Changing careers

Four years ago I graduated with my PhD. Three years ago I retired from government service. I took my savings and began building a business. I now teach online while traveling. I did not have family to consider. If I had it to do over I would have been more focused on online education and less focused on other aspects.

Hi BuildALife,

There’s no clear cut route in achieving the career path you planned for yourself. Sometimes that career path may not even be what you really want in the end.

The main consideration in changing careers is the fulfillment it brings vis-à-vis your skills and your interest and your personals needs and the needs of your family. Let’s be realistic though. It’s easier to do when you’re single but if you have a family with children to feed, there are more things for you to consider.

Another thing to consider when it comes to changing your career is the opportunities that the new career may bring. Sometimes it might require you to move to a different place in search of such opportunities.
Once you’re okay with all these, then you’re ready for that career shift.

once I'd decided to head into a new career I researched for evening college, it fitted in with the night shift at the time.
I successfully finished the 2 year course which wasn't too expensive as tuition fees were wavered as it was my first course in college, then that left fees for materials which could be broken down into 3 payments.
The qualification made me more attractive to businesses and I landed a job locally with a firm who quickly put me into further training and so on.
I had to raise money for this opportunity to carry off and sold a pride and joy.
Eventually I left this firm and took on agency work and off into self employment.
I rarely have a day so bad as those leading up to the decision time to change careers, although the hours can be long and stressful and pressure too plays a part still I've never looked back. I'm happy my work is a vocation and it brings out the best of me.
Once you start looking into things it's difficult to stop!