Best career for someone like me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Work on your relationship-building skills and try to get a mentor that is in a position of power in your organization. However, if you really want your career to progress, you have to do some soul-searching and maybe work on correcting the personality traits that hinder you. And do yourself a favor and join Toastmasters.

Introversion is not a personality trait that needs to be "corrected."

[Anonymous]

Editor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you willing to get more education? You sound like an introvert who needs a low-key work environment. How about becoming a librarian?

Ha! As a librarian, I can say it is not low-key work. Unless you become a cataloger and don't work with the public. The only low-key librarian job I ever had was at a very small college. Low-key but also super boring. You are in a tough spot. Good luck to you.

Another librarian here. I thought that was an excellent suggestion EXCEPT - it's impossible to break into librarianship here in DC. Too many laid off librarians w/ a ton of experience. To break into libraries, get a degree and then be willing to move to an area that doesn't have a library school.,

[Anonymous]

Wow, thanks DCUM for all the suggestions so far!

To address some of the PP questions:

I'm totally open to a career change, though I'd be limited by money and time constraints.

Ironically, I'm in a people-oriented field (not HR), where being well-liked and influential is critical to my success. I'm passionate about people. I'm good at developing relationships, but usually in one-on-one settings. Large group settings intimidate me. My passion -- and to some degree -- my strengths are a great match for my current profession. The shyness/quietness/introversion keeps me from really excelling. Nor are these values embraced by corporate america.

To the PP who suggested editor -- how would I break into this industry?

[Anonymous]

Associations. All have publications, web sites, etc. Try EEI, temp first to get in OR get a certificate at GWU, etc. I used to edit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am somewhat shy and terrible at self-promotion and office politics. I think before speaking, and am slow to process information. For example, when presented with a decision, I need time and mental space to think through all the possibilities before coming up with a response. I am not at all competitive, and much prefer a collegial, collaborative environment. I am good at recognizing issues/problems, but not so good at coming up with solutions (not seen as proactive or solutions-oriented).

Unfortunately, these things have hindered my career. I've missed out on opportunities because someone else is quicker on their feet to seize them, or I fly under the radar because of my quiet and reserved nature, or I just can't muster up the courage to take risks and put myself out there. I have never held jobs for longer than 3-5 years because I grow bored and unmotivated/dissatisfied with the people, the work, and the lack of opportunity (which I'm aware is partially my fault). Frankly, I am tired of job-hopping and just want to find a place where I can realize my potential.

Any ideas? Thanks DCUM.

You sound like me, OP. I am an introvert, I like to think things very much through before making a decision. I also am very quick to detect issues/problems and am a great sounding board. It has all in all resulted in a good career, but not a spectacular one. I have come to terms with that realization. I am the right hand person to a charismatic executive who has the people skills, while I handle all the technical stuff. He shines in the spotlight, but could not be there without my support. It works out great for both of us. I also take my time to speak in meetings, but even though I rarely speak up, when I do, people tend to remember what I say and value my insights, perhaps because I have taken the time to actually think before speaking?

I would suggest finding a specialized niche where technical skills are valued and becoming very knowledgeable in that niche. I would also second finding a mentor who knows how to work with introverts.

I have a similar personality as OP. but I'm working in a similar situation as PP above. I work in a large consulting firm. My boss is the thinker and I'm the doer. I take care of all of the mechanics of our project so my boss can provide the thought leadership. I also thrive in smaller group settings than large ones and really hate public speaking too. But have come to learn that I have something to say, I have experience that matters and I push myself to make at least 1-2 verbal contributions in meetings. I find that being reserved results in people listening to you more when you do speak. I also find that establishing relationships helps a lot. So when you are in a room full of people, if you've established relationships with most of them - its way less intimidating.

[Anonymous]

Editor could be a nice job for you OP, but you still have to participate in meetings, express your opinion, problem solve. It's nearly impossible to break into editing for consumer publications, but you could find a job editing at a trade journal or newspaper. What trade journals do you read, OP? Take a look at those and see if that's something you'd be interested. The pay is terrible, though, so think about that too. GL.