Anyone change careers entirely?(sorta long)

[gallaj0]

I just found out today that the division of my company in our office is being sold off to another company. The new company will keep most of the people, doing the same jobs, etc. But some people (myself included), are in "support" positions like human resources, building maintenance, I.T, etc.
I spoke with the H.R. person today, and she said "the writing is on the wall" for myself, as well as all the other support people.
To be honest, I'm pretty burnt out doing my current job (building maint.), and maybe this would be a good opportunity to try something else.
Has anyone ever just tossed their career to try something entirely different?
Any stories, good or bad if you have?
Any advice from anyone who has.

Thanks, all.

 

[Desnik]

I haven't done this but I just wanted to send a
This might actually be a blessing in disguise! Is there anything that you've always wanted to do?

 

[gallaj0]

I always wanted to be a travel agent; I have absolutely no idea why, but it always seemed fun to just plan trips, even if they are for other people.
I don't know how you would go about becoming one, though; or even what kind of money they make.

 

[onecoolmama]

Yes, Dh did. We went on a vacation and realized he wasn't happy with what he was doing. Now, he grew up on computers and we had all been telling him since high school that that should be his major..but he wanted to go into the Mortgage buisness. Well, 4 years into it..he tossed it aside and got trained in Computers.

It was 10 grand to get the certifications he needed and a low salary for a year and a half to gain the expeirience...but he LOVES what he does now and he doesnt ever what to go back!

We are sooo much better off now that he switched. Not only is he happier, but his salary is much better then it ever would have been if he had stayed in the mortgage industry!

 

[geffric]

I looked into being a Travel Agent once.. great benefits for travel but no $$$.. but if you like planning trips there are such jobs as event planners/coordinators that work and plan the whole meeting/conference, including hotels, flight, meals and make sure that badges, materials..etc..

that might be fun to look into or being a concierge??

 

[Danauk]

I have 2 uncles who completly changed careers. One was a tax inspector who now works for a childrens charity. The other was a pub landlord who is now a prison officer at a top security prison. My FIL was a headmaster but is now a driving instructor.

 

[DVC-Don]

In this order I've been:

Firefighter, changed to
Police Officer, changed to
Insurance accident investigator, changed to
Stay at home Dad, and now
SAHD & part time insurance agent

Just do it


*came back to improve the spelling.

 

[pnelson]

I am a CPA working on a teaching credential to be an elementary school teacher. You have to really want a change and plan for it...It takes a lot to make a major switch. It's costing me almost $15,000 to get the credential and then I will be taking a major pay cut.

It needs to be more than a pipe dream, really. You should research if there are any jobs in the field and if you can afford to make the switch. I don't know...I think travel agents are kindof a dying breed, what with the internet and all. Many agents have closed up shop.

 

[Diana Lyn]

I went from working for US Customs to a Health Care Analyst to a SAHM

DVC Don, I'm in Schenectady County....how old are your kids? We could start a playgroup!!

 

[dzneelvr]

Hang in there....I too worked in HR steadily for over 2 decades and found myself at the receiving end of a reduction-in-force December of 2002. I changed careers from the profit world into the non profit world. A HUGE difference as far as stress level, business travel, thinking only of the bottom line, nasty execs, etc. It's not something I would've searched out, but I consider it the area I want to spend the rest of my career in.
HR encompasses many skill sets and competencies so don't sell yourself short. The for-profit world is not a place I wanted to be anymore....look at service organizations (hotels, hospitals, clinics, retail, food, etc.) all of those organizations need HR skills in their leaders.
Get your finances in order; curtail your spending; get your debts paid off as best you can NOW. All these things will make it easier to get by during the time you are "between careers". It took me 5 full months to get a new job. At our levels, they don't happen fast, so be prepared to sit out a good 6 months. Networking IS KEY. You don't get a good job surfing Monster.com or reading the newspaper--you get it because someone you know has heard of an opening and you can be proactive about your resume, etc.

Good Luck.

 

[aimaleigh]

In August I decided to stay at home with my kids. I just did it without really thinking about it. Then one day I was told about Time to Celebrate (a new home based company for Dept56) and I joined (it just kinda fell in my lap). I think it was meant to be So I was a Computer Technician now IM SAHM with 2 kids and a consultant for Time to Celebrate. It was the best thing that has happened

Aimee
11 day to disney

 

[Cindy B]

Lets see, I went from

Executive Secretary to
Technical Salest to
SAHM to
Part-time day care/party planning/fitness instructor to
educational assistant to
college student (elementary education major)

 

[DisneyJules]

Go for it!!!! I remember being told when I was young that in the future I would change jobs several times because of the way the job market would be in the future. I work with a woman who use to be a school teacher, then vice principal and is now working in a lovely home decorating store and is also taking courses in doing taxes. She said it's good to learn all sorts of things so that you're constantly growing.
Good-luck, I think you'll be happier in the long run.

 

[doxdogy]

I went from being a customer service rep to working as an administrative assistant/secretary and I have never looked back. The pay isn't always great and it can be stressful at times (like when the boss waits until the last minute to start a project).

 

[gallaj0]

Thanks, everyone, I really appreciate the support. I don't know if I will change "career" but if I find something I like, and it fits the budget, I'll think I'll give it a shot. I've got a couple of months before they make any permanent changes (or so they say), so hopefully I have time to check out all my options.

Thanks all.

 

[phillybeth]

I went from being a chemist for nine years to being a forensic scientist 3 years ago. Yes, they are both science-based but it sort of like the difference between being a math teacher and an accountant- the only thing they have in common are numbers! The only regret I have is I wish I had done it sooner. Changing careers is scary, I had panic attacks for weeks, but in my case it was definitely worth it.

 

[Pembo]

DH was considering a career change a few years back. He went to a Career Center and talked with a counselor. He took a few of those interest surveys and the like. He discovered that he was best suited to be a minister or a social worker. So he stuck with the ministry.

Good luck to you!