:21

What a great site! Also, you've given me much food for thought. Like Willow - I like using words, editing, writing, proofreading, layouts, being creative and typing. I'm also huge fan of blogs. However, I had never thought of Web Content Editing. I'm going to do some research into this immediately.

By kaybookworm on 25 September 2008 at 14:06

Did you do some work experience for careershifters ? Was it helpful?

By Selina Barker on 26 September 2008 at 10:29

Hi Kay - I'm sorting it out with Willow at the moment. And if anyone else is an aspiring writer/journalist and interested in contributing to the Careershifters site to get experience and gain exposure then get in touch with the Careershifters team - there's plenty to do! x Selina Content Director Careershifters

By Oregano on 3 October 2008 at 22:00

Help Please! Over the last 7 years. I have worked my way uo from an office coordinator to a project manager and am currently a program manager managing Multiple events globally. I also have the qualifications below MA Hons Economics, Diploma in events management and PR Diploma in Program and Protect Management PRINCE 2 Currently doing a partime Masters in Events Management. I decided I wanted to change career to an events manager about 2 years ago and as a result have pushed my self to the limit doing voluntary work and taking night classes. I also manage events as 30% of my role but would prefer a 100% events management role. I am currently a program manager for an international bank. I have made a lot of sacrifices to ensure I have the right training and experience to make the career move and have been patient to find the right role in the right industry. It has taken me 3months to find the perfect role and I am about to submit my application - next Wednesday. I have been asked for a personal statement and current salary. Although its a good event management salary at 35,000 that i will be happy with. I currently earn 32,000 more than that! This is probably more than the hiring manager earns and I am so worried they may take this against me.... I have worked so hard and been so patient but I am now petrified my application will be rejected. How would they take to me earning close to the head of the department... I just don’t want to be rejected on this issue after all the effort and sacrifices I have made. I would be grateful for any advice on how to overcome this obstacle … Would be most grateful for any advice! Thanks a million!

By Selina Barker on 6 October 2008 at 19:20

Don't panic Oregano! I'm currently working as a recruitment consultant and we have to write cover letters and introductions for people everyday when we put them forward for positions. And sometimes, like you, they are making a career shift and therefore happy to take a paycut. As long as you make it clear that you are happy to take a pay cut because it is job satisfaction that you're looking for and not a huge salary then there is no reason why they should hold that against you in any way. Good luck with application and let us know how it goes. Selina

By Oregano on 7 October 2008 at 23:13

Hi Selina, I’m just finishing off my application and sending it off tomorrow, so your response is so very appreciated. I will let you know how I get on. Thank you ever so much Best regards, Oregano

By markmccluretoday on 8 October 2008 at 04:03

@Oregano - Your experience and diligent preparation for an event mgt role plus the willingness to take a pay cut should stand in your favour - as Selina mentions, make sure you clearly indicate in writing that an appropriate (non Financial Services) market rate salary is A-OK. Good luck!

By Oregano on 8 October 2008 at 23:58

Hi Mark, Thats really reasuring Thanks a million!! I sent it in today. fingers and toes crossed!:-)

By Sab on 21 October 2008 at 14:09

Hi Selina, I'd be interested in writing for the website. I'm going through a career change myself (slap bang in the middle of it), would like some more info on what sort of things you want people to write for the website! Thanks, Sarah

By salsera on 29 October 2008 at 19:47

Hi Selena, Like willow I am also in my mid-20's and looking for a career change. I have a background in desktop publishing and have recently worked in web content management. I enjoy reading, writing, editing, proofing and researching. Since graduating 3 years ago I have pursued a career in graphic design but it is not really where my passions lie any more! I really need a change. I would love to help out with the website if there are any opportunities for Web Content Editing? Many thanks

By Selina Barker on 5 November 2008 at 22:48

Hi Salsera,

There certainly are - for all of you that are wanting to get involved with Careershifters and become part of the team (and I've already spoken with some of you) I'll get in touch with you directly to explore the different ways that you can get involved. Just leave a note here or write to editor@careershifters.org .

 The plan is to have a get together in the new year of this new team of Careershifters that are getting out there and bringing back stories and reviews to the site to inspire and help other Careershifters while developing skills for themselves.

 


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