Mid Career Switch

[SeanPenn]

Hi All,

Newbie here but desperately requires help....

I'm 33 this year and throughout my career life being a Salesman. Though being reasonably successful in my career, I am unable to find any satisfactory in my job. Everyday is like meaningless to me as just to accomplish duty set by the company and been paid for the work being done. even though achieving monthly and annually sales targets or having closed huge sales deals that surprises everyone.... no enjoyment was created. A job... a duty... a source to get money... that all..

From young, I'm thinking of having a career whereby in one hand giving my contribution to the society and in another having a reasonably salary to feed my family. I wanna to give joy to others and at the same time making my life well spent.

Was giving thoughts of having a career switch to psychology whereby equip with the skill of being a counselor. However, being a father of 2 young children (age 4 and age 1), together with retired parents, I have huge financial committment.

Yelling for help... any advise from seniors/expert here?? If going for a career switch at this age, what will be the correct path or procedure?
Any local school that provide part-time degree courses in psychology whereby having subsidy? what is the career advancement after obtaining a degree in psychology?

extra info: I'm a diploma holder... non psychology related

Appreciated with any useful help.... Thank you...

[Mad Scientist]

Everyone has a mid life crisis ,that is for sure, one way or another

I guess you are a local. I was like you hopping from one continent to another for 25 years in electronic / manufacturing industry. First few years was great . Got to see so many countries with different background and cultures. Really see on the ground how these people lives their lifes Not the tour kind of thing where everything is artificially beautiful.
Then as years goes by I got sick of it. The minute I board the plane, I want to get out asap. No joy at all and very monotonous.
I lost the fire in my belly. Basically dragging my feet.
I decided to change my career but with so many commitment on hand it was a big challenge to make that change.
All my life I wanted to built my own home from scratch but in SG was too expensive and impractical. I scouted around the world and picked my spot. Change of country, residency, schooling for kids, culture blah blah... got me worried.

Then I waited and I waited and I waited. I was in two minds to let go what I had and to jump for something that was something unknown. What then after the house was my big question. I been busy all my life and worried I will not have anything to do after that.
I listed all the pros and cons and discussed with my wife and kids. Pu aside some saving for rainy days. After three years of procrastinating, I jumped on it. Took me 3 years to complete. It is not perfect but definitelty will hold during rainy days. Now I am almost half completing my Bsc . There are times where the financial insecurity kicks in
But hey, this is life, if you do not try you will never know. If you want everything to be perfect, you can never achieve that.
What is important that you must be happy with what you do and you have your family around you to support you. That is the most important thing. Never regret one bit
All of us lives our life only ONCE, if you did not go for it , years to come , dying by your bedside , you will regret for not giving it a shot.
Even if you fail at least you die trying. This is my best advise to you
Good Luck !!!

[SeanPenn]

Thank you very much for the advise....

Not really a mid career crisis, just that I simply never like what I does now..

haiz...

[sparkling]

MS - Your history is very interesting.
Good for you.

From your other posts, it appears that you are quite financially savvy and have put away enough to pursue your dreams.

However, while science is an interesting field, it is not very lucrative.
People tend to switch careers away from science.
To each their own. and so long as you are enjoying it.

[unrevealed]

I was moved reading your post as found something similar. I have been in sales also (but not dare to compare with you genius). What my bosses reckoned and did say straightforward to me was that I am not money-oriented at all and even too soft to survive in a sales environment (although both convinced me to stay as they said they see something different out of me (???). Desperately wanted to pursue something of my interest too (me go for creative stuff like drawing/sewing/fashion and all that) but my budget at this point just doesn’t allow…and this is my time to make my own money, not using up my mom’s pocket…I’ve played with books and pens for quite a while. My big wish ever is to take her with me to some nice and peaceful places….and help her to fulfill her greatest wish (…) and many more…Just share!
Good luck x

[econbizer2]

Hi bro.. sounds like you have "awakened" from the matrix.
Chase your interests man.. consider alternatives since going back to sch is a high opportunity cost for you.

There are many other ways to contribute to society.. like joining a social work group.. volunteer or job form.

In the end, what is it that you want?? Drill down and find out what is your deepest want. Think inception.