Has anyone here ever used a career counselor?

[Pale Blue Dot]

What was the experience like?

I've been a retail manager for all of my adult life, and I find it an empty, soul-draining job. My problem is, I don't know how my particular skill set translates into the "real world." I'd like something in my work that would be socially-conscious, but I can't afford to take a pay cut.

So I've contacted a career consultant and I've got an initial, free, consultation on Thursday. After that, though, it could get expensive: he charges $95/hr, says he typically needs a total of 6-8 hours, and there's a battery of test he runs that costs $135.

I don't have the money to burn to fool around if this is not going to do me any good. Has anyone here used one of these things before, and if so, did you achieve the desired results? I would really appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

[Nickster]

1. I don't know if this helps, but I'm a full time student right now and we

have career counselors available to us. I had a few appointments with her and she was really helpful. She worked with me on my resume and coaching about other career issues I had. I'm pretty sure that the work I did with her helped me to get into my current job.

My point being, do you have access to a university as an alumnus? Maybe they have counselors available for free? Or if they have it available and you're not a graduate, maybe it's cheaper to sign up for one class and use the services? Otherwise, yes I'd think it'd be worth it as long as it's the right person. Can you get any references from him/her?

[Pale Blue Dot]

3. Thanks for the info!

I'll ask for some references. My former university is 200 miles away, so that doesn't work, but taking a course at a community college that has counselors on staff is an interesting idea. I'm not sure if I want to take that much time, though.

Thanks a lot! This was very helpful! :thumbsup:

[jpgray]

2. My interest inventory result was "Dead in a Gutter"

They should really keep the "likely career" pool more optimistic.

[Pale Blue Dot]

6. I've taken a few tests online

The results are always the same: If I had to pick one job that was exactly wrong for my personality type, it would be the one I'm in now.

The fact that I'm good at it anyway gives me some hope, but how do I communicate that to a perspective employer in a different industry?

On, and they're hring for winos in my town. Right be right up your alley.

[philosophie_en_rose]

4. In Washington, you can get that for free.

At WorkSource locations. Not sure that that's helpful to you, but there may be similar organizations that provide career counseling for free.

[Pale Blue Dot]

7. Thanks. I'm checking the web now.

I'm not sure if anything like that exists in CT, but I'll check it out.

:thumbsup:

[philosophie_en_rose]

5. In Washington, you can get that for free.

At WorkSource locations. Not sure that that's helpful to you, but there may be similar organizations that provide career counseling for free.

[Floogeldy]

8. Those who can, do.

;)

[CBHagman]

9. I'm seeing one right now.

A little background: For a couple of years, I've been looking at various careers and trying to find a way to replace my current job with something more appropriate.

At one point I called a career coach/consultant to get a better understanding of what he did. His fees were pretty staggering, but he recommended a younger person who specializes in adults in midlife making career changes. She has the appropriate training but doesn't charge quite as much.

What I did was lay my cards on the table about being on a budget and suggested that we have a limited number of very carefully targeted sessions (e.g., interest surveys, resume improvement, etc.). She gives me homework and will take unlimited questions by e-mail.

I do see some change already in my approach, but it requires a fair investment of time, a lot of effort, and of course the ability to buck yourself up (that's BUCK yourself up ;-)) when you get discouraged.

Hang in there. You are doing the right thing, and I hope you find the right people to help you on your way.

:hi:

[Pale Blue Dot]

10. Kick. nt