I comin up on 50 and have one of those high stress high pressure jobs that I am burned out on. I make a lot of money so I have no debt. Thinking it's time to try to start to enjoy life more. I am on call 24/7/365, I fit into the workaholiic category (holidays, weekends, etc,) and thinking there is a better way. I can afford to take time off w/out work for a while but will prolly drive the wife crazy w/in a month or two. Not in a postion to retire but only need to work about 10 more years.

Anybody change careers midlife and how is it workin for you?

 

I'm in the same boat. I have been at the same company for almost quarter of a century and I'm burned out at 45. Would like to stay in the technical field but move away from the computer industry.

MikeyB

 

Depending on what kind of job you are looking for ... you may find that you will need to go back to school to get in there. I was wanting to get into wildlife conservation or forestry which is a complete 180* change from what I was doing ... but can't get in without a degree in that type of area. Unfortunately, I can't work that kind of course work into my schedule with my current job and all the travel that goes with it.

Since you are in a decent financial position right now, you can spend some time in school (and not be in your wifes face all the time) and then roll into a job from there.

I wish you the best of luck ... I definately feel your pain .

PISTOL

 

I've heard that parks departments hire college kids right out of school for next to nothing... you might be able to get one of these jobs or something similar but maybe like a management position.

Also, most govt jobs are low stress and if you stayed there for 15 years you might be eligible for retirement. Rule of 80 in the state of Texas.

 

I feel for you. I spent the last 30 yrs, of 35 total, at my last job in the same position you're in. I retired at 55 after the pressure caused medical problems. Retirement has been great, but the money is running out. I too am having problems finding something acceptable due to my education (or lack there of), age and many years in the same industry.

I wish you the best.................

 

Do you love talking about our trucks? Do you know alot about them? I have met some guys who work for Dodge as "Marketing Reps". They go to rodeos, state fairs, special events around the country for a few days at a time whereever they are needed to promote Dodge trucks. I found that most of us here on DTR know as much and probably more (alot more) than most salesmen or others promoting the product. They work on contract....paid so much per day while they are gone plus per diem for food and board. They are either flown by airplane to the loc (with rental car) or can drive themselves in a provided car/truck. Some guys pull a 5th wheel TT to the loc to stay in.

The guys I talked to that do this are retired from other jobs. But they make great money.....like over 50-60K. It kinda depends on how much you want to work and stay gone from home.

I am considering making a move toward that direction myself, but it is just a little to early for me. Maybe in about 9 or 10 years. Who knows at that point in time, what will be lucrative.

Hope that helps....Just throwing out an idea that might help you or somebody else.

..

 

While I am not 50 yet only a shy 24 I am in the same position. I have been at the same job since I was a sophomore in high school thats almost what like 9 years and I started out part time in the warehouse and moved in to a management position in the last year then the place sold and the new owner phased me out with a new person she brought with her. So now here I am with bills and no job but luckily I felt this coming and I started rat holing money in my savings and I doubled up on my loan for my pickup and a small remodel loan I took out for my house so there not actually due tell April of next year. So I am safe there for now if the money runs out. I am thinking of going back too school and getting a degree in forestry/rangeland management. I have a option of working at a big chain feed store in the town I grew up in so that way I could possibly do a lateral transfer to the town were I would be going to school at in the fall.

 

Tell you what if you have 6k to blow and about 7 weeks for training you could do what I do. I work outside almost everyday. In the winter I work in the south in the summer I work in the north. I have never worked a weekend...hell i dont think I have worked a Friday in the last 10 years. And still make upwards of 90k a year. Drop me an email if your interested and I can give you some contact numbers......Shawn

 

I need some one to shovel horse poo and take care of 12 stallions and 50 mares Any takers?

 

Partner ... if you could match the $$ I am getting now, I would LOVE to come shovel horse poo !! I'm really not digging living out of a suitcase.

Mule Skinner ... what is it that you would rather do ??

PISTOL

 

I have few ideas of what to do, I guess my question to you guys that have done a career change, any regrets, would you do it again or do it over, or bite the bullet and stay put.

 

The way I look at it, change is a part of life. If you dont change every once and a while you will stagnant. Pick something you think is fun and go for it. If your comfortable with money that is the way to be. I didnt get the choice for a carrier change (Medically discharged) but change isnt always a bad thing. I never would have met my wife if I hadnt gotten das boot.

 

I agree .... it may be better for your health too. You can't push a Porsche to the redline forever without something blowing !!

Do you think you would look back if the benefits were more "quality" time with family and friends and better health ?

If you are burned out then why stay ?

PISTOL

 

Door greater at Wal-Mart seems like a pretty low stress job.

You have to be happy. Life is too short to be miserable. We are only here for a very short time so make the most of it. In the long run you will be happy for making a change that benefits you and your family.

For what it's worth.

Britt

 

make that change. We are here for a good time, not a long time that is for sure.