Diane Riemer ⋅ Andover, MA Brandeis International School of Business ⋅ 25 years experience

I agree with Jim - it sounds like this is a chance to focus on understanding what you love to do and are good at. Perhaps a "skills inventory" might bring some clarity. I would think about all the roles you have had, make a list for each one of every thing you really like about it, as well as what you were/are good it. Then list everything you did not like about these roles. I am guessing a pattern of "likes" and "what you are good at" will emerge which may guide you. The list of what you didn't like may also have a pattern - good info for the kinds of roles, jobs to keep away from. You may also want to take the assessment at talentoday.com. I just came across this and it looks pretty good because it identifies the patterns I just mentioned but also seems to suggest career roles that could be a match as well as those that are not a match. Its free.

Joe Paschall ⋅ Madison, AL nLogic, LLC ⋅ 26 years experience

Many folks coming out of the military (of all ranks) have this same issue because we typically rotate thru a variety of positions and often outside our specialties. This breeds a great "utility infielder" but on transition you find there is no market for a Utility Infielder- every job is for a specific skill set. The trick is to look back and determine what parts of your career you most enjoyed, and then match that to a geographic area where there is a market for that. If you have already tied yourself to a specific geo area, then the trick is to map that part of your career where your area offers the greatest opportunity. Often you will find that you need education and/or certifications in the desired field to adequately translate the experience you already have. However, the first step is to look around your area at the opportunities and then figure out which of your experiences map best- then re-write your resume to that specific area. You will find that the Utility Infielder skill set will serve you well once you get on the new job but is not something that goes over well in the resume.

Mary Bock ⋅ Austin, TX The University of Texas ⋅ 30 years experience

Are there sky-jumping companies in your area? You could work with people who jump for fun -- and photography is often part of the day. It would mean a lot of weekend work, though.

Scott Gibbs ⋅ Jacksonville, FL U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Second Class ⋅ 14 years served

Well, still doing the police officer thing because of the pay..... Would live to get back into radio as I ran a internet radio show complete with video and call in capabilities for2 years. Need to stay alive the $50k range

Jim Richardson ⋅ Hayward, CA U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 8 years served

You obviously have a wide range of talents. I think the question you first need to answer is what interests you. Did you like photography, being a police officer, repairing stuff? Then you can put your time and energy towards getting a career that will be interesting and fun.