Got a degree at 35, but it’s worthless. What to do now?

Long story short: I (36m) have never really known what to do with my life, it’s always been a mess. Everything seemed interesting at some point, and I’m highly influenceable. I bring my car to the car mechanic, and afterwards I catch myself day dreaming about having a garage. It’s silly. I have done numerous studies, I quit all in the first year. I did: safety & security management, social work, IT, nursing (in that order). I ended up doing a bachelor in fine art, seeing how I’ve always enjoyed working creatively, and managed to finish it without any delay. This was mainly possible because it’s such a lenient study; you can kind of get away with everything if you frame it right. So it’s at best half an achievement.

I graduated more than a year ago and currently am working in customer service for the government. It pays quite decently, but I really don’t like it. My diploma is, quite frankly, worthless. It actually has a negative worth, since it left me with 60k student debt. Besides that, it just shows I went to uni for a few years. My past jobs were mainly in hospitality, retail or customer service; nothing noteworthy or even long enough to become actually good at it.

I am not motivated enough to earn money as an artist, I’ve always been much better at helping others achieve their goals. I am quite handy and really like working with wood. Have had some side jobs where I helped build things (like a tree house). I also really like stage and set building/ project manager/ floor manager jobs; I do well with stress and strict deadlines. But all these jobs require years of experience and I have almost none. I have applied to them numerous times, but I always get a standardized rejection through email. How can I compete with people that have been working/volunteering in these fields since they were young? These are not really jobs you study for, you kind of have to roll into it. And I have no idea how I can still manage that at 36.

I wonder if I should go back to uni again and get a teaching degree, or nursing. Something that guarantees I will have a job. But seeing how I kept switching, I have no idea if it’s worth attempting another study. I’m completely lost. It seems I keep failing at life, especially career wise. I don’t have anything I’m passionate about; nothing I really want to do more than anything else. So how do I do this? How do I figure this out?

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and lost when you've experienced a series of academic and career setbacks. However, it's important to remember that your past doesn't define your future. Many people change careers multiple times throughout their lives, and it's never too late to find your path.

Here are some steps to consider:

1. Self-Reflection:

   • Identify Your Strengths: Think about the skills you've developed over the years, both academic and practical. What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing?
   • Pinpoint Your Values: What's important to you in a job? Is it stability, creativity, helping others, or something else?

2. Explore Career Options:

   • Consider Your Interests: Based on your interests in woodworking, stage and set building, and helping others, you could explore careers in:
     • Construction or carpentry: Consider apprenticeships or vocational training programs.
     • Event production or stage management: Look for entry-level positions or volunteer opportunities to gain experience.
     • Social work or counseling: If you enjoy helping others, consider further education or certifications in these fields.
   • Utilize Online Resources: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor can help you research different career paths and job openings.

3. Gain Practical Experience:

   • Volunteer: Volunteering can help you gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and boost your resume.
   • Take Online Courses: Online courses can help you develop new skills and certifications.
   • Network: Connect with people in your desired field through social media, industry events, or alumni networks.

4. Seek Professional Guidance:

   • Career Counselor: A career counselor can help you assess your skills, interests, and values to identify suitable career paths.
   • Job Coach: A job coach can provide guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview skills.

5. Embrace a Growth Mindset:

   • Be Patient with Yourself: It takes time to find the right career path.
   • Learn from Mistakes: View setbacks as opportunities for growth.
   • Stay Positive: A positive attitude can help you overcome challenges and stay motivated.

Remember, it's okay to take things one step at a time. By focusing on your strengths, exploring different options, and seeking support, you can find a fulfilling career that aligns with your goals and values.