A change of career - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

nowthen · 07-30-2003, 04:46 PM

Hello all,

Well, its time for me to take some big decisions. I have been working abroad for the past year, and finally have to return to the UK in the next couple of months. However, I do not wish to return to my old office based role due to my experiences during the last year, and therefore am considering a huge move in my life.

I never gained anything more than a highschool education, and even though I have worked my way up to a good position within my present company, I have always felt that I could do so much more with the right qualifications.

I have now set my heart on completing not a degree, but going to college and taking a two year vocational course in electrical engineering, which will enable me to gain employment as a technician or installation electrician. The aim I have is to continue in employment for two to three years and gain experience and further qualifications, and then start a contracting business.

I am 24, have no debts whatsoever, and due to the fact that I have been careful I have approximately one years current salary in the bank. I also have ideas for a couple of small business's which I plan to run together with my girlfriend, which will hopefully help the financial situation even more. I am also considering returning to live with my father, as we get along very well and he is more than happy to help me as I helped him both emotionally and financially during a difficult period he had last year.

So, I think in my own mind I am set. Does anybody care to offer me words of experience and encouragement, or rip apart my logic and show me the error of my ways?

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

lurkette · 07-30-2003, 05:02 PM

I say go for it! It sounds like you have it all planned out, and I wish I had your courage and determination. Absolutely, go make your dream happen. You're being responsible AND adventurous - can't beat that!

brad-va · 07-30-2003, 06:05 PM

Life rewards action. If you take a risk, you might lose $30k... or you might make yourself a millionaire! Hope you get the better option!

Jaseca · 07-30-2003, 06:18 PM

Can you attend school while working your current job?

Consider the full 4 year degree as well.

rockzilla · 07-30-2003, 07:37 PM

By all means go for it. You don't enjoy the job you're coming back to, and that "What if?" is always going to gnaw on the back of your mind until you decide to take a shot at what'll make you happy. If you enjoy what you're doing with your life, then things aren't nearly as rough.

Best of luck to you, I'm doing almost the exact same thing myself right now, except I left my desk job for a cooking career.

07-30-2003, 04:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
nowthen Insane Location: Republic of Panama	A change of career Hello all, Well, its time for me to take some big decisions. I have been working abroad for the past year, and finally have to return to the UK in the next couple of months. However, I do not wish to return to my old office based role due to my experiences during the last year, and therefore am considering a huge move in my life. I never gained anything more than a highschool education, and even though I have worked my way up to a good position within my present company, I have always felt that I could do so much more with the right qualifications. I have now set my heart on completing not a degree, but going to college and taking a two year vocational course in electrical engineering, which will enable me to gain employment as a technician or installation electrician. The aim I have is to continue in employment for two to three years and gain experience and further qualifications, and then start a contracting business. I am 24, have no debts whatsoever, and due to the fact that I have been careful I have approximately one years current salary in the bank. I also have ideas for a couple of small business's which I plan to run together with my girlfriend, which will hopefully help the financial situation even more. I am also considering returning to live with my father, as we get along very well and he is more than happy to help me as I helped him both emotionally and financially during a difficult period he had last year. So, I think in my own mind I am set. Does anybody care to offer me words of experience and encouragement, or rip apart my logic and show me the error of my ways? Thanks in advance for your consideration. __________________ "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them." George Bernard Shaw

07-30-2003, 05:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
lurkette My future is coming on Moderator Emeritus Location: east of the sun and west of the moon	I say go for it! It sounds like you have it all planned out, and I wish I had your courage and determination. Absolutely, go make your dream happen. You're being responsible AND adventurous - can't beat that! __________________ "If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing." - Anatole France

07-30-2003, 06:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
brad-va Crazy Location: VA	Life rewards action. If you take a risk, you might lose $30k... or you might make yourself a millionaire! Hope you get the better option! __________________ -- If at first you don't succeed, try something else. You're obviously no good at that.

07-30-2003, 06:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jaseca Tilted	Can you attend school while working your current job? Consider the full 4 year degree as well.

07-30-2003, 07:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
rockzilla Junkie Location: The Kitchen	By all means go for it. You don't enjoy the job you're coming back to, and that "What if?" is always going to gnaw on the back of your mind until you decide to take a shot at what'll make you happy. If you enjoy what you're doing with your life, then things aren't nearly as rough. Best of luck to you, I'm doing almost the exact same thing myself right now, except I left my desk job for a cooking career.