Not enjoying job. Career change?

[dmwill]

So it occurred to me the other day that I cannot recall when I last enjoyed a day at work. Although I always face new and interesting challenges, the nature of the industry I'm in means there is always a constant barrage of shit being added to my workload.

I work as a senior tech/ad-hoc project manager for a small IT company. The workplace it's self is good - great people (most around my age), company car/fuel card/phone/etc. I'm the sort of person who tries to see things through, and it's always worked for me in the past, but not now. I've raised my issues with the boss and senior staff before, but the solutions are always short term (once again, I think it's the nature of my industry - a few friends in similar roles find the same thing). Anyway, even a permanent solution would not stop external factors that contribute to the stress.

I'm thinking it's time for a change - something different, or at least something where I actually want to get out of bed in the mornings.

Obviously my skills and experience are in the IT area, so it potentially limits what I can do - I don't want to start at the bottom somewhere with a low income. I might have to look at part time study perhaps.


Intrigued to know if anyone else has been in a similar position, made a big career change and how you went about it.

[JBAE]

Feeling ya! FUCK I HATE MY CURRENT WORK absolutely brain dead no fucking stimulation what so ever generally just sitting around waiting for shit or unable to work due to wind/rain/broken stuff! but I like money :( and ~$2k a week in the hand 15kms from home is hard to leave...

everyday is a fucking chore and groundhog day knowing exactly what is in store for ya, hence why im still up at 2.30am with a 6.30am start... simply because I do not give a fuck...

Not a day goes by that I don't think of trying to join police force (or even the army if I knew id 100% get a deployment), or if I could afford to take the financial hit go back and finish off getting my commercial pilots license.

[fourseven]

BLAAA you've had 62 career changes since I met you. I'm not sure your contribution counts in this thread.

[cplagz]

Not a day goes by that I don't think of trying to join police force (or even the army if I knew id 100% get a deployment), or if I could afford to take the financial hit go back and finish off getting my commercial pilots license.

You would get a deployment. It might just be to Manus island to build housing for your mates LOL. But yes you should join the army.... then at least we are guaranteed to get rid of you for a minimum of 3 years.

[JBAE]

BLAAA you've had 62 career changes since I met you. I'm not sure your contribution counts in this thread.

Nothing beats a good bit of rhexageration! Offshore drilling, trainer assessor, Safety advisor, TA/rigger/storeman at current employer since the start of 2010 thanks ya hairy little shit :)

[Alt_F4]

Have been having similar thoughts, but more towards either working less hours or with more flexible ways to get it done i.e. fewer but longer days, working from home etc.
All with the idea of actually enjoying life a little instead of just work/sleep etc

That and I'm sick of the numpty that sits next to me

[magic1]

BLAAA, go back to the rigs and for some mental stimulation remove more nuts and bolts from the rig, (dont worry, they are probably not structural) polish them up and throw at sharks?

[Evman]

I'm 27 and working on my 3rd career. I finished school and did an apprenticeship as an aircraft engineer, left that for offshore, now I'm studying environmental biology at Curtin full time. We live in a time that we can pick and choose without much consequence. I'm well aware that I'm extremely lucky to be able to chop and change to try and find something I like. I can tell you that everything picks up very quickly when you're doing something you like doing, so don't hesitate and give something a crack. Part time study is a good option, be it uni or TAFE

[ben351]

Bunker down lads ... it's not pretty out there !!

I'm lucky to be working for a company who is still winning work at a rapid rate (work order book sitting around the 2.4 billion dollars globally now) and there is NO chance I would leave this place even if I was offered bulk money at another place. Market is not what it used to be ... crack pipe salaries are slowly going back down to market averages and things will be back to normal for a few years to come at this rate. Be thankful if you have a job.

Best advice I can offer is find out what you want to do and then find a way to study while you are still working if possible.

[ben351]

I'm 27 and working on my 3rd career. I left school and did an apprenticeship as an aircraft engineer, left that for offshore, now I'm studying environmental biology at Curtin full time. We live in a time that we can pick and choose without much consequence.

Environmental work is a smart move - not the highest paying job but sustainability work is going to be huge for the resource industry moving forward.

[Torquen]

Enviro's FTW :)

[yeahlow34]

Lol, we're absolutely screwing environmental consultants at the moment - there is NO work out there (currently).

I get about 3 calls a week from enviro companies begging for work opportunities. The market is flooded. That's in large commercial/infrastructure construction in Perth.

[ben351]

Yeah Perth based stuff is flooded ... not many Enviro's want site work but there is a lot of opportunities out there ... I know we are building out internal team of Enviros soon so will be some opportunities for site work with us.

[masTers]

Not a day goes by that I don't think of trying to join police force (or even the army if I knew id 100% get a deployment)

Ex's brother spent 3 years sitting around in Townsville waiting to be deployed.

[Torquen]

Lol, we're absolutely screwing environmental consultants at the moment - there is NO work out there (currently).

I get about 3 calls a week from enviro companies begging for work opportunities. The market is flooded. That's in large commercial/infrastructure construction in Perth.

There's work for Enviro Consultants (I'm one) but you have to be very competitive in your bidding. There's not a lot of fat in most jobs, where as 3/4 years ago the same companies made millions of dollars due to the massive demand creating a market where they could charge whatever they liked.

Also long running contracts for ongoing projects makes my life easy. Monitoring on a lot of project is an EPA requirement so there's always work if you're in the right market.


Yeah Perth based stuff is flooded ... not many Enviro's want site work but there is a lot of opportunities out there ... I know we are building out internal team of Enviros soon so will be some opportunities for site work with us.

Offshore O&G Environmental Proposals are going nuts at the moment too, so there is some work for desk based people. But if you're prepared to go to site there's always more work than if you resign yourself to a desk. Personally I love site work, but being in the Marine Team makes it rather enjoyable as you're not stuck at a mine site.

[Roobiks]

Everyone regrets not joining the forces.
I genuinely think I have the most rewarding job in the world.

[Tre-Cool]

i have mates in both navy and airforce and both loath thier jobs because they have next to nothing to do.

[TJ]

Everyone regrets not joining the forces.
I genuinely think I have the most rewarding job in the world.

I dont.

[Roobiks]

i have mates in both navy and airforce and both loath thier jobs because they have next to nothing to do.

Enough said. Everyone gets sour when they realise being a pog isn't what the commercials made it look like. You're either a 6 figure digger or wish you were.

[Roobiks]

I'll rephrase. *Everyone who wanted to but didn't.*

I'm aware Army isn't for everyone.

[skidkid]

I'm 27 and working on my 3rd career. I finished school and did an apprenticeship as an aircraft engineer, left that for offshore, now I'm studying environmental biology at Curtin full time. We live in a time that we can pick and choose without much consequence. I'm well aware that I'm extremely lucky to be able to chop and change to try and find something I like. I can tell you that everything picks up very quickly when you're doing something you like doing, so don't hesitate and give something a crack. Part time study is a good option, be it uni or TAFE

LOL curtin, I just graduated from there doing CZM, there's still my ugly face on a few posters around the enviro building.

It wasn't that hard finding work, but only 1 other person from my year is working in the field..

[Phyber]

Everyone regrets not joining the forces.
I genuinely think I have the most rewarding job in the world.


*Glances at avatar pic*

:)

[HotAe92]

Environmental work is a smart move - not the highest paying job but sustainability work is going to be huge for the resource industry moving forward.

I'm a mining enviro working for a mine that has recently changed hands. I'm shitting bricks whilst they do their 'operational review' as there is absolutely nothing on the job market for enviro's at present, and the market is flooded with those who have recently been laid off with company restructures. Hell I've even heard of consultancies making their employees redundant and then offering them contracts as subbies.

Things will get better, it's a great career, and I've managed to call some cool spots in Aus 'the office' over the years which is a huge bonus.

[Torquen]

Hell I've even heard of consultancies making their employees redundant and then offering them contracts as subbies.

Very common, we've had a few do this but more common with Geotechs and GIS people than Enviros.

[thommo]

Id have to agree with a few comments above with staying with your job and trying to study if you can and the market being tough at the moment.

I was sick of my job so started looking at what I really wanted to do (building/construction supervisor) hoped onto 'oten' website who offer heaps more courses online via NSW Tafe. Sadly I havent had a chance to even do my first modules and its been 3months! You really have to commit and with my work and house related work its been put on the back burner, so be aware.

Recently I had been given the option to drop my supervisor role back to a technician or take a payout which I thought was a glorious chance to do these studies etc but still stayed on as there was nothing available work wise that I could quickly move into filling that void.

These days people are still deciding in their 30's what career path they want so theres plenty of time to get in on something you will really enjoy

[Fryman]

http://www.cinemablend.com/images/sections/56052/_1369430201.gif

Army is not for everybody!

[Damo 69]

was hating work as i arrived this morning, then informed i am starting up a new project - bridge up north for mainroads, deluxe the pump is back and keen to get stuck into it.

over placing concrete for the mining/O&G industry, get fucked around to no end, then then have to fight for every cent you are entitled to.


does not help OP's situation at all, but goes to show a slight change can make the world of difference.

[Buckets]

It's all well and good saying you're not enjoying your job; the question is aside from making a thread up and wishing you'd chosen a different path what are you willing to do about it ?

Are you willing to chuck everything in, throw the baby out with the bath water and risk starting completely afresh in something that you think will "make you happy"; or are you going to be pragmatic about it and realize that most people don't enjoy their jobs but keep on doing it because it allows them to enjoy other parts of their life. The other thing you need to keep in mind is that in time you'll most likely begin to hate the new job that made you happy once upon a time simply because it's your job now and as sure as shit it's not going to be perfect.

I'll be 100% honest, I absolutely fucking hate my job; however in spite of all the problems is currently bringing to my life I'm glad I've got it given the current market conditions and have no intention of chucking it in. I worked my arse off for years thinking that once I got this job I'd love it but I don't, speaking to other people who're in the same boat they say the same thing. I'm going to keep on keeping on because it (ought to) pay the bills and in reality dissatisfaction with one part of my life is a small price to pay for being content most of the rest it.

If you seriously think about your life as a whole and decide that the current level of job dissatisfaction you're experiencing is worth risking your current satisfaction in other areas of your life then knuckle down and come up with a clear plan to change. If you think after careful consideration that it's something you can suck up and move on while enjoying the rest of your life do so and don't let it cause a disproportionate amount of dissatisfaction in your life. We ought to work to live, not live to work.

[Tre-Cool]

i left a job a i was very safe in, in jan 2012, had been with the company for nearly 5 years and pay went up 15k over that time. job was easy, could do almost anything i liked providing operational side of business was working etc. could pretty much work from home. ended up leaving for a contract job that paid bulk dollars ($950 a day) however job was boring as bat shit and had no where near the responsibilities/challenge i was originally sold about the job.

ended up leaving in may for a few reasons, main one being the manager i reported to was a fucking joke and my back 2 back was blaming shit on me when things went wrong (found this out in my last week from some of the other guys) and dealing with pingpingpingpings who'd been at the company for over 20+ years in the melbourne office but had never seen a mine site in thier lives and didn't quite understand that when people ask for something, it ussually means right fucking now. not 10 days from next week.

unfortunatly june/july sucked for employment so lived on savings until i picked up another contract job down in worsley for bhp. Luckily i start full time with rio in 2 weeks. Where I'll be earning less than i was on at my previous permanent role, but the career advancement & potential is much greater.

I guess to summarize, don't pull the pin until you really need to and have the job you really want to take is exactly what your looking for, both career wise, working hours, pay etc.

[RGVFAST]

ended up leaving for a contract job that paid bulk dollars ($950 a day) however job was boring as bat shit

I could put up with a whole lot of boring for that sort of money haha

[DRKWRX]

^ dont understand how you could complain about being bored while getting paid that much everyday haha

[RGVFAST]

I'd entertain myself by counting my money.

[Sensible]

I am in a different situation from the OP

I had a job that I really enjoyed that payed very well and had a great work/life balance

That has now been taken away from me after suffering a knee injury that I had to have surgury on, after the surgury my knee hasn't recovered and I still cannot squat
I have worked in my chosen trade for 18 years and I now have to find a new career and trying to find something that I am both good at and enjoy is going to be hard

I am currnently applying for just about any job in residential construction and there isn't a great deal out there

[Buckets]

^ dont understand how you could complain about being bored while getting paid that much everyday haha

Money's important but it's not everything by any means and $950 per day (I'm assuming that's gross) isn't a hell of a lot once tax, super and so forth come out of it.

[Evman]

I could put up with a whole lot of boring for that sort of money haha


^ dont understand how you could complain about being bored while getting paid that much everyday haha

If you ever get a job like that you'll soon realise why someone coined the phrase "money isn't everything".

[Fryman]

the buckets has it in one...

I left a rather well paying job which enabled me to afford toys beyond even then was my wildest dreams and satisfy my inner desire to be happy, I even enjoyed the role even under its ridiculous pressures at times.

&!*£ it.

Quit whilst seconded to another country. Got home, sold everything bar the burnt chikken and moved countries. By FAR the best thing i've ever done in my life, even at the height of a recession.

Choose cash, cars, peer pressure and LCD tvs fueled by the limits of your potential earning capacity, or change it out and 'live' (loosely used) a little less and be happy. But whatever you choose, don't procrastinate, life's wayyy too short for that shit, especially at the rate people are having kids n sHIZNIT these days.

[Damo 69]

I am in a different situation from the OP

I had a job that I really enjoyed that payed very well and had a great work/life balance

That has now been taken away from me after suffering a knee injury that I had to have surgury on, after the surgury my knee hasn't recovered and I still cannot squat
I have worked in my chosen trade for 18 years and I now have to find a new career and trying to find something that I am both good at and enjoy is going to be hard

I am currnently applying for just about any job in residential construction and there isn't a great deal out there

18 years experience in a trade, can no longer work - surely a supervisor, co-ordinator, hse role would be appealing?

[Sensible]

Damo that's what I am looking at but not a lot being offered
I am currently doing a few courses to increase my chances but every job that I have applied for is wanting supervising experience

[DRKWRX]

Good thread, I do agree with enjoying your life and money is not everything, I could probably chase more work to earn more but enjoy the odd day off and early finish and I don't have a boss telling me what to do either.

[crabman]

I am in a different situation from the OP

I had a job that I really enjoyed that payed very well and had a great work/life balance

That has now been taken away from me after suffering a knee injury that I had to have surgury on, after the surgury my knee hasn't recovered and I still cannot squat
I have worked in my chosen trade for 18 years and I now have to find a new career and trying to find something that I am both good at and enjoy is going to be hard

I am currnently applying for just about any job in residential construction and there isn't a great deal out there

Wow, you must've gone through a pretty hard time. I hated having a back injury that ruined a career I was only in for two years past finished my apprenticeship and that still puts me in a dark place.

It has put me into a job which was meant to open doors but has done so little for my career advancement it is depressing. I hate my job so much that I unfortunately lost my values of giving a shit about work with my name on it. Only thing that stopped me from leaving was mortgage needs to be paid, taking bulk holidays over the last year, and hoping the useless company would start handing out redundancies (I will be asking my GM if these are coming anytime soon). Now I have a credit card debt from said holidays I need to pay off, as they were all that kept me going. I would get so messed up if I didn't have something to look forward to on the calendar. I go in for an MRI tomorrow to see how my back is, if the injury hasn't progressed much more, I am heading back on the tools, will just not go as hard and be so silly with some tasks and getting them done asap. It sucks taking the risk, but I think in the long run, being sat at a desk will be just as damaging for my physical health as my mental health. And if I can pay off this credit card debt and put enough money in the bank, I will do some study second semester next year.

TL;DR you got to be happy. And if not happy, at least be doing something that gets you towards the end goal of being happy, and set yourself a limit on that shit role/period before you start. Otherwise it drags out and costs you in the long run.

[s-tranzor]

Original Post

I hear ya mate. A very similar situation with me. I am in the process of shifting right now for these very reasons. I am not changing industry though because I love working in my field, but a change in role within that industry to a different company. My field is Digital Radio Communications. It's not the business, just the nature of the work that started conflicting too much with my personal life. That and being the type of guy who cannot disconnect and is passionate about what he works on, the barrage of associated issues that come with projects work took too much of a mental toll. Luckily I was able to find another area in my industry which paid the same amount (FIFO) and provided a more appropriate lifestyle and workload. Sadly for a lot of people, they may not be so lucky.

Edit: Coff33, yep I'm leaving. Start at Rail on the 15th. :)

[mys1]

Just do what I did

Quit and enjoy unemployment

YOLO BITCHES!

[Joe]

I chucked in a high paying job to go and work for my family, at half what I was getting paid.

Since then, I improved the family business, bought my own which I run on the side, and now the initial move has opened up some seriously lucrative doors for me in the next 2-3 years.. nothing related to the job, but the fact I was in the right place at the right time (being with my family and having the opportunity to present the ideas to them immediately, gave me the "keys" to the doors so to speak). Plus if my "project" comes to fruition, it'll be well worth the headaches!!

My stress levels are arguably higher, but my lifestyle is a million times better. I'm still comfortable and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Grass is sometimes greener on the other side!

[thommo]

Should look into options at becoming professional son or step son

[Tre-Cool]

Money's important but it's not everything by any means and $950 per day (I'm assuming that's gross) isn't a hell of a lot once tax, super and so forth come out of it.
yeah it was gross and on a 8/6 roster so it had to even out over a 14 day period, its not really that much. compared to a good job down in perth working 9-5, 5 days a week.

with no annual or sick leave. dont work = no money.

i got kidney stones twice while away at work, and i still did my 12hrs shifts.

[schnoods]

I love my job, it's the work I hate!


Seriously though, in a couple of minds, loving my work as a boilermaker but the lack of anything higher is a worry. The job satisfaction is there, the money is ok, just don't want to be one of the 50 year olds dragging their arse around the workshop saying "I've had it with this shit, shoulda left years ago".

Seriously looking at going on my own, grew up in my father's workshop doing wrought iron work, learnt so much from him compared to the 12 years i have been a boilermaker. Did his trade as a blacksmith back in Germany, really want to get into the ornamental type work. Fire is burning hard, might have to sell my house to live in a workshop.

[j3rk]

If it was me:
1) Weigh up how much you care about the money. As Jon points out, most people hate their jobs. That said, if it affords you the ability to enjoy your life out of work... Again, weigh it up.
2) Work out if you really think you'd enjoy any other job, maybe do a few tafe night courses.
3) Work out if the aforementioned job could support you financially or will you end up struggling/hating life as you have no cash.

[ossie_21]

I've quit my job to study, currently about 1/4 of the way through doing my Cert 4 in WHS & trying to get it done as soon as I can. After holidays in a few weeks I'm going to be looking for a part time/casual job so I at least have a bit of income helping me out so I don't have to bite into my savings too much.

Buckets' post is just about spot on, ideally I would not have taken a risk to go unemployed but I was in the category that I felt I really just had to take a leap of faith. I job I'd been in for over 4 years doing the same shit every day, with minimal scope for progression within the company. Keeping in mind the money wasn't the best & it was probably only the M-F factor that kept me there for so long. The job was easy as fuck, but physical. One of the big turning points was someone being made redundant (that I wish I took, and started what I'm doing now) earlier this year that then meant I had to finish work later, which meant I couldn't make footy training durin the week.

Feeling stuck, with not much upside to look forward to during the week told me I'd pretty much gone as far as I could. How things work out from here I don't know, but hopefully when I finish my course I can pick up an advisory role somewhere and actually look forward to a career, not just a job. That will make me a lot happier

[DanWA]

Being in I.T have you looked at open.edu courses? Can do Diploma & Bachelor Degree fully online... Might help with some career progression.

I to wouldn't mind leaving I.T myself to do Instrumentation & Control degree but with a house etc it wouldn't be possible