When to change careers/jobs?
 

Figured I'd throw this out there and get some perspective or possible advice from some of the older gentleman on the site.

I've been with the same company for the past 7 years, starting as a 19 year old call center monkey and becoming a project manager - while holding down many other titles in that time. I survived an acquisition, moved to Denver, moved back to MN, dealt with inept management beyond my control or comprehension and now, with another new wave of VPs and directors - after they just fired the entire upper level 3 years ago saying we needed to "trim" that level, I'm finding this place more and more insufferable as my job titles, duties, and function changes - yet again.

For those people that have been through this before, and I know this is personal, but what was your breaking point to finally change careers? Or if you stayed with your company through everything you had endured, what was the light at the end of the tunnel you held out for?

Just one of those years so far...

You mean and MOD doesn't fulfil you? That's too bad.

At the end of the day if it's affecting your quality of life get the hell out. However, be smart, find a new job on the DL and give your two weeks when you find one.

To directly answer the question asked by the thread title: as soon as you're no longer happy with your job or motivated to keep doing it. Now, it's obviously *not* that simple to do. If you can search for a similar job or pursue something else entirely, if only temporarily for a change of pace, do that while you wind down your days at your current job. What about being a personal trainer at a gym, or something in the nutrition field? You seem to know your stuff about that. Just an example, but again your next venture by no means has to be permanent or even long term. Just something that pays the bills while giving you a change of pace.

Get off the company computer and getcha ass back to work!:D IT Dept (big brutha) is watching.

Odd timing, I'll be resigning later today and starting with a new company next Monday. They're sending me to PA and OH next week.:o It's cold up there!

With me it was all about wanting to get up and go to work every day. Some of the new procedures take a lot of time away from me being out on the road which is how I earn. I typically have an office afternoon each week but now I'll need at least a day and most likely two. Just BS like that. Ya gotta be happy to be at your best.

Going through something very similar but with out the moving part yet. Time to move on and stay positive, from my experience I tried to trudge through it but it got worse in more ways than one, good luck. Now the company is moving and I have about 3 months to find a job. Problem is I've been trying to leave for the last 6 months with not much luck, decent paying jobs are tight in my area.

Speaking from experience. The best time to find a job is when you have one. Doesn't answer your question directly but it sounds like your done and heed the advice of the line above..

I have no experience at all about changing careers/jobs. but here's my two cents: Would you consider going back to school? I have a lot of adult students in my classes who went back to school for a better, more enjoyable job. Just a thought. I've always been told to get a job I look forward to, I know with the economy and limited space that not always possible, doesn't hurt to try a new area. "The more you learn the more you earn" :)

How I wish that was true. I would be freakin loaded, or at least able to pay off my student loans in a timely manner.

kidd- if it is starting to affect your quality of work, and you don't give a sh1t, it is time to try and move on. The job I had prior to the one that I hold now was not a terrible job, but I just got to the point where I didn't care. I was sick of lining the owners pockets with money while I received very little pay for working my azz off. I don't make a ton of money (I work for a non-profit), but am much happier doing what I am doing. Of course it doesn't hurt that I am using my education and have the chance to work outside whenever I feel like it.

Just don't leave yourself hangin', and quit in a manner that could ruin your reputation and burn bridges. It ain't easy finding a job right now, at least in my neck of the woods.

All the best!

I clicked on this thread expecting it to be another Kam rant but whoa!.....Jkidd? I stand corrected.

In my day I could quit one job in the morning and start another in the afternoon .
Those days are gone !!!
Finding a new job could take months or even years with the unimployment the way it is all over unless you want to work at a fast food joint for peanuts .
If you are making a half decent wage just suck it up and stick it out , if you havent been replaced or laid off by now you must be doing something right ..

Just keep in mind that whever you go you will find "problems" with fuked up management etc.

You have to ask yourself is the job itself secure and fullfilling to you and is that enough to keep you there?

Just questioning it is good. I can feel you moving in another direction. You are smart for a redneck and pretty driven. It might be time for you to reschool or look elsewhere. You've been complaining about your job for years, not Kam style, but nevertheless it's probably time.

BTW I can see you now as a future yoga teacher. It's a great fullfilling career.

When did a job turn into something you are supposed to love to death? You get compensated to do something you would probably not do otherwise, stick it out like the other 200 million people in this country with jobs.

Speak for yourself. I put fingers in assholes and love it!!!

Elitists aside, I'd say pretty much everyone will eventually hate their job at some point. Whether it's the work itself or the people you work with/for, the disdain will come no matter where you are.

You (generally) have to spend 8-12 hours a day at work. Your best bet is to find a job that effects you the least during the 12-16 hours a day that you don't have to be there.

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