Biggest career regrets

[Anonymous]

Not picking a career that would allow me to go part time. As a college female surrounded in the “beat the patriarchy!” rally cry, career was everything. Now as a mom, I feel very differently.

[Anonymous]

I majored in English. Between my job and my side hustle, I make 200k. The major was not the problem, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Majoring in English!!! My father told me to study computer science as that was the future and I flat out refused!

If I had I would’ve likely been making 200k+ and living a much more financially secure life!
- working in non profits
- working in jobs that paid me 30k - wtf?!

Someone who majored in English did not write this. LoL.

Someone with a computer science degree who eats Cheetos in his parents' basement and is a level 3 wizard at some video game wrote this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Biggest regret = Leaving BigLaw.

BTW - like OP, I also majored in English and currently make over $200K. No regret about the English major.

most people I know who left big law said it was the best choice they made. Why was leaving Biglaw a regret for you? It seems you are still making decent/good money (depending on where you live and how many mouths you have to feed). Do you not like the other jobs you've had?

I left law firm life (although not biglaw) and my job is cool about 5% of the time. The other 95% I'm either bored or very unhappy, and I make stable money, but not great money, and can no longer earn bonuses or raises.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not picking a career that would allow me to go part time. As a college female surrounded in the “beat the patriarchy!” rally cry, career was everything. Now as a mom, I feel very differently.

Amen sister

[Anonymous]

Not staying at a tech company because I was chasing a bigger title and salary/bonus. Turns out, the tech company's stock went 10x over the past 10 or so years. Had I stayed, I'd have $3M+ in the bank. Haven't done too bad at other companies during that time, but nowhere near as well financially and had to work a lot harder than I would have had I stayed. The tech company had great people working there, some of whom I stay in touch with today.

These days, I'm at another company with a growing stock price and great people. I'm being recruited by other companies for comparable roles, but more money. At my age (early-50s), I'm kinda done with chasing titles and money (already a VP and the extra cash wouldn't make that much of a difference). Also, my tolerance level for a-holes is pretty low now that I'm not a newbie to the corporate world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not picking a career that would allow me to go part time. As a college female surrounded in the “beat the patriarchy!” rally cry, career was everything. Now as a mom, I feel very differently.

Part time work usually ends up being full time work for part time pay. Don't fall into this trap, either. Can't you make it work for you by not giving a damn at work? Collect the full time paycheck and work part time hours.

[Anonymous]

Not learning Spanish in HS/College.

I am a social worker and it would be incredibly helpful.

I DO NOT regret becoming a social worker even though I will never be rich by DCUM standards.

[Anonymous]

My niece majored in English from NYU. She works in the tech industry and is frequently recruited for other jobs and makes close to 200k.