Time for a career change, whacha got?

When I took this job a year ago, I knew that I could last about a year. The company is completely dysfunctional, I knew that going in, but I needed a paycheck and accepted the inevitable BS. But now I need to get out of here and have begun the search once again. I am sure that I can find another marketing role, but I also think that at 54 if I don't make a change and do something that I enjoy now, I will be stuck forever. Or if I don't find a company that actually lives the values that it hangs in the lobby, I will be going through the motions forever. 

Trouble is, I have no idea what would make me happy for another 20 years. Sure, working on cars or being a male model, but I need to pay the bills too. I also need a laugh right now, so what truly bad advice do you have? Should I take up puppets? Sell VCRs? Send money to that prince in Nigeria? 

54 is a bit old to start out at something really busting your hump.  If you want something that's pretty stabile, has a pension, and doesn't require you to work 60-70 hours a week I'd suggest government employment.  Take a look at the websites for local, state, and federal jobs in your area and see what interests you at a pay you can live with. 

Isn't GRM hiring for a marketing person?

I think KYallroad is on the right track- Mail carriers are in extreme demand, as are DPW employees.  I'd invest in myself with a CDL license, and drive a dump truck or fuel truck around until I get tired of it, if I were mid-50s and needed a change.  Good money, practically unlimited overtime and lateral movement options, and generally excellent benefits if you can get into a Federal or municipal department. 

It's not the glamorous choice, but it is an excellent blue-collar option. 

wvumtnbkr said:

Isn't GRM hiring for a marketing person?

If you are a marketing guy can you make sales calls?  I'd make this into a fun job. Get out and see advertisers then sell magazines at Road America or Mid-Ohio all weekend?

berkeleying Eh!

Utilities. Gas, water, electric. 

It won't make you much but you'll earn a bit of pension before hitting retirement age. 

KyAllroad said:

 I'd suggest government employment.  Take a look at the websites for local, state, and federal jobs in your area and see what interests you at a pay you can live with. 

USAJOBS is the real deal. I got into submarine repair at 38 years old.

EDIT: If you need help with that site DM me.

Most state & local govts have gone to a "Rule of 90" or similar pension plan where your age + years of service have to add up to the number to qualify for full retirement benefits.  85 & 90 seem to be the common numbers. Even then you won't qualify for a pension unless you have at least 10 years of service and you need 28-30 years of service for a full pension of probably 47% or so of your salary. Not sure what the retirement plan with the Feds is like these days.

I heard on the news today that crossing guards are making $20/hr now...

In reply to Peabody :

A couple hours a day max, but not bad as a supplement if other gigs start after 9.

Ever thought about politics?

triumph7 said:

Ever thought about politics?

 

I thought we had a no politics rule here? 

I'll show myself out...

54 and "20 more years" does not compute.  But the retirement thread is down the hall.

Local gov't jobs aren't a bad choice. Usually the benefits (even without a pension) are pretty decent. My dad retired from the post office (more later) and did a gig driving the school lunch van between facilities.  He was then able to apply and get a full time custodian position that he actually really enjoyed. 

Private schools, colleges and hospitals are another place where 'support staff' jobs in maintenance, delivery, etc can be found.

The post office used to be a good job path (union) but has devolved into a overtime and weekends disaster. USPS spent decades hiring based on ethnicity and gender over competency and we've now seen the outcome. Couple that with the desperation of trying to hire anyone that even shows up to work and it's a total mess. They can also dictate where you work, so if they are short at an office 30 minutes away you will get sent there.

I work in insurance and we are always looking for property damage appraisers and claim handlers. Nowadays you will probably be able to work from home. 

ddavidv said:

54 and "20 more years" does not compute.  But the retirement thread is down the hall.

Well, I have an 11-year old. And he's smart enough to go to CMU like his sister in 7 years, so 10 more is a must. Then I'll need some money so I can eat, so I figure another 10.