Career Change advice

Boredsdotie

Hi all,

I have always worked in offices in 'good' jobs, but I absolutely hate the environment and always have. I am fairly arty and I like craft and I am considering possible career changes. Would it be crazy to train as an apprentice silversmith or something like that? Is it even possible to do jewellery-type apprenticeships in Ireland? Could a person make an ok living at it? Any advice greatly appreciated (I am in my thirties by the way, no ties as such and no major financial commitments).

PurpleVintage

I don't think it's crazy, no... but i'm only 17, so what would I know. Imo, choosing the right career for you, is as important as choosing the right partner. It's something that you're gonna be with for a huge portion of your life (hopefully), and spend a lot of time and dedication on, so I wouldn't settle for 3rd or 2nd best, unless I was pretty darn sure 1st picks were out of the question. You're still pretty young, so you still have your life ahead of you. Might seem stupid, but little places like youtube, and etsy are actually really helpful. You can really learn the basics there.

Best of luck hopefully someone can give you a better answer, this section of the forum is kinda dead-ish from what I see..

Tiriel

Hi - I think it might be a good idea to get more into your crafty side and give it a whirl before giving up your job. There are lots of courses run in Dublin and also in Kilkenny for jewellery making, give a search of this forum and you will find discussions on it before.

It's a big decision sure - but you don't have to take giant leaps! Bit by bit, get more experience and see how you get on! Best of luck

tanyabond

I agree with Cork_girl.Try it out before quitting your job, and as it grows you'll be able to put more hours into it. Once you see that you are making a living out of it - that would be the time to quit your office job.

Jellybaby1

You could train to be a gemologist. It is quite specialised. Saw this by chance today - if you are really interested check it out:

http://www.johnbreretonjewellers.ie/About_Us/Our_Experts/Paul_Brereton#/http://www.johnbreretonjewellers.ie/About_Us/Work_For_Us

Boredsdotie

Thank you Jelly Baby

Boredsdotie

does that ad seems like it is based at sales staff rather than people who want to train as jewellers?

Jellybaby1

Boredsdotie wrote: »

does that ad seems like it is based at sales staff rather than people who want to train as jewellers?

You could be right but it does say "opportunity to become an Accredited Jewellery Professional through an internationally recognised institution." If you get to interview then you'd find out more I'm sure. Very few companies are taking the time to train anyone in these days, they all want fully qualified people and that even applies to cleaning jobs.

briscotti

i have seen stone setting apprentiships on the fas website - not exactly what you are after, but could be a foot in the door somewhere?


alternatively, there are evening courses available, and summer courses- in ncad for example, you could try your hand at those to see if you like it as much after doing it intensively for a short time? it might help you make your mind up a bit more one way or the other !?

deisebibo

Just saw this thread now, I'm being made redundant, and have been applying for "office jobs" like what I'm doing now, only to be told that even though I have 15 years office experience and I completed a secretarial course that I don't have a "diploma in business" and that I should go back and retrain in that, and the thought of doing night school for 2 years to learn a lot of what I already know is just depressing me.

I'm going to go back to college to train in Art and textile design. I'm a keen crafter but also a novice (mother and grandmother were dressmakers). And the thought of doing this is scaring the life out of me. I'm also mid thirties, and no real ties as such (long story). What I would like to do is do this course and maybe try and set up my own online shop or something, but have a job on the side like part time, and do my craft work part time also. It seems like a dream to me, but I suppose the reality in this climate would be very different. I know it's a great opportunity for me, and I should take the chance, but I have to say I am scared, but I'm willing to give it my best shot :-). At the moment I'm trying to put together my portfolio of my work to see if I can gain entry to the course I want.

PremierMoment

Hi Boredsdotie,

I don't think is crazy go for what you are passion about, that's what everybody that has the chance should do!

I'm very crafty person and also don't like at all the being sitting in a office. My contract is finishing now and seems like the perfect time to try to do like you, the craft hobby hopefully will be a living way soon.

I saw a shop close to temple bar, they sell beds and they have training courses on how to do jewelery and many other things that maybe is a cheap way of start to see if you enjoy it.