Career Change in 40's

Good morning.  How is everyone doing today?

Although I have been diligently working on my blog site with my gluten-free cooking, I have not taken the time to just write.  It isn't like I don't have anything to say, but just haven't taken the time.  That is not a good thing.  Although, I have no clue how many people actually read my journal posts or if they even find them interesting, it is sometimes nice to put my thoughts and feelings out there.  It makes me feel better, like I am sharing with a therapist or something.  Then again, for those who read and have similar issues it is a good way for them to know they are not alone in their feelings.

With that said, I have some funny stuff to share.

As you know I am a displaced employee and actively seeking employment.  As a displaced employee, my company gave us 60 non-working days to find employment and an additional month for each year we have worked for the company.

I accepted a position with a company that is closer to my home.  As part of the employment process I had to pass a background check and take a drug test.

A cake walk, right?

Right after I accepted the offer, I went directly to one of their suggested testing sites.  Of course I picked the one closest to me.  The process was pretty simple, urine sample in a cup that they collect and ship off for testing.  They sample was sent off to a testing site in New York.  Why they sent it off there instead of somewhere local is beyond me.  The process ended up taking 5 days.

Guess what happened?

My test came back positive for marijuana.  Seriously!?!  I bet if there was a camera filming my conversation with the New York testing site, it could have racked up a million views.  They wanted to know how I tested positive. Me too.  Let's just say it was a very awkward conversation.

My first thought was that my son made me special brownies the other day.  So, I explained the situation and asked him if the brownies were special.  I then called my doctor and asked if my medication could cause a false positive; not that she could confirm.  Then I had to think of who I was around within that week that may have had second-hand smoke; I hadn't been anywhere.  So, not believing the people in New York, I went to Walgreens and purchased an over-the-counter drug testing kit; the results were negative.

At this point, I can safely assume that the testing site either contaminated my sample or mixed it up with another person.  I have NEVER in my life used any type of drugs unless medically prescribed by my doctor.

My next step was to speak with the potential employer.  I explained to them that there was no possible way that I could be positive for marijuana and the steps I had already taken.  They were very understanding and allowed me to take another test at my own expense.

I chose a location in Rosemount and had the test results within 2 business days: negative.

Just to think, something so simple could cost someone their livelihood.  I realize that mistakes are made by people every day, but it sure is a shocker when it happens to you.

Next Chapter

As a displaced employee we still have access to our team member company website.  This access is so that we make look at our benefits, pay voucher and internal job postings.  I have access through December 14, 2013, that is when I am no longer considered an employee.  Our profiles are marked as retain employees so we are a higher hiring prospect.

• First, our area was changing our job titles/positions, moving from operations, and there was only a limited number of people that could be accepted under the new business channel.  We were supposedly randomly selected; over 300 people were displaced that same day at the same time in our 4 locations.
• Second,  I would like to say that I do not believe that I was randomly selected and that it was due to the issues I was having with my FMLA/Accommodations.
• Third, they posted a position within the department under my same manager on Monday, and did not call me back to work.  Again, I believe this is due to my required accommodations.

For giggles, I applied for the opened position just to see what happens.

This whole displacement situation has opened my eyes.  I realized that all the years with this company, it has only been a job and not really a career choice.  Now I feel like a teenager getting ready to graduate from high school.

What career do I want when I grow up?

I took the summer to contemplate what I would like to do for a career.

• Do I want to return to real estate sales or management?
• Should I return to school for another career choice?
• If I go back to school, what do I want my education degree?

I have decided to move further in my education, but have not firmly decided exactly what I would like to do.

Should I continue a career in:

• Financial Crimes
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Auditor
• Paralegal
• Healthcare; office, not hands-on medical

Even at my age, it would be fantastic to just have the opportunity to shadow someone in these fields.  Get a feel if this is something that you would actually enjoy doing as a career until retirement.

Have any of my readers been displaced?

Did you go back to school for a new career?

If you did change careers, how did you decide what you wanted to do?