Brainstorming a career

Hi there,
I have a problem. A career problem. I'm 24, graduated from university with my BA in anthropology and am stuck. I can't get hired to lousy jobs because they say I should be doing something better, I can't get hired to good jobs because I'm not educated enough. It's pretty sucky, and I've been practically unemployed for a full year now. I know I need to go back to school, but I don't know for what.
I'd like something that helps people. I truly get my kicks from making people's lives better. And I don't mind doing the dirty work to get there. While I was in university I worked at a mental hospital as a recreationist, and I'll tell you, it was the most rewarding thing that has ever happened to me. Unfortunately, due to talking with other recreationists who have been in the field for awhile, it sounds like life isn't very good. The position of "recreational therapist" isn't recognised in many places and people get stomped on as "just playing with the patients". I'm also convinced that I can find something that suits me better (I'm no athlete).
I'd like something that has regular 9-5 hours, weekends off and medium pay. Currently I'm looking at teaching (elementary school), but I just don't feel passionate about it, and I think you should be in that profession.
Does anyone have ANY ideas? I'm taking all! I myself have even gone so far as thinking of owning a specialty store in womens undergarments or even taking some florist schooling. I just need some ideas. I'm stuck. Anything? anyone????

Thanks,
Jess

Anthropology!! How cool - what an interesting degree. It sounds like you do need to do some post-graduate studies, though, to maybe fine-tune what you want to do in your career. You say that you love helping people - why don't you do a post-graduate diploma in education? You could then teach people about what you love - and it doesn't have to be elementary school - you could teach at college level if you wanted to, and you might find that more interesting.

Or you could do some post-grad study in forensic science - forensic anthropology is a broadening field and that would be truly fascinating, although perhaps not as people-oriented as you might like. Or what about linguistics? They just go hand-in-hand and I can say from experience that linguistics is SO interesting - then perhaps you could work as someone who trains actors to do accents or work with children with speech difficulties, or advise people etc.

I know how frustrating it can be. I have a degree in ethnic studies and I didn't want to be a teacher, which is what many people in my field go into. I had no idea what to do with myself after graduating...in fact, I still haven't quite figured out what I want to do when I grow up. Have you talked to the career center at your university? They should be able to help point you in the right direction(s) with regard to your interests, work in your field or other fields, etc.

How about a social worker (I presume you have those in the US, or something equivalent?). Spending your time talking to and helping families in trouble, advising them on problems and offering solutions. Sounds kinda like what you would like?

You could try to get a law degree. You could specialise in medical law / jurisprudence. I know of people (with a law training background) who are working with specialised health clinics, universities and even international organisations such as the WHO. I know of one person who is the head of a mental clinic in Canada. Also given that you are from Canada, one may also get jobs from Health Canada or whenever the government tries to tweak its national health plan.

If you go into litigation side of things, the pay is also quite good, especially if you represent the insurance or the people defending the doctors.

Your background on anthropology could be very useful in examination of ethical issues, which is not just an academic topic because it may be a report to the government who is about to change certain laws.

PS: If you do decide to take this route and intend to pursue the degree in Canada, I recommend that you choose either to University of Toronto or McGill.

Thanks so much for your suggestions. You have all given me things to think about. I'll let you know how the search goes. This feeling of "stuckness" seems to be finally moving after a year or so, so I'm looking forward to jumping on that train!
Jess

well try for a masters in history or something you are interested in. then go from there

This is something I always wanted to do but had no idea how to go about it.

You could take some psyc. courses and go into animal therapy, like take a dog (or a cat if they are outgoing enough, sometimes even horses) and take them to childrens hospitals and let them play or pet or even just talk with the animal, or go to nursing homes. Often times people in those positions just want someone friendly to talk to, that doesnt judge them on how old they are or what is wrong, someone who will love unconditionally, and animals are good at that. There has been some research in this area and the field is really growing.

If that doesnt intrest you, and you have thought about elementary school, what about being a counsler (forgive my spelling please) and if you still like the animal idea it can be used to help kids talk about family problems they might not want to share with an adult, and I have heard about dogs being used to help kids learn to read by having them lay with the dog or lean on the dog, whatever and read to them because the dog doesnt care if you mispronounce a word or are not good yet, this gives the kids confidence.

I think either one of these would be a cool thing to do.... hope that helps some

Originally Posted by Roxy_loves_CJ

This is something I always wanted to do but had no idea how to go about it.

You could take some psyc. courses and go into animal therapy, like take a dog (or a cat if they are outgoing enough, sometimes even horses) and take them to childrens hospitals and let them play or pet or even just talk with the animal, or go to nursing homes. Often times people in those positions just want someone friendly to talk to, that doesnt judge them on how old they are or what is wrong, someone who will love unconditionally, and animals are good at that. There has been some research in this area and the field is really growing.

If that doesnt intrest you, and you have thought about elementary school, what about being a counsler (forgive my spelling please) and if you still like the animal idea it can be used to help kids talk about family problems they might not want to share with an adult, and I have heard about dogs being used to help kids learn to read by having them lay with the dog or lean on the dog, whatever and read to them because the dog doesnt care if you mispronounce a word or are not good yet, this gives the kids confidence.

I think either one of these would be a cool thing to do.... hope that helps some

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At least the way that I've been exposed to pet therapy (through the Mental Health Centre and my aunt has a Bull Mastif that is a therapy dog) it's a volunteer postion. It is a very neat one though, and the animals that participate in it are very tallented (and have throrough tests that they need to pass twice a year). I've done some volunteer work at a stable when I was in university for theraputic riding, and that was very cool. It seems like the type of thing where if you already are a teacher and have your own barn, it's something you can add on, but if you're an average rider without a horse/barn it's a volunteer thing. It really seems like I should focus on getting a job that will support me and make me happy and then to use my spare time for the more meaningful endeavors in my life.

That councelling is a neat idea. Dad has always said I'd be a great councellor, I'm just sort of scared about having to go back to the beginning again. I wish I had thought about this stuff BEFORE I went to school. Or at least had the chance to.