At a Crossroads...Need Career Advice

[crazycanuck]

A thought for you..

Why not finish Uni and then work your way round the world like many NZ/Aussie/Saffies do? Alot of young people wander away for many years, find themselves & head home to work.

Why not do some volunteer work with Engineers without Borders??

Just a thought.

C

[onimity]

Ditto what the others said.

If you do what really appeals to you, that is what you will be most successful at. And don't be disappointed if you don't find it right off the bat. Having been in business for myself, I recommend that you start by working with a well-established company in a role that may not be your dream job, but that gets you closer to where you want to be. Managing your own business is its own adventure, and one that is best approached with some serious savings and/or backing.

But I wish more than anything that I'd taken a year off between school and starting work to travel. It may seem like there is no money, no time, but trust me, that feeling only increases as you get older. And travel on the cheap is not only the best kind, but a lot easier than you might imagine. That, and in traveling I have learned so much about myself and what I want from life. Work is only a part of that. Take the time while you can to see how people in other countries, other continents, other cultures live.

And whatever you do, enjoy it, that is the most important thing.

Anne

[onimity]

aha, I cross-posted with you.

An idea for a year off: you can travel the world by bike.

You'll get plenty of experience working with bikes, and a cheap mode of transport too.

Anne

[pinkychique]

aha, I cross-posted with you.

An idea for a year off: you can travel the world by bike.

You'll get plenty of experience working with bikes, and a cheap mode of transport too.

Anne

I love that idea!!....now...to build a bike trailer....

[snowtulip]

Hi Pinky,
DH is a bike builder here in ABQ. He went to CNM (used to be TVI) and went through their welding program so that he could do his own frames. He's designed and built two of my bikes which I love.

He's addicted to bikes and still wanted to work at the bike shop as well to be surrounded by bike people, so he works there about 10 hrs/week (to me it's similar to volunteering). But he's managed to do what he loves and make a meager living because the welding has provided him other money making opportunities.

He's pretty content and just lives within his means in order to do what he enjoys.

[velogirl]

Pinkie! Definitely follow your dream while you're young. It's much more challenging to change careers and reduce your income potential once you're used to a certain standard of living.

Another thought, besides working at a bike shop, would be to apprentice with a local frame-builder (like snowtulip's husband?).

One word of advice regarding bike shop jobs. Not all bike shop owners are supportive of their employees' athletic careers. Remember, if you plan to train 30 hours a week (a bit high, I think), that cuts into your potential work hours. Also, your races will be on the weekends and most likely also require travel time. Weekends are prime bike-buying days so bike shop owners like to hire employees (especially those with less seniority) who can be available to work weekends.

[pinkychique]

good idea velogirl, maybe if not snowtulip's husband isn't willing to, then I'll look and see what I can find.

snowtulip: would you be willing to ask your husband?

Thanks all!