Career Changes

[Biffer]

At 37, I'd spent 12/13 years in the IT industry and ended up fucking hating it. I had the advantage of being single with no kids, so I went back to university for a year to do a masters (Ecological economics - kind of fringe sustainable development stuff about taking non-financial considerations into economic decision making). Since then I've broadly worked in the industry-academia gap, first managing a biofuel research project, then a network of knowledge transfer projects across the Scottish Universities and now doing a combination of business development, economic development and incubation for companies in the satellite and technology sectors. I get paid about £20k a year less than if I'd stayed in IT, but I'm sane, not ill and a lot fucking happier.

The idea of a job for life went out the window years ago. The idea of a one career / sector for life is gone now too.

I try to get across to people that it's a really good thing for teenagers now - it doesn't matter so much if you fuck it with your first choice, you'll retrain and change areas a few times over the decades anyway. So the pressure of getting what you do after school right isn't as high as it was.

[inactionman]

At 37, I'd spent 12/13 years in the IT industry and ended up fucking hating it. I had the advantage of being single with no kids, so I went back to university for a year to do a masters (Ecological economics - kind of fringe sustainable development stuff about taking non-financial considerations into economic decision making). Since then I've broadly worked in the industry-academia gap, first managing a biofuel research project, then a network of knowledge transfer projects across the Scottish Universities and now doing a combination of business development, economic development and incubation for companies in the satellite and technology sectors. I get paid about £20k a year less than if I'd stayed in IT, but I'm sane, not ill and a lot fucking happier.

The idea of a job for life went out the window years ago. The idea of a one career / sector for life is gone now too.

I try to get across to people that it's a really good thing for teenagers now - it doesn't matter so much if you fuck it with your first choice, you'll retrain and change areas a few times over the decades anyway. So the pressure of getting what you do after school right isn't as high as it was.

Couldn't agree more.

I actually find it refreshing. I've got friends who have gone to the same office for 20 years, I just couldn't do it.

I'm a contractor now which is in theory lucrative but, by the time gaps in contracts, holiday, illness etc are factored in it's not that different. It's also the case that I'm doing this for freedom and control, not cash, but I'd sacrifice the cash for the freedom.

[Paddington Bear]

At 37, I'd spent 12/13 years in the IT industry and ended up fucking hating it. I had the advantage of being single with no kids, so I went back to university for a year to do a masters (Ecological economics - kind of fringe sustainable development stuff about taking non-financial considerations into economic decision making). Since then I've broadly worked in the industry-academia gap, first managing a biofuel research project, then a network of knowledge transfer projects across the Scottish Universities and now doing a combination of business development, economic development and incubation for companies in the satellite and technology sectors. I get paid about £20k a year less than if I'd stayed in IT, but I'm sane, not ill and a lot fucking happier.

The idea of a job for life went out the window years ago. The idea of a one career / sector for life is gone now too.

I try to get across to people that it's a really good thing for teenagers now - it doesn't matter so much if you fuck it with your first choice, you'll retrain and change areas a few times over the decades anyway. So the pressure of getting what you do after school right isn't as high as it was.

Agreed. We're working for 40 years unless lucky/unlucky, that's plenty of time to understand what you do and don't like and adjust accordingly.

[Jock42]

At 37, I'd spent 12/13 years in the IT industry and ended up fucking hating it. I had the advantage of being single with no kids, so I went back to university for a year to do a masters (Ecological economics - kind of fringe sustainable development stuff about taking non-financial considerations into economic decision making). Since then I've broadly worked in the industry-academia gap, first managing a biofuel research project, then a network of knowledge transfer projects across the Scottish Universities and now doing a combination of business development, economic development and incubation for companies in the satellite and technology sectors. I get paid about £20k a year less than if I'd stayed in IT, but I'm sane, not ill and a lot fucking happier.

The idea of a job for life went out the window years ago. The idea of a one career / sector for life is gone now too.

I try to get across to people that it's a really good thing for teenagers now - it doesn't matter so much if you fuck it with your first choice, you'll retrain and change areas a few times over the decades anyway. So the pressure of getting what you do after school right isn't as high as it was.

Couldn't agree more.

I actually find it refreshing. I've got friends who have gone to the same office for 20 years, I just couldn't do it.

I'm a contractor now which is in theory lucrative but, by the time gaps in contracts, holiday, illness etc are factored in it's not that different. It's also the case that I'm doing this for freedom and control, not cash, but I'd sacrifice the cash for the freedom.

Not always the case though. One thing holding me back is starting another pension scheme. I'd say it's one of the reasons there doesn't seem to be a huge turnover of staff.

[inactionman]

At 37, I'd spent 12/13 years in the IT industry and ended up fucking hating it. I had the advantage of being single with no kids, so I went back to university for a year to do a masters (Ecological economics - kind of fringe sustainable development stuff about taking non-financial considerations into economic decision making). Since then I've broadly worked in the industry-academia gap, first managing a biofuel research project, then a network of knowledge transfer projects across the Scottish Universities and now doing a combination of business development, economic development and incubation for companies in the satellite and technology sectors. I get paid about £20k a year less than if I'd stayed in IT, but I'm sane, not ill and a lot fucking happier.

The idea of a job for life went out the window years ago. The idea of a one career / sector for life is gone now too.

I try to get across to people that it's a really good thing for teenagers now - it doesn't matter so much if you fuck it with your first choice, you'll retrain and change areas a few times over the decades anyway. So the pressure of getting what you do after school right isn't as high as it was.

Couldn't agree more.

I actually find it refreshing. I've got friends who have gone to the same office for 20 years, I just couldn't do it.

I'm a contractor now which is in theory lucrative but, by the time gaps in contracts, holiday, illness etc are factored in it's not that different. It's also the case that I'm doing this for freedom and control, not cash, but I'd sacrifice the cash for the freedom.

Not always the case though. One thing holding me back is starting another pension scheme. I'd say it's one of the reasons there doesn't seem to be a huge turnover of staff.

Even that's not such a draw in some places - one of my close friends works for the Home Office and the pension schemes have been repeatedly closed and new ones opened - the benefits you obtained under the old scheme are retained, but any new contribution/duration go into the new, weaker pension scheme.

It's still a tidy pension, all things being equal, just not as gold-plated as it once was.

I pay into my own SIPP, which is apparently tax efficient (I'm a bit of a duffer with this sort of stuff) and I just transfer it wherever I go. There's no better or worse employer scheme, there's just my contribution.

[Enzedder]

Stop slacking and get back to work you plebes, especially the NZ ones.

Us retirees need the taxes for our pensions, health care etc.

Best change ever.

[Gordon Bennett]

Working in tertiary education, a couple of areas that I've really seen open up for jobs in recent times are roles for trained Data Scientists and people who can work on Climate Policy. I see Cybersecurity has already been mentioned, and that's probably the area where salaries go up quickest in relation to experience gained. Really are some ludicrous salaries in cybersecurity in both corporates and public sector roles.

[fishfoodie]

Working in tertiary education, a couple of areas that I've really seen open up for jobs in recent times are roles for trained Data Scientists and people who can work on Climate Policy. I see Cybersecurity has already been mentioned, and that's probably the area where salaries go up quickest in relation to experience gained. Really are some ludicrous salaries in cybersecurity in both corporates and public sector roles.

Hmmm. Note to self; update Linkedin profile to reflect that I've spent a large part of the last two years on our Cloud security, & using Industry leading SaaS solutions ....

[Uncle fester]

I am completely and utterly bored with job in a commercial role for a FMCG manufacturer, so I'm considering a career switch (probably into IT/software development).

I am under qualified but over experienced in my current role. I was halfway through CIMA when covid hit then just binned the studying as my youngest was born.

I'm 33 with 3 kids, happily married, wife works PT in an admin role, have a mortgage but no other debt. I am the main bread-winner.

To switch into IT I'll have to take night classes at uni in all likelihood over the course of 2 or 3 years. Or I could knock out a Masters conversion course in a year FT. Then once I am qualified I'm looking at entry level salaries beneath what I'm currently on (but with considerable scope to grow obviously).

Has anyone here made such a transition under similar circumstances?

About two years ago, I hired an electrician who was doing an engineering course by night. Took the scenic route to get where he was but quite dramatically changed the course of his career. 18 months later he's a plant manager.

If your kids are young and your debts are manageable, go for it. Wish I could do it but probably a bit too late for me.

[Yeeb]

Gone from steel worker, musician, microsoft acces systems developer, to carer and now travel agent.

Bought a GMT watch and everything.

The cut price holidays are supposed to be great.

Refry me ole china

I am behind the times - pls expand on the travel agent ? Not a troll but a genuine wtaf from my brain, is you in work now Boyo ?!
Nice one !

[Yeeb]

I am completely and utterly bored with job in a commercial role for a FMCG manufacturer, so I'm considering a career switch (probably into IT/software development).

I am under qualified but over experienced in my current role. I was halfway through CIMA when covid hit then just binned the studying as my youngest was born.

I'm 33 with 3 kids, happily married, wife works PT in an admin role, have a mortgage but no other debt. I am the main bread-winner.

To switch into IT I'll have to take night classes at uni in all likelihood over the course of 2 or 3 years. Or I could knock out a Masters conversion course in a year FT. Then once I am qualified I'm looking at entry level salaries beneath what I'm currently on (but with considerable scope to grow obviously).

Has anyone here made such a transition under similar circumstances?

I had a career change at similar age & number of kids , best thing I’ve ever done - less money, hours, stress, travelling, and bullshit.
I should concede that it was made easier for me by part owning some businesses and full owning some rental properties, plus having a wife in very well paid job.

Good luck.

[Line6 HXFX]

Gone from steel worker, musician, microsoft acces systems developer, to carer and now travel agent.

Bought a GMT watch and everything.

The cut price holidays are supposed to be great.

Refry me ole china

I am behind the times - pls expand on the travel agent ? Not a troll but a genuine wtaf from my brain, is you in work now Boyo ?!
Nice one !

Been workihg for about 8 years as a family Carer. Got hit by a car 16 months ago whilst out cycling.. Back is truly farked. Can only work from home, in a limited capacity, have limited mobility when the pain flares up.. it is unbearably excruciating and debilitating all at the same time.
Have an interview on thursday, I am talking like I have the job because I probably do..plus I bought a GMT watch so they have to give me it.

Not really sure how I will be able to do it, or for what length of time, or how long it will be before I am screaming at customers, and telling them to fuck off.. but hey ho, no choice. It's not like I am going to qualify for PIP, as I am not quite dead yet.

[Yeeb]

Stay lucky

[Gumboot]

Gone from steel worker, musician, microsoft acces systems developer, to carer and now travel agent.

Bought a GMT watch and everything.

The cut price holidays are supposed to be great.

Refry me ole china

I am behind the times - pls expand on the travel agent ? Not a troll but a genuine wtaf from my brain, is you in work now Boyo ?!
Nice one !

Been workihg for about 8 years as a family Carer. Got hit by a car 16 months ago whilst out cycling.. Back is truly farked. Can only work from home, in a limited capacity, have limited mobility when the pain flares up.. it is unbearably excruciating and debilitating all at the same time.
Have an interview on thursday, I am talking like I have the job because I probably do..plus I bought a GMT watch so they have to give me it.

Not really sure how I will be able to do it, or for what length of time, or how long it will be before I am screaming at customers, and telling them to fuck off.. but hey ho, no choice. It's not like I am going to qualify for PIP, as I am not quite dead yet.

No chance of making a living from your music?

[OomStruisbaai]

I have been working as consultant after pension for 4 years when Covid strikes. First to go was the Ggrey hair consultants. My hardest time was to be at home on pension and really struggling financially. Now after two years they offered me double the salary I had for a SAP project to customize and roll out.

How lucky can one be.

[Line6 HXFX]

Stay lucky

Lucky in love yeebs.

[Line6 HXFX]

What do you do if you cannot make a deadline.


"Well I work overtime, unpaid, basically kill myself to try to make it, but if I can't I try to inform my supervisor that I can't as early as possible and offer up my resignation".

Silence..


"I mean you have to understand, I am there to do a job, if I cannot make it to the deadline (which are usually so serious that they sack the department, or the department or organisation doesn't get funding) , I offer up my resignation, once resigned because i was three days late on a Database system.. It gets slightly weird after though, as I have to ring you back a few days later to ask to be sacked, because if you quit your job you are not entitled to any unemployment benefits whatsoever, but yeah, if I fail to meet a deadline I quit in disgrace".

Consequences accountability etc.

Horrified Silence..

I am guessing this is the wrong answer?
Turns out customer service side of the travel industry, doesn't actually know what deadlines actually are.
Anyone want to buy a GMT watch?