Whether you're transitioning careers, exploring a first career, or searching for an avocation that will add meaning and challenge to your life, check out these resources:
Mildred L. Culp article featuring Allan Bacon
This article interviews Allan Bacon, of Avocationist.com. In the article, Dr. Bacon describes how to explore new areas of interest which may evolve into a new career (or if not a new career, a new hobby). To quote:
Dr. Bacon offers a new twist on the idea that doing something completely different often sparks ideas. This must be done over time, he says, as part of a process of becoming yourself. "If you start doing something you like," he says, "you naturally do more of it. Experimenting with small things will move you toward your sense of purpose without your having to make the process difficult or big."
To guide people through typical midcareer conundrums, he recommends they decide whether boredom is the problem or whether the work is acceptable. Then he advises them to identify five activities they always wanted to try – "the more trivial the better."
To continue the process, "find the quickest, cheapest way to experience them," he says. "If you like one, do it more, so that time slips away. You're looking for flow and joy. Find ways to work in the activity. If you're called to it, you'll learn it faster and enjoy people you meet. They're the ones who'll help you make a bigger change."
Another resource for Re-Careering is Helen Harkness's Career Design Associates. Here's her latest book:
Hi Dr Ware - thanks for the comments. A few more examples: you can find lots of interest groups each month at meetup.com - on everything from Chihuahuas to Japanese culture to screenwriting.
I've also worked in visits to the library at lunch and explorations in new towns on business trips. All of these give you great clues and ideas to what could spark a new passion
Posted by: Allan Bacon | January 22, 2009 at 12:26 PM