Has anyone else had a stressful beginning to 2017? At the end of last year, it hit me that I have less than ten years left of my corporate career, and I want to make the most of the rest of it. I’m having a mid-career crisis!
In another blog post, I reflect on the top reasons it’s time to change jobs. Those reasons are relevant now as I realize that I want to change or advance in my career. First, increasing my pay will help us in our goals towards early retirement, but it’s more than that – I also want to use my skills to make more of a positive impact on my community.
My expertise is big data strategy. As you can imagine, that’s a growing field, so there are many of jobs out there to consider – actually, it’s exhausting. I could use these skills in a sales or consultant capacity, and for any type of business. I’ve been seeking out the businesses that I would want to work for (again, positive impact) and have gone through multiple interviews already this year.
I know these are all “good problems” to have, but good stress is still stress and really wears me down. Perhaps that’s why I’ve actually been sick for nearly two months?! Well, that and the fact that Mr. Saturday and I are weekend warriors and stuck in the gear “full steam ahead.” Plus, it’s hard to avoid germs when our entire dance group of friends are also sick.
One thing is certain – my career will be at a turning point within a couple of months. I have a couple of great leads, as well as the potential to take a more advanced role with my current company. The kicker (and it’s a good thing) is that all these jobs will be making an offer around the same time. This is certainly the best case scenario. If they come in at the same time, I’ll be able to weigh them all and choose the best option for my future. I’m just feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment.
Questions running through my mind… Which company would I be most happy working for? What type of environment is best for me? Which leadership is most inviting? Since most of my life is spent at work (for now), I want to choose something that will be fulfilling and will make me happy.
Good LORD yes, 2017 has been stressful. And that’s just through the lens of our careers.
I hope you can get through your own career crisis and find something more fulfilling. 🙂 Mr. Picky Pincher and I are both disillusioned with our jobs; but more so for Mr. Picky Pincher, who’s been with his company over four years. Ugh.
It’s so tough because if I were to switch jobs, there’s no WAY I would be able to make the salary I make right now. The question I struggle with is, “Is it better to be happier and make less money, thereby lengthening our time to FIRE?”
Hmmmm.
Oh my goodness, you hit the nail on the head! I’ve also considered that scenario. I’ve been with my company over ten years and the only other jobs at comparable salaries will be high-stress with very long work weeks sitting at a desk.
Maybe it is worth delaying FIRE by a few years if I would be happier in a lesser paying job. So, what do these ideal jobs pay? Adventure specialist, Happiness coach, Travel planner, Hiking tour guide. I’m dreaming! Or, maybe not. Where do I sign up? 🙂
Mr. Groovy had his career crisis. After 20 years in government he figured if he didn’t get out then, he’d never get out. He was only able to change careers because we moved. Formerly, he was an inspector for a highway department although he mainly worked in the office with databases. He was self taught and working out of title. He enjoyed working with databases and wanted to continue with that, but not in NY since it involved a pay cut.
I clearly remember the day he came home and told me he was “on strike”. He had a big mailing to do and every single person who he helped day in and day out refused to help him. So he left all the paperwork and envelopes on someone’s desk and said “Adios, call me when it’s done”.
Nice! That must have been a great feeling for Mr. Groovy!