GladysK, great question and one that is close to my heart. I went through a similar career change almost two years in October, 2001.
I had spent almost 12 years in national account management and corporate sales and did rather well. I had finally achieved a salary level that I had never actually contemplated simply because I never thought I'd make that much in my lifetime. With a huge amount of work and determination, however, I made it to the big time.
I didn't feel rewarded. I had gone out with a group of friends one evening on Thursday, September 6, 2001. We were having drinks at a popular hang out called Moran's in the World Financial Center, located in the World Trade Center.
We were all commisserating about our jobs in the financial industry, how we never saw our partners/wives/husbands/children. Every last one of us had work days that went from about 7/8 am and lasted through to 9/10/11 pm each and every day. We were each successful in our own right. One friend had just had her first baby. Another just got married the year before. A couple of others were about to go on vacation.
We kept complaining, moaning, groaning but none of us did anything about it.
Just a few days later, on Tuesday, September 11, nine of those friends never came home that day. Nine out of a group of twelve.
Through the grief, the horror and the intense sadness and loneliness, I volunteered at Ground Zero. I felt it was an appropriate means to give myself some closure, to give my friends a proper goodbye. It was such a rewarding experience, so enriching, I'll never forget it. Sure, I came home at six in the morning exhausted, covered in soot, my feet on fire, my clothes ruined, filmed in sweat and grime. But it was good.
And then the position for manager of volunteer services for a major city based non-profit agency opened up. I applied, without any experience whatsoever. And much to my shock, I was hired.
I had to take an almost 60% paycut and I don't have an office. I can't afford a lot of the things that I used to. I can't pickup a shirt and pay for it without thought to the cost. I can't buy the nifty gidgets, widgets and electronic gizmos that I love. I have to save for vacations now. Some months are a little more difficult than others.
But we pay our bills on time, rent is always paid in full every month, our pantry and fridge are well stocked. We have clothes on our backs. And I can save a little money.
And after spending so long dragging my butt to work, I now carry my head high. You can't beat that with a stick.
So if this is something you really feel you should do, then do it. If it will bring you happiness, peace of mind, or just satisfy your curiousity, then do it. Who cares what kind of job it is? If you've wanted to flip burgers for a living, or drive a truck, or sweep streets, there is nothing wrong with that as long as you enjoy it.
Life is too short. Life is meant to be lived and work should give you more than just money.
i'm unemployed and yes thats very much beneath me!
