Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I need a brainstorming buddy today

I love to brainstorm. This question hovers in my mind all day: "What new kind of job can hubby find that will keep us going financially and keep him happy and motivated?" His 15 years experience as a technology director/manager is not opening any doors or generating much interest. So here I come to you my friends, do you know of any career change success stories that may work for him? I wish that he had more of a sales personality. There is potential in that area of technology, but it's just not the way that he's built.

He's working in a low level IT temp job right now. It will be ending after the holidays. He is used to me being the big idea one in the relationship. My well is kind of dry right now. I wish I had one of those catchy gadget ideas that turn ordinary moms into millionaires. Hmmm...

Thanks everyone!

22 comments:

Michelle said...

I wish I had a great idea for you, but ... not so much. I will say that a lot of temp jobs this year are actually going to be held on afterwards and turn to permanent positions. Teaching technology maybe?

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

It's hard these days to find employment and I hope your husband fids something suitable.

Thanks for your visits and comments, very much appreciated.

Yvonne.

Diane said...

I've got nothing. Sorry for your troubles. Will be praying for you and the hubby to not get discouraged.

Dominic de Mattos said...

Has he considered coding - php, C++, etc. The corporate presence on the internet is still a growth industry, I would imagine, and companies are having to continually improve their presence just to keep up. Web designers seem to be two a penny (sorry web designers, nothing personal, but there does seem to be a lot of you about!) but coders - the ones that make websites do the clever stuff are not so common, and can command a pretty decent income. He could teach himself the basics from internet sources, and perhaps deepen his knowledge and understanding through courses. He could work freelance from home, or seek employment with a development company. This may not appeal to him, but that's my two penny worth ... or should that be two cents?!

Christy said...

I think that guy above me has a great idea. And look at me, I am commenting. YAY! Teaching. Driving a school bus. My cousin's husband is doing that. He couldn't get any other job. But I don't see that as very fulfilling. :) Good luck and y'all are in my prayers.

Jenners said...

I'm not sure what to suggest but perhaps he needs to really look deeply into what he enjoys doing and then see what is out there aligns with that. Another thing to consider is trying to be a consultant. Have you used headhunters? Would he be willing to relocate? I wish I could help more.

The Write Girl said...

Your husband has so much experience...have you considered big companies like google? Job search engines can be helpful and also Job Expos where you can meet employers in person. I really hope this economy turns around soon. God bless and take care.

Mari said...

I wish I had some brilliant idea, but I'm dry too.

He & Me + 3 said...

Oh boy...I was thinking insurance or something like that...but I am not a sales person type either. Praying you find something else soon.

Hyacynth said...

I cannot find more than one Zumba instructor for our club for the life of me. ... But I suppose that's not what you are looking for?

Maybe he could start his own consulting business?I'll be praying for a wonderful idea or opportunity.

Susan Fobes said...

Okay, here we go careers where his technology background would be beneficial:
technology partner manager
technology due diligence analyst
technology insurance underwriter
technology sector equity analyst
-health care administrator
-If he has experience in network security, how about an underwriter of cyberliability insurance
What about going to one of those Internet sites that evaluate your skills and interests? Hope this helps a little :(

T Rex Mom said...

Hospitals and utility companies are often a good place to check for unknown IT jobs. Go back to school - there are lots of loans available for folks just like him.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Goodness! Nothing comes to mind, but I'll think on it. Wishing you the best, Kelly!

Ken Devine said...

Hi Kelly
Keep as many irons in the fire as possible until something materialises. Are there grants available to become self employed and branch out into consultancy or perhaps something totally different? Could he re-brand himself and set out immediately as a consultant in his current area of expertise? He can always take temporary work whilst building up his portfolio.
Perhaps re-training into a new area of high demand.
Is there a possibility of reversing roles with you, if your immediate options for employment are brighter?

I guess you've already thought of this type of thing, but it may be worth revisiting. If I think of anything of value to you, I'll drop by.
Good luck with it all...you deserve some right now.

Valerie said...

I endorse Ken's comments. Good luck.

Kim said...

I'm wondering about big companies in your area that specialize in something - life insurance companies, banks, even food manufacturing plants - they all have IT depts. I know with our company they hire IT people in virtually every department plus the IT department itself. I would just suggest making a list of every big company and going on their site and applying even if its seems like an unlikely fit. (I'm sure you've already done this). Also, what about putting an ad on Craig's list (or whatever your community website is) and offering his services - really using his skills. Other than that I say he applies to factories, manufacturing plants, whoever will hire him. you never know what can happen. When Shaune got into sales we really didn't know what he was going to do. He'd been in the restaurant business for 15 years. He'd never been a sales guy. Car sales can be lucrative - maybe not in this economy. But shaune works at an Acura dealership - people only buy these cars if they can afford them since they are a luxury item so he wasn't hit by the economy as much. The good thing about it is that if he's hired, usually the dealership provides ongoing training. Car sales is easier than say life insurance or something where you have to go out and find your customer. In car sales they come to you. Something will turn up, I know you won't give up. Keep at it and keep praying (both of which I know you are doing). Sending lots of positive vibes and love!

Unknown said...

has he thought of teaching? my friend's husband taught at the college level after he lost his job programming satellites.

Vicky said...

Here is a bit of what we did... my hubby built a business out of his love for both photography and sports. It was rough going in the beginning, but he virtually created a niche for himself and I think its his passion for what he loves that attracted people and business to him. He taught himself photoshop, and basic design, and over the years we have been just completely amazed how the work just keeps coming. But, to pay the bills, I cleaned houses, babysat, etc. and he did 4 newspaper routes, till we turned the corner. Maybe that will give you some food for thought?

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

I so hope that your hubby finds something soon. It must be so worrying and frustrating for you at the moment. I am keeping you in my thoughts. Keep your chin up both of you.. Carol and GJ x

Penny said...

What about teaching IT at a community college or university level? Or even for a high school? Or web design?

Analisa said...

I am without ideas, but I will pray for that unique opportunity that suits him to a T and pays well. It's out there.Be blessed!

glnroz said...

i am late catching up with my blog reading.. I missed this one earlier. I made a career move a couple of times. It is sort of scary, but doing something new, you find that if you were happy doing one thing earlier you can transpose into a new direction. The only advice I would have is to "jump off" into something new that seems to be more attuned to the future. Easy for me to say, I know.