| Career change, need some ideas, opinions on what to try next.?Apologize for a long post, but unfortunately I feel that I need to tell the background, to describe the situation.
Here is my story past couple of years. I worked for 8 years doing software development at a huge financial company, was bored with work but pay was excellent, and my managers were always satisfied with my work, I'm a very good professional. After 8 years I got so sick of it, that I just quit. I've relaxed for 4 months, went on some vacations, had a blast. Then a colleague of mine called me up, and offered my a job, this is was 2 years ago, at the worst possible time in the job market, they offered me 20?oost in salary, at another big financial company. Two weeks into the job, I felt like I've enjoyed it, new group of people, very friendly group, really excellent manager. I truly enjoyed conversing with people there. Atmosphere was also relaxed, two months into it, I can't stand it even though nothing has changed? 7 months into the job, i quit again. I pick up the books, learn new skills, 2 months later at the beginning of this year, I find another job. Pays 50?ore than I was making as a consultant at a top-tier firm, plus pays for overtime. Group is nice, I get sick of it 6 months later, and quit again. I believe I did good work, as I got a good goodbye cake party, and a thank you card, which was really pleasant and surprising. I quit thinking, I'm not up for corporate life, and need to start something on my own. I had a few projects in mind, and first few weeks I worked on them full speed, unfortunately my motivation ran out. Recently, I was offered to finish a project, which allowed me flexibility to work from home, on my own schedule. I haven't accepted feeling that I didn't know if I would like to do this. Couple of hours looking into code, made me feel unpleasant, and I kinda felt I didn't want to do this work. I can't make myself get back to work, I also beginning to feel lonely, as there is no interaction with other people, all of my friends are working.
I feel like I don't want to do programming anymore, the only thing I am missing from work, is interaction with other people. I'm also conflicted about going into other fields, as I do not know what I would enjoy. I am financially secure to sit and do nothing for few more years, but then again after two months of doing nothing, I am extremely bored!!! I really would like to channel my time so I would enjoy doing something.
I can't seem to finish anything that I start, it seems like I have ADD, even though I know I do not.
Anyway, I know for me the best way to get to answers is to try new things, and things will sort themselves out. But, I really need some input, ideas, advice, direction, or your assessment of what's going on.
P.S. Don't know if its relevant, I'm in mid 30s, single, never married, no girlfriend, but go on dates often, especially now. Financially secure, not tied down to any place, or location.
Thank You, for reading!
Asked By: KoT - 9/15/2010 |
It is tough doing a job you do not enjoy, even if you are good at it. Most of the code writers I know are sort of introverted computer engineering types that really like the challenges of writing and debugging code. Your self description seems to be more extroverted which means that you need people interactions to keep you interested. There are free personality and aptitude tests on line that may give you some insight to which new careers will suit you best. Although you are still young it is often hard to get established in a new career field. My suggestion would be to seek out job opportunities that will build on your financial and programing skills. My first look would be to consult for small financial firms. While you may have to review some code, your main focus would be to design and help implement sound business models. Another is teaching, with your combination of skills you can probably put together a course that would combine your expertise in computers and finance. You could freelance and offer the course to companies, or teach at the college level. You may even consider starting your own software business, but instead of writing the code you would manage and do the sales presentations. If you really want to walk away from computers, and they are everywhere, try something that uses your analytical and logic skills. Law, medicine, and research are a few. If you want something totally different try politics, it is socially intensive and you have a chance to help other people. Good luck. The PracticaL Mentor.
Answered By: PracticaL Mentor - 9/15/2010 |