This post is for all of those who have lost interest in their current jobs, who feel they’re not contributing to anything worthwhile, and are looking to change things up. Unless you’re Indiana Jones, chances are you’ve had moments of stagnation on your career path. It may just be the weather, but if that feeling lasts through the seasons then you just might not be happy with where you are. In that case, it may be time to look for an entry-level job in a new career, but is it worth it? That’s ultimately for you to decide, but here are a few thoughts of mine about the process.
There’s a movie that came out back in 2011 called ‘Margin Call’ starring Kevin Spacey, and there’s a very applicable quote in it. Kevin Spacey is contemplating his life and the many decades he has spent on his career path working in the financial sector and realizes that he hasn’t contributed anything tangible to society. He mentions how he was a construction worker at some point, specifically a ditch digger, and says that he would rather have stayed one after all this time. His coworker reminds him that he wouldn’t be driving a Porsche if he spent his life moving dirt, to which Spacey replies, “at least there would have been some holes to show for it.” It’s a moment of clarity for him and one that I hope you never have to go through, because I can’t imagine anything worse than waking up one morning and realizing you’ve wasted the last 20 years of your life headed down the wrong career path. In a nutshell, I feel that if you stop respecting what you do then it is time to do something new; maybe even choose a new career.
However grand an idea it may seem, there are still risks and responsibilities you have to account for by choosing to take the entry-level job. Chances are that starting an entry-level job in a new career will have substantially reduced pay. If your lifestyle can withstand the rollback then that’s not a problem, but you have to make sure it can before you attempt it. That’s of course my advice, but maybe you don’t mind eating Ramen noodles two meals a day until you move up your career path. You will also have to build a whole new reputation within your new career, considering you’ll probably have new coworkers. You may even end up working for someone younger which could be a blow to your pride. You need to consider all factors like these before you make a firm choice.
An entry-level job in a new career can be fun and exciting, but it does come with its fair share of risks. Going down a fresh career path will require some getting used to, but if you’re truly unhappy with your life as it is then it might just be the right thing for you. Besides, it’s not like you’ve never had an entry-level job before. I’m sure it’ll be much easier the second time around.
Are you thinking of ditching your career and starting a new entry-level job in a new career? Share with us in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by didbygraham
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