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Home > Ask A Career Coach > Career change

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Career change

Samuel C. on December 6, 2015

Career Change, Job Search

So after reading some posts on this site I am more reassured in my new desire to change my career to something either in the fundraising or healthcare field. I have a huge desire to help other people get through their challenges with cancer.  I don't really have any specific desire or area but I just know that my job I have now is just not cutting it and it doesn't allow any extra free time to spend volunteering.  

I have researched and sent resumes to different organizations but I'm just not sure how to get my foot in the door.  I guess I'm kind of stuck in a rut of needing to work all the time to keep up the current job that is helping pay bills and keep food on the table for myself. I am single and very willing to work odd hours/weekends. I just really want to be in a place where I can help other people in the same way that many helped me through my cancer path. 

I guess I just need help finding the right venue to get me in touch with the right people. Any advice or example of how you did it are more than welcome! Thanks so much




3 Comments

Image of Samuel C.

Samuel C.

Dec 6, 2015

Current career is in management with restaurants.


Image of Sarah Goodell

Sarah Goodell

Dec 7, 2015

Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:

Hi Samuel,

Thanks for writing to us and congrats on having identified the kind of work that you want to do, that's not always easy! I've sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon. In the meantime, I would recommend checking out our article on cancer as inspiration for career change (if you haven't already): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/Cancer-as-Inspiration-for-Career-Changes

I hope this is helpful, our coaches will be in touch soon.

Best,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers


Image of Julie Jansen

Julie Jansen

Dec 7, 2015

Career Coach Comment:

Hi Samuel, 

I see that you also submitted your resume to our resume review service and I will be giving you feedback on it as well. 

As for how to change careers into a career that is more meaningful to you, I have a few tips. I also recommend that you watch the webinar on the Cancer and Career site that I actually gave earlier this year as it is very comprehensive. 

Changing careers successfully involves networking with people who are in the jobs and fields that you are interested in to ask them for their insight and potentially contacts. Also, while you say that you don't have time to volunteer, given that the work you have done is very unrelated to what you want to do, it is important to try to get some experience and develop some skills in these new areas. This said, if there is any way you can do some volunteer work for a non profit, I highly recommend it. Even if it is just a few hours a week, it would pay off. 

Please write back if you have additional questions. 

Take care, 

Julie


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