Career Change Time....

[flyfisher]

So here is the story....i started college back in 1994 went for a few years, dropped out a couple more times to go climbing and fishing and eventually got married without finishing my degree.  I moved from VA to TX for the now ex wife for her grad school which she dropped out from and we moved back to VA.  We lived in harrisonburg for a while then she wanted to go back to school for her DPT in RIchmond so i said cool let's do it....we move to Richmond she gets her degree and we get divorced while here in Richmond.  I did finish my bachelors while i was here a few years ago

 

I started work at a large bank figuring there was no way i would be in corporate america for to long and well it is now almost 9 years later and i have a fiancee and a 3 year old but i just can't stand the corporate world...it isn't fulfilling to me in the least as i am not totally driven by money as most others at my workplace are...yeah it is cool and all but not he same.

 

So, i am pretty well set on going back to school and going back to my original major in college of elementary education only this time i will be getting a masters.

 

Anyone else eve do a career change like this at this point in their lives?  I am pretty nervous about it but with savings cashing out some of my 401k and potentially a few loans i think we can do it and make it work with minimal impact to our lives other than the potential lost income from depleting savings/401k.

 

I have pretty much convinced the fiancee but it is still nerve racking since i have more responsibilty and obligations now with a kid and all....

 

Anyways just wanted to vent a little and get some other people's thoughts.

[NorcalBassin]

I lucked out and picked what ended up being a great career for me (same as your x), but I would say you almost have to follow through with your dream of going back or you'll look back and regret letting the opportunity pass when you had the chance. It will never be perfect timing, so go for it now and reap your reward of doing what you love for the rest of your life.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Go for it homie. It will work out one way or another. Nothing ventured nothing gained. That includes happiness.

[roadwarrior]

Not so fast, there maybe a better alternative. My daughter has just completed her Master's program

at the University of Memphis. Classes can be be arranged at night and/or weekends in any major

town, especially if you enroll in a thesis program. Look into this a little harder, you don't need to quit

your job to get the degree.

[VolFan]

RW hit the nail on the head...you can have it both ways and not hurt yourself down the road in retirement.  Don't touch that 401K unless you absolutely have to.

[flyfisher]

Not so fast, there maybe a better alternative. My daughter has just completed her Master's program

at the University of Memphis. Classes can be be arranged at night and/or weekends in any major

town, especially if you enroll in a thesis program. Look into this a little harder, you don't need to quit

your job to get the degree.

The program i am looking at is mainly online with the exception of student teaching so flexibility is there.  it is more i just cannot stand what i am doing at this point and i am losing motivation to continue at it and have been for the past two years. 

 

I am also not wanting to lose my time with my family in the evenings and weekends if at all possible.  I have a few interviews lined up for part time jobs that wouldn't require the mental capacity and potential for 50+ hour work weeks like i have now.

 

I also don't plan on leaving my current job until i find either another part time job or just can't take the additional work anymore.

 

And yes, the 401k is doing just fine and i don't plan on taking it out unless i have to but at least we are currently in a dual income household so she will be able to up her 401k contributions while I am in school to potentially compensate for mine being stagnant for a few years.

[K_Mac]

Flyfisher I can't offer any advice on what's best for you. I can say from experience that working a job that you hate is no way to live. If teaching is what you are called to do, then figure out a way to make that happen. Good luck.

[Mr_Scrogg]

Ive always found its the people that make the job. Ive had 2 long stints of employment. Westpoint Stevens (cotton mill) and Staples Print Solutions (Formerly Corporate Express Document and Print Management) I love the people, so the job aint that bad.

For you FF, my wife was the same way as you. Benefits Administrator for Accenture. Just got to the point where she hated everything about it. We discussed it, and she quit. Went to school and got her RN. Loans, Grants and my wages paid for it. We had to downsize for a little bit. But now she makes more than me, shes a pediatric RN at the hospital, chemotherapy certified. She adores her job. Yes we have a good bit in student loans, but her happiness is more important to the family. "When Mama happy, everyone is happy".

We all can sit here and offer advice, but in reality only you and your wife knows what the change will do to impact things.

Whatever you do, make sure you 100% commited and supported by your loved ones.

[MCS]

Fly I understand not missing time with the family, I am 9 credits short of my AA but refuse to go back. It is tough but in the end you have to look at it like this, money is money and in the end means nothing. If you can make yourself happier career wise and still provide/keep the family happy then follow your gut. I recently had a situation that was tough choice, could led us to what we wanted but also to financial strain. My pastor said God is a God of peace follow what choice that gives you his peace. The career path you are choosing to go down is one that is needed, you will have the ability to affect lives for good, can you do that now? Many folks are educators by default and have no real desire or love for it these days. I admire the few that do, we had a really special teacher in my sons kindergarten this year we wouldn't have made it without her. Besides this is a choice that is not based on any financial gain. I know if you believe this is right you will be fine, taken care of and you need not worry.

[EvanT123]

I've re-read this thread a few times and that's because I'm an employment counselor. First off I never discourage people to follow their dreams/hearts but I also try and give them a dose of reality.

The county I work in is one of the most diverse in the The country. We are also located at your local dss office. I deal with everyone from felons with little to no work history to engineers with PHD's. My hardest customers are the engineers and teachers. Engineers because many times their areas of experstise are so specialized and teachers because they want to teach and full time /tenured jobs are hard to come by.

I live in New York and in NY you need a masters degree and a NYS teachers certificate in order to teach. To have any job stability and to earn a pension you also need to be tenured. I don't know what state you live In; I would look into the certifications need to teach.

I could go on and one about my thoughts but its late and I'm tired and had a few cocktails. If you would like to discuss more pm me I can also help you rework your resume. There was alot of good advice in this thread concerning going to school and continuing to work and the importance of making sure your family and friends are supportive of your goals. Good luck in your journey.

[derekxec]

personally i think college is worthless....it doesnt make you stand out from other people and you dont even have to learn anything to succeed in college

 

why not start your own business and get the family in on it?

[SirSnookalot]

In this day and age I believe in a college education.  NOTHING is easy, sure one can find good employment in areas that don't require a degree, one has to do what their are best suited for and want to pursue.  As they say success is not the finish line but the journey in getting there, being happy in a career and making a living at it is SUCCESS.

 

Having your business offers many rewards, but not everyone can do it.  It is not instant money, the pressures at times can be overwhelming, not always a steady check, other employees and their needs have to be meet, and capital investments are on going, the list of problems never end and it seems like there is a new problem daily.  Just like college having your own business requires motivation and devotion, anything less.......don't do it.

[flyfisher]

Thanks for all the advice everyone.  I have researched the teaching certification and that part will not be a problem.  This is also a masters program so i will at least have that box checked.  

 

Another thing i have been thinking about is we all know there are some great teachers out there and some pretty bad ones too.  If i am an older student, making a career change i would think that this would be beneficial when people are looking at my resume of work.  It is one thing to graduate college and go for a job but it is a completely different one when you change mid life to make a change.  I would think this would look good for me but wondered what you guys think.

 

This would also open up other opportunities to work with kids like at the boys & girls clubs etc....which i did for quite a few years in college and absolutely loved the job.

[retiredbosn]

FWIW, my little brother is a trained chemical engineer and was successful at it. At the age of 35 with four kids he quit his job and went to seminary! He went from a six figure salary to nothing, he worked while attending school as a handy man. Now he is 41 makes less than half but is so much happier. If teaching is what u are called to do, do it. Will it be hard while going to school, yes. However, the peace, happiness and true joy found in doing what you are supposed to be is definitely worth it. Good luck

[Teal]

Go for it Fly. Nothin sux more than being miserable. I changed from law enforcement to Vegetation/tree management and basically my 9 or years of lawenforcement, really prepapred me for what i do now as far as being a project manager/ supervisor...at first it was a hard transition, two years later, im in middle managgement.

[Teal]

....and tho i do miss law enforcement, im alot happier and it is alot easier on my body and my mind.

[flyfisher]

Well the deed has been done....I start my classes for my masters in teaching for grades 1-8 with certification on Tuesday.

 

I have also decided to keep my current job and work as long as i can and find the 20-25 hours a week to get everything done which unfortunately means fishing time will be extremely limited for about the next year or so but after that and i start teaching.......well i think we all know i will at least have a few weeks free in the summers

[sarcazmo]

The whole point of life is to be happy!  I always found it odd that we look down on people that choose a different career path because it may not be as financially lucrative.  Shouldnt the emotional and overall happy life benefits far outweigh that?

 

As long as it makes you happy and you can support what you need to support go for it and dont look back.  I'm a firm believer if you work hard at what you enjoy you'll never truly want.

[Darren.]

Well the deed has been done....I start my classes for my masters in teaching for grades 1-8 with certification on Tuesday.

 

I have also decided to keep my current job and work as long as i can and find the 20-25 hours a week to get everything done which unfortunately means fishing time will be extremely limited for about the next year or so but after that and i start teaching.......well i think we all know i will at least have a few weeks free in the summers

 

Well, on the bright side, that means more fish for the guys in your area! 

 

No really, good on you for pursuing that which you feel is you. I'd rather make less at a job I love than more in a job I hate.

[MCS]

Good luck Fly, hope all goes well for you.