Any decent career inspiration/advice online?

[pstruck]

I'm currently working for a civil engineering consultancy in the South West and things are looking a bit shaky for the future. No definate redundancies mentioned for our office yet, but it could happen soon.

I've been thinking for a while now that I'd like a change anyway, so now may be a good opportunity to jump before I'm pushed, as it were.

Trouble is, I don't know where to start looking. I really don't want to drop my salary too much and understand that a change in direction may require re-training, etc.

As a starter is anyone aware of any free online sites to help identify areas I could start researching. I need inspiration - thoughts - ideas. I'm aware that sites exist where you basically answer a load of questions about personality, interests, experience and it suggests careers that may be of interest. Anyone used any that are worth a look?

[st_files]

pstruck said:

I'm currently working for a civil engineering consultancy in the South West and things are looking a bit shaky for the future. No definate redundancies mentioned for our office yet, but it could happen soon.

I've been thinking for a while now that I'd like a change anyway, so now may be a good opportunity to jump before I'm pushed, as it were.

Trouble is, I don't know where to start looking. I really don't want to drop my salary too much and understand that a change in direction may require re-training, etc.

As a starter is anyone aware of any free online sites to help identify areas I could start researching. I need inspiration - thoughts - ideas. I'm aware that sites exist where you basically answer a load of questions about personality, interests, experience and it suggests careers that may be of interest. Anyone used any that are worth a look?

Why jump when you can still leave but with a nice redundancy package in your pocket?

[pstruck]

Agreed, but I'd really like to be one step ahead and have a plan of action if I do get pushed. Having said that I've only had 3 and a bit years with my current employer, so doubt the redundancy package would be up to much (currently know little about this sort of thing).

[RizzoTheRat]

Look at the cost of unemployment insurance. I paid them about £25/month for 6 months, then they paid me £850/month for 5 months when I got made redundant.

[pstruck]

RizzoTheRat said:

Look at the cost of unemployment insurance. I paid them about £25/month for 6 months, then they paid me £850/month for 5 months when I got made redundant.

Interesting

[rhinochopig]

This site usually give pretty good advice - albeit mixed with vicious piss taking and general belittling. That said there are always some nuggets of sound advice mixed in with all the crap.

What are your skills?

[pstruck]

rhinochopig said:

What are your skills?

IMy working experience is limited to civil engineering/project management, based mostly on river engineering and flood defence. Some experience of topographic surveying, good use of AutoCAD (although a bit rusty) and plenty of practical experience of carrying out condition assessments of coastal and river structures/assets.

As my original post suggest though, I am looking for a change and fully expect to have to do some re-training.

My interests are more in the pratical, hands-on type work, possibly much more outdoor time. If I could dramatically reduce time spent infront of a PC, dealing with e-mails, balancing project budgets, etc then I would be much happier.

I'm working on developing my photography skills, but not sure I will get to a stage where it could become a profession. Anything mechanical fascinates me, but I have no mech engineering quals...... this is the problem I'm faced with. Having always worked in the same field I'm struggling to put my finger on what I might like to do as an alternative.

[OctaneV8]

pstruck said:

rhinochopig said:

What are your skills?

My interests are more in the pratical, hands-on type work, possibly much more outdoor time. If I could dramatically reduce time spent infront of a PC, dealing with e-mails, balancing project budgets, etc then I would be much happier.

I see where you are coming from, I have project managed in the water industry- this has given me valuable transferable commercial management skills - I did find the practical on-site work much more enjoyable and this is influencing my career path/ decision making heavily right now.

As for inspiration and advice, prospects.ac.uk is a good website. You could also try contacting a careers advisor and if you studies in Civil Eng you should go to your university careers department for advice.

Good luck