MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
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Anyone on here changed careers to a completely different industry/sector or completed retrained in another field? Any advice/do's and dont's?
I'm a graphic designer by trade (middleweight, about 8-10 years experience with a decent portfolio of mostly print work) and I'm completely dispassionate about the whole scene.
Everyone I talk to is a pretentious bullsh**er, the pay isn't fantastic, hours are terrible, I'm often stressed/working when at home and there is nothing really in the way of a pension or other associated perks that some industries have.
Basically, I'm wondering what my options are as a 30 year old with a HND in multimedia and my experience in graphics and design... I work to live, rather than live to work, and I'd love something fresh to get me excited and interested again. A role within the council in some capacity would be ideal, great hours (flexi time), good pay, brilliant pension and holidays etc are all things that really interest me, more than purely pay alone.
So, what say STW?
I was the manager of one of the world's biggest internet casinos based in Gibraltar. Did an MSc in Holistic Science at Schumacher College in 2009, and am now lecturing and running workshops in chaos, complexity and sustainability, and doing part-time teaching English while I build up my new career. Published a book too based on my dissertation. I had no idea what I was going to do after my MSc, I just had total belief that it was the right thing to do and followed my heart.
I tried to make a big change in my life in 2004 but that went belly like you would not believe so it took another few years to sort myself out and try again!
I didn't have to retrain, but I decided balls to banks and finance, and jumped ship, now I work in student recruitment for a university. Overall I earn less, due to an inferior benefits package but on the other hand I don't work for a bunch of vultures. So it's been generally positive.
A dull role within the council in some dead end department would be ideal, long hours, low pay, basic pension and some cheap holidays
FTFY
I Used to work in a automotive aftermarket parts factory, having worked my way from the shop floor to becoming the Production Manager. I enjoyed it to an extent, but found it very stressful for poor pay.
Having just done up my house with my wife, I found I enjoyed carpentry, so at 29 I decided to do an evening course in joinery, 3 years later I am made redundant and thought sod it, nearly finished my course why not. I have now been working as a bench joiner for 8 years and absolutely love it. I make guitars for a hobby and am a lot more chilled than before.
The only thing I would say, was the first day at work as a joiner, with zero experience and being expected to just get on was quite scary. But all seems a long time ago now.
Marcel
Currently in the middle of training to be a physio after spending a few years as a driving instructor. Should have done it years ago.
Not sure where you get the idea that Council jobs have good pay and brilliant pension - unless you're looking at being the head honcho.
What sort of council role were you thinking off?
Yes. And yes.
I was swayed by the offer of decent money whilst studying for my first HND.
Four years of management later, I decided to go back to engineering. It was a long 7 years of part time diploma followed by BEng, but was worth it.
I love going to work and my past experiences have helped me more than the traditional route could have.
It will be hard to do, but if it feels right, go for it.
Double entry 😯
Agricultural engineer to Solicitor in a rural practice.
Son has an HND in elect eng and was an electrical draughtsman/project eng. Has just gained his degree in construction engineering after changing jobs. Still doing lots of autocad type work which the two jobs have in common. Now has a career path to potentialy become a partner in the business rather than stuck in his old rut
I went from motor mech to factory mech and lots of other stuff on the way and now. Current jobs time off allows me to do stuff not work related.