7 answers
Patrick
Student
Grand Junction, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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I am a 50 year old former chef/owner in the Food&Beverage industry, and released from prison incarceration nearly a year ago. I'm planning a career change very soon, and am currently exploring the best options with several criteria being considered. First, my age and certain barriers that would limit success. Next, having been previously incarcerated on a charge considered "violent"(assault 2), I am aware that many tech jobs which may require certain clearance measures and various other security related requirements would also be an issue. Last, though I consider myself flexible, a quick learner in most cases, and of above average intelligence, the last time I recall participating in any formal education was nearly 35 years ago, and not at a university or even certificate level. While a career in tech interests me, specifically UX design, Digital Marketing, and even Tech/Software Sales, I happen to also be very interested in Behavioral Health (adolecent addiction counseling). Given my background and considerable barriers, I am interested in several opinions as to what realistic opportunities there are in the career paths I have mentioned. In particular, what do hiring project managers look for exactly for an entry level UX researcher Will age or longevity be a concern? Is there more opportunity in Marketing, working remotely or beginning my own private agency? As a youth counselor a concern I have is, though my ambition and intent working with children and families, to repair or mitigate problems brought on by substance abuse, I hope to find overwhelming satisfaction both personally, as well as professionally. However, I am curious to know just how many felt as I do, prior to working daily with the actual individuals and families suffering. Are there statistics which suggest the number of new counselors who in their first or second year, decide the daily resposibility and fact that often many more are lost than a success may simply be too much to handle, and resign in attempt to preserve their own sanity? I realize the question asked, resulted in many and I apologize. Whatever insight offered however will be greatly appreciated as I try and whittle the options down to hopefully the career path most suitable. Thank you, Patrick
As a 50 year old male, I am embarking on obtainining relevent skills to begin a new career path. I was recently incarcerated and along with my age, and fact I have little experience in any of the above mentioned career choices, I am seeking insight as to which path I may find the least resistant, while also a realistic opportunity for growth as well as demand in the chosen field.
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7 answers
Kelle Link, MBA
User Experience, Roadmapping, Strategy, Service Design, Business Design, Innovation
7
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Kelle’s Answer
You sound like you have fingers in too many pies, ie. too many interests. That turns employers off - they want to know what you want to focus on. So put a stake in the ground, and reformat your LinkedIn profile and resume accordingly!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Patrick, the best thing for you to do right now is to get in touch with a re-entry program. You can find a list of re-entry programs in your area at
https://www.reentryprograms.com/in/colorado. Staff there will be able to help you as they help many people like yourself.
I just want to let you know some things as I have been able to observe experiences of people such as yourself and perhaps it may be encouraging. I had been a case manager working with homeless individuals and many had been incarcerated, mostly on drug/DUI charges but a few for murder. It was very encouraging to see that the people who wanted jobs, obtained employment. You will be surprised at how many supportive people there are out there, for both employment and housing. I observed that it is always best to be up front, honest about your background and also to be forthcoming with some details as the actual incident may be better understood by the particular employer. Being up front with it is always best because it will come up on a background check anyway and people appreciate hearing it from the person first rather than getting the information on a report first.
Working in the social service field is very demanding and takes a strong constitution. It is great to help and assist people but there are rough times, too, on the job, funding changes, really serious social challenges. At the end of the day, you know you have added something positive, though. Many times, social services agencies hire peers - people who have experienced things such as addictions, mental health issues, prison, etc. They want people who have first hand knowledge in these areas, so you may be surprised as to what jobs you may find.
After 27 years of working as a case manager I did decide to transition out of that field. I will tell you, however, if you assist 1,000 people and there's 1 success story, it's worth it. Try to gauge your thresholds of how much stress and conflict you can tolerate before you go into the social service field.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best going forward !
https://www.reentryprograms.com/in/colorado. Staff there will be able to help you as they help many people like yourself.
I just want to let you know some things as I have been able to observe experiences of people such as yourself and perhaps it may be encouraging. I had been a case manager working with homeless individuals and many had been incarcerated, mostly on drug/DUI charges but a few for murder. It was very encouraging to see that the people who wanted jobs, obtained employment. You will be surprised at how many supportive people there are out there, for both employment and housing. I observed that it is always best to be up front, honest about your background and also to be forthcoming with some details as the actual incident may be better understood by the particular employer. Being up front with it is always best because it will come up on a background check anyway and people appreciate hearing it from the person first rather than getting the information on a report first.
Working in the social service field is very demanding and takes a strong constitution. It is great to help and assist people but there are rough times, too, on the job, funding changes, really serious social challenges. At the end of the day, you know you have added something positive, though. Many times, social services agencies hire peers - people who have experienced things such as addictions, mental health issues, prison, etc. They want people who have first hand knowledge in these areas, so you may be surprised as to what jobs you may find.
After 27 years of working as a case manager I did decide to transition out of that field. I will tell you, however, if you assist 1,000 people and there's 1 success story, it's worth it. Try to gauge your thresholds of how much stress and conflict you can tolerate before you go into the social service field.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best going forward !
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
This is my short answer but I will return again to elaborate !
Patrick, the best thing for you to do right now is to get in touch with a re-entry program. You can find a list of re-entry programs in your area at
https://www.reentryprograms.com/in/colorado. Staff there will be able to help you as they help many people like yourself. I will be back to answer more but wanted you to know that there are programs that are specifically made to help people with your concerns.
Patrick, the best thing for you to do right now is to get in touch with a re-entry program. You can find a list of re-entry programs in your area at
https://www.reentryprograms.com/in/colorado. Staff there will be able to help you as they help many people like yourself. I will be back to answer more but wanted you to know that there are programs that are specifically made to help people with your concerns.
Jeni Brown
Human Resources
9
Answers
Fort McMurray
Updated
Jeni’s Answer
Hello Patrick,
Embarking on a career shift at this point in your life can be a thrilling yet demanding journey. I urge you to reflect on what is driving this desire for change. If your aim is to increase your earnings, capitalizing on your current skills and knowledge will be beneficial. However, if your main incentive is to acquire new skills or contribute to society (regardless of the financial aspect), pursuing further education could be beneficial, and even volunteering could be a valuable experience. It's worth noting that it might be more feasible to undertake additional training while still holding your current job.
Your age should not be seen as a disadvantage; instead, use it to demonstrate your extensive expertise. Be ready to articulate how your incarceration has shaped and improved you, both personally and professionally. This might narrow your choices, but don't let that discourage you. Instead, use each opportunity as a stepping stone to enhance your approach for the next one.
Regarding counseling, and the challenges that come with maintaining a career in this field, I have a friend who is in her first year as a professional counselor at your age. Her advice is to manage your workload wisely. Avoid taking on too much and limit the number of clients you handle to prevent feeling overwhelmed. There is typically a robust network of counselors in any region, and becoming part of this community can provide a valuable support system of peers who understand the nature of your work.
Best of luck on this exciting new journey!
Embarking on a career shift at this point in your life can be a thrilling yet demanding journey. I urge you to reflect on what is driving this desire for change. If your aim is to increase your earnings, capitalizing on your current skills and knowledge will be beneficial. However, if your main incentive is to acquire new skills or contribute to society (regardless of the financial aspect), pursuing further education could be beneficial, and even volunteering could be a valuable experience. It's worth noting that it might be more feasible to undertake additional training while still holding your current job.
Your age should not be seen as a disadvantage; instead, use it to demonstrate your extensive expertise. Be ready to articulate how your incarceration has shaped and improved you, both personally and professionally. This might narrow your choices, but don't let that discourage you. Instead, use each opportunity as a stepping stone to enhance your approach for the next one.
Regarding counseling, and the challenges that come with maintaining a career in this field, I have a friend who is in her first year as a professional counselor at your age. Her advice is to manage your workload wisely. Avoid taking on too much and limit the number of clients you handle to prevent feeling overwhelmed. There is typically a robust network of counselors in any region, and becoming part of this community can provide a valuable support system of peers who understand the nature of your work.
Best of luck on this exciting new journey!
Jeni,
I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you. Not solely for the attention and valued advice given regarding my own aspirations, but for the countless others who have had difficulties in their own decision of career paths.
To achieve in ones own life is remarkable; to give back to those at their beginning, is immeasurable.
I truly appreciate you and all your efforts.
Best regards,
Patrick
Patrick
Hassan Haider Mossavi
Freelancer
1
Answer
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Hassan Haider’s Answer
It's good to identify your won interests and potentials along with tragedies and incidents happened for you.
Firstly, it is better to work on your mental health in order to achieve mental peace and relaxation. For that you may visit Psychologist/ go for counselling/ practice meditations to recover you from what you've affected from the incarceration and imprisonment.
Secondly, the thing which can bring you higher is your will to change yourself and get success. You have to try your best not to loose this spirit.
Thirdly, it is better to start your own agency but for this you need certain amount of experience; in my advice you should go for internships and jobs after getting graphics skills. Meanwhile when your getting experiences and you feel your experiences enough for initiating a start-up then you can start your own work along with the your job, but not to leave the job until your startup start earning you enough or your desired value.
Firstly, it is better to work on your mental health in order to achieve mental peace and relaxation. For that you may visit Psychologist/ go for counselling/ practice meditations to recover you from what you've affected from the incarceration and imprisonment.
Secondly, the thing which can bring you higher is your will to change yourself and get success. You have to try your best not to loose this spirit.
Thirdly, it is better to start your own agency but for this you need certain amount of experience; in my advice you should go for internships and jobs after getting graphics skills. Meanwhile when your getting experiences and you feel your experiences enough for initiating a start-up then you can start your own work along with the your job, but not to leave the job until your startup start earning you enough or your desired value.
Hassan,
I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you. Not solely for the attention and valued advice given regarding my own aspirations, but for the countless others who have had difficulties in their own decision of career paths.
To achieve in ones own life is remarkable; to give back to those at their beginning, is immeasurable.
I truly appreciate you and all your efforts.
Best regards,
Patrick
Patrick
Ahsan Habib
Helping creator to launch, grow and monetize online business.
2
Answers
Khulna, Khulna Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Ahsan’s Answer
Patrick, it's evident that you've taken the time to assess your situation and consider your options thoughtfully.
Exploring writing, UX design, or digital marketing careers is promising, offering options for both on-site and remote work, and abundant high-quality free resources for learning. These roles often emphasize skills, creativity, and adaptability over formal education.
For entry-level UX research roles, hiring managers typically seek strong analytical skills, attention to detail, empathy for users, and the ability to communicate insights effectively. Age might be a consideration for some employers, but your prior experience, maturity, and skills gained over the years can be valuable assets. Consider building a portfolio to showcase your abilities, which can be particularly impactful in UX design.
HubSpot Academy provides cost-free courses, including certification.
To narrow down your options, consider:
1. Skills and Strengths: Identify the skills and strengths that align with each career path.
2. Passion and Impact: Reflect on which role resonates with your passion and provides a sense of purpose.
3. Realistic Expectations: Research industry trends, job responsibilities, and potential challenges in each field.
4. Professional Support: Seek mentorship or guidance from professionals in your desired fields.
5. Training and Education: Explore online courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills.
Best of luck in finding a path that aligns with your aspirations and strengths!
Exploring writing, UX design, or digital marketing careers is promising, offering options for both on-site and remote work, and abundant high-quality free resources for learning. These roles often emphasize skills, creativity, and adaptability over formal education.
For entry-level UX research roles, hiring managers typically seek strong analytical skills, attention to detail, empathy for users, and the ability to communicate insights effectively. Age might be a consideration for some employers, but your prior experience, maturity, and skills gained over the years can be valuable assets. Consider building a portfolio to showcase your abilities, which can be particularly impactful in UX design.
HubSpot Academy provides cost-free courses, including certification.
To narrow down your options, consider:
1. Skills and Strengths: Identify the skills and strengths that align with each career path.
2. Passion and Impact: Reflect on which role resonates with your passion and provides a sense of purpose.
3. Realistic Expectations: Research industry trends, job responsibilities, and potential challenges in each field.
4. Professional Support: Seek mentorship or guidance from professionals in your desired fields.
5. Training and Education: Explore online courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills.
Best of luck in finding a path that aligns with your aspirations and strengths!
Ahsan,
I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you. Not solely for the attention and valued advice given regarding my own aspirations, but for the countless others who have had difficulties in their own decision of career paths.
To achieve in ones own life is remarkable; to give back to those at their beginning, is immeasurable.
I truly appreciate you and all your efforts.
Best regards,
Patrick
Patrick
Talia Roepel
Author / Article Writer/ Professor
29
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Talia’s Answer
The good thing about the tech field is that you can earn many certifications or take different courses and bootcamps online. Since the field is growing so rapidly, it is easier to get into without degree-level education.
Given your background, you would have a unique perspective and skillset to bring to counseling. Of course, that would require a commitment to education, earning a degree in social services or a master's in counseling. It can be an emotional field to get into, but a very fulfilling one. You have to be sure you can protect your own emotions and sanity while still showing compassion to those in need. There are other ways to get involved in this field that don't require intense on-one-on therapy or licensure, which may be more appealing to you.
When looking for a new job, you'll just have to be aware of the uphill battles you face. Minimize your age on resumes to make you more marketable for a career change. And just be prepared to answer plenty of questions about your incarceration. That being said, in this digital age there are many options available to quickly learn new skills. Coursera is one I'd recommend checking out.
Given your background, you would have a unique perspective and skillset to bring to counseling. Of course, that would require a commitment to education, earning a degree in social services or a master's in counseling. It can be an emotional field to get into, but a very fulfilling one. You have to be sure you can protect your own emotions and sanity while still showing compassion to those in need. There are other ways to get involved in this field that don't require intense on-one-on therapy or licensure, which may be more appealing to you.
When looking for a new job, you'll just have to be aware of the uphill battles you face. Minimize your age on resumes to make you more marketable for a career change. And just be prepared to answer plenty of questions about your incarceration. That being said, in this digital age there are many options available to quickly learn new skills. Coursera is one I'd recommend checking out.
Thank you Talia,
Your insight was helpful and thought provoking. As you pointed out, counseling utilizes a skill set that actually benefits those formerly incarcerated and who have struggled with substance abuse in their past. I know for myself, I experienced trouble initially as a teenager, and remember at the time feeling hesitant to speak freely and honestly during my brief time spent with various psychologists, simply because of the seemingly inept approach, and aloof nature in dealing with or understanding the core issues I faced. By having a certain credibility, and ability to speak and share experiences more empathetically, I hope to have more impact, should this in fact ultimately become the career path chosen.
Best regards,
Patrick
Patrick