Search Q&A
New Career?
Ok, Expats - I have been here in Belgium for 13 years. In that time I have worked In both administration and social services. The job I have right now, is rewarding and frustrating. There is no room for advancement, I fear, even with further training. It's also physically demanding (I work with teenagers) and I am really suffering by Friday with arthritis in my big toes.
I will be 45 this year. I want a new, professional life. Am I being ridiculous? Given the current economic climate?
I am mature, diplomatic, loyal and I work damn hard. I speak English and Dutch, and some French. I would make a great personal assistant, house manager, "life coach" (although I think that is a lot of BS).
Is it possible to re-invent myself now?
Of course it is, I'm in a similar boat to you, (not physical demands thankfully), and am considering my opinions, my issue is I'm mortgaged up to my neck and can't risk losing the security of 11 years employment to follow my dream, the financial burdens are too heavy for me to risk attempting a "reinvention".
With the arthritis etc your case seems more pressing, what are your current employment conditions, can you leave and get a decent unemployment benefit to tide you over while you advance your reinvention?
How financial secure are you?
Everything depends on your financial situation.
How long can you survive without any income?
If you leave your current post you will not be entitled to unemployment benefit as you will have voluntarily made yourself unemployed. Will your employer agree to dismissing you? It can be done and, if it is, you will be entitled to benefits.
Will your doctor recommend that you stop working - or cut down on your hours - because of your arthritis? Again, if so you will be entitled to benefits.
What will you do if you take this step but find, after a year, that it hasn't worked out? It's a fact of life that, at 46 you are not going to find it easy to get a new job and that will be compounded by the fact that you have been unemployed for a year. It's not impossible but it surely isn't easy.
Whatever you decide, good luck.
if what you looking for is a career and a more challenging job but less physically demanding then brush up your CV and start applying to jobs that might suit you and might give you a better salary. You have much more negotiating power as an employed person than an unemployed one (where you tend to accept the salay offered).
As of Janaury 1st rules dismissing workers from companies has been made easier and this apply viceversa as well, meaning that your notice might be shorter if you find your dream job.
if you quit your job you do not get any unemployment benefits
There is a service called "loopbaanbegeleiding", they 'll help you to find what you like in a job , what you're good at and more, it is not expensive with "loopbaancheques" , more info on the website of VDAB .( tab begeleiding en orientatie). I cannot advise you on a good( low-BS) organisation as I live in Antwerp.
But it helps you get a clear(er) view.
never to late to reinvent yourself. Go for it. What is life without a bit of risk? But, be smart about it. Figure out what you might want to do, revamp your CV and try to get a job while you still have a job.
Hi, there is also a career coaching service which goes deep into your personality, talents, aptitudes and values and helps you to take a decision on a career change. Check www.orientaeuro.eu info@orientaeuro.eu or call 02/808.72.71
