Where do I go from here... (Squandered Youth)

Whatever it is that you do, if you plan on trying to enter into a new career path at this point have a damn solid story as to why you're where you are now and why you want to move over. If you truly were lazy or didn't care you can't tell people that. Actually sit down and go through your past and write it out, if you can't convince yourself you deserve a second chance, nobody else will be convinced.

Thank you sirB. I absolutely believe in myself and my capabilities. I just need to show what I can do. My story, like millions I'm sure, is extremely complicated and probably could be used as a case study for some up and comer psychoanalyst. I feel fortunate that I'm alive and have my wits about me. Having said that, I'm not giving myself anymore second chances or rationalizing my misfortunes up to this point. I know who to blame and take full responsibility. I can talk and talk about it or I can do something about it. And the advice here and my posting is me being proactive about it. Thanks again. I certainly appreciate any feedback.

I don't think it's too late to make a move. More difficult yes, but not too late. Good luck, harder you work the luckier you get.

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it. UFO, I like the idea of the MSF program. I'm going to research this as soon as I get home. As far as internships, since I'm not enrolled in school and just working, is this still a viable option? The reason I ask is I often hear of only undergraduate students doing internships. And even searching for internships in job search engines, I've noticed almost everyone has "currently enrolled" as a qualification. What and where would be your recommendations for internships? To conclude, I do have a life coach, but his area of expertise could certainly be more career oriented if I had to choose again. Thank you.

whats hilarious is that most people who have done the "right" things or followed the "right path" go thru the same shiz ur going through. i have nothing to add tho, ur in a tough spot.

How long have you had the life coach? A few people have recommended it, but I haven't really bothered. Are they worth it?

As for a masters: they're good for entry level positions and there's a LOT of good programs. Contact user "TNA" for info, he's the resident MSF/MFE/MQF guru. The masters programs are usually just about a year and will help with recruiting. Getting a full MBA is usually predicated on good GMAT scores, good ugrad GPA, and work experience. Depending on how much free time/money you have, you may want to contact an MBA admissions counselor...they can work wonders. MBA's are two years programs and you want to (1) intern over the summer between school years and (2) get into AT LEAST a top 20 program...top ten if you really want a good shot at working in finance.

For networking, google "mergers and inqusitions networking" and read. It's a function of getting in contact with people and selling yourself.

Also: narrow down what you want to do in finance. Are you a numbers person or a people person...or are you cool with both? Do you want to be markets facing and investing? Do you want to advise companies on their finances or strategy? Do you want to work in a large group/organization or a small one? Start thinking about the environment where you did your best work in past period of life, and identify why you succeeded.

The job market in general, and finance in particular, got hit very hard and are very slow to hire right now, so realize that it's not the easiest thing to do and very few people are making enough money to retire at 40 lately. However, I went in with no credentials literally in the middle of the bloodletting and found opportunities, even if they weren't the best of the best...so I'm convinced that enough effort will pay off. It's a function of talking to people that know what the deal is, and making good use of your time. The big bright point is that this stuff isn't rocket science, you just have to work at it, so effort really will pay off. Just temper your expectations away from getting rich at GoldmanMorganOMGtmtI'mRetiringNextYEAR stereotypes of what it really is in finance...it's just a job. A good one that opens a lot of doors, but a job nonetheless.

One other thing: read up on this site and Mergers and Inquisitions, in fact, start on M&I. It's a crash course for breaking in and you can apply the general principles to many jobs within and outside of finance.

As far as the life coach goes, I'd say it's been extremely helpful for me. I can't speak about others and how their relationship is with their coach or if it's even a good idea for them. I can't imagine it being a terrible idea or investment if you're looking for advice and choose your coach wisely. Mine is pretty much a therapist session though, where we speak about a number of personal topics, but this guy will bill me an hour's time even though we speak up to 3 and half hours in one sitting. Financially, I can't make it consistently multiple times a week like I would prefer, so my success correlated to the sessions is very limited. Most of my personal gains in life have been on me, but the life coach has shown me the door as that saying goes.

In regards to what I want to do in finance like you mentioned? I'm definitely a numbers guy, but I do relate well to people. However, I've been my best around people when their isn't a sales quota to meet. I'd probably prefer sitting in a steel cage analyzing data than a full-out 100 percent commission sales position. I would like more stability. Does that mean I wouldn't want incentives to go above and beyond to earn more, absolutely not. I'm very good with people, and I've thrived in laid back customer service type positions. Right after college, I was a manager at a local prestigious health club and my job basically consistented of schmoozing with the clientele. It was a great job that paid terribly. Nevertheless, I still regret not using this position to help network and promote myself to the prestigious members that worked there to help land an entry-level position. But the past is the past.

As far as narrowing my search, that's certainly something I need to focus on. What I do know is that I am very good with numbers, can relate well to wide number of demographics, who would like to work for a large or small, but successful company, have the ability to analyze data, develop strategies, and put this data into action. I don't know what sort of profession that would be. After reading through the Occupational Origin Handbook a while back, it seemed that the fiancial analyst seemed like a great fit. However, there are probably a vast number of jobs that I'm not aware of the details of, that could potentially fit my skill set better.

Again, thank your for insights. I have checked the M & I website before, but will certainly dive into it a bit more. In your humble opinion UFO, what's my next move outside of some personal evaluations?

Start talking to everyone you can, learn as much as you can, and take advantage of every opportunity. That's really it. One other thing: make the committment to be able to look back at 40 and honestly think "go me, I did a lot with myself!"

• steps off soapbox :)