Changing jobs - totally different field

[Hillbeans]

Just curious if anyone has changed jobs and done a complete 180 degree turnaround? Like for example gone from being a Lawyer to a Teacher or perhaps a Professional office job into something in healthcare like a nurse?

Would you do it again? How did you decide what you wanted to do? Was it a lifelong dream?

 

[Rajah]

Yup and yup.

I went from being a geophysicist to a web designer, and am now doing both web design, going to school for teaching, and designing cross stitch.

From Geophysics to cross stitch.. I'd say that's a 180.

Yup, I'd do it again. Depends on my interests at the time, the job field, and other circumstances.

 

[barbeml]

Yes.

After more than 15 years in association management, I took a two-year detour as an outside retail advertising sales rep for a city newspaper.

Did well, met my husband via a new group of friends, learned a ton. I am back in association mnagement, but this time I work for myself as a consultant. The sales training and experience have been invaluable.

I find that every time a make a major life change, it is a change for the better.

 

[snoopy]

I made a drastic career change in November of 2002 from a graphic artist to an HR recruiter. Its been an interesting ride, but I'm ready to go back to my creative roots. I'm waiting for a hiring freeze to be lifted and then I'll go back to my old job. The pay isn't nearly as good, and its difficult dealing with non creative technical people and lots of lots of red tape, but its NOTHING like the red tape and bureacracy involved when you work in HR!

I'm glad I did it though. Looks good on a resume, and its been a very interesting job. Plus I have met a ton of new people that I may need down the road. I'm a great believer in networking.

 

[WeirdEyes]

I went from an Admin Asst to a HR Recruiter, then Technical Writer. Now, I'm doing ALL 3 due to lay offs in the IT field. I would LOVE to become an Interior Designer...that is my dream job!

 

[Pin Wizard]

I've bounced around. Started as a hairdresser, swiched to accounts receivable, then a secretary, an admin asst., then credentialing specialist, back to college , now looking for admin asst. again. I actually like the work, it's the lousy salaries I hate. Thought maybe business admin would be a good goal. I love the paperwork of the office. Give me stacks of paper and an office with a closed door. I'd be happier than anything. I was headed to be an elementary ed teacher and just changed to a business major right before I left college "for now." I love kids, but I need some adult contact in my day. Don't think I can handle being with kids ALL day!

 

[carole88]

My DH went from being a foreign exchange broker on Wall Street to being a pediatrician. He finishes his residency in June. Then I get to change careers. I'm going from a manager in a mutual insurance company to a stay at home mom!!!!!!!!

 

[Hillbeans]

Originally posted by carole88
My DH went from being a foreign exchange broker on Wall Street to being a pediatrician. He finishes his residency in June. Then I get to change careers. I'm going from a manager in a mutual insurance company to a stay at home mom!!!!!!!!

Carole, I'd love to hear about your DH's decision to switch. How much school did he have to go back for and for how many years?

That's so interesting! How did you manage all this time with him in school and especially with the expense (sorry if i'm getting personal, it's just you don't hear about someone doing this everyday).

 

[TammiMcMan]

I spent 15 years as an IT professional, then took some time off with my youngest DD. When I decided to go back to work, I chose special education. I now work with physically and emotionally challenged children ages 3 to 7. I don't know why I made such a drastic career move, but I'm so happy that I did. I love my job.

 

[JoenAdamnErinnSam]

I was a Kitchen and Bath designer for the past 20 years-and 2 years ago or so I had to change due to economic reasons due to 9-11-and now I work in a chemistry lab in a hospital..total 180-maybe even 360..but my Mom and her whole family are nurses,and I guess I just caught on-I love my job-I work 6am-2pm and I leave it there when I go home.I call it my retirement job..lol