What do you when you reach your mid 20's ,and realise that the career choice you made was wrong ?

Question

I know the job i have is not a bad job. I am in my mid twenties, and I earn more than anybody my age.When I left school , to the surprise of my parents ,I took a trade than pursing college. On finishing my trade, I "recalibrated" myself, and took a job in the IT industry ,and worked. I know earn a great wage, and things on that sense are doing well. However, lately I find I am bored. I do not like going to work,and I feel I have made mistakes. I need my current income now ,and I cannot afford to drop. I do not know now what to do. I don't know if I can continue my current place. I am happy, but bored and fed up. I do not know what to do. Does anyone know whats wrong with me , and what should I do now ?

Answer 1

Ah, you're having a quarter-life crisis!

I’m going through it myself. I’ve got a very well paid job that bores me silly. I want to do something new, but can’t decide what to do now. I’ve got good GCSE’s & A-levels and a 2:1 from a good university, but just feel I want a new challenge.

I’m still undecided, but the best advice I can give you is to just speak to as many people as you can and find out what they do, if it interests you, go for it. Also, list your likes, dislikes, strength and weaknesses (in terms of tasks/activities that are work related) and see if that gives you any pointers.

If you want to make a change that involves a salary drop, make it mow before a huge mortgage and children financially tie you to your current job (sorry if they already have).

There is a link below to wiki definition of quarter-life crisis (I know it helped me just to have a name for what I was going through) and also a link to learn direct’s job profile, they’re quite useful for just brainstorming a new career.

Before you do anything, make sure it is the right thing to do for you. Don't jump into anything too fast.

Answer 2

Gutted mate, i really feel for you. i'm going through the exact same thing right now. i wanna change out of the job i'm in, although the people are great and my job is easy, i'm getting bored and i need more money than what my company is offering.

i think all you need to do is perhaps find another job doing the same as what you are now, to keep the salary that you are dependant on but with a bit more fun and enjoyment. maybe working with new people would make things more interesting for you.

i'm working in a call centre doing hotel reservations day in day out, and i really want to work in media, being a graphic designer, journalist or even a photographer. i don't know how to go about changing direction on my career path. i'm just waiting for a lucky break i guess.

I hope you find job satisfaction soon x

Answer 3

Why don't you look for another job in your current trade? perhaps try to find work with a company whose core values and ethics resonate with you. Perhaps take your skills to a more caring environment like a charity. If not then maybe try building on your skills; you don't say what it is that you want to do but with IT skills you could easily do an evening course in web design or graphics/ multimedia and then over time take a more creative job role. You are still young, and being male you will more than likely be working for another 40 years or so; it's never too late to make a change. Remember; it's not "can't" it's "won't"...don't put limitations on yourself. Just decide where you want to be and over time take the necessary steps to make the change. Good luck!

Answer 4

Careers are chosen in the first instance for the economic potentials of such careers. Your economy is able to sustain your needs which is very important. I do think that you must have been on this job for quite some time without a holiday. I recommend you take one now and by the time you get back, that boredom would have vanished and you will begin to enjoy your career again. You also need to explore the various possibilities in the IT world which is very vast and the mosre you get yourself into it, the more excieting it becomes. Good luck

Answer 5

U can never flourish unless u love what u do.If u have realised that the career choice u have made is wrong dont drop it immediately,instead find out what is it that interests u more,something that can keep u interested for a longer time.Once thats done u can go after it.U will be surprised to notice ur boredom vanishing even in ur present work.Its just a phase of ur mind that has to be tackled with care.
Go after what u love only after u have actually found it out.Dont rush and dont think of quitting ur present job!!

Answer 6

Normally, you have another 40 years until you retire, so obviously the choice is NOT to spend those years in a job that bores you. Work should be fun! I quit my career and huge salary at 30, and moved to Greece...and haven't regretted it one second, despite less money.
Start looking into your passions and how you can integrate them in your every day life. Can you take evening classes in something you'd love to learn that could become a career later?
Do you really need your current income? Can you reduce your living expenses?

Answer 7

First, you should be thankful that you discovered this in your mid twenties and not in your mid fifties like a lot of folks do.

The book "What Color Is Your Parachute" is the classic career change manual and might be helpful to you. Once you figure out what you'd really like to pursue, try taking some classes or joining a professional organization in your desired field. Make the contacts you need to transition into a new role.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Congratulations. At an early stage in life, you have figured out that work is not the salvation that will help cure life's ills. You need the money so you can't quit .. . and tat is the trap most people fall into.

Find something you love part time or as a volunteer. See if you can rekindle your passion through that and make it a career.

Good luck!

Answer 9

It is a very difficult choice when you are dependant on the income. Do as i did. I was working in a shite job and re trained in my own spare time for the job i wanted as i became qualified for the the new job i quit the old one. Best move i ever did. If you cant decide what else to do, ask people about their jobs.

Answer 10

sweetie you only live once! i say live to the full! there is no point looking back in ten yrs with the same job wishing you could go back to now. there are so many at home courses that you can do while at home so you can learn and earn. speak to your parents people that are close to you see what they think but it is up to you if you are not happy do something about it! good luck hope all goes well .