Post # 1
Hostess
2999 posts
Sugar bee
I am in the final process of potentially getting a new job which would be a TOTAL career change. I have gone to years and years and years of school (and racked up a lot of debt) for my current career but I don’t love it. I am comfortable in it and I’m good at it. My current position does not challenge me (although I’m not sure that’s a bad thing). It is pretty stress free. The problem is I’m pretty high up on the food chain, there is not much more room for growth.
The position I am interviewing for is at my dream company to work for but it is in a field that is not related to my current career really at all. I would have to completely learn a new career that I have no experience, schooling, or training in. BUT, it starts at a higher salary and there is lots and lots of room for growth in the company both laterally and upwards.
I am nervous because I don’t want to leave a career I am comfortable with to do something that I have no idea if I will like.
PS. I’m relatively young…30 years old. No kids with only my husband and doggie to support 🙂
What would you do?
Post # 2
Member
1148 posts
Bumble bee
Lily_of_the_valley: as someone who has done what you’re describing and now largely surrounds herself with entrepreneurs (the exact opposite mentality of choosing comfort over challenge and skys the limit growth) I firmly believe life is way to short to not be excited and and invigorated by what you do every day. Sometimes it’s emotionally hard to deal with the implications of “starting over,” but if you can swing it and give it some time, I believe it will be incredibly worth it.
Post # 3
Hostess
2999 posts
Sugar bee
polyblonde: Yeah I have a feeling it will be worth it too but the unknown is so hard to dive into…head first!
Post # 4
Member
1148 posts
Bumble bee
Lily_of_the_valley: absolutely! I completely understand. But like most things in life, the greater the challenge, the greater the reward 🙂
Post # 5
Member
370 posts
Helper bee
- Wedding: June 2015 - Surrey, BC, Canada
I’ve changed careers and had to learn new roles more times than I can count… overall it’s worth it. The process of learning a new career is exciting in itself, along with the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. I would say go for it if you have a somewhat idea that you will like it more than your current role.
Post # 6
Member
8623 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
For me, it’d depend on what my non-career-related plans for the next couple years are. For example, if I wanted to have a kid or two, I might be more reluctant to pursue something that would add TOO much stress to my life (cuz kids’ll do that just fine). But if you aren’t planning on kids for at least a few years, I’d go for it.
Post # 7
Member
202 posts
Helper bee
Lily_of_the_valley: I’m thinking about doing the same thing. Point of difference is I need out of my current job (it’s driving me nuts) but I feel like I could do with a small break and maybe start having kids in the next two years. But if this is somethiing you really want, you should most certainly go for it.
Post # 8
Member
14657 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Dream company, room for growth, AND higher salary? I thought the catch was that it would be a much lower salary. But with all that, why would you even think of NOT trying it out? Who cares if it has nothing to do with the degree you paid lots for! Doesnt mean you have to be stuck using it if there are betting option. I’d go in a heartbeat. Worst case senario, you had it and go back to what you have now or try something else.
Post # 9
Hostess
2999 posts
Sugar bee
pinkshoes: You’re so right! I’m getting caught up I’m doing something that I paid a lot of money and devoted a lot of years of my life to. But it doesn’t make sense to stay with it just for the sake of my education. also, a higher salary will help me pay off these stupid stupid student loans even faster!
Post # 10
Member
1180 posts
Bumble bee
When I was moving to Dallas to live near my then-boyfriend, I decided I needed a career change. I have an MBA so its pretty easy to stay within my degree because its so broad. It can be hard to get into a new field when your experience is elsewhere (this was my problem for a while), but sounds like you’re already past that. I was 29 when I made the move and wish I’d done it sooner! It’ll be easier to do now before you start trying to have children as well.
I suggest going for it. Challenging and different work than you’re used to can be stressful, but it’s also more rewarding! And more pay? Sounds like a no-brainer but I understand the fear of stepping out of your comfort zone and that you’re abandoning something you’ve invested so much in. It’s like staying in a boring relationship you don’t really see a future in because you’re comfortable. We never grow and get better if we don’t take chances.
Good luck!
Post # 11
Member
6661 posts
Bee Keeper
Haha, I also though the catch would be a huge paycut! I don’t see what you have to lose. Worst case scenario you will most likely be able to go back to what you’re currently donig. Plenty of people leave my industry all the time (insurance) since it is not exaclty anyone’s “dream” career. But it is steady, pays well, offers good benefits and promotion potential. Half of the time people who leave come back!
Post # 12
Member
2445 posts
Buzzing bee
Life’s sooo short. I say go for it!! Best of luck 
Post # 13
Member
817 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: February 2013 - Mansion House at the MD Zoo
Lily_of_the_valley: I did exactly what you’re describing 10 months ago. It’s been fantastic. It’s nice to break out of a comfort zone sometimes. Just don’t burn bridges with your current company–it’s always good to keep a network in case stuff doesn’t work out. Good luck!
Lily_of_the_valley.
