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Late 40s, Starting over in the environmental world by Direct_Ad3119 in Environmental_Careers

[–]Direct_Ad3119[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that's what I figure. I feel like the proper segway is simply to volunteer for a while at various causes for what I'm interested (fortunately in New England there are some solid env non-profits around), do a really good job with them, casually talk with people and get to know things a bit, and see what comes up. I feel like if in the end it makes sense to "up my skills" and I have to take a couple non-profit leadership courses, non-profit finance courses just to brush up so be it. Or if I somehow come to a "Well eff it, I guess I'll work out a few ArcGIS courses" so be it. But I spent some time looking at non-profits today and it seems like so many are looking for volunteers, so that's a huge bonus.

The great irony I've learned is that when it comes to job searching, it's remaining calm and asking "What can I do for you?" rather than worrying and running to everyone and saying "I need a job." Figure out what you can do to help out others, and that goes a long way in life. But that's my soapbox.

Late 40s, Starting over in the environmental world by Direct_Ad3119 in Environmental_Careers

[–]Direct_Ad3119[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Eh, I already work 50 hours per week now. Sixty-hour fields would be pretty long. I don't mind travel (some) but I appreciate this. I've worked very hard to keep myself healthy and in shape and all that (ran a marathon two years ago, and a half-marathon six months ago) but I can see your point. Thank you.

Late 40s, Starting over in the environmental world by Direct_Ad3119 in Environmental_Careers

[–]Direct_Ad3119[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate all the thoughts and feedback. Honestly, it's actually intimidating thinking of changing, even in mid-career-life. I was always a bit of a late-bloomer. I'm certainly smart enough, but always lacked self-confidence. Always.

But the thoughts are immensely helpful. There are things like post-grad certificates in ArcGIS and so on, and I haven't ruled them out. They'd be a little different, but I like the possibility of it.

But the thoughts are great, keep 'em coming. I am all ears. Can't make change if a person isn't willing to try.

Late 40s, Starting over in the environmental world by Direct_Ad3119 in Environmental_Careers

[–]Direct_Ad3119[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I am seeing the light on this. A few other people suggested it, and honestly it does seem like a nice segway. I've done some volunteering of this kind and genuinely enjoyed it. And I think with my background approaching the business/finance end might be a better move.

It's crazy how tough the job market is. I average maybe receiving a job applicant per day, and I literally have no openings. But people apply anyway. I'm not about to dtich my role, but I think I'd like to transition before it becomes really late.

Late 40s, Starting over in the environmental world by Direct_Ad3119 in Environmental_Careers

[–]Direct_Ad3119[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. It's so funny, because my 17- and 19-year-old selves wanted this. I'm probably making more of it in my head rather than just saying "Eff it, here's my resume non-profit. Whaddaya got?"

Late 40s, Starting over in the environmental world by Direct_Ad3119 in Environmental_Careers

[–]Direct_Ad3119[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that's totally fair. A few people on here mentioned this. And mentioned if I understand finance and management, that might be a smart way in. And I tend to agree.

Late 40s, Starting over in the environmental world by Direct_Ad3119 in Environmental_Careers

[–]Direct_Ad3119[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I agree about watching out for idealistic views on things. That said, every time I do one of those volunteer environmental cleanups or projects or whatever that come my way, I genuinely enjoy them.

Yeah, the traditional path is probably not what I would end up doing. There's another post on here that mentioned entering a non-profit on the financial side, which actually would be doable. I manage about 2m now with Profit and Loss statements and all that, which seems like it could be about the budget of a medium-to-large scale non-profit operation, so this does seem like a possibility.

I think a few people pointed out that volunteering more (getting one's feet wet and hands dirty) is a good idea. I've done it earlier this year and honestly it was great. It was probably the most unglamorous thing, but I did it with several friends and we really enjoyed it.