Where do I go from here?

Post Reply New Topic

I'm currently in the field of Community Corrections. It all started in May 2006, when I took a job as a Corrections Officer in the county jail. At the time, I was starting a family and thought it would be a good career choice. I also didn't know that I had AS and ADHD. About a month into working there, I was threatened that I would lose my job if I didn't figure out what was going on and get some help. I was subsequently diagnosed with ADHD and have been on meds (Adderall) since then. The doctor also mentioned AS at the time, but I shrugged it off since he didn't make much of a deal about it.

Fast forward to July of 2011...I left my job at the jail (since I simply couldn't stand it there anymore) to take a job as a case manager at the work release facility. I thought this would be my big break - my stress level would go down and I would be happy. This was not the case. My family and I have suffered through this for years (I now have a 1 year old son and have been married for 5 years), so I finally went and got tested for AS, and was diagnosed early this year. I expected some sort of relief or closure, but instead I'm now left with the feeling of "Where do I go from here? What do I do with this diagnosis now that I have it?" I absolutely hate my job now, and I'm terrible at it as well since I can't seem to focus down on my work long enough to stay caught up. In fact, I'm writing this at work right now. I've been considering leaving this job for another one, but I don't know where to start. I don't want to just get another 'band-aid' job that I will hate and/or suck at in the end - I want a job that pays well enough to support my family and that I enjoy enough to be successful at. I am very good with computers, electronics, anything dealing with technology, fixing things, building things, problem solving, art/design, database creation/managment/programming, and anything to do with music production - guitars, drums, bass, audio/recording technician, and live sound. The only problem is that I didn't even finish high school - I have a GED, but no other credentials that say that I can do any of these things. Most places simply won't hire you based on your word that you can write rediculous strings of VBA code for their Access database or set up a website for them or even set up their guitar to play like a dream. They want some fancy piece of paper that shows that you had the motivation and money to sit through classes that you probably don't even need. I would love to take college classes, don't get me wrong, I just wouldn't know what to major in...I'm good at and enjoy way too many things. I'm just lost at this point.

Any suggestions?

We have a lot in common: the AS, the interest in computers, electronics, writing, music, etc. The only difference is I'm not straight and I'm not in a relationship). I've been a tortured nurse, on and off, for 25 years. I've had other jobs: studio engineer, taxi driver, McDonald's cook & maintenance, Walmart night stocker, etc. Another thing I have in common with you is this: where do I go from here? I've played in bands and made albums but you know how that goes - some will win, some will lose, some are born to sing the blues. At least you have your spouse to lean on. That's a good thing.

But you know what? A lot of colleges can actually help you decide on a probable course of study. They have guidance counselors for that. I wouldn't mind going back to college myself but somebody has to pay the rent. Tag, I'm it. Hang in there!

I also have ADHD and AS; I work as a line cook. I love my work but sometimes I just go sideways with all the stress... and I've probably held more than 30 jobs in my adult life (of 15 years).

As much as I'd like to tell you to get a degree in something, I don't want it to get taken the wrong way. I worked in restaurants for a few years before I realized that I couldn't go anywhere special without a degree. In this job market it really pays (even if it costs at the time) to get at least certificates. Those little pieces of paper are what get your resume looked at in the first place. Basically you could get certified in DB administration and while studying work as an intern somewhere.

Of course having said that, be careful about what you choose; there are a lot of "educational" programs that are little more than money-makers for the people who run the program. I would suggest a couple of courses at a local community college, you can pay for the classes from your wages and see how it goes? Also, having been to community college, I highly recommend this route.

Try online colleges/universities, community colleges, and vocational schools. The vocational schools tend not to require unnecessary courses for you to get certified/degreed. Colleges and universities usually require you take some unnecessary courses along with the ones you actually need, in order to get certified/degreed. They do this to get more money out of the students. Each course taken is more money for the school. I recommend you look into vocational schools first, but do a check on the school before giving them any money. Some are good and some aren't. Much of what you mentioned as interests and skills of yours is taught at vocational schools, so you should be able to do well in the classes you take.

Good luck!