Am I wasting my talents?

[Anonymous]

I worked in low-paying research for many years and have an advanced degree. Partially due to lack of 'appropriate' jobs I took one in sales. After many years working at a desk I LOVE sales and the flexibility it affords. The job is better paying and with better benefits than I could have dreamed. My coworkers and supervisors are great.

BUT I can't help but still have a nagging feeling that I'm not 'living up' to my potential. Anyone else relate? What did you decide to do?

[Anonymous]

I don't see anything wrong here. Sometimes we grow into fields we never expected.

And I think sales takes more intelligence than people think. And talent. And knowledge. And even research!

[Anonymous]

I think it's fabulous that you found something you love, and are good at, that pays well: that is the definition of living up to your potential. If you're happy now and not worried about job security / retirement (which would be my only hang-up about sales), then you are doing great.

When we're in school, we all think we're going to grow up to be big shots, usually in fields that fit neatly into academic boxes. "I get A's in science, therefore I will discover the cure for cancer," that kind of thing. Personally, I was going to be a Supreme Court Justice. Then life happens and our priorities change -- e.g., a need for flexibility that you never imagined, or a family reason to stay in a small town. And as PP said, our interests/strengths change too -- turns out I don't actually like Constitutional law, nor am I much good at it. But I have a "small" career and a happy family life and I feel very blessed.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the wisdom PPs. I am my hardest critic, got to see what is in front of my face.