Are sales considered a less stable career?

Laid off. Career Change -- What to do?

• My background is in Child Development and Social Work. I've worked in various atmospheres, mostly in mental health, educational settings, and non-profit organizations providing direct service to those in need. I'm 26 -- am working on a Master's in Special Education. I've never considered a role other than teaching or social work. However, I've just been laid off -- and have decided that for the next few years, I'd like a change. I enjoy working with people, but my last few jobs have been so involved in the lives of others, it became exhausting. I'd like to take another approach. Human Resources, Training Staff, Coordinating Services; these are all things that appeal to me. I prefer flexibility and interaction with others over sitting in a cubicle from 9-5. I'm patient, easily adapt to situations, creative, and have great communication skills. I'm most interested in the education/health care fields, but am very open. I've even considered Pharma Sales, directed towards selling to Pediatrics or Mental Health, but I don't have much experience in Sales/Business realm of the world. Right now, I'm examining my interests and really trying to narrow down a direction for my new job search. Based on my interests, any ideas of career paths to search for that I haven't yet thought of?

• Answer:

  You're definitely on the right track! You're doing a self assessment which is the foundation for any successful career search. If you are looking in the Human Resources arena, you might consider Career Development or Leadership Development which will allow you to tap into your counseling ability as well as allow you to be creative and to capitalize on your great communication skills. Good Luck!