Quote Originally Posted by catnapper
So I got to wondering, just how do most people get their jobs? Is it something you always did, were you trained, or is it something completely out of your comfort zone?
When I graduated from university, I discovered that doing what I actually wanted to do wasn't possible without a ton of experience. I wanted to be a geriatric social worker. The easiest job for a bachelor of social work grad with no experience to get is a child protection worker. I'd always sworn that was something I'd never do, but my only other option was to move back in with my parents. That wasn't happening so I took a job as a CP worker and immediately discovered that I loved it and was, frankly, really good at it.

Fast forward almost 8 years and I realized that I was burnt out. The average CP worker lasts 18 months, so I made it longer than most! I was physically ill from the stress, tired of the constant threats to me, my family and my dogs ect. I realized I had to get out when it suddenly hit me one day that I didn't even like the kids anymore. I'd always enjoyed the kids on my caseload, even the hard core street kids.

So I applied for a job at the Worker's Compensation Board. Came in second on the competition as they hired someone who was already in the organization. The HR director mentioned they may have a short term position in a few months. I contacted him every two weeks from then on, just to remind him that I was still out there and still wanted to work for him! One day he called and said they had a rehab. counsellor position open for a six month term. Walking away from the security of a permanent, full time, loaded with benefits job was very difficult, especially since I am the primary breadwinner in my family. The term kept getting extended and three years later, I got a permanent position, doing the same thing.

Most of my jobs have been gov't positions so I'm not sure that private industry does this, but after an interview in gov't you can ask for a "post-board". You meet with the interviewer and they go over what you did well, what you missed, what you should have said differently ect. Very useful for the next interview.

I hope you find something soon.