At 28, I find myself at another career crossroad. Besides making lots of money, there really isn't a field which I would say is my calling. My degree is in graphic design and I've worked at several design firms. I've ran my own businesses. About 1.5 years ago I quit my first "real" job and got into the fitness industry. It was actually the rationalmale forum (props to rt and str8up) that prompted my decision to get into a more social/sales field as it would help my game and make me a more rounded individual, since staring at a computer all day doesn't get you far. I was a personal trainer for a while (on my own, then at a commercial gym) and worked my way up to managing a training department - which was really a thinly veiled sales position. Great experience by the way; get to meet a ton of people (yes girls) and work on your social skills.
I just finished what was essentially contract work for a startup. The startup is still ... starting up, so if it ever hits the ground running I'm back on board. I have spent most of the summer just relaxing though ever since that work was done, and am getting the itch to get back at it so as not to stray from my financial goals. I'm currently applying for a director/management position at a local design company. I may do some in-house training as I got a couple requests from lonely wives, but having ran my own business I wouldn't be making enough to actually make it full time. I'd need another job or 2 on the side to make the amount I want.
So as I'm entering the other half of this soul searching (I gave myself until 9/1 to make up my mind), all I know is what I'd generally like to do:
- Some form of management/leadership. I'm very organized and have a knack for keeping others organized and on track.
- Something creative and related to the art field. Doesn't have to be literal (work at a design company). Could be responsible for the advertising direction of a new tv show, or liquor (hi rt). Just something creative.
- Something social. While I left my fitness job due to the no-end-in-sight sales aspect with little long term potential, the actual management and interaction part of it was awesome. I don't mind spending half the day staring at a screen if the other half is spent interacting face to face.
- Something that puts me in front of attractive women. It just makes work more fun.
I don't mind hours or traveling or stress (to a point) so long as the compensation is adequate. I should also point out that although I am very creative (been drawing/painting most of my life), you wouldn't think it looking at me. I've been doing natural bodybuilding for the better part of 10 years now, I stay in great shape year round, and other guys defer to me in most situations, though I don't really advertise it. It's actually a great card to play on initial dates ("after this drink let's go back to my place and I'll show you my art") since girls don't suspect it at all.
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My longer term plan is residual income and early semi-retirement (still on track for somewhere in my mid 30s). Semi-retirement meaning I could get by without worrying if I had a job or not, but will continue working as I have more flexibility to pursue what I want.
There are 2 paths to residual (both of which I've been pursuing). First is basic investing (market-wide stock/bond allocation). Second is real estate. I've had my condo for 3 years now and can now officially turn it into a rental property, so I'm back to research mode and looking into property #2. I have some landlording experience (and investing experience) so I'm not entirely new to either.
This would also allow me to pursue a few fun job opportunities which are frowned upon in the upper echelons of the corporate world, but at that point it wouldn't matter.
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Right now I'm thinking local, particularly if I pursue the real estate route. Although I do want to leave this city, I don't mind sticking around until that "semi retirement" date before moving to south beach or west coast, especially since I've spent over half my life here and am very familiar with the neighborhoods.
That's not to say I won't job search elsewhere and I'm 100% open to relocating if the conditions are favorable, just that I haven't quite factored that in.
Anyway, I'm mainly looking for some suggestions on avenues I should explore which I may not have thought about yet, or how some of the more experienced men here have made their peace.
I just finished what was essentially contract work for a startup. The startup is still ... starting up, so if it ever hits the ground running I'm back on board. I have spent most of the summer just relaxing though ever since that work was done, and am getting the itch to get back at it so as not to stray from my financial goals. I'm currently applying for a director/management position at a local design company. I may do some in-house training as I got a couple requests from lonely wives, but having ran my own business I wouldn't be making enough to actually make it full time. I'd need another job or 2 on the side to make the amount I want.
So as I'm entering the other half of this soul searching (I gave myself until 9/1 to make up my mind), all I know is what I'd generally like to do:
- Some form of management/leadership. I'm very organized and have a knack for keeping others organized and on track.
- Something creative and related to the art field. Doesn't have to be literal (work at a design company). Could be responsible for the advertising direction of a new tv show, or liquor (hi rt). Just something creative.
- Something social. While I left my fitness job due to the no-end-in-sight sales aspect with little long term potential, the actual management and interaction part of it was awesome. I don't mind spending half the day staring at a screen if the other half is spent interacting face to face.
- Something that puts me in front of attractive women. It just makes work more fun.
I don't mind hours or traveling or stress (to a point) so long as the compensation is adequate. I should also point out that although I am very creative (been drawing/painting most of my life), you wouldn't think it looking at me. I've been doing natural bodybuilding for the better part of 10 years now, I stay in great shape year round, and other guys defer to me in most situations, though I don't really advertise it. It's actually a great card to play on initial dates ("after this drink let's go back to my place and I'll show you my art") since girls don't suspect it at all.
---
My longer term plan is residual income and early semi-retirement (still on track for somewhere in my mid 30s). Semi-retirement meaning I could get by without worrying if I had a job or not, but will continue working as I have more flexibility to pursue what I want.
There are 2 paths to residual (both of which I've been pursuing). First is basic investing (market-wide stock/bond allocation). Second is real estate. I've had my condo for 3 years now and can now officially turn it into a rental property, so I'm back to research mode and looking into property #2. I have some landlording experience (and investing experience) so I'm not entirely new to either.
This would also allow me to pursue a few fun job opportunities which are frowned upon in the upper echelons of the corporate world, but at that point it wouldn't matter.
---
Right now I'm thinking local, particularly if I pursue the real estate route. Although I do want to leave this city, I don't mind sticking around until that "semi retirement" date before moving to south beach or west coast, especially since I've spent over half my life here and am very familiar with the neighborhoods.
That's not to say I won't job search elsewhere and I'm 100% open to relocating if the conditions are favorable, just that I haven't quite factored that in.
Anyway, I'm mainly looking for some suggestions on avenues I should explore which I may not have thought about yet, or how some of the more experienced men here have made their peace.
