Advice about job confusion

claireorea

Hi all,
I graduated Arts in UCD last year and since then I've been trying to decide what to do. I've done some temporary work in the past year. But I am still very much undecided as to what to do career wise.
I was thinking of doing a post grad course but my parents are advising me not to as I don't know what I actualy want to do so think its a waste of time and money.
I was thinking I'd like to do an office job, but instead of 9 to 5, maybe 9 till 3 or something. Or 4 days a week instead? Is that possible? I just hate committing myself to a job. So I'd like to work less hours incase I don't like it. Any advice where I could find office jobs that are less hours than 9 to 5?
Cheers,
Claire x

Glowing

I'm afraid you'll probably have to find a 9-5 job like the rest of us. What would you do in your spare time? And it's going to be a commitment whether or not you're working 28 hours or 40 hours a week.

If you don't like it, you hand in your notice and find something else - working less hours in a job you detest is just as bad as working full time.

Electric

TBH the chances of finding a 9-3, 4 days a week job are zero! I don't want to be mean but your post did make me smile. Those are the hours that most working mums are after and I don't think that many of them actually get it.

You will be working 9-5 like the rest of us. If you don't like your job sit tight send around your CV's go for interviews and then leave. But really year out of college you should be looking for a job that will give you some focus.

I agree with your parents don't go doing a masters in the hope that it will tell you what you want to do.

Start doing some research. What areas are you interested in? Banking, insurance, public relations, event management etc. What subjects did you love in college? What jobs are you not willing to do i.e. work in a call centre, customer service etc.

Have a good think about these questions then put together an excellent CV and look for recruitment agencies in the areas that you think you might like to work in.

cressy

If you know what Postgrad course you want to do - then I say go and do it! I finished an arts degree and like you I thought I had to get a job - in an office - which I did. And hated it and was miserable and just got more miserable. Life isn't all about money - or at least not right now when you are (I assume) free and unburdened by dependents. If you don't want to work or study, then just work for a bit - save up some money and go travellling - you'd be amazed at how little money you need for this (so long as you don't want to stay in hotels ). Maybe get an English teaching qualification (you can do it with your eyes shut). Go off, see the world, have an adventure, expand your horizons. Go by yourself and have an even better time, mix with locals wherever you go and stay away from hoards of your own countrypeople. Even if you don't work out what you want to do (and who says you ever have to?) then at least you'll have some adventures and some fabulous memories. If you don't know what you want then dance with life, embrace lots of possibilities. And don't let people keep lecturing you on responsibility and "knowing what you want". Have some fun for a while.

AARRRGH

Postgrad all the way. I don't think education is ever a waste of money.

Assuming you're in your early 20's, you have loads of time on your hands, so don't be worrying about not know what the future holds.

What do you enjoy doing?

MIN2511

Why don't you travel for a year or so...And when you get back, re evaluate your situation

AARRRGH

^-- good idea

Eoin

Definitely travel while you can, I regret not taking a year out. If you're looking for part time office work, I'd say temping may be your best option, unless you can find companies who have people with young kids looking to job share. Good luck with that.

A relative of mine went to a career guidance guy in Wexford who spent a day with her, and went through her interests, skills, personality type and all that stuff, and at the end of the day they had a career narrowed down for her, which she is now doing - and loves. She said it was a very worthwhile exercise. I can find out his details if you want.

Glowing

Actually, temping is a great suggestion. You can try a wide variety of jobs in a short space of time, and find out what type of work you might like .....

hunnymonster

about half the junior administrators where I work are job sharing. They work 3 days one week and two the next. Those kinds of jobs do exist.