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Have you ever thought of changing careers?
It seems like so many people are going back to school these days because they can't find jobs in their field or are quiting their jobs that use their degree to pursure another degree.
I have seen a lot of people go back to get either a nursing or teaching degree.
What are your thoughts? Does this happen a lot?
Re: Have you ever thought of changing careers?
I've never actually had a career to change. I worked for a wildlife non-profit right out of undergrad, but I always knew I wanted to go to grad school for Landscape Architecture, I just couldn't stomach 3 more years of school at the moment.
There was actually something on the Today show the other morning about how it is easier these days to change careers, because a lot of skills are transferable. It's also easier to take night classes or go back to school. They were also saying that in the recession, a lot of the jobs that are being created are going to people who have jobs and want to change fields, rather than people who are out of work. I found that to be a little odd...
No, I actually really enjoy what I do. I had the idea that if I was ever fired or too p*ssed off and quit, then I would start my own professional organizing company. Then I watched Hoarders, and that plan went out the window.
I've thought about it. I just don't know what I want to do. I've considered looking into some of the new health/IT that is about to become a big boom due to the electronic medical record requirements. I just don't know enough about it. If I have to take any kind of biology, no way, lol.
I have an MMIS (Master of Mgmt. Info. Sys.) degree, so I could switch from programming to systems analysis or the like, but ehh, I don't know. Nothing is really interesting me at the moment.
I lost my job right after DH and I were married and was out of work for 6 months. Had I not gotten my current position, I might have either gone back to school in a different field or DH and I may have just decided to start with the babies. But I did get the job, so all of that is irrelevant.
Edit: sorry for the repeition. I consolidated my response.
I was going to go back to grad school this fall to teach but when I realized that even teachers are feeling the squeeze, I decided to put going back to school on hold for the time being. Dh and I both have great jobs and I can't justify more debt right now just to try to get another job in a field that I have no experience in.
When I've seen this happen, it's mostly women who want jobs that have more stability/guarantees (although we're seeing that nothing is guaranteed these days), and also, they are sick of the "rat race" and want to work in jobs that are not $$ value driven. (which is totally fine, btw, I'm not judging them on their reasons)
I guess that's kind of where I'm at. I guess I am coming to the realization that people expect those in my type of work to be work-a-holics, and the money isn't great either.
Nursing just seems so stable and I love the flexibility of the hours. I want kids, but not with this lifestyle that I have now- working 12-14 hour days. But I also want a career something that is mine.
Alas, mommy and daddy didn't pay for my college, I worked through college. However, I still have student loans that I need to work on before I can make offhanded decsions like that. Just a dream I guess.
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To actually answer the question - I did try a career change when I got laid off, from office operations to office equipment/supply sales. While I have learned a lot in this position, I can say positively that sales is not the right career for me. I'm currently trying to switch back into operations.
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I think about this all the time. I don't have a career right now and since I've moved down South, it's actually been rather nice not working (something I though I'd never get to used....I used to work my regular full-time job and then also a part-time for fun and something to do). But up until a few years ago, my experience/education/etc. had been in healthcare. I hit a rut and a plateau where I was at and completely digressed into another area...HR/recruiting and loved it because it fit in well with my sales/marketing background. But since I've gotten out of it, I have no desire to return and would like to do something fun! I've actually been in the process of looking into opening up a children/baby boutique but now that we've moved, I have to look into what is required here in GA.
I think making a change is very common now and something people don't bat an eye at anymore, especially given the state of our economy. The direction of our lives have changed so much that people aren't happy and are finally doing something about it. Years ago, that was never heard of and you were considered crazy for leaving!
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