Finding a career after leaving JWs

by reneeisorym 33 Replies latest jw friends

  • reneeisorym
    reneeisorym

    Why not capitalize on the talents that we learned as a JW. The ability to spout lies and inane nonsense with a baffling confidence for example. Its scarey at how true this is -- I think I could sell reading glasses to a blind man. I bet most of us could.

  • The wanderer
    The wanderer

    Dear Renee:

    Have you considered an aptitude test? My
    impression regarding your post is that
    you still have a measure of uncertainty
    in which direction you want to go.

    http://www.careerexplorer.net/aptitude.asp

    First, I would start with the Benjamin
    Franklin technique and list all of your
    experiences, skills, education and know
    how on a sheet of paper ( fold the paper
    into columns).

    Second, list all of the pro's and con's
    of each job, skill and experience that
    you ever had and start making notes
    on what you liked or did not like
    to get to know yourself better.

    You have college credits which is a
    big plus, so you may want to consider
    finishing your degree as well.

    Respectfully,

    The Wanderer

  • brinjen
    brinjen

    So here's my latest idea. I happen to be a great artist. I took 5 years of lessons and 2 years of college art. I also happen to be an incredible cook thanks to my grandma. Combine the two and what do I get?

    Maybe I should become a baker. I'm really good at it and decorating cakes takes quite an artisitic flair. My idea was to start making cakes from home and then work my way up to opening a bakery. I could make more than just wedding cakes -- all kinds of sweets like cheese cakes, irish creme cakes, pies ... The only places to by that stuff here is the grocery store. The bakeries usually just sell decorated cakes, cupcakes, and candies around here.

    So, I enrolled in cake decorating classes starting next month. What do you think of this idea. Could it work? pointers?

    Damn straight it could work!

    You most likely already realise this, the best career path is always a combination of what you enjoy and what you are good at. I've been going through similar lately, slowly getting there. It feels good when you finally have a plan doesn't it?

    Pointers.... classes are an excellent start. You've found a 'niche' market, that's excellent. Business plan is a good idea as well, even if it's a rough layout of where you plan to be in one year, two years etc and the steps to get there. It's usually a work in progress, add to it daily if possible even if you only spend a couple of minutes. It will keep you focused.

    Good luck with your goal!

  • greendawn
    greendawn

    I believe it is a good idea, anything to do with catering, with food, has a lot of demand since most people nowadays do not like or do not have time to prepare meals or cakes and desserts and rely on eating out, take aways and prepared meals purchased at supermarkets.

    And of course if one becomes self employed the possibilities of expansion are great. If you have a flair for it it should work.

  • rwagoner
    rwagoner

    Great idea....ever hear of this guy ?

    http://www.charmcitycakes.com/noflash/

    Very successful. Good Luck.

  • Paralipomenon
    Paralipomenon

    I would suggest picking up a copy of the book "What color is your parachute?"

    The goal of the book is to help guide you towards a career that you are ideally suited for that you would enjoy.

    The book is updated annually to account for changes to the job market.

    http://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-Parachute-2006/dp/1580087272

  • reneeisorym
    reneeisorym

    I love your ideas and thanks for the advice. I am beginning to realize that I need to have a plan and not such a "wait and see" attitude!

    However, I think I need to see how the cake decorating goes first and then go from there. Can I plan to make a plan? .. LOL I'll post some pictures as I'm taking classes and then see what you guys think.

    Renee

  • golf2
    golf2

    Go for it, you've got the talent.


    Golf

  • unique1
    unique1

    I think it sounds like a great idea. You definitely want to list with superpages.com and yellowpages.com and of course the local phone book. You may want to also take around flyers and or business cards. God knows you are probably great a going door to door and leaving such materials. LOL. Plus you may want to start a portfolio with your class. Take pictures of all your finished projects so that you can show your potential customers ideas. GOOD LUCK!! I am in the same place as you. I am just starting taking gemology courses.

  • Sunspot
    Sunspot

    I see no reason at all why you shouldn't "go for it"! If you have the flair and the desire---why not?

    Cakes and pastries will never go out of style, and people do not want the responsibility these days to stop and bake and decorate a cake or pastries to serve to guests or bring elsewhere to a party.

    It sounds ideal to ME!

    hugs,

    Annie

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