4 answers
Ashley
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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How do I start a career without going back to college?
One where I can wear a skirt/dress and wear my hair covered. I do not wear pants of any kind and I don't wear jeans. It would be great if I didn't work with money or food. Working with and around food makes me sick. I tried it twice and it didn't work out both times. I get too nervous when it comes to handling money and I just end up messing things up. I tried and I just can't get over my nerves.
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4 answers
Donna Paige
Human Resources/Phlebotomist/Medical Assistant/Students entering into the workforce
12
Answers
Hammond, Indiana
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
There are many opportunities waiting for you. Look for jobs that use your people skills, organization, or creativity instead of needing a formal degree. Consider roles like administrative or office support, customer service, clerical work, or positions at community centers. You might also explore becoming a childcare assistant or teacher's aide. The YMCA could be a great place to start.
These jobs usually just need a high school diploma, and most places are fine with professional and neat clothing. If you want to earn more, think about taking a certificate program. Some are low-cost or even free, like those on Coursera. Just search for "free" options.
When you're job hunting, try websites like Indeed or LinkedIn. Once you find a job that interests you, visit the company's website to apply directly.
Best wishes, Donna
Make a simple, clean resume and highlight communication, organization, time management, reliability.
Look into hospital systems, libraries, and daycare centers.
Lean into what you already know about yourself: Ask yourself, do you work better in calm environments?
If interviews make you nervous, practice with someone or even record yourself.
There are many opportunities waiting for you. Look for jobs that use your people skills, organization, or creativity instead of needing a formal degree. Consider roles like administrative or office support, customer service, clerical work, or positions at community centers. You might also explore becoming a childcare assistant or teacher's aide. The YMCA could be a great place to start.
These jobs usually just need a high school diploma, and most places are fine with professional and neat clothing. If you want to earn more, think about taking a certificate program. Some are low-cost or even free, like those on Coursera. Just search for "free" options.
When you're job hunting, try websites like Indeed or LinkedIn. Once you find a job that interests you, visit the company's website to apply directly.
Best wishes, Donna
Donna recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ashley
Steve J
Manager
35
Answers
Manhattan, Kansas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Starting a new career without going back to college is absolutely possible, especially now that skill-based jobs and online training paths are growing fast. Since you prefer wearing skirts/dresses, keeping your hair covered, and want to avoid food and money-handling roles, there are still many options that fit your comfort level and work style. Tools like AI Auto Job Apply and LockedIn AI can also help make the process easier.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Ashley
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ashley !
I think I may have a suggestion that fits your requirements for a job. It may be something to consider since you have many specifications that do not align with working for a company. Keep in mind that being flexible in the professional world will be to your advantage.
The career I would pick out for you based on your preferences would be as a Photographer with your own business. This career would allow you to cover your hair, wear dresses or skirts and not have to wear pants or jeans. You wouldn't be handling money or food either. You set the pace.
You've mentioned that you received a "diploma" in graphic design and web development, but it's not clear from where, is it a college degree, a diploma from a technical high school or a program like Job Corps ? Regardless, you can buy some cameras and take all the classes in photography you want online. Since you are a mother of three, this would make it possible to work around your childcare schedule. You can set up an office at home and be a destination photographer, doing your work on location or at customer's homes.
You'll be interested to know that Udemy provides "The Ultimate Guide to Freelance Photography," a comprehensive course with over 400 videos and 50 plus hours of training, covering subjects from portrait and product photography to studio lighting, post-processing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, and starting a photography business. Skillshare offers a beginner’s guide that emphasizes building a portfolio, marketing yourself, and understanding business fundamentals like setting rates and managing time. Other websites to look at for courses would be Wix and Format. Also consider joining The Freelance Photographer community online. They have advanced training, hands-on workshops, group coaching, and templates for managing a photography business, along with direct support from instructors.
Perhaps being in control of your own photography service will alleviate any anxious feelings. Keep in mind that even as a photographer, there is a certain amount of networking that you'll need to do, advertising and interaction with your city or town hall as well as your local Chamber of Commerce. If this career does not sound like something you can do, than try for online data entry as you would not have to appear in person and can dress how you want. It is advantageous to plan for a career, but we can never write a script for exactly how we WANT things to be. You would have more freedom having your own service than if you work for a company, so do consider something you can train for online and start yourself.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I think I may have a suggestion that fits your requirements for a job. It may be something to consider since you have many specifications that do not align with working for a company. Keep in mind that being flexible in the professional world will be to your advantage.
The career I would pick out for you based on your preferences would be as a Photographer with your own business. This career would allow you to cover your hair, wear dresses or skirts and not have to wear pants or jeans. You wouldn't be handling money or food either. You set the pace.
You've mentioned that you received a "diploma" in graphic design and web development, but it's not clear from where, is it a college degree, a diploma from a technical high school or a program like Job Corps ? Regardless, you can buy some cameras and take all the classes in photography you want online. Since you are a mother of three, this would make it possible to work around your childcare schedule. You can set up an office at home and be a destination photographer, doing your work on location or at customer's homes.
You'll be interested to know that Udemy provides "The Ultimate Guide to Freelance Photography," a comprehensive course with over 400 videos and 50 plus hours of training, covering subjects from portrait and product photography to studio lighting, post-processing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, and starting a photography business. Skillshare offers a beginner’s guide that emphasizes building a portfolio, marketing yourself, and understanding business fundamentals like setting rates and managing time. Other websites to look at for courses would be Wix and Format. Also consider joining The Freelance Photographer community online. They have advanced training, hands-on workshops, group coaching, and templates for managing a photography business, along with direct support from instructors.
Perhaps being in control of your own photography service will alleviate any anxious feelings. Keep in mind that even as a photographer, there is a certain amount of networking that you'll need to do, advertising and interaction with your city or town hall as well as your local Chamber of Commerce. If this career does not sound like something you can do, than try for online data entry as you would not have to appear in person and can dress how you want. It is advantageous to plan for a career, but we can never write a script for exactly how we WANT things to be. You would have more freedom having your own service than if you work for a company, so do consider something you can train for online and start yourself.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
818
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I would highly recommend looking up nonprofits in your community and volunteering a few hours per week. Many will offer training and there are usually various roles that you can learn about. This can help you get references and referrals and an education without going to school.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ashley