Wanton Wisdom Wanted

[wackyjacky1]

Good for you!

I was stuck in the rat-race for 15+ years. I was making decent money, but I hated it. Then the company I was working for got bought out by a bigger one, and I took the opportunity to get a small severance package and bail out. One day, as my severance was running low, I was in a local bakery buying bread, and on the spur of the moment I asked if they were hiring. They were. I am now in my 7th year at the bakery, and I've never been happier!

It was scary -- my income was cut nearly in half, and I had to make some lifestyle adjustments. I got rid of all my credit cards, got rid of my car and bought a used car that was paid for in full. But I found that money isn't everything (it's A LOT, but not everything ) and the peace of mind I gained far outweighed the financial negatives.

The best part? Never having to wear pantyhose again!

[katluvr]

Just stumbled on this thread. Yes I am at work, "surfing" TE discussion forums. You can tell how much I enjoy my job. It's a long story to discuss my current career....started out nurse and still in health care but NOT direct patient care. No matter how I slice it I AM NOT happy. I think I really just want out of health care. Sad part I am a slave to the paycheck. It allows me to "play"--and stuff like a new carbon road bike!
So what does one do? And what if I "don't know what I want to be when I grow up?". I am over 40....
I think I want something in the health and fitness realm. My dream is to own a retail store (yes, in this crummy economy) and sale riding, cycling & tri clothing & accessories (women stuff) and incldue "larger sizes" for real women. And also have after hours seminars to encourge and get women interested in physical activity... discuss training, weight loss, nutrition, beginngin running, etc.
Alas...not ready to take the plunge or have the finances to do that. But I know I need to eventually make a change...life is toooooo short to wish my week away until the weekend.
Any advise? Anyone visit a career counselor to see what it is I want to do? Afraid I won't be happy no matter the career change. Maybe I just really don't want to work!

[Melalvai]

I am inclined always to encourage changing careers or at least changing jobs if you're not happy. Too many people say "Try to outlast the people you hate" or "Changing careers is a big step, do whatever possible first before giving up on the current career". In my experience, people have already done those things by the time they are saying "It's time", and have already spent too MUCH time chasing a dead horse (to mangle metaphors).

A big obstacle to overcome is the idea that you've invested so much time/education into this career already. When you spend nine years in school it's hard to admit "I hate this".

So, katluvr, I cheer you on toward changing careers.

I will note that I have not yet changed careers. There are parts I love, parts I hate, and I don't yet know how it all balances out. Maybe someone who has done it would have different advice.