Career Change

I have 18 years in advertising/marketing and really think I want out. I would love to do something new but do not have time or money to go back to school. I am turning 40 soon so maybe this is my mid life crisis. Anyone do this? Any ideas of what I can get into instead? I know everyone says it, but I would love to help people in some way.

Re: Career Change

I made a drastic career change in 2010.

I was working as a corporate litigation attorney for a large Manhattan law firm. I had almost 9 years experience and was doing well with my career, but I wasn't really happy. The hours and travel were grueling, and I was just sick of it.

I got into real estate sales. I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do. I wanted something that would allow me to have much more free time and a more flexible schedule (I wanted more time to spend with my son), and something that would allow me to interact with and help people. I also wanted to get into a career where some of my legal skills (negotiating, knowledge of contracts) could be an asset.

It wasn't an easy change -- especially because I went from from a stable job with high compensation and great benefits to a job where you are basically self-employed and only get paid when you successfully sell a house. And my old job was prestigious and I had put in a lot of years and built up a lot of good connections in my field. I had to start over, from scratch. But it was the right change for me. I felt relief when I gave my notice at my law job, and I don't really miss it. My second career isn't perfect but it's a good fit for me right now.

Before I made the change, I thought about it for a long time (at least 6 months) and did a lot of research. My DH was very supportive, which helped.

I recommend you think about WHY you want a career change. If you think you just need some excitement/change, can it be fulfilled by a new hobby or taking a class or something like that? If you think you really need to look into other careers, what are your skills and interests? Do you have the luxury of doing whatever you want (irrespective of salary and benefits), or are there practical considerations to consider.

Given that no job situation is perfect, I think you have to prioritize what you want, and go from there. For me, it was the ability to work from home, have flexibility, and still earn a full-time income.

When you decide what type of job/field you want to go into, think about connections you may have or some kind of networking you can do. I think it helps to talk to people in the field before you jump into something new, so you go in with eyes wide open (which I did).

Good luck!

Re: Career Change

I agree w the PP about trying to figure out why you want a change. If it really is a career change you crave, start by thinking about careers you've admired through the years. Then makes lists and start pros and cons.

I've been a graphic designer since I was 18. In advertising and marketing. Personally, I hated it every day. I'm good at my job. I've always been an asset to any art dept I've been a part of , but I couldn't stand the office politics. He said she said. Oh she got an award, why didn't I get one? (Maybe because you aren't good at your job. I swear my old job was the start of participation awards) all of that made me not want to work so hard all the time. Why? So I strongly considered changing careers once my salary wasn't necessary. But I actually found a design job in advertising where I can work from home and part time. Making similar pay. It was a win win for me.

I told that story because maybe it's not the field you're in, but the company you are with? Is there a way to work for yourself in this field?

Good luck with whatever you choose. It's exciting and scary all at once but you only have one life- live it!

Re: Career Change

I made a drastic career change about 6 years ago. I knew I wanted out of my last career (business) so saved up money. I went back to school and am now in the health field. It took a little longer than I expected, but I like what I do helping others in a positive way in my current career.

Re: Career Change

Do you work in an agency? I used to work in advertising on the agency side and moved over to a marketing job on the client side. Was a totally different animal. I went to work in a bank. From there I have done several things in different areas. I have now been in Risk Management for over 10 years.

Re: Career Change

Re: Career Change

Whole different world being on the client side and the pay is better. May be just enough of a change to make you happy!