Ziachild007 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 I have been thinking lately that I am pretty sure I don't want to do what I am doing for the rest of my life. I am in inside sales in the oilfield right now, but I feel like I can "do more" with my life, if that makes sense. I have some college, but no degree as most of my job success has come by being a dependable and hard worker. I have 10+ years in sales of some sort, but I really don't want to make it my life long field. I make decent money doing what I do, so it's not really a money issue as much as a happiness issue. I turn 33 Thursday, and as most of you know have 4 elementary age kids (4-9). So I can't just jump up and quit, but also don't want to "waste" time staying where I am not happy. I know making a career change right now especially in this economy is very risky. I am considering going back to school, but needing at least 3 years, I don't know if that is the smartest thing. Not really sure what I am looking for, just maybe some advice, thoughts, stories?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muck Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 At some point, people get frustrated / tired of what they're doing and they want a change. Hence my thread on ranching. Will anything come of it? Probably not, but the intellectual diversion is helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlanta Cracker Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 I would say at the point you are at it may be best to figure out WHAT you want to be doing first. Then get passionate about making it happen. There may be a way to do it without the need for a degree or you may have to suck it up for more school for whatever it is you choose. Get your family involved with the process so they will be behind you as you make it happen. You can do anything you set your mind to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 I'd love a career change (and I'm going on 40) but unfortunately for now, I am stuck providing security for my family. Sometimes we sacrifice happiness or fulfillment in order to provide for the people that we love. And then of course, by the time the kids are grown it is nearly too late for a career change. If you can swing it without a hit to your family, then absolutely go for it. Good luck and keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarc117 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 any ideas, lemme know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i_am_the_swammi Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 I'd love a career change (and I'm going on 40) but unfortunately for now, I am stuck providing security for my family. Sometimes we sacrifice happiness or fulfillment in order to provide for the people that we love. About where I am. And like you, I also have four elementary age kids (ages 3-10). And then of course, by the time the kids are grown it is nearly too late for a career change. Not this! I am hoping that, when my nest is empty, I can perhaps embark on something that I love...not necessarily what I am good at. Maybe I'll teach? Maybe I'll open my own business in something that interests me? Who knows? Point is, there is nothing wrong with you taking a class her and there over the next several years, get your degree (which will make you more bankable should you need a loan to stat your own business), and prepare yourself for "Phase 2" of your life doing something you love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T_bone65 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Billy, I probably can't help too much here since I am about to turn 45 in 3 weeks and have had the same job for 20 years on 1/20. I can wish you luck in whatever you decide to do and offer an ear if you ever want to talk about it. My SIL is 51 and just finished a year of tech school to become a tech assistant so I know it can be done. Your situation is a tough one no doubt with 4 young kids, but it will work out if you put your mind to it and have the support of your family and friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbimm Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 I completely understand where you are. I thought I had the career change over the summer and it did not go well. Fortunately for me I don't burn bridges and I was able to go back to my old job without any hesitation from the boss. The best advice I can give you is that if you are to try making a move make very sure that you can go back if you need to. Any chance you could make an advancement in the company you are with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziachild007 Posted January 11, 2010 Author Share Posted January 11, 2010 I would say at the point you are at it may be best to figure out WHAT you want to be doing first. Then get passionate about making it happen. There may be a way to do it without the need for a degree or you may have to suck it up for more school for whatever it is you choose. Get your family involved with the process so they will be behind you as you make it happen. You can do anything you set your mind to! I don't know specifically. I have given some thought to teaching. I know it can be a severly underpaid field, but I like working with kids......maybe even coaching. I have always loved computers. When I was going to school, it was for CIS. I've always been sort of a problem solver. I'd love a career change (and I'm going on 40) but unfortunately for now, I am stuck providing security for my family. Sometimes we sacrifice happiness or fulfillment in order to provide for the people that we love. And then of course, by the time the kids are grown it is nearly too late for a career change. If you can swing it without a hit to your family, then absolutely go for it. Good luck and keep us posted! Yeah, that is what I am trying to figure out for myself.....is it "too late?" Part of me says I have a greater responsibility now, but part of me says it is still possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziachild007 Posted January 11, 2010 Author Share Posted January 11, 2010 I completely understand where you are. I thought I had the career change over the summer and it did not go well. Fortunately for me I don't burn bridges and I was able to go back to my old job without any hesitation from the boss. The best advice I can give you is that if you are to try making a move make very sure that you can go back if you need to. Any chance you could make an advancement in the company you are with? Not really. My immediate boss is one of my good friends (been hanging out since 5th grade). He is the same age as me, so I don't see him going anywhere. In our office it is only him, myself, and a young warehouse guy. We also have an office in Louisiana, but most of the guys are pretty young over there and I would probably be ahead of all but 1 or 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpwallace49 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Instead of dedicating myself to continuing education within my field, I am currently exploring either grad school or law school while still working in the hospitality domain. It is never too late . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Zia, First off, like someone else said...it's never too late! Most of us will be working well into our late 50's and early 60's, you're just over halfway there. My wife and I are both pretty miserable with our jobs. We are both paid well and her job is super flexible allowing her to be active with our boys school (room mother) and pretty much anything else she needs. However, her job is a dead end no advancement job and she wants more. I am the same way. I got lucky and went from small management positions at my previous two jobs to a great job in HIT (Healthcare Information Technology). I did complete a 2 year degree or I would have never gotten my foot in the door, so paying my way through school after flunking out at a 4 year university (partied and didn't go to class) rewarded me for my hard work and dedication. The pay is tremendous, but I do not go home feeling like I accomplished something eventhough i know I am part of a whole that helps save lives everyday. My wife and I have been really feeling the effects of working non meaningful jobs for quite some time now and we decided it wa time to do something else. We have both always wanted to have our own business since we were little, but were never sure doing what. Years ago on here I asked for suggestions on helping to name a Ice Cream shop. I never went through with is knowing the full risks involved with my family. There is someone else who did take the risk and opened the shop in the same location I had thought about and it did so well it made the news. We'll see if he's still around in 5 years and if I made a mistake. I also contemplated opening a restaurant, specifically a Taco Bell because the area I live in has no food choices for about 10 miles, but there are a lot of people in the area. I know what the area has lacked and needed after living here for over 20 years. Someone just opened the Taco Bell a couple months back. Again, we'll see how it does, but it too has been packed ever since the opening. What I am getting at is...life is all about risk, happiness and fullfillment. If you don't make a change will you sit back and wish you had, will it eat at you? If your wife respects and loves you no matter what then she will support you no matter what. My wife and I are going for it. We both found our passion in the last year and we have a set plan to implement said plan in 3 years. We too are not just quitting and taking on full risk. We are working toward what we want. If you want to teach or to coach, then go for it. Go back to school and get the required education to do what makes you happy. Sometimes you do have to do what is right for your family. If the move will cause great hardship for your family then maybe its not the best idea, maybe you can coach all your kids' teams or take more involvement in church with the kids programs or something else that would give you enjoyment and make going to work just a little less painful. I say, find out what will make you happy and go for it! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffraff Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Not as gung-ho as Unta, though I think Unta was more go-hung than gung-ho. You mentioned computer work as an interest and Austin is a hotbed for IT jobs. Good and bad with that since they have plenty of jobs, but the market is competitive. May be harder to break in without the computer science degree. Many people choose to leave the computer fields during middle age due to "staying competitive" gets harder and they want more fulfilling jobs. I agree with the others that say you need to choose something you think you may enjoy, then go for that. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Just remember kiddies, not everyone that is going through a career change is doing it voluntarily. Good luck to those of you that try it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziachild007 Posted January 12, 2010 Author Share Posted January 12, 2010 My wife and I have been really feeling the effects of working non meaningful jobs for quite some time now and we decided it wa time to do something else. We have both always wanted to have our own business since we were little, but were never sure doing what. Years ago on here I asked for suggestions on helping to name a Ice Cream shop. I never went through with is knowing the full risks involved with my family. There is someone else who did take the risk and opened the shop in the same location I had thought about and it did so well it made the news. We'll see if he's still around in 5 years and if I made a mistake. I also contemplated opening a restaurant, specifically a Taco Bell because the area I live in has no food choices for about 10 miles, but there are a lot of people in the area. I know what the area has lacked and needed after living here for over 20 years. Someone just opened the Taco Bell a couple months back. Again, we'll see how it does, but it too has been packed ever since the opening. Interesting that you mention opening up your own business in the food service industry. One other possibility my wife and I have explored is buying my in-laws restaurant. It is a hot dog place that does very well and is always full. They are getting older and have hinted at wanting to sell it in the near future. Slangin hot dogs everyday is not exactly a glorious job, but it would be my own business and something that I could possibly one day pass along to my kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarc117 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 sounds too familiar. job pays well, but not as well as used too. not fulfilling, not happy. rat race sucks. want to move out of city, small town, live simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whomper Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I'd love a career change (and I'm going on 40) but unfortunately for now, I am stuck providing security for my family. Sometimes we sacrifice happiness or fulfillment in order to provide for the people that we love. And then of course, by the time the kids are grown it is nearly too late for a career change. If you can swing it without a hit to your family, then absolutely go for it. Good luck and keep us posted! This pretty much nails my thoughts. I like my job and thankfully make a good enough living to provide for my family but my industry is shaky and the economy is horrible. Unless I got extremely lucky I dont see how I could make what I need to make starting up at another job, especially in this horrible economy. Some people have their dream jobs (financially sustains them and they love what they do) Others just accept a job that covers their financial obligations even if it doesnt satisy their mental and non financial needs or wishes. Like Savage said, if you can do it and it isnt a hit to your family then go for it bro. Live the dream . Good luck bro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 Interesting that you mention opening up your own business in the food service industry. One other possibility my wife and I have explored is buying my in-laws restaurant. It is a hot dog place that does very well and is always full. They are getting older and have hinted at wanting to sell it in the near future. Slangin hot dogs everyday is not exactly a glorious job, but it would be my own business and something that I could possibly one day pass along to my kids. That could be much more rewarding...doing things on your own terms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmarc117 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 food and beverage biz require lots of time, no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpwallace49 Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 food and beverage biz require lots of time, no? A lot of time, start up money, and if you dont have a passion for what you do, get the hell out. If you dont love it, it can eat you up . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Holy Roller Posted January 12, 2010 Share Posted January 12, 2010 I am hoping that, when my nest is empty, I can perhaps embark on something that I love...not necessarily what I am good at. Maybe I'll teach? Maybe I'll open my own business in something that interests me? Who knows? Point is, there is nothing wrong with you taking a class her and there over the next several years, get your degree (which will make you more bankable should you need a loan to stat your own business), and prepare yourself for "Phase 2" of your life doing something you love. IMHO you'd be an awesome teacher! Zia, I didn't start teaching until I was 35 (with four kids). I went to school at night after working all day. Finished my degree in 3 years and got hired at the first school I applied at. Fortunately I have a great wife who also recognized it's more important to love what you do than it is to just have a job. You just need to find out what it is you REALLY want to do. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.