Dont know what Im doing with myself

LegacyUser

Hi all,
Im just looking for somewhere to ask this because I feel all over the place.

I have a degree in one field, a qualification in a completely different field, I have travelled for 2 years, I have worked in menial jobs between all that, I then set up a business which is failing both due to the lack of uptake, but to be perfectly honest, its also due to my lack of ability to really really apply it and push it, it just turns out sales isnt my thing at all, and Im starting to doubt the business itself too, and now at 32 I'm living off enterprise allowance (same as dole) which will run out at the end of the year, and cant see myself being able to get the business going, Im not even sure if I want to, my motivation for it has even take a huge hit now , and I find myself hanging around alot more than I expected, and anyway, at times Im even too broke to put any money into the business. Im not blaming anyone but myself but its just how it is.


Now, I know I sound like a spoilt child who cant decide what he wants to do, but the truth is, I have no solid work experience in any of the fields of qualification.

My degree is in computers but that finished 11 years ago and I stupidly never pursued it, I hated it at the time, but over the last few years Ive sort of realized that my hatred for it was just me being fed up with college, and wanting to try new things. Id like to work in that area now but I dont even know where to start, and it feels like a waste given the fact that IT/programming seems to be the only thing holding up in this country.
I often get asked why the hell am I not look for work in IT, but I just dont know where to start looking given no experience.

One on hand I can sort of look back and be happy that I tried so many different things and experienced so many elements of different industries etc, but on the other hand at 32, I have no structure behind me career wise, ive no solid work experience in anything , and despite all my qualifications Im looking at crap jobs and being fairly broke for the rest of my life if I dont grow up and stick to something now.

If anyone has any practical advice Id really appreciate it.

puffishoes

Pick something in IT that you think you would like to do.

Get a professional cert in whatever it is.

e.g. if it's networking do a CCNA/CCNP

Apply for entry level work. junior net admin/sys admin etc

you're saying 32 like your closing in on retirement, your 30's is the decade to start thinking about what you might like to do, it's the first decade that we as humans start to stop being flaming morons. Don't take it so seriously and enjoy the best decade of your life.

pastorbarrett

Finding myself in a similar predicament of late; or rather, have been experiencing that 'cast adrift', aimless feeling for a couple of years now.

Speaking personally, I think it's important to consider the following here:

1. Don't get hung up on notions of time i.e. age, or 'it will x number of years to get this experience or that degree' etc. What's important here is to establish what it is exactly you want to do and pursue it as best you can.

2. You've decided you want change- you are reflecting on your circumstances as they are and clearly have a desire to better them. This is huge- don't underestimate this. It's the hugely important first step.

It's important you take the necessary time to consider what is the best move for you. This will likely involve lots of planning and research. Look at it positively- there are opportunities for you to avail of, and if they're right ones for you they will no doubt be exciting and rewarding.

As for looking back, reflecting on what was etc, it's part of your life experience to date-it is what it is. It's what has brought you to this point, where you're looking forward towards new beginnings.

I wish you every success

LegacyUser

Hi guys
Thanks, thats some solid simple advice there, it got me grounded again, and sort of simplified something Id been confusing myself over.

Im going to consider what areas of IT I actually enjoy and find myself good at. But I will have to train in them either way despite the degree. But hopefully that training + degree should be enough to get me an entry level job.

You are both right about the age thing. And despite my main issue, Im still happy I wasnt doing some boring career job that Id no interest in for all my 20s.

Sorry for the delay on responding.