I have seen career counselors before with little progress. Recently, I spoke with one who said that he could help me in 3 sessions or less. Each session costs $175.

Currently, I am in a pickle. I am on SSDI and it does not cover all of my expenses. Two of my prior employers harassed me repeatedly for months until I broke down and yelled at them in self defense. I did not get violent or threaten them. Their actions were intentional and some of their actions were actually illegal, e.g., consisting of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and created circumstances - namely - where a (supposedly) missing letter was on my manager's desk all along. I was fired when, after telling her twice the letter was on her desk and she refused to look for it and then verbally viscously laid into me, I went and got it. Now, they give me negative references that I feel are not deserved. From their abuse, I have been diagnosed with c-PTSD which is incurable. I go to therapy but it's not helping.

I guess I will, however reluctantly, have to change careers. I am not happy about this. I am 56 years old. I will have to start out as a temp and give up my SSDI, supplementing my income with savings and hope and pray that I am made permanent. Or, maybe, I can find part-time work and then use that reference to go permanent. I am emotionally devastated over losing my career of 20+ years because of these mean people. I do not know if I can emotionally overcome what has been done to me because the people who did it are proud of their actions. Everyday I want to be dead. I also suffer from foot problems and GI problems that limit what careers I can enter because I cannot stand for long periods and have a very restricted diet.

Has anyone else faced a similar instance? Anyone else had a good experience with a career counselor?

[pegasus]

I don't know about career counsellors, I'm guessing that it would be a waste of your money. I'm replying to you really because I have been bullied and pushed out of a couple of jobs now. I must be an easy target with a label saying, 'Kick me!' on my back. I feel for you.

Thanks. Yes, a T has told me that I'm one of those people who has a "kick me" sign written all over me. I don't know what to do about it. There is no cure for my baldness. It would take thousands of dollars to straighten my teeth. I do use some skin enhancing products on my face but they don't do enough quite frankly. I am a hard to fit size in all respects, especially shoes, making it difficult to compete clothes-wise. Yesterday, a woman suggested to me that I become a body-builder and lose some weight as the extreme fitness will make me look tougher and younger. I am seriously considering it even though it would take a lot of effort and even though years ago when I went to the gym regularly and was very fit it did not seem to make a bit of difference. Life is tough when you're me. I don't think there is a cure for my issues.

[redbandit]

I wouldn't spend $175 for a career counselor. Do they give any guarantees? I've gone through vocational rehab, which is free, and helped me find a job. I'm sure an actual career counselor would help more, but that's awfully expensive.
just throwing that out there good luck

[unaluna]

What about ssi's ticket to work program?

175 is a total rip off. Even most PhDs psychologists don't get that. Ultimately a career choice is all about your interests and capabilities. Nobody can tell u better than u. You will have a ton more success going to the library and asking a librarian for resources. They most likely stock a book called what color is your parachute. That book got me into college and career.

As far as your looks go. They may not get you a job in a men's designer shop but don't underestimate the power of confidence. There are a ton of singers with horrible voices. Think about it

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Originally Posted by hankster

What about ssi's ticket to work program?

Thanks. I will ask about this.

I agree with voc rehab- they can work with the Ticket to Work program- call a state voc rehab location and ask about it.

[brainhi]

I do not think a career counselor can REALLY get to know who you are in 3 sessions.

If you are able, network with those that really know who you are. From your previous employment, I bet there are some people you associated with that recognize your ablilities. (it's tough with co-workers because they have to keep their mouth shut to keep thier job). Also, friends, support groups, your family...not sure of your situation.

I think others had good ideas as well - if you are elgible for some kind of voc rehab that's great -

I wish you the best. ...I might be next in line with you..I may HAVE to leave to job I love because I can barely support myself. I have to be quiet about it - and cannot go to associates for help with my search - yet. This job could still work out.

When I was in a career transition I was a part of a "career group" that met face to face, like any other support group - it was extremely helpful.

[Perna]

Since you have seen them in the past and they have not helped and you don't have the $425, I'd forget about this career counselor. I'd hit the library, first, see what you could find about various jobs that might interest you and you think you could do and then see what your state offers in counseling, education, training, or placement.

I'd look for jobs like you had in a pseudo-public rather than private (schools, governments, etc.) environment, see if they'll interview and be vague on the standard fill-in-the-blanks employment forms as to who, exactly, your boss was, just give the company name and city, etc., especially if it was more than a couple years ago. You have moved on and yeah you worked for those people but left for medical issues and now you are moving on and you don't know their status, they may be out of business for all you know Act like you own your life and are not interested in your previous jobs but for what you learned and how you have a lot of "practice" (20+ years) and are darn near perfect now and you new guys really should hire me! Could you teach your skills at a community college, for example?

If you cannot stay in your field or a fringe/associated field that would be an obvious sideways move because of your 20+ years experience, then you can go to Plan B and something else that has always interested you that you'd like to try.

I think I am going to try to avoid law and focus on the non-profit field. Thanks to everyone for their comments.

[Strive4health]

I'm a little late to the discussion, but have you thought about seeking services for free through a grad school or a church? That's where I was able to get my career counseling, and it was for free through a church. Maybe call up a local Adler Grad school or something related and ask if it's possible to visit one of the grad students at a church they are interning at.