[anthony81]

I am 31 and trying to land a lifelong career.

So far in 10 years since school I've changed over 10 jobs in different fields, and tried to run a home business unsuccessfully as it made $0 money.

Typically, I would start a new job in the spring, then by winter I'd get sick alot and depressed. (I live in the nyc area so winters are brutal). and I'd lose focus and interest and end up quitting by march/april usually. I do have a focusing problem I noticed I daydream alot at work.

Now I have a spotty work history and lack some solid work references. This keeps coming up in interviews and background checks and I am not getting hired.

Any advice to save me from the welfare line and the street?

[ECHOES]

Talk about it as something somewhat intentional, by attempting to make it progressive. Cite what you learned from and contributed to each job/company, and how that has shaped you and makes you a good candidate. As you summarize, state your experiences have contributed to your current desire for a long term commitment. Then keep that promise, no matter what, for a minimum of 2 years, and don't leave the job until you have another job. If you have to take a less than ideal job to accomplish this, that's okay, because it is an investment in you, your future.

[Perna]

Lifelong career in what? Are you focused in what you want yet? That could help you stop being so unfocused and day dreaming so much. Come up with a five year plan and steps to get there?

http://www.livestrong.com/article/20...r-career-plan/
http://www.fin.ucar.edu/forms/HR/5yr...lan_form.shtml

I would also sift through who you have worked with and enjoyed and come up with 3 references you could use; go talk with them (take them to lunch?) and get them on board with what you are trying to do and ask them would they be your reference. If you can't find three, find a volunteer job relating to your career field and start cultivating one as you look for a job; it is possible that a volunteer job and who you meet and what you learn could turn into a paid job opportunity somewhere along the line.

When I was trying to get my own customers for my own business, I was in the line to check out books at the library (I was a volunteer at this library too and was well-known) and got a customer just from we in line talking among ourselves and with the desk clerk, a "friend" of mine. I sold my car, riding the bus and talking about it to my seatmate; several people overheard me and my amusing tale. I had named the car and someone wanted to buy it as "parts" for their demolition derby car but I could not allow that ignoble end for my car whom I loved, and the other people, sitting behind me hearing the conversation/story liked me and how much I "cared", figured the car had been loved and I was honest, etc. Get out and talking about yourself and what you are trying to do, what your "passion" is. That will attract others.

[anthony81]

Thanks but I have such a hard time talking socially like that. I was a shy kid and never had a circle of friends like you. Part of why it was so hard to be a team player at all my jobs.

I've been in everything from sales, real estate, federal govt, travel, to even a brief stint in healthcare. .. so hard to say what I want!!

gosh sometimes I feel like a girl I wish I could just make up my mind on one thing and be successful at it.

Originally Posted by Perna

Lifelong career in what? Are you focused in what you want yet? That could help you stop being so unfocused and day dreaming so much. Come up with a five year plan and steps to get there?

http://www.livestrong.com/article/20...r-career-plan/
http://www.fin.ucar.edu/forms/HR/5yr...lan_form.shtml

I would also sift through who you have worked with and enjoyed and come up with 3 references you could use; go talk with them (take them to lunch?) and get them on board with what you are trying to do and ask them would they be your reference. If you can't find three, find a volunteer job relating to your career field and start cultivating one as you look for a job; it is possible that a volunteer job and who you meet and what you learn could turn into a paid job opportunity somewhere along the line.

When I was trying to get my own customers for my own business, I was in the line to check out books at the library (I was a volunteer at this library too and was well-known) and got a customer just from we in line talking among ourselves and with the desk clerk, a "friend" of mine. I sold my car, riding the bus and talking about it to my seatmate; several people overheard me and my amusing tale. I had named the car and someone wanted to buy it as "parts" for their demolition derby car but I could not allow that ignoble end for my car whom I loved, and the other people, sitting behind me hearing the conversation/story liked me and how much I "cared", figured the car had been loved and I was honest, etc. Get out and talking about yourself and what you are trying to do, what your "passion" is. That will attract others.

How about going to NYU and speak with a career counselor? Or getting in touch with a life coach to help you get on a path to success.

Also, i am not sure if you mentioned if you had a T but that could be helpful, as well. Especially if you are struggling with SAD.

By the way, I am a girl and I knew what I wanted to do with my career when I was 14. And my female friends are all very successful in their chosen careers...whether it be out in the workforce, full time mom or a little of both.

[anthony81]

Thanks. hugs! I'm glad you are able to focus on one thing like that!

A career counselor may not help. I noticed a negative pattern in my work history as follows:

> Start new job in spring > excited & motivated > punctual, reliable
> by wintertime depressed & lost interest, > late alot > lot of sick days
> disciplinary writeups > resignation

This pattern has happened around 10 times. I've blown potentially great careers in sales, healthcare, and even steady federal work. I must point out that I get bronchitis very easily in cold months and the Feb-Apr period is brutal for me. One year I caught walking pneumonia that made me miserable at work and constantly calling out sick. So that is part of it.

Originally Posted by Rose Panachée

How about going to NYU and speak with a career counselor? Or getting in touch with a life coach to help you get on a path to success.

Also, i am not sure if you mentioned if you had a T but that could be helpful, as well. Especially if you are struggling with SAD.

By the way, I am a girl and I knew what I wanted to do with my career when I was 14. And my female friends are all very successful in their chosen careers...whether it be out in the workforce, full time mom or a little of both.

Hi Anthony! Thanks for clarifying...have you spoken with your md?
Perhaps it would help in terms of helping to focus and to get that respiratory matter under control...

I am glad you posted and that you are here! There are great people here...I know you will get the support and input you are looking for.

R

Originally Posted by anthony81

Thanks. hugs! I'm glad you are able to focus on one thing like that. A career counselor may not help. I noticed a negative pattern in my work history as follows:
> Start new job in spring > excited & motivated > punctual, reliabl
> by wintertime depressed & lost interest, > late alot > lot of sick days> disciplinary writeups > resignation
This pattern has happened around 10 times. I've blown potentially great careers in sales, healthcare, and even steady federal work. I must point out that I get bronchitis very easily in cold months and the Feb-Apr period is brutal for me. One year I caught walking pneumonia that made me miserable at work and constantly calling out sick. So that is part of it.

[anthony81]

MD will not help much.
I have a weak immune system because I am scrawny and so on.. so catch cold easily thats all. Its kind of hard to even bang out those 8 hour shifts if you're physically low on stamina.. you feel me?

The confidence you all in this forum are giving is helpful so far.. I'm trying to better myself by starting a weight gain routine to give myself more fortitude for my next job hopefully.

Originally Posted by Rose Panachée

Hi Anthony! Thanks for clarifying...have you spoken with your md?
Perhaps it would help in terms of helping to focus and to get that respiratory matter under control...

I am glad you posted and that you are here! There are great people here...I know you will get the support and input you are looking for.

R