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Quick run down, I'm 26 years old. I'm an IT analyst in the Oil and Gas field and I make extremely good money to say I'm not done with my Bachelors yet. But there is a problem, each day I find myself more and more on the verge of just walking away from it all but unfortunately I've become accustomed to the money. I hate the way I feel when I arrive and I pretty much work for the weekend, not primarily the paycheck.
Just curious as to how many individuals left their financial safe haven to pursue their "dream job" or just to look for a better atmosphere and did you have to take less pay. If so, how did you adjust and what advice could you offer me for coping with my desire to just leave
Im sure I'll get the "wait till the economy gets better" speeches, but truth be told no one knows when the recovery will go into full swing. I'm getting to the point that risking the financial meltdown and employment almost seems worth it.
Last edited by ayahuasca_mike; 07-28-2010 at 09:57 PM..
Well, you can work hard for 30 years if the money is really that great and have a nice early retirement, or else change careers later and retire at 60, or you can switch now and retire at 70+ like the rest of us will have to.
Well my dad ad an early retirement. Saved all is life and played hte market only to be kicked in the ass during the financial meltdown. He retired and opened a restaurant but lost a substantial amount of his 401k and investments. Wile I do contribute the max to 401k and I TRY to play the market, I have absolutely no faith in either and see property ownership/management as my retirement plan.
My point is, retiring at 50 or 70+ doesn't matter to me because we aren't guarantee anything. Hell, I'm paying into social security funds that I will NEVER utilize so I figure I need to make the best of my life now because as history shows, things get real ugly the older we get.
Many people switch careers in their 20's! It's a great time to switch.
And just because you switch doesn't mean you'll make less money forever. It's entirely possible that you'll make more over your working lifetime, if you switch to a field you feel passionate about.
I made a total switch in my late 20s, another huge switch in my late 30s and another dramatic switch at 50. I've never stayed in a position which "I find myself more and more on the verge of just walking away from" as it doesn't seem logical to spend the majority of the day doing something which makes you miserable. I know that sounds simplistic and, once you have family responsibilities, making such choices is infinitely harder. But at your age I'd say go for it. Good luck!
I am kind of in the same boat at you. I am 24, work in IT and while I like my job, it is absolutely not my ideal.
I just started going to school at night, so I will have to be patient (will not graduate for 3 years), but I am trying to build the necessary skills so I can get a job doing what I really like to do.
I wouldn't advise you to quit outright, but spend your free time going after what you love. If you work typical office hours, you will have at least 4 hours every night (mon-fri) to study/learn a new field and still have weekends to relax. Get the skills you need to get a job in a different field before you quit, but definitely work towards something better.
Unless you are already married with kids, your age is probably one of the best times to switch careers! Better to find your inner happiness now rather than at a point where you really really can't afford to (or where it's forced on you by a layoff that you can't easily get a new job from).
That said, in this economic climate I would be careful and tread lightly. You are lucky to have such a good paying job now and if possible I would try to hold onto it while exploring that "other career". Good luck!
Dream jobs often turn out to nightmares... Play lotto.
Gimme a break, you great money, sounds like you are socking a lot away too. That is what jobs are for. If you have a half a brain you will have hobbies and relationships outside of work that will bring you fulfillment.
As your dad's restaurant venture proved, most business ventures are not nearly as profitable / predictable as getting a paycheck.
Adjust your attitude. Go look at the folks EXACTLY LIKE YOU that have been laid off and out of work for a year or more! Get your head where it needs to be.
Don't get me wrong, I have switched employers MANY times, and had dramatic shifts in what I do, but I have mostly done it for money and fit. No "dream job" aspect. I get training to stay competent ,/ be more valuable. I asses my salary aginst norms. I asses the health of my employer against competitors. Do these things and you will be fine...
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Dream jobs often turn out to nightmares... Play lotto.
