Have you been through a career change? Was it worth it?

[Anonymous]

I have been in the PR/communications field for more than 10 years and wanting to get out of it for oh, at least half that time. Things got especially bad after I became a mother. Problem is that I can't, for the life of me, figure out what else it is that I would rather be doing and commit to it. I'm also so afraid of switching gears completely at this point in my life...going backwards on salary and something that would require going back to school is definitely not very appealing to me - though I guess not totally out of the question if I knew it was something I REALLY wanted. But I have not been happy for a long time now and it makes me mad at myself to waste precious life time like this when I know there is something else out there that would make me much happier.

Did you switch careers? Go through these struggles? If so, what did you used to do and what are you doing now? (If I may ask.) I'm a detail person and great at overseeing projects and I'm always committed to doing my best at whatever task I'm undertaking. I love organization and I love to write and do research. (I'm an ISTJ on the Myers-Briggs scale.) I've strongly considered real estate because it's a hobby of mine (I browse sites all the time monitoring home prices, love open houses, etc. but I'm concerned about the off hours and inconsistent pay with two small children at home), I've considered home staging, I've considered professional organizing (even applied to California Closets once), even considered becoming an executive assistant. The other day I was in my doc's office having an ultrasound (I'm pregnant with #2) and starting asking the tech questions about her job! Perhaps a sign I'm getting desperate? After #2 is born, I so want to go back to work to a job that I love and get fulfillment from. Currently, I've been staying at home on and off in part just to avoid my career. Which isn't working out well either because we need my extra income and I'm not really cut out to be a SAHM. Not a good way to be living life. Ugh.

I guess I'm just wondering if anyone out there can relate and what they did about it...

[Anonymous]

I have not really switched careers. Was an English lit major in undergrad, got a job in communications - writing and editing etc. after undergrad for a health advocacy organization, and ended up going to grad school for the health part of it - then got a job in health policy where I am now. So I sort of drifted into different field and now I'm loving policy and will probably stay with it.

But, I would recommend just doing job searches and seeing what appeals to you. Your skills sound easily translatable and you sound like you have good energy and enthusiasm so you could stumble into something! Did you happen to go to school in the area? Some schools let you get a free career counseling session if you are an alumni. Or if not you could contact your school's alumni association and see if you can do an informational interview in a field you are interested in from an alumni in the DC area.

[Anonymous]

I changed careers from social work to law and have never regretted it. During post high school education and training, I worked as a nurses aide in institutions and later became a social worker in one of those institutions, so I feel like I spent a lot more time in the social services field than only my time as a social worker.

I started law school when I was 29. The reason I did it was because I always wanted to do it and I didn't want to grow old wishing I had. When I started law school, I had no clue as to what I wanted to do.

I didn't have the same struggles that you are having because I knew what I wanted to study. But I can relate to the fear of trying something new and not knowing what you want to do once you complete your education. Also, while I do make more money than I would as a social worker, money is only one factor in a satisfying life. Less money if you are happy in what you are doing and can afford to support your family is so worth it.

Good luck OP. It is so great that we live in a time when career change is a possibility. It was not so for my parents and I cannot imagine how trapped you could get to feel if you lived under those constraints.

[Anonymous]

My husband was laid off a year ago. He hated his job, his hours were long, and wasn't mentally stimulating. He's always loved $$$, and was and is, a very good day trader. He was sponsored by a family friend who recruited him to his new investment company, took the 7 and passed with an incredibly high score, and is now a stockbroker. He's taking additional exams, and passing them, the verdict being he's in the right field for him. What do you enjoy?

[zumbamama]

I am going through a big career change right now. I've spent the last two years trying to get to this point. I wanted to make the switch for a long time, and had I not been laid off, I wouldn't be going for it right now. It is scary and fun at the same time...weeks of interviews and many of my new gigs will not start for another month. So I'm in a bit of a frenzy right now, nailing everything in place. I've kind of traded security for passion. But I have faith that the passion will bring security soon enough.

What do you enjoy doing? I'd start there. Do you like helping people? Being outdoors? Art? Cooking? Turn whatever it is you like into your job somehow. If you like PR/Comm. but don't want to be in the office all day, perhaps you could teach it?