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Can I have more than one career ?
I want to be more than one career and honestly want to know if it's possible to have multiple careers since it's a passion to continue helping people and animals.
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Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
Yes, you can have more than one career, but you need to coordinate each position correctly, and make sure that hours and days do not conflict with each other.
I was able to continue my career as a law enforcement officer and work as an educator at a regional college for several years. The hours of each position did not conflict, and there were no conflicting or ethical issues involved with the positions.
So, this was a great opportunity, to provide experience, when I eventually left law enforcement, to transition full time into college academics.
I was able to continue my career as a law enforcement officer and work as an educator at a regional college for several years. The hours of each position did not conflict, and there were no conflicting or ethical issues involved with the positions.
So, this was a great opportunity, to provide experience, when I eventually left law enforcement, to transition full time into college academics.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Kimberly
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Elizabeth’s Answer
Yes I do believe you can. It depends on your careers. For example if you are a teacher and you have the Summers off you can use the summer to do something else. I knew a fire man who flipped houses on the side he would buy houses and redo them and sell them as a side gig. Most careers will require you to be present for 5 days a week. I think it depends on your schedule and how many hours you want to put in. Having a real estate license could possibly allow you to do a little bit of sales on the side. Sometimes it may be easier to have a career and have a side gig rather than 2 careers.
Being an interior designer and real estate agent may be an example of 2 simultaneous careers.
Being an interior designer and real estate agent may be an example of 2 simultaneous careers.
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Suzanne’s Answer
Another way to look at this, Kimberly, might be whether you can happily combine both your interests into one career. So, for example, you say you want to help both people and animals. You might look into a career as a social worker who includes support groups for people grieving the loss of their animals.
Or you could look into the process of how support animals are trained to work with people with disabilities and have a career or a side-career in the training of service dogs.
Or you could look into becoming an animal-assisted therapist. https://www.online.colostate.edu/certificates/human-animal-interactions/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=3-sahai-210701-cpc-google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI35P01cy8-AIVQcLCBB2u0AH_EAAYASAAEgLgZ_D_BwE
Check out this link to Michigan State University's veterinary pet loss support group: https://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/social-work/pet-loss-support-group
Or you could look into the process of how support animals are trained to work with people with disabilities and have a career or a side-career in the training of service dogs.
Or you could look into becoming an animal-assisted therapist. https://www.online.colostate.edu/certificates/human-animal-interactions/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=3-sahai-210701-cpc-google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI35P01cy8-AIVQcLCBB2u0AH_EAAYASAAEgLgZ_D_BwE
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
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Chiranjib’s Answer
You definitely can have more than one career.
A few things need to be taken care of, however:
1. There should be no conflict of interest between the organizations you work for. Be mindful of any such clauses in your hiring letter.
2. You have to be extremely good at managing time and priorities. I have seen people jump at dual careers for the money/fame and then struggle with both. Personally, I feel, you should prioritize one above the other.
3. Be transparent about it to your employer, as much as possible. That would prevent any possible surprises if they find out later through other sources!
A few things need to be taken care of, however:
1. There should be no conflict of interest between the organizations you work for. Be mindful of any such clauses in your hiring letter.
2. You have to be extremely good at managing time and priorities. I have seen people jump at dual careers for the money/fame and then struggle with both. Personally, I feel, you should prioritize one above the other.
3. Be transparent about it to your employer, as much as possible. That would prevent any possible surprises if they find out later through other sources!
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Josh’s Answer
Yes you are able to change your career if you aren’t thrilled
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Andreja’s Answer
You can have as many careers as you want.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Kimberley,
Absolutely, it's possible to have more than one career!
Lots of folks decide to follow more than one career path in their lifetime, and there are plenty of good reasons to do so. It can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Here are some things to think about:
1. Multiple passions: If you love more than one thing, why not pursue them all? Having more than one career lets you chase all your dreams and make a difference in different fields.
2. Skill diversification: By having multiple careers, you get to learn and master a variety of skills. This can make you a more versatile and sought-after professional.
3. Personal growth: With different careers, you'll have the chance to grow personally as you learn to adapt to different work cultures and overcome various challenges.
4. Financial stability: Depending on what careers you choose, you could have more than one income stream, which could help ensure financial stability.
However, it's worth mentioning that having multiple careers can come with its own set of challenges:
1. Time management: Juggling multiple careers can be a handful, so you'll need to be good at managing your time to make sure you meet all your commitments.
2. Stigma: Some people might see having multiple careers as a sign of being indecisive or unfocused.
3. Career progression: If you're splitting your time between careers, it might be harder to climb the ladder in any one field.
If you're thinking about pursuing multiple careers, here are some tips:
1. Set clear goals and priorities: Make sure you have clear goals for each career and that these align with what's important to you.
2. Develop a flexible mindset: Be ready to embrace new opportunities and challenges, and be willing to adapt when necessary.
3. Build a support network: Find people who understand and support your career choices and who can offer guidance and resources when needed.
Here are three resources that offer more advice on this topic:
1. "How to Have a Successful Career (and a Life) While Pursuing Multiple Passions" by Forbes. This article offers advice on how to balance multiple careers and passions, including setting clear goals, looking after yourself, and building a support network.
2. "The Benefits of Having Multiple Careers" by The New York Times. This article discusses the advantages of having multiple careers, such as developing a wide range of skills, potential financial stability, and the opportunity to follow multiple passions.
3. "Navigating Multiple Careers: A Guide for Professionals" by the American Psychological Association. This guide offers practical tips on managing multiple careers, including advice on time management, career development, and balancing work and life.
In summary, having multiple careers is a great option for those who want to follow their passions and make a difference in various fields. With careful planning, an adaptable mindset, and a strong support network, you can successfully manage multiple careers and reach your goals.
Remember, you can always seek guidance through prayer about your career decisions. Have faith and you'll find your way!
Absolutely, it's possible to have more than one career!
Lots of folks decide to follow more than one career path in their lifetime, and there are plenty of good reasons to do so. It can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Here are some things to think about:
1. Multiple passions: If you love more than one thing, why not pursue them all? Having more than one career lets you chase all your dreams and make a difference in different fields.
2. Skill diversification: By having multiple careers, you get to learn and master a variety of skills. This can make you a more versatile and sought-after professional.
3. Personal growth: With different careers, you'll have the chance to grow personally as you learn to adapt to different work cultures and overcome various challenges.
4. Financial stability: Depending on what careers you choose, you could have more than one income stream, which could help ensure financial stability.
However, it's worth mentioning that having multiple careers can come with its own set of challenges:
1. Time management: Juggling multiple careers can be a handful, so you'll need to be good at managing your time to make sure you meet all your commitments.
2. Stigma: Some people might see having multiple careers as a sign of being indecisive or unfocused.
3. Career progression: If you're splitting your time between careers, it might be harder to climb the ladder in any one field.
If you're thinking about pursuing multiple careers, here are some tips:
1. Set clear goals and priorities: Make sure you have clear goals for each career and that these align with what's important to you.
2. Develop a flexible mindset: Be ready to embrace new opportunities and challenges, and be willing to adapt when necessary.
3. Build a support network: Find people who understand and support your career choices and who can offer guidance and resources when needed.
Here are three resources that offer more advice on this topic:
1. "How to Have a Successful Career (and a Life) While Pursuing Multiple Passions" by Forbes. This article offers advice on how to balance multiple careers and passions, including setting clear goals, looking after yourself, and building a support network.
2. "The Benefits of Having Multiple Careers" by The New York Times. This article discusses the advantages of having multiple careers, such as developing a wide range of skills, potential financial stability, and the opportunity to follow multiple passions.
3. "Navigating Multiple Careers: A Guide for Professionals" by the American Psychological Association. This guide offers practical tips on managing multiple careers, including advice on time management, career development, and balancing work and life.
In summary, having multiple careers is a great option for those who want to follow their passions and make a difference in various fields. With careful planning, an adaptable mindset, and a strong support network, you can successfully manage multiple careers and reach your goals.
Remember, you can always seek guidance through prayer about your career decisions. Have faith and you'll find your way!
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Todd’s Answer
Most people have multiple careers over the course of their life. I don't the exact numbers, but this is a trend that is accelerating rather than declining. It used to be common to stay with a career or even the same company for most of one's working years. But this is no longer the norm.
I'm not clear if you mean having two careers at once or not. My experience is that I was an internal auditor for 5 years, decided to make a career change and went back to school for my MBA, and have been a financial advisor for 20 years now. The audit experience was a good foundation, but I knew that I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life. Being a financial advisor is a better fit for me in terms of the work and the flexibility it provides in my later years.
I did not try to hold down two careers at once. This would certainly be possible if one or both are part-time or you can work one during the day and the other at night or on weekends. But don't forget to account for your health (mental and physical) and other priorities like friends and family. I would think you could manage working two careers pretty full time for a year or two, but not long term.
Good luck!
I'm not clear if you mean having two careers at once or not. My experience is that I was an internal auditor for 5 years, decided to make a career change and went back to school for my MBA, and have been a financial advisor for 20 years now. The audit experience was a good foundation, but I knew that I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life. Being a financial advisor is a better fit for me in terms of the work and the flexibility it provides in my later years.
I did not try to hold down two careers at once. This would certainly be possible if one or both are part-time or you can work one during the day and the other at night or on weekends. But don't forget to account for your health (mental and physical) and other priorities like friends and family. I would think you could manage working two careers pretty full time for a year or two, but not long term.
Good luck!
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Sherry’s Answer
Greetings, I'm a 60-year-old individual who has journeyed through various careers. This seems to be a common trajectory for many. My educational journey was driven by my love for sketching, designing, and hands-on graphics, leading me to study commercial art. After graduation, I found employment in a retail company's advertising department and also freelanced for several small retail businesses. It was fulfilling, yet as the industry technology evolved, I was compelled to adapt significantly, which eventually steered me towards a new career path in sales and sales management, spanning multiple industries. Ultimately, I transitioned into project management and led a contract management team.
I encourage you to immerse yourself in diverse environments and engage with people who share your passions or interests. Experiment with various jobs during your school years or school breaks to gain insights into what you enjoy or dislike about different work environments, businesses, and the work itself. Make it a habit to ask plenty of questions to those you interact with. For instance, if you have a passion for working with animals, understand that there are a plethora of job and education requirements associated with it.
I encourage you to immerse yourself in diverse environments and engage with people who share your passions or interests. Experiment with various jobs during your school years or school breaks to gain insights into what you enjoy or dislike about different work environments, businesses, and the work itself. Make it a habit to ask plenty of questions to those you interact with. For instance, if you have a passion for working with animals, understand that there are a plethora of job and education requirements associated with it.
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Luisa’s Answer
Hello Kimberly,
Of course you can always have more than one career, or switch careers at any point in your life. You are in control of your life. I am about to graduate with a BS in Accounting and I have a notary public certificate and a real estate license. My accounting job will probably be from 9am-5pm kind of job, leaving me with plenty of hours left during the day to do notary public work or real estate. So do what you enjoy the most, or simply try to find a job that you can do both of your passions at the same time. For example, I can try to find a job where I can be an accountant for a real estate firm.
Of course you can always have more than one career, or switch careers at any point in your life. You are in control of your life. I am about to graduate with a BS in Accounting and I have a notary public certificate and a real estate license. My accounting job will probably be from 9am-5pm kind of job, leaving me with plenty of hours left during the day to do notary public work or real estate. So do what you enjoy the most, or simply try to find a job that you can do both of your passions at the same time. For example, I can try to find a job where I can be an accountant for a real estate firm.
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Stuart’s Answer
Yes you can have more than one career. In fact, it's likely that you will have more than just one. Your interests may change over time or you may build new strengths that you can share. Don't feel like you are stuck doing 1 type of job, especially if you are young. If I could do it all over again I would have changed jobs every 3-5 years and I think my career would grown a lot more.
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Chris’s Answer
You can definitely have more than 1 career. You will discover you can evolve as you gain experience and what you are good and passionate about.