Between the ages of 18-36 the average American will have 9.3 different jobs. That’s a lot of transitions. Most of the time when we’re in a transition, whether self-imposed or forced upon us, we ask two questions.
1) Who’s hiring
2) How much do they pay?
These might not be bad questions, but they’re not the right first questions in my opinion. I would suggest that before you ask whose hiring and how much do they pay, try looking in, looking around and looking forward.
Look In- In other words take a good look at the way God has wired you. Look at your spiritual gifts, your abilities, your passions, your personality, and your experiences. Realize you’ve been created to reveal something unique about our Creator in what you do and how you do it.
Look Around- What are the people that God has placed in your life telling you about your strengths and weaknesses. A wise person will not spend their life in a defensive mode, but will seek the input of others regarding what they’re good at, what needs improvement, and what is their giftedness.
Look Forward- What are you dreaming about? Bill Hybels once asked “If God could grant you a vocational miracle, what would it look like?” Can you answer that question? What would your dream job look like?
So just for fun…How many different jobs have you had since age 18?
9… geez.. and if I go back to when I started working at 16 it goes up to 11. ouch.
One job. Started at 18 and I’m still there, and I’m getting ready to turn 38.
Christy
I’ve had 8!
I’m 56 and I’ve had 5, the present one for almost 29 years.
2…but then again, I’m only 25.
Of course I have had 4 different positions in one company – does that count?
I count 12, and I’m only 30. Of course, some of those were seasonal/college jobs. Insofar as post-college longer-term jobs, I’ve had 5. My parents had the same employers their entire lives; it’s a lot different now.
4…that’s not counting my current SAHM gig!
5 roles // 2 companies // 10 years
(not counting summer jobs in college)
I’ve had 6 different jobs (only 5 full time) since I was 18 … and I am only 29!!!! I must say that I’ve never been fired but have left these jobs because of significant events in my life. All former bosses are references for me now.
I’ve had 9. I think. And I’m 32. I’m currently in 1.5 jobs and have been for 6 years.
I have had 4 different jobs at the same company.
5 jobs, only 1 calling
Only 2.
Prior to turning 16, I did a lot of babysitting. Not really a job, but good training just the same.
Age 16 – McDonald’s – 2 years
Age 19 – Exclusive Men’s Clothing Store in Baton Rouge – 1 year
Age 20 through 38 – Accounts Payble – same company 18 years.
Age 38 to 40 – went back to college (not a job, but still nuts)
Age 40 to 43 – IT for a school district
Age 44 – help hubby open a business
Age 45 till now – Working for Dell
So I’ve had 6 jobs total. I wonder what else God has instore for me? Dream Job: Digital Artist, Web Designer, Freelance writer, Photographer, muralist, or Ice Cream taste tester.
Great questions, Pete. I’m still trying to figure out what I should be when I grow up, and I’m 49. So far I’ve had 4 jobs, done some freelance editing work, and then decided to be a SAHM. Other than that last position, I have never really found the work that could make me jump out of bed in the morning, raring to get going. Pray for me, would ya?!!! I’d rather not wait till I’m as old as Grandma Moses was to figure out my gifts.
I’ve had 9 but I am over 40. ;>)
I have had many jobs, but staying with-in the same feild, so I have had 7… that only gives me 8 more years to do only 2 more jobs!
Two REAL jobs -
1) age 19- present – MOM
2) age 32-42 (present) – Minister of Worship at The Brook
In the time era of 18-32 I did some part time work for Christmas money – I worked at a children’s home as a relief houseparent, was a substitute teacher (don’t call me back unless somebody is dead!) and I worked doing craft shows for a while, but I was a stay at home mom during this time period.
It must be clearly said that I’ve always felt called to ministry so I’ve led ministry in a volunteer capacity from age 19-32 before actually going on staff.
Neither of my jobs did I take because of pay, btw.
I’m 33 and this is my fourth.
@Tommy Sircy, You deserve a gold watch or something. 29 years! That’s awesome. My grandfather has been at his job for 50+ years now.
3 random jobs working through college (with some of the most fantastic kids on earth!). then 3 “real-world jobs” since graduating: taught HS English at 2 different schools and then came on staff at Cross Point! so…6 total. i’d like to stay in my current one for a while if that’s okay with you!
I have had 6 jobs not including my full time job of being a Mom.
Which is the one I love the best.
My son who is almost 18 started working about a year and a half ago is still at his same job and I am very proud of that. I think that is great for a teenager these days.
1 – summer camp conselor
2 and 3 – substitute teacher for two different districts
4 – preschool assistant teacher
5 – grade school computer teacher
6 – nursery supervisor
7 – private tutor/homeschool teacher for one family
So, that would be 7 jobs at 25 years old
If I’m remembering correctly I’ve had 8 jobs.
6 and i’m only 24.
wait take that back….8 jobs in 6 years.
@Tyler, Dang!
Since 18 I’ve worked 14 different jobs. Some were only for a short time, and a few I worked all at the same time. I’m only 31 now and hope to be in my current position for a LONG time.
I have been a switchboard operator, receptionist, physical therapist, tutor, camp counselor, substitute teacher, after school daycare worker, 2nd grade teacher (lasted 6 years =), entry exam moderator, daycare provider and now SAHM, PChef consultant and homeschool teacher =)
I counted 5 different jobs since the age of 18 and I am now 27.
15 since I was 16 years old and am now 48 years old.
I only had 3 and at 27 I entered the job that I was called to do….the job that I had always dreamed of……how many people get to live their dream!!! ME!!! I became a mother! I have 5 amazing children and I get the amazing privilege to mentor, raise and pour Jesus into them everyday…now that is something to get excited about!
@Michele Helms, That is great! Don’t ever forget how blessed you are.
15 jobs. When I graduated from college in 1991, the average stay at a job for a college graduate with a bachelors degree 7-10 years, in 2000, this was down to 3-5 years. Last month, I had a client, who graduated from Owen with his MBA in 2006 tell me that he was told in 2006 that this was down to 18 months.
What I feel fortunate about is that I listened to the advice of a book that came out around the time I graduated, it was called Me, Inc. or You, Inc. (I forget the name) Essentially, it predicted that the work place would change from one where your employer would develop your skills to one where you would be responsible for your skill development.
My skills development is the place I’ve received God’s guidance. Along with where I need to work next.
i’m 34 and i’ve had 10. the last being my favorite, stay at home mom! thanks for that opportunity @pwilson.
I’m 38 and I’ve had 8 different jobs.
I’ve got to say your questions are spot on. The one thing I’ve come to understand is that money is one of the last things to look at when onsidering a job. Too often I took a job for better pay only to find out that I had to sacrifice time with my family, time at home and my time to do follow my passion as a worship leader.
I’m now at a place where I I’ve been really looking at myself and asking those same three questions you’ve posed above and trying to figure out how to get to where it is that I feel God is leading me and still do everything for my family that I am called to do as well.
I remember trying to count when you asked, and I was pretty close to the 9, if not there! Right now it a transition, a LONG transition for me. I am great with people, and I know the hospitality industry is where I belong, HOWEVER, employers constantly tell me they want people w/ more experience (I have a Bachelor’s degree in resort management, which means very little apparently), and I never get a job…where do they expect me to get any????? If all else fails, con artistry may be in my future, according to the career test I took, awhile back, I’d make a good one!
I’ve been doing paid work since college. I’m 33 now.
1. Paid childcare worker at church
2. Student worker at Belmont
3. Temp with an agency
4. Temp with J. C. Bradford & Co. (now-defunct brokerage firm)
5. Current job – 10 years and counting (Christian publishing)
good thing you didn’t apply jobs pre-18 era…that might include several 1 day jobs and others that might not fit well with the no-sweat-shop mentality of today’s america!
I’m 45 and have held 16 different jobs since age 18. 15 of thoss were before age 35. Some of those job were worked concurrently. The thing you have to know is that I was a bit of a late bloomer. I graduated highschool in 1981 and didn’t earn my BA until 1991.
@Christina Schmidt, I’m going to keep that in mind.
I am 38 and here is my list of jobs since I was 18
1. Carmike Theaters
2. Pizza Hut (2 different states)
3. Ryan’s Restaurant
4. Covenant Construction
5. Applebees
6. Airbrush Artist – Edgewater Mall – Biloxi
7. Airbrush Artist – Souvenir City – Gulf Shores
8. Diadem Music Group
9. Benson Music Group
10. Powell Creative
11. Alcott Routon
12. Greenhill Music
13. Self Employed (Thank God!)
Wow! Thanks for that walk down memory lane. For some reason I could only stay at one place for about 2 years.
8, plus some part time or project based jobs while I was working those full time jobs.
8 and I’m 42. 2 of those were part-time 2nd jobs. I took 14 months off when I first got married because I thought I could venture into my own home business. Finally needed to actually make money and re-joined the marketplace. Coolest thing though was my approach to the job hunt was completely different. It wasn’t about me making them like me so I could get a job. It was about me coming clean on who I was, talents, most important things in a job. Found an awesome place I never wanted to leave. Made great money. Then had a baby 3 yrs later. At the time I was reluctant to stay home even though that was always my desire prior to this job. After I left the company, everything I liked about the job changed–key management, office philosophy, work environment. It turns out I left the company (which is now bankrupt in the bank/brokerage failures of late) at the right time!!
4 if you count my current stay at home mom position. But once I got out of college, I taught for 2 years and then started staying home again. Hope this current jobs holds out for a long time. The pay isn’t great … but the benefits are!!
1 job through college
2 jobs in 2 years.
1 job for 10 years.
I got my first job at Target after i graduated High School. Worked there 10 years and decided to go to business college to get a better job. I was going to school and raising a young daughter. Had a job at a nursing home for three months. Got a new job at Cole Vision and they were bought by another company. Luxottica. Moved from NE ohio to SW ohio for this job. I was able to keep my years of service so I will have 10 yrs in Feb 09. The amazing part is when i was first working at Target I was helped by the Rotary club. I had a bad overbite. They paid for my dentist work, braces and a jaw surgery. I am eternally grateful to them and have always desired to give back somehow, either monitarily or volunteering. When i relocated to Cincinnati I found out Luxottica had a wonderful program called Gift of Sight. They recycle eyeglasses and give them to people in third world countries for free. They also have vision clinics in the us for children. As an employee i can sign up to go on mission trips to give glasses away. I got to go May 2007 to the Hartford Connecticut mission trip. We had a boy who came from Somalia to live here come to our clinic. He had a detached retina and we were able to refer him to get surgery on his eye. He could have lost his sight if that was not caught. It is so nice to work for a company that gives back to the community and world. I have applied again this year and i am praying i get picked for an international mission trip. You never know where God’s path can lead.
I have been a nanny/babysitter, Dairy Queen worker {for one day!}, a waitress, and a preschool teacher. I worked at a tourist resort serving food and drinks and also at a hotel bringing room service. Some jobs I thought I would be cut out for, but I should’ve known better {!} such as teacher {too intense, too much stimulation, resulting in too many migraines!}, secretary {can’t type fast enough!}, and home decorator {I would hate thinking about fabric and design all day!}. It is definitely best to leave our expectations and pressures, from ourselves or others, behind, and embrace what God has for us, and how he has uniquely gifted us. I am still learning not to allow others’ expectations to control me!!
I don’t know if I can count that high…Let’s see…
keypunch operator, retail clerk, bookkeeper, 3M tech factory worker, payroll clerk, church secretary, overseas government admin asst, college secretary, system operator, systems programmer, network administrator, audio/video engineer with our own company, TBN camera operator, then floor director, part-time music director, and now homeschool mom to twins. Until now, I never really thought about how many transitions that I’ve been through. It is comforting to look back and see how the Lord had his hand on me through all of it!
I have had 8 and I am 42. I have been at my present job for 9 years and wouldnt mind find job 9
I’m 33 and still looking for my first real job.
Oh my goodness………that was tough to count back all those years!! 12 jobs in a little over 20 years. (You can do the math to figure out my age!)
I am on job 17 and 18 right now.
I am 39 and have worked for 5 companies.
Some really good like Nordstrom and Nystrom.
Some really bad like….aaahhh wont mention those…no free advertising.
Pete I was told by my employer in 1955,that this was a temporary position. I am glad it was not permanent as I have been there 53 years and holding.
9. I guess you could say I am 0.3 below average.
3. one retail job that i’ve had since 19, and 2 internships.
1. Strawberry Picking
2. Blueberry Sorting
3. Database Entry
4. Voiceover
5. Administrative Assistant
6. Piano Teacher
7. Assistant to Senior Financial Advisor
8. Financial Aid Assistant
9. Admissions Receptionist
10. Education Technologies Assistant
11. Honors Program Director
12. Office Assistant
13. Service Assistant
14. Community Counseling Program Assistant
15. Associate Editor
16. Career Counselor
Don’t know how many jobs, but my wife reminds me we have moved 26 times in 36 years of marriage. Jobs included:
Student Research Scientist
Army Radar Technician
Research Scientist
Founder of software company
Founder of business software company
Physicist on cruise missile program
President of rental company
Engineering sales
Real estate investor
and recently God called me to be a janitor. God has quite the sense of humor.
1. Merle Norman Cosmetics counter
2. accounts receivable at computer firm
3. tutored football players in English
(held all three jobs above at the same time in college)
4. advertising agency account executive
5. assistant editor/writer for a trade pub
6. freelance writing for a year or so
Oh my, I had to make a list and refer to my resume to remember them all!! I have 12 so far, … and that’s just in the the last 8 years. I have 10 more years to go to get to 36! However, most of them were summer jobs or part-time jobs while at college.
I wish someone would have posed these thoughts to me 8 years ago when I was graduating HS. It would’ve saved me 6 years worth of boring classes and student loans! I didn’t know what I wanted to be, and couldn’t imagine doing the same thing for the rest of my life – so I took the easy way out. I picked a major that paid well and that someone told me I’d be good at. Now, 8 years later when I finally have an actual career that I love, I kick myself in the butt – and am constantly reminded by my mother that she always told me I’d make a great nurse!
And speaking of my Mother, she is currently in her 44th year of teaching. At the same school she started at when she was 19 years old and fresh out of teacher’s college. If you do the math, that makes her 64 – and she’s not ready to be done yet! She says she’ll retire when she stops enjoying her job. I hope I always enjoy my career that much!
on my 5th now..looking for a better 6th.
eight. six of those would be from the time I was 18-25. I work part time now and have been at my job for 9 1/2 years and expect to be there for many more years.
I am on my 7th job since turning 18. Well 8 if you count that I worked at Publix two different times, 8 years apart.
Ok, make my total 8 – I forgot the tech support, call center job I had for over a year. Oops…
i always want to take an online career test to asses my educational background*`”
i failed my first Career Test but then i tried again the second time and got it`-`
i took a career test just last month and it wasn’t so difficult at all “
‘”: I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives great information *~’