Career Change Advice

[Slick Fork]

Don't be afraid to get into something new. I'm 33 and one year into my university degree course. I'm taking it through Athabasca University part time and am very happy with their courses.

I hummed and hawed for four or five years, always too worried about the loss of income etc. until I realised that if I had just gotten off my butt in the first place, I'd be done by now. The other big point deciding point... at my age I still have at least 30 years left to work so going back to school for 4 isn't really that big a time commitment in the grand scheme of things.

Doing what you love is important, however I think the better advice would be to figure out what kind of lifestyle do you want and find a career that you will enjoy AND provide that lifestyle. I spent most of my younger years cowboying on big ranches and guiding outfits. Absolutely loved the work but it paid less than minimum wage. I couldn't afford new boots half the time let alone take my wife on a vacation. Found a job in-town that I hated but paid me enough, now I'm working towards something that I'll enjoy and pay me lots!

I think the pick what you love over money example is great if your trying to decide between enough or more than enough... but if poverty or stinking rich is one of the options.... the moneys gotta win!!

[Myka]

Ugh...I hear you. I have been trying to figure out what to do with my life for the last 5 years at least. I still have no idea, so life continues to pass me by one day at a time, working one useless job after another.

The only thing I did enjoy was when I was working on the oil rigs. Good money, time off when you want it, and interesting work. I thought I had finally found something good there, but I got laid off this last March. Now I work the same job in the city making $50K a year less, and I can't afford to go to university. Le sigh.

Yep, I'm bitter.

[impreza]

At least you have a job! haha

I graduated in April with a degree in Geology and finding a job has been incredibly difficult. Being declined so many times has got to be the most discouraging feeling I have ever felt haha.
Luckily, I have a full-time job that I have been employed at for the last 6 years, so I have something to hold onto until I find a job in my industry. The bad part is that I absolutely HATE my current job, every morning I wake up thinking about how much I don't want to goto work...

I did what everyone told me to do and went straight to University after high school even though I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I started off with 2 years in Computer Science, did well, but couldn't see myself having a career in CompSci. So I switched to Engineering for a year, and also found that I didn't enjoy it. So then I switched to Geology during my FOURTH year and basically had to start over. It took me four years from that point to complete my Geology degree!! It's pretty embarrassing but I spent 7 years in University haha. At least I truly like Geology, now, the hard part is to just find a job... But who knows, maybe I will do geology for a few years and find something else... haha

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by impreza

At least you have a job! haha

I graduated in April with a degree in Geology and finding a job has been incredibly difficult. Being declined so many times has got to be the most discouraging feeling I have ever felt haha.
Luckily, I have a full-time job that I have been employed at for the last 6 years, so I have something to hold onto until I find a job in my industry. The bad part is that I absolutely HATE my current job, every morning I wake up thinking about how much I don't want to goto work...

there were a bunch of Geologest jobs out here a month or so a go. If you willing to move you should have no problem getting a job in that field.

Steve

[impreza]

^Geologist jobs in Kamloops? Do you recall what companies were hiring? I have no issues with moving at all since I am just starting out on my career.

Thanks!

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by impreza

^Geologist jobs in Kamloops? Do you recall what companies were hiring? I have no issues with moving at all since I am just starting out on my career.

Thanks!

I found them on monster or the gov job search. they were for kamloops area but I have a feeling it is working a ways away but not sure.. I'll see if I can find anymore

Steve

[balistidae]

Thanks for all of the responses everyone, some very good info in there. I have set up an appointment with SAIT to see what kind of options I have there with my current education/training. Wish me Luck