Advise on a career change

gamma

HI Guys

I'm wondering if anyone has advise on any careers that I could go into.

Currently I am working as a web developer. Earning an average wage. I would love to leave this market as I am finding it increasingly difficult to stay ahead of the game. I'm not that bad, but just feel like I'm not achieving the most of my 9-5. I've done alot of freelance work also

Formal qualifications other than usual schooling and A levels ( equivalent - got this abroad) :
NVQ in Hotel Management ( don't want to enter hospitality industry again )
Various computer related diplomas ( all rather out dated..)

I was thinking of going back to uni - perhaps into teaching, some sort of councelling or nursing but I would really need to scrape by to afford my current lifestyle however.
The issue with going into Nursing - although I would love it, is the starting salary for nurses after 4 years is less than what I am earning now.

I guess my questions are - is it worth taking such a knock in pay for a good while and starting low doing something you love - or stay unhappy and earning more?

Suggestions on other paths and general thoughts are very welcome!
Cheers

Proc

gamma wrote: »

I guess my questions are - is it worth taking such a knock in pay for a good while and starting low doing something you love - or stay unhappy and earning more?

You spend most of your awake life at work. It's absolutely vital that you love your job. If you end up doing something that you love, and you're good at it, you'll get far anyway. Sure, you may have a bit less cash-for-flash each month, but in 5 years time you'll be glad you made the change.

I walked out of a 60k + bonus + car a year position working for a major high street mobile phone retailer. I was 22 at the time and realised it's better to make change sooner rather than later. Decided to "do my own thing". Family thought I was mad. 3 years later I look back and think I was mad for not doing it sooner.

Take a gamble. If you're not happy now, you've not much to lose as long as you're sensible with money.

gamma

Thanks - thats an encouraging reply - can I ask what you're doing now?

Proc

I'm a franchisee for a largish mobile phone company that had financial difficulties so decided to go down the franchising route. Started off with a friend and 1 store back in Aug 2009. We take over our 6th store on Feb 15th.

Before that I spent a brief period of time running a new department for an insurance broker based in the Midlands.

DKLS

You already have the web skills, how about getting into elearning/instructional design?

gamma

DKLS wrote: »

You already have the web skills, how about getting into elearning/instructional design?

Could you elaborate on this more?

desperado2

gamma wrote: »

HI Guys

I'm wondering if anyone has advise on any careers that I could go into.

Currently I am working as a web developer. Earning an average wage. I would love to leave this market as I am finding it increasingly difficult to stay ahead of the game. I'm not that bad, but just feel like I'm not achieving the most of my 9-5. I've done alot of freelance work also

Formal qualifications other than usual schooling and A levels ( equivalent - got this abroad) :
NVQ in Hotel Management ( don't want to enter hospitality industry again )
Various computer related diplomas ( all rather out dated..)

I was thinking of going back to uni - perhaps into teaching, some sort of councelling or nursing but I would really need to scrape by to afford my current lifestyle however.
The issue with going into Nursing - although I would love it, is the starting salary for nurses after 4 years is less than what I am earning now.

I guess my questions are - is it worth taking such a knock in pay for a good while and starting low doing something you love - or stay unhappy and earning more?

Suggestions on other paths and general thoughts are very welcome!
Cheers

You ask if you can afford to be a nurse on low wages.. I would counter with can you afford not to? - you describe your role as follower rather than leader, and struggling to stay ahead.. in times of economic downturn folk in those positions are the most vulnerable come the time for cutbacks and restructuring... you may have to face up to the situation sooner than you like.

before considering a career change, have you considered an employer change? - you have skills that many companies need and dont really understand and a new employer may well offer you personal development opportunities combined with better job satisfaction - as a for instance many charities are looking to develop their new media presence, they offer generally competitive salaries, are usually supportive environments to work in, often a bit avantgarde in their approach to new things, and good causes so you can feel positive about what your job helps them achieve.

If you dont want that commitment, then look at freelancing again - can you offer smaller companies a cost effective solution to their New media needs?? - again charities and voluntary organisations are prime candidates for this.. they lack the resources to pay full market price, lack the skills and time to do it themselves.. as a freelancer you lack the overheads and can be competitive on price.. with the option to pick and choose where and when you work..

As for lifestyle.. wake up and smell the coffee! If you are unhappy at work, chances are you spend more on holidays, going out, treats, luxuries and so on.. when you are really happy at work, you can do without all this.. trust me.. I realised I was working all the hours god sensds so I could afford nice holidays twice a year.. and needed two holidays to get over all the work and grief!

Oldernotwiser

gamma wrote: »

I was thinking of going back to uni - perhaps into teaching, some sort of councelling or nursing but I would really need to scrape by to afford my current lifestyle however.
The issue with going into Nursing - although I would love it, is the starting salary for nurses after 4 years is less than what I am earning now.

NB: Nurse training takes 3 years, not 4.

You'd be paid more in secondary teaching and IT teachers are in demand.

Sorry to be nosy, but how much do you earn at present?

gamma

desperado2 wrote: »

You ask if you can afford to be a nurse on low wages.. I would counter with can you afford not to? - you describe your role as follower rather than leader, and struggling to stay ahead.. in times of economic downturn folk in those positions are the most vulnerable come the time for cutbacks and restructuring... you may have to face up to the situation sooner than you like.

before considering a career change, have you considered an employer change? - you have skills that many companies need and dont really understand and a new employer may well offer you personal development opportunities combined with better job satisfaction - as a for instance many charities are looking to develop their new media presence, they offer generally competitive salaries, are usually supportive environments to work in, often a bit avantgarde in their approach to new things, and good causes so you can feel positive about what your job helps them achieve.

If you dont want that commitment, then look at freelancing again - can you offer smaller companies a cost effective solution to their New media needs?? - again charities and voluntary organisations are prime candidates for this.. they lack the resources to pay full market price, lack the skills and time to do it themselves.. as a freelancer you lack the overheads and can be competitive on price.. with the option to pick and choose where and when you work..

As for lifestyle.. wake up and smell the coffee! If you are unhappy at work, chances are you spend more on holidays, going out, treats, luxuries and so on.. when you are really happy at work, you can do without all this.. trust me.. I realised I was working all the hours god sensds so I could afford nice holidays twice a year.. and needed two holidays to get over all the work and grief!

Well to be honest I would describe my personality as a leader rather than a follower - perhaps thats the reason why I'm so unhappy in this role.

Too right about the going out and the holidays

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

NB: Nurse training takes 3 years, not 4.

You'd be paid more in secondary teaching and IT teachers are in demand.

Sorry to be nosy, but how much do you earn at present?

I've heard that teachers are really struggling for jobs at the moment, would it be wise to go down this route?

Currently on 24k ( plus earn a bit by freelancing - last year 4k )

sdt1986

Im in a slightly similiar position, I want to go into something that I'm going to enjoy but just don't know what. (I know this doesn't help) Hope we both find something GL

Oldernotwiser

gamma wrote: »

Well to be honest I would describe my personality as a leader rather than a follower - perhaps thats the reason why I'm so unhappy in this role.

Too right about the going out and the holidays



I've heard that teachers are really struggling for jobs at the moment, would it be wise to go down this route?

Currently on 24k ( plus earn a bit by freelancing - last year 4k )

Nurses are struggling to find work rather more than teachers are.

With teaching, it depends on the level and subject. Primary school teaching is very competitive but there are shortage subjects at secondary level where it's much easier to get a job (and extra funding for training) and both Maths an Science come under this heading.

Both nurses and teachers start on around £21,000 so there wouldn't be an enormous drop from what you're on now.