I want to get out of factory work?
Asked by Hogan
Im 41. I worked in one factory for like 16+ years, they went to Mexico and laid everyone off. I actually really liked that job, as what i was doing was more of a skilled work - running CNC type presses. it was somewhat of a challenge and took a little bit of thinking and math skills. Now im stuck in a auto factory doing the same thing day in and day out - this job is so easy a freakin monkey could do it. I cant stand it. Plus the fact i know one day this place will do the same and leave town.My problem, i have no clue as to what i want to do, or what a factory worker with little college education would be qualified for. I did go to school for a while to learn HVAC(heating and air) but that panned out into nothing. Nobody wanted to hire me since i had no on the job experience and the ones who did only wanted to start me at 8 bucks a hour. Whats a good option for me? Anyone here broke away from factory work and got a real job? If so what?

Best Answer:
The key is to take some time and assess what your likes and dislikes are. My guess is you have a lifestyle to maintain and maybe a family to support, so you need to cover that as well. When I say your likes, I mean things like sports, music, computers, working with your hands, getting dirty, not getting dirty, etc. Next, you made it clear that you like to work with math and intellectually challenging things like your CNC Press job gave you. So that rules out some jobs right away. I also heard you say you took some HVAC training as well, which tells me you are prepared to invest some time in retraining yourself, another good quality. So, now what training do you want to invest in, that takes all those things into consideration and will pay you a decent wage? Well, there are several. Schools like ITT Tech, DeVry, the University of Phoenix all have certificates in computer programming, x-ray tech, lab tech, medical eqiupment repair, etc., that do not require 4 year degrees. Local junior colleges also have one and two year programs in web design, computer networks, etc. that do not require much more than the skills you acquired running the CNC machine. Look into something called CPM or Certified Project Manager. CPM's can work in almost any industry creating and managing project plans....look into it. Make sure you discuss this with your wife so she understands the time and money you may need to invest for a year to eighteen months. Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to email me at: mike@directyourcareer.com www.directyourcareer.com

how about a career in healthcare? or starting your own business
Answered by frah

Go to your local community college, 4 year college, etc, and talk to an admissions adviser. There are psychological tests like the Myers-Briggs that can give you a basic idea of your personality type, and what other people with the same personality type do. It doesn't mean that you're guaranteed to be happy with that job, but it can narrow your focus, and give you a few options that you can explore in more depth. You'll probably have to pay for the test - I don't know if it'll be $40 or $200, but that's certainly something to ask the counselor. This fee should include some discussion afterwards to help you interpret the results of the test. Try to find out how much of this is available. More is better in my view, as this is where the useful information will come from. There's also a link below to the website for the test.
Answered by Ralfcoder