I really want a career change! I've been in the same industry for over 10 years and don't know how to begin

Question

I've worked in the travel & leisure industry for several yrs & I'm worn out. I'm good at what I do but I haven't been happy for ages. I work most weekends, all holidays, different hrs. I'm rarely able to vacation & it makes it hard to keep up w/ friends & lovedones. I'm depressed and anxious when I think about going to work now. I am tired of serving others as they celebrate life and mine passes me by because I have so much trouble finding balance and cultivate a rewarding personal life. I'm a nice, intelligent & I work hard, but have no idea where to start looking for another job. I don't want to spend a lot of $ on a headhunter & those on-line job boards can be so frustrating for lack response from any place that offers gainful employment. I really want a job that's m-f/9a-5p at this time as I feel it would be easier for me to balance my personal life. I'd really love to have a XMAS or a weekend camping trip. I deserve a good time too.

Answer 1

Have you considered teaching? You won't have to work holidays and in many areas have your entire summer off to pursue leisure activities or perhaps try some interesting summer employment opportunities. Granted, you'll have to get your certificate and degree, but in four years for most states, you'll be on a road to something perhaps more satisfying than you ever believed possible. If you like kids... you decide what level you'd like to teach... you'll love teaching.

Answer 2

First off you should go to your doctor and see if this stress is affecting you in anyway physically that can warrant a doctors note away from work so you can destress. Then use that time to make a list of three types of jobs: your dream job, and a job you would be happy to go to, and one that you want to avoid. Basically - Definitely, Yes (but with reservations) and No Freakin Way.

Second you didn't say what role you are in. But whatever it is, there is a 90% chance your skills are transferable to another position/industry.

Third, headhunters charge the business, not the candidate. So if one is trying to charge you, say "thanks but no".

Fourth, job boards are great if you want sales opportunities or run your own multi level business. They rarely get you the job by posting your resume, especially if you are trying to change industries. This is why you will need the time off, as you will need to be proactive during this time. You need to network and get yourself out there. Take some practice interviews. Call interesting companies and ask for informational interviews. Managers always like to share their knowledge, and if they like you, they may pass you along to a buddy who is looking for a talented person.

Finally, don't give up hope, there is another path out there. You just have to find it.

Answer 3

This is a start, but it works.

How to Quit Your Job, or Change Careers.

There are a number of things to take into consideration before quiting your job. Quitting your job requires a plan of where you want to be. The first step in quitting your job is to put your mind into thinking through the process backwards. Anyone successful at doing this knows, that you first need to know where you are going. So to start, start at the end.

As an exercise you can sit down with a pen and paper, and lock yourself in a quite place where you are relaxed, and won't be disturbed. I recommend grabbing your favorite beverage. Get focused, and then think what do I want. If that is I want to make $10,000 a month, and have 5 hours of free time with my family, write it down. One of things you need to put down, is that your residual income will exceed your take home income at your current job. Then take each are you wrote down, and drill it down into simpler steps. The process of breaking something down into smaller steps, is called Analysis. Anyone successful at doing this, already has down an analysis on some level. Now, break the steps down to something you can do everyday to reach your goal. What you have just created is a map. Very important in knowing where you are going.

The next step is critical, it is called action. Make yourself put the smaller steps into action. This is the key. Go pick up the phone, make a call, email or whatever the smaller steps are, and do it without thought or hesitation. The more you can get in the habit of doing this, the more it will happen in an automatic fashion.

No matter how big a tree is, if you take a swing at it everyday, it will eventually fall. I recommend taking a few swings a day at each of your end goals. By doing this, you will have ensured your success. In no time at all, you will have quit your job, and achieved all your other goals, using this simple, but effective methodology.

B Mitchell

http://quitsjob.com