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Nikki
Student
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Career suggestions?
I am a Woman, 60 years of age. (I earned a Bachelors Degree in the 1980's) I'm still unsure of what I want to be when grow up. (Starting over at 60)
I'm very curious as to why people do what they do. I'm the person at the party that cannot engage in 'small talk'. I'll ask probing questions, such as, "what makes you think you are responsible for other peoples feelings?" or "what events precipitated his suicide?' or "what do you like or value about your wife/dislike/find irritating about her? "Why did you choose to have children?" "how did you land in that career?" "Why do you drink alcohol?" "Are you happy?" etc
Can you suggest a possible career path that values this sort of curiosity? The idea of assis ting a professional sounds exciting. I'm not drawn to becoming a counselor or psychologist. Do writers employ assistants? Research opportunities?
( this is my first time here, please forgive my entry if incorrect)
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nikki !
A warm welcome to you !
As someone close to your age, I think that I would be happy to share some advice as today's generation of 60 somethings are still young and still have many exciting opportunities ! You sound very interesting and at a time in which you're approaching a career transition.
I don't usually advise this in these circumstances, but you sound as if you would be great as an actor, writer or director of plays and films. Your interest in getting to the core of things with profound questions shows that you have the ability and interest in using your analytical skills. Yes, I agree with you that a career in social services or counseling would not be a choice that would make you happy. This is a time in our lives in which, if we transition to new work, it has to be real fun, meaningful and something we can completely enjoy with more positive vibes than negative.
Why be an assistant when you can very well be a full fledged writer yourself ? Writers do not have assistants, but there are "ghost writers" that write things for another author whose name goes on the work. At our age group, there's still room to think big ! Ask yourself, "What do I want and what am I willing to do to get it ?" The fine and performing arts are age friendly, too. It may be something to consider if you're interested in it.
Another thing that may help is to look at employment notices in various categories on employment websites and see if anything sparks your interest. Maybe doing some volunteer work could be inspiring. At this time in your life, it's a great time to pick something that you fully enjoy and contributes to community and culture.
The good part is that you will be inspired. Recreation and hobbies can even inspire you. Explore the current employment trends because A LOT has greatly changed since our age group obtained our first career job. A lot.
Give yourself some time and don't feel rushed. Try to choose something for which you do not have to spend much money, but if you need to take a course or a training for a new career, do not hesitate. Try some free classes online to explore, also. You will definitely come across something that fits in with your current life.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best moving forward !
A warm welcome to you !
As someone close to your age, I think that I would be happy to share some advice as today's generation of 60 somethings are still young and still have many exciting opportunities ! You sound very interesting and at a time in which you're approaching a career transition.
I don't usually advise this in these circumstances, but you sound as if you would be great as an actor, writer or director of plays and films. Your interest in getting to the core of things with profound questions shows that you have the ability and interest in using your analytical skills. Yes, I agree with you that a career in social services or counseling would not be a choice that would make you happy. This is a time in our lives in which, if we transition to new work, it has to be real fun, meaningful and something we can completely enjoy with more positive vibes than negative.
Why be an assistant when you can very well be a full fledged writer yourself ? Writers do not have assistants, but there are "ghost writers" that write things for another author whose name goes on the work. At our age group, there's still room to think big ! Ask yourself, "What do I want and what am I willing to do to get it ?" The fine and performing arts are age friendly, too. It may be something to consider if you're interested in it.
Another thing that may help is to look at employment notices in various categories on employment websites and see if anything sparks your interest. Maybe doing some volunteer work could be inspiring. At this time in your life, it's a great time to pick something that you fully enjoy and contributes to community and culture.
The good part is that you will be inspired. Recreation and hobbies can even inspire you. Explore the current employment trends because A LOT has greatly changed since our age group obtained our first career job. A lot.
Give yourself some time and don't feel rushed. Try to choose something for which you do not have to spend much money, but if you need to take a course or a training for a new career, do not hesitate. Try some free classes online to explore, also. You will definitely come across something that fits in with your current life.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best moving forward !
Hi Michelle, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your understanding around, 'negative' vibes. (I've been through talk therapy and a whole host of other types of therapy and I know I could not take the constant vibe of depression and listening to constant suicidal ideation). "Fun and meaningful', "contributes to community and culture", yes! I will consider and explore your suggestions. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your inspiring words with me!
Nikki
Hello again, Michelle. I am so intrigued by what you've shared with me.
" I don't usually advise this in these circumstances, but you sound as if you would be great as an actor, writer or director of plays and films. "
I live in a small town in Central Massachusetts. Can you suggest where to start to explore acting, writing, directing, film and plays? Much appreciation for any response!
Nikki
Hi, Nikki ! You can try exploring the acting communities in Worcester, Springfield and Lowell. To discover a performing arts community, inquire at colleges, your public Library and your local Chamber of Commerce. Also inquire at your local Parks and Recreation Department of your town. Best wishes to you !
Michelle M.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
It sounds like you have a great depth of curiosity about human behavior and motivations, which is such a valuable trait! There are several exciting paths you could explore, all while keeping things fun and fulfilling:
1. Research Assistant or Interviewer
Your knack for asking deep, probing questions could make you a fantastic research assistant in fields like sociology, anthropology, or psychology. Universities and research organizations often need people who can conduct interviews and gather insightful data. Plus, you'd be helping professionals, which aligns with your desire to assist others without becoming a counselor.
2. Content Writer or Ghostwriter
You could leverage your curiosity by becoming a content writer or even a ghostwriter, especially for self-help, psychology, or human behavior topics. Writers sometimes need assistants, but there’s also the option to write your own material. Research, interviews, and analysis of human behavior can become the backbone of engaging, insightful articles or books.
3. Human Resources Specialist
HR roles often delve into why people behave the way they do in the workplace. With your curiosity, you could help with employee engagement, training, and organizational development. If you pursue some basic HR certification, you could open up many doors in this field.
4. Life Coach or Personal Development Consultant
You might also explore life coaching, which involves helping people understand their behaviors and life choices without the therapeutic aspect. You could work with people looking to improve their personal and professional lives, guiding them through self-discovery.
5. Community Outreach Coordinator
Nonprofits always need people who can engage deeply with community members and help them navigate their lives or needs. Your ability to ask questions and understand personal motivations would be an asset in roles that require outreach and community engagement.
6. Actor or Playwright
If you're open to something more creative, your analytical mind could lead you to a career in acting or writing for theater and film. Your curiosity about human behavior could translate into creating powerful, complex characters that resonate with audiences.
Remember, age is just a number, and it’s never too late to start something new and fulfilling. Take your time, explore options, and enjoy the journey! There are a lot of online courses and free resources available to help you dip your toes into various fields. You've got this!
1. Research Assistant or Interviewer
Your knack for asking deep, probing questions could make you a fantastic research assistant in fields like sociology, anthropology, or psychology. Universities and research organizations often need people who can conduct interviews and gather insightful data. Plus, you'd be helping professionals, which aligns with your desire to assist others without becoming a counselor.
2. Content Writer or Ghostwriter
You could leverage your curiosity by becoming a content writer or even a ghostwriter, especially for self-help, psychology, or human behavior topics. Writers sometimes need assistants, but there’s also the option to write your own material. Research, interviews, and analysis of human behavior can become the backbone of engaging, insightful articles or books.
3. Human Resources Specialist
HR roles often delve into why people behave the way they do in the workplace. With your curiosity, you could help with employee engagement, training, and organizational development. If you pursue some basic HR certification, you could open up many doors in this field.
4. Life Coach or Personal Development Consultant
You might also explore life coaching, which involves helping people understand their behaviors and life choices without the therapeutic aspect. You could work with people looking to improve their personal and professional lives, guiding them through self-discovery.
5. Community Outreach Coordinator
Nonprofits always need people who can engage deeply with community members and help them navigate their lives or needs. Your ability to ask questions and understand personal motivations would be an asset in roles that require outreach and community engagement.
6. Actor or Playwright
If you're open to something more creative, your analytical mind could lead you to a career in acting or writing for theater and film. Your curiosity about human behavior could translate into creating powerful, complex characters that resonate with audiences.
Remember, age is just a number, and it’s never too late to start something new and fulfilling. Take your time, explore options, and enjoy the journey! There are a lot of online courses and free resources available to help you dip your toes into various fields. You've got this!
A Thousand thanks, Dr H! I'm so grateful for your lengthy comments. A lot to take in and consider. I will definitely read and re read every word of your sage advice. Thank you for your time and generosity.
Nikki
You are very welcome Nikki I am glad my in depth responce are better than just a concise AI respond so I guess I would also appreciate a lengthy time taking advice but as well as meaningful and positive as others have given. Happy you are getting the help you need and stay curious and optimistic life can be hard and tough but know you are never alone pal.
Dr H
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Nikki!
Career Suggestions for a Curious Individual at 60
Understanding Your Interests and Skills
Given your profound curiosity about human behavior and the deeper motivations behind people’s actions, it’s essential to identify career paths that align with these interests. You have expressed a desire to assist professionals without pursuing traditional roles in counseling or psychology. This opens up several avenues where your skills can be utilized effectively.
Potential Career Paths
Research Assistant in Social Sciences:
Many universities and research institutions seek individuals who can assist with qualitative research, which often involves interviewing subjects, analyzing data, and compiling findings. Your ability to ask probing questions would be invaluable in gathering rich, detailed information from participants.
Look for opportunities in departments such as sociology, anthropology, or psychology. Positions may be available on a part-time basis or as volunteer roles that could lead to paid opportunities.
Human Resources Specialist:
Human resources (HR) professionals often engage in understanding employee motivations and behaviors. Your curiosity about why people make certain choices could translate well into roles focused on employee engagement, training, or organizational development.
Consider obtaining certifications in HR management if you want to enhance your qualifications further.
Life Coach or Personal Development Consultant:
While you mentioned not wanting to become a counselor or psychologist, life coaching allows for a more flexible approach to helping individuals explore their lives and choices without the clinical framework of therapy.
You might consider certification programs that focus on coaching methodologies rather than psychological training.
Content Writer/Researcher for Psychology or Self-Help Publications:
Writers often employ assistants for research purposes, especially in fields related to psychology and self-help. Your inquisitive nature could help you excel at gathering information and drafting content that resonates with readers.
Explore freelance writing opportunities where you can contribute articles based on interviews or research findings.
Community Outreach Coordinator:
Nonprofit organizations often need individuals who can engage with the community and understand its needs deeply. This role would allow you to utilize your questioning skills while making a positive impact.
Look for organizations focused on mental health awareness, social services, or community development.
Educational Program Developer:
If you’re interested in education, consider developing programs that teach critical thinking about human behavior and relationships. This could involve creating workshops or seminars aimed at various audiences.
Collaborating with educational institutions or community centers might provide a platform for your ideas.
Networking and Further Education
Regardless of the path you choose, networking will be crucial. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to your areas of interest to meet like-minded individuals and professionals who can provide guidance or job leads.
Additionally, consider taking online courses related to research methods, HR practices, coaching techniques, or writing skills through platforms like Coursera or edX to bolster your qualifications.
Conclusion
Starting over at 60 is an exciting opportunity to explore new avenues that align with your passions and strengths. By focusing on careers that value curiosity about human behavior—such as research assistant roles, HR positions, life coaching, content writing/researching for publications, community outreach coordination, or educational program development—you can find fulfilling work that resonates with your innate interests.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides extensive resources on psychology-related careers including research opportunities within social sciences which align well with understanding human behavior.
2. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
SHRM offers insights into various HR roles emphasizing the importance of understanding employee motivations which relates closely to your interests in human behavior.
3. International Coach Federation (ICF)
ICF outlines the credentials necessary for becoming a life coach along with resources detailing how coaching differs from traditional counseling approaches while still engaging deeply with personal development topics.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
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|=============God Bless You, Richly ~ Simply Because GOD CAN!==================|
|==James Constantine Frangos ~ " THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN"==|
|==Increasing Your Capacities By Programming For Your Nutrition Education ~ Since 1972!==|
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Career Suggestions for a Curious Individual at 60
Understanding Your Interests and Skills
Given your profound curiosity about human behavior and the deeper motivations behind people’s actions, it’s essential to identify career paths that align with these interests. You have expressed a desire to assist professionals without pursuing traditional roles in counseling or psychology. This opens up several avenues where your skills can be utilized effectively.
Potential Career Paths
Research Assistant in Social Sciences:
Many universities and research institutions seek individuals who can assist with qualitative research, which often involves interviewing subjects, analyzing data, and compiling findings. Your ability to ask probing questions would be invaluable in gathering rich, detailed information from participants.
Look for opportunities in departments such as sociology, anthropology, or psychology. Positions may be available on a part-time basis or as volunteer roles that could lead to paid opportunities.
Human Resources Specialist:
Human resources (HR) professionals often engage in understanding employee motivations and behaviors. Your curiosity about why people make certain choices could translate well into roles focused on employee engagement, training, or organizational development.
Consider obtaining certifications in HR management if you want to enhance your qualifications further.
Life Coach or Personal Development Consultant:
While you mentioned not wanting to become a counselor or psychologist, life coaching allows for a more flexible approach to helping individuals explore their lives and choices without the clinical framework of therapy.
You might consider certification programs that focus on coaching methodologies rather than psychological training.
Content Writer/Researcher for Psychology or Self-Help Publications:
Writers often employ assistants for research purposes, especially in fields related to psychology and self-help. Your inquisitive nature could help you excel at gathering information and drafting content that resonates with readers.
Explore freelance writing opportunities where you can contribute articles based on interviews or research findings.
Community Outreach Coordinator:
Nonprofit organizations often need individuals who can engage with the community and understand its needs deeply. This role would allow you to utilize your questioning skills while making a positive impact.
Look for organizations focused on mental health awareness, social services, or community development.
Educational Program Developer:
If you’re interested in education, consider developing programs that teach critical thinking about human behavior and relationships. This could involve creating workshops or seminars aimed at various audiences.
Collaborating with educational institutions or community centers might provide a platform for your ideas.
Networking and Further Education
Regardless of the path you choose, networking will be crucial. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to your areas of interest to meet like-minded individuals and professionals who can provide guidance or job leads.
Additionally, consider taking online courses related to research methods, HR practices, coaching techniques, or writing skills through platforms like Coursera or edX to bolster your qualifications.
Conclusion
Starting over at 60 is an exciting opportunity to explore new avenues that align with your passions and strengths. By focusing on careers that value curiosity about human behavior—such as research assistant roles, HR positions, life coaching, content writing/researching for publications, community outreach coordination, or educational program development—you can find fulfilling work that resonates with your innate interests.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
1. American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides extensive resources on psychology-related careers including research opportunities within social sciences which align well with understanding human behavior.
2. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
SHRM offers insights into various HR roles emphasizing the importance of understanding employee motivations which relates closely to your interests in human behavior.
3. International Coach Federation (ICF)
ICF outlines the credentials necessary for becoming a life coach along with resources detailing how coaching differs from traditional counseling approaches while still engaging deeply with personal development topics.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=============God Bless You, Richly ~ Simply Because GOD CAN!==================|
|==James Constantine Frangos ~ " THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN"==|
|==Increasing Your Capacities By Programming For Your Nutrition Education ~ Since 1972!==|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯