What is Your Employment Situation?

[AtLast]

Thinking about people changing careers or long-time employment at least 3 times throughout their working lives is very common. I did and also combined past skills and education along the way.

What is upsetting is when people just like what they do and want to continue doing it but are forced out by such things as a recession. And so many big employers (really true in Heartland states) don't have any re-training programs in place.

This is very different in other countries like Germany, for example. The US has never really put things like this in place for our workforce in the manufacturing areas. Hummm.... and look at how much of this work is being done by US companies in other countries! Even "Green" industries like solar energy is seeing this as solar panels were devloped here and are now manufactured outside of the US.

[WickedFemme]

I realized that I never mentioned what I do for work in my previous post. I have worked in social services for over 20 years and currently am a Director for a nonprofit that helps women getting out of Domestic Violence situations through provision of shelter and supportive services. I love my job and am committed to helping the women and children.

I tried doing Corporate a few times in the past and just couldn't stomach the 'bottom line' and greed as well as the 'coldness' among the ranks, etc... so, I know that I choose this and could make more money but the 'spiritual' costs aren't worth it for me. I truly give those of you who work in Corporate America credit for doing what you do... I know it takes a lot of perseverence and great inner strength to work in that system. I also know that we need to make products and export more than we do rather than outsourcing and importing everything... I hope this country can get some of it's industry back as well as skilled labor jobs soon, but until the heads of corporations get over their greedy selves I don't foresee it happening... something has to give and unfortunately the American people have been paying the price for way too long. It's sad that we have become so apathetic.

[Nat]

I don't want to put too much info online, but I do work full time and for about half as much as I was 3 years ago. I'm experienced in my field and very good at what I do, but I'm basically back to working entry-level due to a few moves and my current location. I've been using the time to get some extra qualifications to try something new, but it's slow going. I feel a bit imprisoned currently, but life should eventually improve if I can get my ish together. I'm looking forward to a future where what I do actually directly, daily, hourly helps others. If I manage to make my goals, I should be able to wake up every day and know that going to work is the most important thing I could be doing with my day, and I am looking forward to that feeling.