Lisa Johnson Mandell

Hi Lisa

I read your answer to ‘How Can I find Work I really Enjoy.’  The advice was good but I am not sure of my skills and I want drastic change.  I was a restauranteur for 20-yeaars in the complicated Caribbean business climate. I sold my business 1.5 yrs ago.  Now, at 49, I want to do work that helps others and is rewarding.  I love psychology but have no degree.  I have an entrepreneurial spirit but little money and now need to get to work.  I have recently found work (volunteering) in a soup kitchen twice monthly, this excites me but will not pay the rent.  I find I offer warmth easily to people and they share deeply.  I want to care where it is needed.  Please advise.

J.

Dear J.

It sounds as if you’ve identified great skills and passion via your work in the soup kitchen. I’m sure your 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry really helps, as does your natural compassion for others in need. This is the perfect time and environment to go to all the non-profits in your area that provide food for the hungry, and see if they have any paid positions for someone with your invaluable skill sets. Charities receive a sudden influx of funds at the end of the year, as people hurry to do their annual donating before the new tax year kicks in–they need those last tax deductions for 2009. So non-profits are feeling flush.

If I were you, I’d outline a plan for the organizations you plan on approaching. How can they more efficiently (and deliciously) take care of the hungry? Is it possible for you to organize surplus food donations from restauranteurs with whom you have relationships? You’ll have plenty of opportunities to listen to, commiserate with, and help those in need while you’re administering a great food program that only you can orchestrate. Once you nail down a paid position, you can work on your psychology degree in your spare time — and be assured there are plenty of grants and scholarships available to someone who is doing so much good for others.

All the best!

Lisa