Comments...

Oh gosh, I've just discovered I have comments on my posts!!! Sorry, I'm a bit rubbish at all this blogging stuff. I promise to improve and respond shortly :)

Changing Careers...

As you all know (or at least should know if you read my older blogs first) I'm heading off travelling in a few months time. Im very much looking forward to it, however me being me I've already started thinking about when I get back. I know, it's crazy. I've not even left yet but I'm thinking about summer 2013 already, but it's not what you think.

I'm currently reassessing everything in my life. My friends, my lifestyle, my attitude towards different topics and also my career. I've noticed that in the last few years vie been very bored in my chosen line of work. I'm very good at what I do, but I seem to lack any umph or passion for my industry any longer and I'm not sure why. I used to love going out there, cutting a deal fixing problems, getting people to back down and agree to the most craziest ideas. It is what I'm good at. But in the last couple of years I feel i've lost my way and that my career no longer excites me.

I have wondered if it's partly to do with the fact I've been contracting for so long, and also that the last few contracts I've done have been in industries that I have no interest in. I loved my time working at DT and TMo but since then I've lost interest.

Anyway, I'm thinking of doing a distance learning course while I'm away and maybe try a new industry when I return. But what? I've always been good at Events Mgt but I know that with that industry it's tough, the money is poor and the hours are very long. Id like to be an Architect but to become fully qualified takes 7 yrs and that means I'd be nearly 40 before I could even start my new career properly. I also thought about interior design. It's something I'm very good at and have an eye for, the courses can be done via distance learning and it could be an interesting career choice, but to be honest I don't think I have the passion for it as I do for something like Architecture. I love structure design, always have done. I wanted to be an Architect when I was younger but was dissuaded by my dad and told to go into 'business' as its more lucrative.

Finally, another thought at has crossed my mind is marketing and PR. Now I know these aren't the same thing, but they do lump together well. Again, I like this area of business but the training involved can take years and the money is quite poor until you make it to the top of your profession. And I suppose that's the biggest problem for me, the money. I'm used to a very good wage for what I do and I enjoy the benefits the money brings (nice things, comfy lifestyle, not having to scrimp and save etc.) however changing careers at this stage of my life would me stepping dwn several layers in salary and it's not something I can afford. I'm a single man with no partner, so all my income is for me to live on. I have friends who have gone back to uni or changed career and have been able to because they have family or a partner to help and support them financially. I have neither and I have no plans to return home.

No, instead I'm just going to have to become exceptional at what I do and try and invigorate myself in my career again. I loved it once, I'm sure I can again.