Career Counsel / Professional

[asphaltgambler]

Has anyone here used professional counsel for (mainly) career advice? It's been an extremely rough 10-12 years career-wise. Facing some really tough choices at 51 years of age in this economy

Past decisions that I made were spot-on at the time. But my IT career fizzled out after only a few years and ended just in time for 9/11. I went back to auto repair out of neccesity and focused on Euro brands only this time. I am an excerllent tech but, as you all know. the car industry has imploded.

In 11 years I've lived through and aftected by: the tech bubble/ bust, two recessions, housing market imploding then the car business just barely hanging on. Last straw was my former business partner stiffing me on a big chunk $$ - then flying off to Cancun w/his new g/f with the profits earlier this year.

I think it's time to think out side the bun.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I hate to sound like a dick here, but I think the first recommendation I'd have is for you to stop blaming everyone else for your problems and focus on what YOU have done - both right and wrong - to get you where you are. Identify the things you can change and stop worrying about the things you cannot.

If you're willing to give up on automotive entirely that's your choice but I still see plenty of people out there driving imported cars (what's made here anymore?) and opting to maintain them rather than go buy new ones. I'd think there's a market still. Maybe not the same market as five years ago, but still a market. Think about how you can tap it better - focus on today's more frugal customer and/or ways to make money on volume rather than $300 oil changes and checking wiper blades - very few people are going to (or should) pony up for that kind of stuff anymore.

What are the things people really need? Tires, safety items, batteries, etc. Routine tune-ups and stuff they'll probably be more apt to forego, but not the essentials or the things that keep them/their families safe.

Maybe simplistic but just some thoughts off the top of my head. Best of luck whatever you decide.

[asphaltgambler]

I don't believe I am "blaming" anyone for anything - not sure how that was derived from my post. Just stating the facts 'mam. Has anyone here used such a person(s) when faced with tough choices in their work life? If so what are the credentials I should look for?

[notfarnow]

You mean a career coach? Never used one but have thought about it. I'm interested to hear what people say here.

FWIW, I had a career that beat the $%# out of me for 4-5 years, and layoffs around me every 6mths or so made me feel GRATEFUL for the hateful work I had. Looking back, it was an abusive, toxic work environment.

My experience there culminated in me being laid off when my wife was 7mths pregnant. It was the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced, my stomach turns just thinking about it.

If I can relay anything useful from my experience, it is this...When I got laid off, I made a promise to myself:
- I will make it the BEST thing that every happened to me. That was my full time job, and it started that Monday. (I allowed myself the weekend to bit#ch and moan)
- I will do something I enjoy
- I will commit to doing the BEST that I can at whatever I do
- I will treat people in such a way that they WANT to do business with me

It wasn't easy, and it was scary as hell, but it worked out. This is probably the first time in 15 years that I feel like I'm in control of my life, and where I feel that my skills and hard work are appreciated.

Hope things work out for you, I understand your stress!

[asphaltgambler]

After some thought............................maybe not a career coach - more along the lines of an "opportunity" coach

Additional Info:

1) I'm tired/bored with retail car business - there is no actual career - just a job that is completely commissioned based. You make an ok living...when the economy is good. At 51 it's taking a toll on my body

2) I could easliy transition into another technical field like home/commercial security but those businesses are scaling back lesser qualified people and only hiring (stealing) veteran techs

3) I could also transition into local / state gvt tech positions but with the tax base shrinking; most have hiring freezes or limited openings which I do not qualify for

4) Looking to build real solid, stable ground in the next 8-9 yrs. Something with progressive advancement, secure, interesting (to me) duties and responsibilities

5) I will have an inheritance due (2011) somewhere between $125-175K as it stands now -(sale of property) should I invest in my own business

6) Last but not least ......I just lost my home to foreclosure. Do I take part of the $50k orf more from above - buy another house - and invest the rest?