Do you fancy a career change?
By theredquill
@theredquill (586)
Philippines
November 7, 2010 1:30am CST
Some of us might be doing a job that we hate just for the sake of earning money to pay the bills. Some of us might be staying in the same job because of security even though we are not really satisfied with what we do.
I have been working a physical therapist for 10 years now. Two years ago, I decided to do a two-year volunteer placement in Africa as an international development worker. My placement just ended, but I am now considering shifting my career towards social development work. It will be a big leap from the comfortable world of physical therapy that I'm used to. But I want to take the risk. Will it be worth it? Who among you fancies a career move as well?
1 person likes this
7 responses
@yna410 (429)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
I've been thinking about a career change as well. My profession doesn't really have many job opportunities here in our country. It's like a problem of high supply but low demand. But in other countries, the demand is really high. It's also not my first love or first choice. I think that a career change would be necessary if a person is not or no longer happy or satisfied or fulfilled with his or her current job or profession. I'm thinking about starting my own business, something about food or clothes. Just a simple or small business first since I don't have a big capital yet. I'm considering an online business. I'm also considering working at call centers here since there are lots of job opportunities in this field. I'm not 100% sure yet if I'll pursue this. I mean, It's hard to start all over again. There's so many things to consider. I guess I'll have to start contemplating more about it and make my final decision soon. Sometimes taking risks would make us happy in the end, we just need to have the courage and determination to be able to do it. =)
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
Exactly! No pain, no gain. I've worked in a call center before too, and since I was getting a lot of money, I saved it to invest on a small food business that is giving me considerable income now. I worked in a call center for only six months. When I got enough money to start my small business, I resigned and focused on my business. And I never regretted it even for one bit.
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
7 Nov 10
Actually I am not doing a job that I hate for money. But there is one job that I fancy more than my current job. That is the job of teaching. But I had promised myself that I would first achieve a level of proficiency and expertise in my job and then at some point in my career go into the teaching role. I still feel that I have at least another 10 years to go before I move into the teaching role.
Cheers!
Ram
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
Teaching is a very noble job, and I also would love to do it if I have the qualifications and opportunity. Go for it, my friend, and good luck!
1 person likes this
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
8 Nov 10
yes i am... i just been currently laid off work and i think this is an opportunity that God had given to me to start a new career... i think it will be worth it as i have to accept new challenges and get out from my comfort zones if i want to develop myself... i am in the process of looking for another new job now and i hope i will find one soon...
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
I admire your attitude, my friend. Optimism is the way to go during these times. As they say, if a door closes, a window always opens somewhere. So I think losing your job is just a blessing in disguise. Remember, some good things fall apart so that better things will fall together. Good luck with your job hunt, and may you find satisfaction in your next career.
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
7 Nov 10
Honestly, I always want to start a career to sell products and finding potential buyers. I just don't know how to start it yet. I simply work a low - pay job at the factory - like facility. And partly I work a job similar to what I described above. I also want to start an online business, and do what I can do to make more income. Money is surely a powerful incentive for me now.
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
Now you remind me of a good friend who's now a successful businessman buying and selling second-hand cars. He started with very small investment. His advice to aspiring business people is to invest your money now and enjoy later. If you have money now, invest it in a small business. But of course, you'll have to do a feasibility study first and talk to people who have been successful in the area you want to venture in. It worked for him. Now his enjoying the fruits of his labor. I guess if you focus and work hard, success is just around the corner for you, kingparker!
@preppydezza (309)
• Philippines
7 Nov 10
I would really like to have a career change. I was forced to take up nursing when I was in college and it really frustrates me until now. I wanted to start a business in hospitality. I weighing my options to what needs to be done to achieve success in what I want. ;) If you think, you'll be happy changing career, then go for it. ;)
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
Thanks for the encouragement, preppydezza. Like you, I was also "forced" to take up physical therapy because that was the most in-demand abroad and one of the most lucrative fields at that time. But I've realized that it doesn't give me as much satisfaction as doing social development work. Because I don't have formal training in social development, I read a lot about it and do a lot of volunteering for charitable and non-governmental organizations. I am also saving us to study Masters in Public Health to clinch my way into the development work world. I hope you find your direction as well. God bless!
@doc_air (53)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
yes yes. Like any of us here, sometimes i fancy a career change too. Being in a medical field like you is tiring but also fulfilling in many other ways. But If given the chance I probably be a travel writer, a chef or a newscaster. hehehe. I would love to have tv shows like lonely planet or Anthony Bourdain's show
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
Haha! You can say that again. How I fancy doing documentaries for Nat Geo, Discovery Channel, and the like.
@hippiemomdiaries (815)
• Philippines
7 Nov 10
I too, am contemplating and preparing for a career change. I've been a marketing executive for over 15 years now. Clocking in daily at the office. I am a mom of 2 kids, and have reached a point where I want to move on my own. Thus, I've been studying and easing my way into the work at home set-up, and I also plan to put up my own business. This is not as stable a regular 9 to 5 job with a salary. Yet I feel that I have more income potential while working or having a business of my own, and at the same time, have more time for my family.
1 person likes this
@theredquill (586)
• Philippines
8 Nov 10
Wow, that will be quite a big leap, and it's good that you are preparing and slowly easing yourself into it. It will be exciting to get out of the rut of a 9 to 5 job and work flexibly and at the same time spend more time with yourself and your family. I have a friend who left her job as an accountant to start a bakery business. Her life is now more flexible, with more free time, and although she's not earning as much as before, her quality of life has indeed improved enormously. And he's happy and fulfilled now. I wish you all the best.
