Stuck in a Job You Hate

[Jewel]

Did any of you graduate school with certain degrees, and started working in the field for which you went to school, only to discover that you hate your job? I am in this situation now. I can't stand what I do but I'm over 30 at this point and this is all I know. I feel like I'm too old to change paths and go to school, I don't see how this is even possible, but I hate my life because of my job. I feel like I made the biggest mistake of my life by making the wrong choice, and now I am just suffering.

If any of you feel this way, I really need to know I'm not alone. Also, if any of you have changed careers after 25, I would appreciate hearing how you did it (or are doing it) and how you feel about the change. Thank you for listening.

[Mloveb]

Well I didn't but I know 2 women who did.
One was my mom, she worked 2 jobs had 3 kids and went to school and made a career change. She did it at 40.
Another is a friend from my current job, she recently left here and they are living off her husbands income and she's gone back to school FT, she also has 3 kids. She is 38.

Honsetly, your never too old, that is something my mom taught me. I'll be 30 by the time I get started on my degree. I know this isn't what you mentioned but I considered going to medical school and I read a book about it to educate myself and often people are deciding to go around the age 38. It's all a matter of what your willing to sacrifice to get there, you may have to live well below what your used to, to get there but it may be worth it in the end.

My own personal experience I had a sales/telemarketing job I HATED but I was making anywhere from 5-15K a month in commission, I took a SERIOUS paycut to work where I am at now and I love my job. Happiness is worth alot more than pay, well to me anyway.

Good Luck with your decision. =0)

[sweetpeach79]

I wouldn’t say that I hate my job but it is definitely not challenging me like I want to be. I love my boss as well as the people in my department. We all get along and work together very well! Something that is very hard to come by these days. I would never say that you’re too old to go back to school. I am 31 and have been in school for the past 5 years. Since I can only go in the evenings it’s taking quite a bit longer but I know in the end it will be so worth it! I enjoy the challenges that school provides. It really helps to stimulate my brain and keep me thinking. Never think you’re too old to better yourself or your life. You would actually be quite surprised to see the range of ages of people taking classes now a days! I’m currently going to get my Business Management degree. I would like to one day open up my own gym or at least get involved with fitness in some aspect. It’s my passion! 

[beautyinprogress]

I graduated 7 yrs. ago with a degree in Secondary Education (6-12) and my concentration was English....At the time I was so excited to get into the classroom and change the world. The tattoo on my back says teacher on it the runes from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and here I am 6 yrs later teaching middle school in Florida to kids who can't read at an 8th grade level. My curriculum is mandated which means that I teach the exact same stories every year and give the exact same writing assignments....I'm treading water right now...I'm tired of the disrespect I get from kids and their parents(this year mostly parents)I'm tried of state testing and how my performance evaluation is tied into the kids performance on the test.(what do you do with the kid who doesn't care and puts his head down?)

Every day I get up and tell myself that this is going to be a good day. I'm going to enjoy what I do, and everyday I feel like I am just surviving...I'm going to be 30 in March and I make excuses for staying where I am...Like : My job is recession proof. What else am I going to do that this stage in the game?

My b/f is 41 years old and got laid off from his job at Tyco Electronics and just became a police man. The police academy was miserable and so was field training but now he LOVES what he does....It is possible to change your life at any age...Now I just wish I could do the same...

[erock]

It is NEVER too late to change your career or do somthing you love! I learned this from my mother who, at 58, just got her acupunture lisence! She embarked on an entirely new career (from medical management) and started a 4 year masters degree program when she was 54 years old. Seriously, it's never too late!

And 30 is definately NOT old!

[firespinner93]

I will be 37 in a few months. I was a career bartender, and went back to school for massage therapy. I have been doing that for over five years now, and in the fall I plan to go back to school for either physical therapy or exercise physiology. It's not easy, but if it ain't hard, it ain't worth it.

You are very young. It's not too late to change. Can you, at this point, imagine working where you are right now for another 30 or so years until you retire?