switch from academic to non-academic job?

[Mr. Bloom]

Good for you! At least in the meantime, you live in the country with the world's happiest people!

[nscrbug]

No advice to offer, however I've been contemplating something similar. I've been at my job for 24 years now. I'm a computer operator at a small community college. I am 5 years away from early retirement. I need 30 years of service, but I can "buy" 1 year of service because I have accumulated enough sick days to do so...which brings me at 5 years before I'm eligible. I honestly don't know if I can make it there 5 more years. I'm extremely bored and unhappy with what I'm doing...and we are currently going through a major software/hardware conversion which may (or may not) end up eliminating my position altogether. I haven't been told anything yet, nor have I been trained on the new system (most of my colleagues I have already gone through some training). Lots of unknowns, for sure. I would LOVE to try something totally new and different...even if it's just part-time (w/benefits).

I admire anyone who is unhappy in their job and is contemplating a career change in a totally different direction. I'm too "chicken" to actually go through with it right now...but I guess if I'm forced to (if my job is eliminated) then I'd take that leap of faith and do it.

Linda

[malkin]

Of course you must "follow your bliss," but it is easier to be blissful when the bills are paid.

Best wishes for this transition!

[shootingstar]

Of course you must "follow your bliss," but it is easier to be blissful when the bills are paid.

Very true.

It feels wierd to be where I am ...a boomer who just recently joined an organization (govn't) while people close to my age are taking early retirement from the same organization.

Yes, true sometimes change can move more slowly in academia and govn't.
But as long as I'm learning something new on the job, I consider that a big plus. Some areas of govn't are changing where internal depts. are charging back their services to other internal depts.: it forces the dept. and clients not to take internal services for granted and controls (abit) on getting things done on time and on budget.

[redrhodie]

lph, if you decide to do it, you'll be an ace. I say go for it, don't hold yourself back. I know bike mechanics don't make a lot of money, but the ones I know are the nicest and happiest people I know. It looks like fun work.

[SheFly]

Last year, I made the reverse change - from corporate America into academia. The advice I would offer is to analyze, analyze, analyze (though knowing you, that isn't an issue). When we are bored with our jobs, the grass always looks greener elsewhere. What I've learned is that it is really just another shade of brown .

The environments are different between the two cultures. Academia can be slow (or relaxed) with projects that last for long durations, but there seems to be patience for that and money to fund it. In a corporate environment (I come from high tech), everything moved fast, I worked on a global clock (my team was across the globe and scheduling meetings was a profession in and of itself) and all eyes were on the almighty $.

I'm not saying one is better than the other. Both have their upsides and downsides. They are just different.

Good luck whatever you decide! You'll do well if you stay, or if you make a change.

SheFly