TOPIC: Seeking a Career Change, but Not Relocation. What's Hot in Philly?
Career Changer
Date: Sep 9, 2009
Seeking a Career Change, but Not Relocation. What's Hot in Philly?
I'm a Finance professional working in the Greater Philadelphia area, and for the past year I've been contemplating a career change. Its not what I expected and when I look for similar positions in the area, there aren't many available.
I'm seriously exploring my options for going back to school to change my career, but I want to make sure that I choose an industry that's going to be more clear cut and in demand. Does anyone know which professions/industries are hot in Philly?
-- Edited by PhillyTalk on Thursday 10th of September 2009 10:04:42 AM
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Helping Hand
Date: Sep 17, 2009
Consider nursing. They are always in demand and the future looks bright with the aging of the population. They have work hour options like 12 hour shifts for 3 days which equate to 40 hours, then 4 days off. From nursing homes to hosipitals to doctors offices and schools, the demand keeps growing.
Additionally, I hear that they are still paying signing bonus' to experienced nurses who will shift from one employer to another.
Good luck!
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Experienced but older
Date: Oct 6, 2009
I'd be interested in hear opinions regarding the additional schooling aspect myself. I'm looking to change careers, but fear that being a newly graduated MBA at the age of 50 wouldn't gain me the marketability I'd need to recoup the investment. Would love to hear opinions.
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Anonymous
Date: Oct 12, 2009
I am by no means an expert, however when it came to school I always had one rule: crunch the numbers. I have watched a number of friends make the mistake of not crunching the numbers - going to expensive schools and getting a degree in a field that is either not lucrative, not in demand, or both.
At the very least, what you go to school for has to provide the earning potential to recoup your financial investment, within the amount of time that you plan to use that degree in the professional world.
Figure out what you want to do professionally after you finish school, if you decide to go. Use an online salary calculator to see what people in your area in those positions are currently earning (I think they even have one in the career resources section of this site). Find the difference between that and what your current earning potential is.
Then figure out how much school will cost you (which should include interest if you will be taking out a loan and/or opportunity cost if you will quit your current job while in school). Subtract one from the other and you should have a pretty clear picture of whether going back to school is a good financial decision.
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Anonymous
Date: Feb 28, 2010
I like that i wish iwould have meet u 10 years ago