[JayDeGreen]

Recently becoming one of the 600,000.
Do I join the 7% and ponder the pursuit of another career?
I know it can't be helped on some level. How much reality, is there in pursuit of ones dreams?

[Tess Price, PhD]

Originally Posted by JayDeGreen

Recently becoming one of the 600,000.
Do I join the 7% and ponder the pursuit of another career?
I know it can't be helped on some level. How much reality, is there in pursuit of ones dreams?

Jay,

I take it that you have been recently laid off or think you might be? If so, I am sorry it is happening and you are right, it is no fault of your own. Don't think it reflects poorly on you.

I have been laid off twice. No amount of education can protect you from a lay-off. But education is an option for the recently laid off. Sounds like you might be considering a career change. I can't say what is best for you, but I do know that you will only benefit yourself with additional education or training. If nothing but to expand your mind.

Tell us more, if you wish, about your situation. We might be able to give you some career change ideas.

[JayDeGreen]

I've been in the same profession for some time. The last time I was laid off, was 11 years ago. Took the time in between to evaluate my situation. Decided to stay in the profession I had chosen. The problem this time around, is that my job is tied directly in to the building industry. Which, in this economy, is not on track to come back for a couple years.

A seed was planted in my head, a few years back. Had I ever been given the oportunity should I pursue that idea, of opening my own restaurant. Nothing "over the top". A small place were people came for the food, but stayed for the conversation.
Mind you, this would be quite the career change. The only thing I know about running my own restaurant is, how to cook.

I will admit during this time off, I will be pursuing the fesability of the idea. Just have that "not really sure where to begin" syndrome.

[Tess Price, PhD]

Jay,

Great idea! I like the concept of "a small place where people came for the food, but stayed for the conversation."

Where to start? Is there someone in your vicinity that has a restuarant whom you admire? Maybe someone that has been at it for awhile? See if they will take some time with you one afternoon and give you some ideas. Ask them to tell you why and how they got into the business. Sort of interview them. Ask them what they really like about it and what they don't like so much. Just get the conversation started and who knows they may turn out to be your mentor.

Better yet, (because you need a job) look for a job at a restuarant. Express an interest in management training. You could quickly learn alot through a company that has a good training program. Don't be shy of fast food places, they have great management training programs. You could get some free training and experience! They might also have a tuition re-imbursement program; you could take cooking classes at a local technical college. Nearly all of my graduate classes (MS & PhD) were paid by former employers because I took advantage of tuition re-imbursement programs.

Give it a shot, you have nothing to lose. If you don't pursue it you will always wonder. When I was sixteen I asked my dad what I should "do" as a career. I thought he would automatically say, "You'd make a great teacher," and he would have solved my deliemna. Instead he gave me the best advice, "What ever you do be sure that you like it because you will be doing it 40 hrs a week, 5 days a week!" Now I see the value of his advice. Perhaps his advice could work for you. Take this downturn in the economy and turn it into an upturn for your career!

[JayDeGreen]

I was taught the same thing, if you do not enjoy what you do for a living, why are you doing it? Fortunately, I have enjoyed what I have been doing for the better part of my working life. Never have been in it for the money. As long as I'm comfortable, I'm happy.

Don't know anyone that is directly connected to the restaurant business. Have contiplated taking on a "short order cook" job, to get my foot in the door. That, along with the possibilty of signing up for a few culinary classes.
Granted, I would have to learn the business part of this. For the most part though, I would be spending most of my hours in the kitchen.

I will pursue talking with some one that does own a restaurant.
That does sound like a good approach, finding out information first hand. I do have a couple places that I have been to, that come to mind as a model for what I would like to open.

I appreciate the words, thoughts, and ideas. They help with keeping the dream alive. I am a realist. I know that time will tell the tale. Time to give this idea its honest effort.