Who has made a career change?

myright

myright

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Alright fellas this is a tough one. I posted here since I know you guys pretty well and I know a bunch of you guys work in the fields I'm looking into.

I live in an area that is dominated by a certain type of business in which a large portion of of the population works in this industry. This work requires being tied to a desk all day long and also not really "helping" people. I'm sorry to be so vague, but I'm a little reluctant to go in depth further.

Anyhow - that's not really the important part.

I'm closing in on 31 years old and am going through this phase in my life in which I really feel like I need to do something with my life to help others. I also want to be able to look back on my life when I'm talking to my kids and grandkids and be able to feel like I did something.

I spent some time in the military and enjoyed it.

Ok - that was a long intro to the actual question:
Who has made a complete career change and how did you do it? Also, who wishes they would have or wants to?


My issue is that I have a specialized skill set now specific to my line of work that does not translate very well to what I really want to do, which is working with people. The other, bigger issue, is that I make good money now and making a change will require, most likely, taking a 50% pay cut. We've built a life around that income.....

I applied for a Paramedic job not too long ago, but didn't get it. It was a program in which they paid you to go to back to school and to be trained. I really want to do something along those lines.

My motivation is my wife - After 9/11 when I got activated by the AF my wife was working in advertising and decided she needed to do something more and is now a nurse and changing lives every day. I admire her for that.

Sorry for the rant fellas. Having a new kid kind of puts things in perspective.
 
i haven't made a career change, or even had a first career to begin with yet, but i offer a caution...

study your prospective new career thouroughly. talk to as many people as you can about it, find out exactly what a day in the life is like. find out how it is dealing with superiors in this field, find out about your prospective superior if possible.

if it all works out you will probably be more or less stuck in this field for a long time, make sure you won't be miserable the whole time.

i would say keep working at your higher paying job for the time being, put away a generous emergency fund in the bank or under your mattress, and when you feel like you are more or less capable of living for around six months with zero income, then make the switch. you will be covered for the beginning and in case anything goes bad, and you won't have to stress about money to start with. you will be able to focus on the job and getting into a place that you want to be.

whatever you decided to do, good luck, take care of yourself.
 
I have never done a "total 180" career change. I've stayed in fields that are related.

However, I will offer to you a quote said to me by one of my mentors during an alcohol-induced, cigar smoke filled night on the dark continent:

"Remember that at the end of your life one of the big things you're going to have is stories. What those stories are about is up to you."
 
I am a ways past twice your age but once faced the same problem. I was making pretty good money for those days buy God didn't build me to punch a time clock. I was miserable. I had learned the construction trade and had a small farm. I made the decision to quit my secure job as a construction foreman and go out on my own. Besides carpenter work, I got into doing some hunting and fishing guiding. This is where my heart was really at. I could have made more money and had a better retirement had I stayed on my job but I have enjoyed the life I chose much more. I read once that nearly 80 percent of the people do not enjoy their work, that said, if you work a great percentage of the time and don't enjoy it, then how are you going to enjoy your life.

Once you have made your choice, you may question it from time to time and things will not always go as planned but I didn't want to be sitting in a rocking chair as a old man thinking "Well, I could have" I sometimes think now, Well Maybe I should Have, but If I were doing it all again, I would do the same thing. Good luck and be ready to live with what you decide. Just be the best whatever you are that you can.
 
I did a complete career change a bit over a year ago. I was an electrical engieer, and hated it. The work was OK, but the constant studying was getting old, and the layoffs really sucked. So, last year they proposed cutting our hours in half (and pay) so they could keep us on. I just went and scoured for ANY job I could find. I got hired in a company that does metal castings. (I have a thing for metal). We had to tighten the belt a bit, but after a year, we're better, and I really scored a cool job. This company treats people like gold.

I dunno. Don't let work define you. My passion is my knives. Those are the stories I will tell.
 
udtjim...pretty good advice. Something I needed to hear as well.

I am about your age, myright, ...34. I also served in the military, and have spent a couple of years in a few different career fields. Also, I have just made a recent and drastic career change.

Let me start off by saying something that all my friends and clients would tell you I say quite often: helping people is a thankless job that does not pay well!! There are some obvious exceptions, but that is generally the case.

I was a career counselor for 5 years and loved the job; until I got burned out. I didn't make a lot of money, but ends were meeting. Then, this past spring I took a job as a police dispatcher. I packed up everything I owned and moved my family to Alaska to take a job that was less pay. I saw this as a means to my ultimate career goal...and need to keep reminding myself of that as I grind away the graveyard shifts and scratch my head at my checkbook every few days. But its all good.

The Hindus have a saying: "You can never cross the same stream twice." To me that means that once you decide to move on, just know that even if you go back, it will never be the same.

Good luck with whatever choice you make. And let us know when you do decide.
 
I'm mid 30s and have chopped and changed jobs, studied fine art at college, worked in construction, labouring for concreters and builders, taught trade skills to blind disabled folk, then taught Autistic adults general life skills, then kitchen design and sales, then advertising and design, finally landing in landscape construction where at first I worked for a boss but now am part owner of a business. As a business owner we still do it tough from time to time, but that's life. I'll probably look at doing something else soon just to learn new stuff and keep things fresh.

Sometimes you have to eat baked beans for a month or two to follow your dreams, I for one don't want to die with regrets based on not taking a small risk that could payout as a brilliant fulfilled life. Take a chance, life is not a rehearsal, it's a one shot deal, (unless you believe in reincarnation) :D

I say go for it. Just keep your eyes on the prize.
 
Just a bit of encouragement for you. I was 31 when our first (of three) was born, and at that time wasn't working in the field I am now, so I kind of know where you're at. That being said, the life (or lives) that you'll have the most influence for change, is your family's. Years from now when you look back over your life, and you have your kids/grandkids around you, what will make a difference is the amount of time that you spent raising those little ones.
Over the years, my mother used the saying "charity begins at home" as a sort of mantra for our family. Looking back now, I know that she was right. Think of it this way; The only thing that we leave behind of any real value is our kids. Am I saying that you shouldn't try to help others? Absolutely not. My wife and I (and our kids) have been, and still are, involved in our community and doing the best we can to "help" those around us, but if we lose the war at home... we lose everything. Invest in your family, and as time permits invest in the lives of those around you. Just my two cents. Hope this helps.:)
 
If you do change careers research the h*ck out of it before you switch or get retraining.
And DO NOT buy into stats providing by schools regarding the success of their graduates.
Find some independent sources of info, actually talk to people in that profession who do not work for the school and are in no way affiliated with the school.

You can't trust stats especially stats being provided by institutions that really only want one thing, your tuition money.

One school i know of claims that "all our graduate find employment within 6 months of graduation".
The fine print is that well they don't mean employment in what the students were trained for,
more like employment in positions where you say "do you want fries with that?".
 
"stuff" don't make you happy.

My best wishes for your path through life.





Kis
enjoy every sandwich
 
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My right, I'm 33 Years old. I've been a musicican, ran a group home for the mentally handicapped, Been a personal fitness trainer, a self defense instructor, a paramedic, and am now the supervisor over 110 Emt's and paramedics. And am currently in school working on my teaching degree to become a highschool teacher. I can say that genuinely wanting to help people is awesome. but the beurcratic B.S. that comes with every job often ruins the job for those that do it. It's the attitude of the suits in the big ofices that have chased me out of almost every career so far...My small advice would be to wait until this supposed recession is over before switching careers. unless your going into a recession proof career.
 
I'm more than twice your age. I was in the same situation you find yourself in at about the same age... actually, even a bit older. I gave up EVERYTHING I had... family, friends, toys, etc., and not only changed careers, I changed continents, cultures, and clothing.

I had to learn new job skills, new languages, new ways of getting my daily food, even new ways to put the house to bed at night. :)

It was the best thing I ever did. :thumbup: :D

I don't regret a second of it, would do it again in a heartbeat, even at my age, if I thought it was needed, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to feel more fulfilled as you come into your later years. It's scary as hell, and everyone will tell you not to rock the boat. Boats are safe in the harbor... but that's not what boats are for. ;)

Stitchawl
 
Well, I'm nearing my career in the Military (another few years) and will be in the same boat at starting a "another" career. My Brother-in-Law really surprised me; he started out working for the County in my wife's home town...nothing much and he pretty much did the mosquito control and worked him into a low-level management position. He could have continued, but at just over 30, he took a career change and applied for and went through the police academy and is now a sheriff’s deputy. He absolutely loves the job and as far as having an impact on lives and helping people, well he delivered his first baby in the back of a car when he was the first responder to the 911 call...

It can be done, just be realistic, willing and patient. Perseverance is key...starting something new usually means starting near the bottom. Another good story is that my life long friend (now 38) started out in the Army, served four years and said goodbye. He jumped into the Private Investigation business and eventually ran his own; at about 30 he decided to try something different and took a few computer programming classes, interviewed and was hired on with Microsoft as a Temp. He now is one of the more successful mid-level managers with several teams under him (and making extremely good money!). Why was he so successful? He has a knack for dealing with people, explaining complex plans/ideas in a simple, plain language and show a ton of initiative. He was a Russian linguist in his Army days and now has picked up pretty good Chinese (standard Mandarin) with several trips to China for MS.

Me? I'd like to get certification as an EMT for volunteer or part time work and will most likely end up in the Education realm (my wife is a teacher and most of my family has been in education). I do have to get both my kids through college, so I may have to sacrifice location and job to meet those needs, but at the end of the day, you have to make sure you support the family first. The Army has been more than fun and very good to me and my family...I definitely have plenty of stories for the grandkids down the road:D

Good luck and let us know how it works out for ya!

ROCK6
 
Great advice here boys. I spent time in the Army, when I got out I worked for Budweiser. No ads for Cav Scouts in the want ads:o

I made the leap into EMS, its always something Ive been interested in. Important thing is to have your family on board to back you up. I couldnt have done w/o my wife being there, and willing to take a pay cut for our family. I now have 5 years in, and am finally making enough money to make it worthwhile financially. I repaid my wifes support by supporting her through her career change from graphic artist to RN. Shes done now, and started her first nursing job last week. Its great, conversations are pretty interesting at my house:D

Its cool to have your income almost triple overnight. I can get used to it.:D:thumbup:

Do what makes you happy. Its a rocky road, but worth it. Be sure its for you. Its a thankless job with lots of Drama. (public service workers are worse then hens when it comes to gossip) I love it though.....I have my moments of doubt about my carreer, but I cant see myself as a suit. Not me at all. I like being in the field too much. Man the hours can get long too. I worked 108 hrs last week, and 36 so far this week with 24 more to go, and I have to be in court today over an assualt call.
 
Hope i wasn't too negative above just trying to emphasize the need to research before change.
Good luck with your new career path!
:thumbup:
I'm older than you and i'm applying for an M.A program at a school at the opposite end of the country (going from the Atlantic to the Pacific).
So i kinda know where you are coming from.

(Well though out) Change can be really good!
:)
 
I was 46 - had served in the USN then back to college. I had spent 20yr as a college instructor and had other life changing experiences, including grown sons and a divorce. I had bought up my military time in the state's retirement system and, while faced with the loss of my summer teaching due to cutbacks, elected to give more back. I retired... steady income, of sorts, and became an AMERICORPS volunteer. Three attempted robberies later, the last being three teens on bikes with a .38, I started carrying a .45 - then elected to just get out of harm's way. I then decided my 20yr hobby of woodworking - mainly furniture and wood turning - might hold promise. I followed the art show and arts & crafts show circuit - did 26-29 shows/yr all around the SE for the next 7+ yr, losing an average of ~$3k/yr. Various other part-time endeavors followed - including a part-time range officer at a public shooting range. Now, I just goof off... take a few older folks (I'm 60 now!) to the store, hospital, etc - it's a lot cheaper than my other 'career attemps'.

My point is simple - my 'dreams' - the 'helping folks' and the woodworking - the art show travels - all failed. I had a parachute... the Teacher's Retirement System of Alabama kept my lights on - and allowed me to live between 'attempts'. To 'free-fall' without an income - especially with a wife and kids - is dangerous - today it is bordering on foolhearty. Of course, my safety chute may have been at least partially causal as far as my failed endeavors are concerned. I finally mortgaged my paid-off home last year to pay off my lingering show losses, rather than the usual path of just going bankrupt in that business. Again, I had the TRS as a safety chute. I guess it's a bit like Bear Gryll's 'survival' in the boonies... a 'copter standing by!

Have you thought about a night school in nursing? You could join your wife in a care-giver career - eventually - yet still provide a steady income. I always advised my students to follow their dreams, not just their parents' or peers' - within reason, of course. Not everyone can afford a $300k starter home, a BMW, and a collection of Busse's and Sebenza's, or trips to exotic wilderness areas for fun. Learn to live within your means - and to look forward to something obtainable.

Stainz
 
Hmmm... I need a change from EMS. I have a few reasons but I don't want to take away from your dream. Just some advice if you do it... it can be life consuming. Make sure you take equal time for yourself and your family. Best of luck to you.
 
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