Contemplating Career Change: Words of advice from those in similar situations please.?

Question

I am currently a graphic designer w/ a BFA under my belt and have been working in the industry for about 4 years. Am already getting bored with it especially working with unappreciative people. Am considering pursuing a degree as a surgical tech, as have always been passionate about medicine. Plus, the money would be better and I would feel more stable in financial side as my field now doesn't pay great. Has anyone jumped careers and felt satisfied with the outcome? I'm 25 so not sure if this feeling is common among those my age. Thanks for all your help!

Answer 1

I went through a similar scenario in my life. I was 26 and had been working as a CPA for one of the big firms for about 4 years. I knew I didn't want to keep doing it. I had been intrigued by the health care professions and especially dentistry for a while. I decided to go back to school to do the prerequisites for dental school. I continued to work part time in the tax realm while doing the prereqs. One thing you should consider before making the jump...are you prepared to take a financial hit while you go back to school even if it will mean more money in the long run? It was kind of hard for me at first to get used to going from a comfortable income to basically no income. Now that I'm in dental school, I don't have time to work at all. I am supported solely by financial aid. I am very happy with my decision. I think you will be surprised how many people decide to change careers at some point in their lives. My choice was a little more difficult because it required a lot more school. I already had a master's degree, but I still needed 1.5 years of prereqs just to apply to dental school. The DDS program is another 4 years. I know in the long run it will be worth it. I won't finish everything until I'm 32, but the ability to work in a job that is so dynamic and exciting to me is really the biggest reward. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 2

Good work figuring this out early. You'll probably change careers five times in your life, but I'd say aim a bit higher each time and don't completely abandon the path that you started unless it truly doesn't suit you.. Graphic designs skills could be useful in a number of different areas, talk to some people who graduated a few years earlier than you and find out what they know about other industry opportunities. I'm guessing you just don't get to express your creativity enough, why not put a really good portfolio together and shop it around to advertising agencies, it could lead to something more interesting.
If you are dead set on helping people volunteer your skills pro bono to non profit agencies, they always need design help.
Good luck!