[Misc] The Great Resignation and career changes

[oldboyroy]

Good post and I too changed jobs during lockdown. Although back in same sector it's the bosses that can't find staff now to fill the roles that were made redundant during the pandemic. Many were laid off, found other roles and seemingly don't want to return. G can only presume that they've all found better paid roles and now my sector can't find staff for love nor money.

 

[bluenitsuj]

We are of similar age and sounds like exact same circumstances.

I quit my job with the wife’s support and worked out my 3 months notice. In that time the job actually got better as it usually does! I left last week and now setting up my own business.

Don’t look back, do it. Life is too short to be unhappy.

I handed in my notice on 31st Oct having to give 3 months so will be leaving in 31st January and cannot wait.

I have no job lined up but just like you, I have a fantastic supportive wife and what will be will be.

 

[Coldeanseagull]

Starting to seriously count up the pennies now. Trying to work out if by down sizing, I can give up work next year.
I want some retirement whilst I'm still fit enough to enjoy it

 

[Rambo]

So how is everyone’s changes going?

 

[Perkino]

I've just read through several posts and can honestly say I thoroughly enjoy work, not every moment, but love my job. I've always thought of it like...if I won £1m would I quit my job and if the answer is yes then it's time to find another role. As the old saying goes find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life

 

[Kneon Light]

So how is everyone’s changes going?

After 25 years as a teacher in the UK I moved to the Falkland Islands and got a job working in Conservation.
Absolutely loving every minute. Cannot ever see myself as a teacher again now.

 

[Gwylan]

After 25 years as a teacher in the UK I moved to the Falkland Islands and got a job working in Conservation.
Absolutely loving every minute. Cannot ever see myself as a teacher again now.

Blimey, that IS a radical change.

Must be hell getting to the Amex on time

 

[BBassic]

Always nice to see this thread bubble up again.

Funnily enough I turned 37 a couple of days ago and I was reflecting on what I'd done in the previous 12 months to change my lot in life. Honestly, it doesn't amount to much. I've been saving harder in anticipation of a 6-12 month career break, so it's nice to see that cushion growing but in terms of real change, there's nothing of note.

I have recently, in the last month, started putting out ads on various work sites for freelance work. No nibbles yet but my line is in the water at least.

 

[maffew]

My main hobbies are writing and video production. Both of which can lead to good careers but with a mortgage and all that they're not the most financially stable to get a start in. Whereas my current role comfortably pays my share of the bills.

One thing I've considered is freelance work on the side, much like your mate; build up contacts and a portfolio and then start hawking that around for permanent / contract work.

Have you looked at freelancer sites where you bid for work? Yeah they dont always pay great as you are bidding for projects against people off shore often, but could earn a bit, and perhaps more importantly get a bit of a portfolio/reviews built up

 

[Coldeanseagull]

Probably give my notice end of May. Then I can concentrate on thinning out my possessions and downsize. Surprising how much crap you can accumulate over the years!

 

[Kneon Light]

Blimey, that IS a radical change.

Must be hell getting to the Amex on time

Can't believe the travel voucher doesn't cover my travel - how unreasonable!

 

[Da Man Clay]

I’ve just started to really look into a change after 18 years in the same environment. 34 so still a lot of working time left and don’t think I can stay doing what I am for the long haul. Looking at something completely different (although no idea what) is quite daunting. Comforting to read so many positive stories on here!

 

[Seagull58]

After 25 years as a teacher in the UK I moved to the Falkland Islands and got a job working in Conservation.
Absolutely loving every minute. Cannot ever see myself as a teacher again now.

Are you the penguin photographer?

 

[Badger]

Good post.

I'm a similar age to the OP and it's actually the first time in my career where I'm not really looking to move.

I had those thoughts 6 years ago when I didn't renew my contract and decided to move to Toronto and do a Master's degree. After all that I ended up in a very similar job to the ones I did before. Just in another country with a somewhat changed lifestyle.

I definitely wouldn't say I love my job but it ticks enough boxes for me. I'm a software developer and my company really values my skills and gives me a very healthy payrise every year. I really like my boss and get on well with my team (now that we've finally got rid of the people I didn't get on with). The work/life balance is great too. I pretty much work 9-5 every day and there's plenty of flexibility in that. They've also told us we won't need to come back into the office when it reopens unless we want to.

The work itself can be somewhat tedious at times but I think that's just the nature of most jobs. Career progression is possibly an issue though. I'm still effectively in the same role I was when I joined 5 years ago, just with "senior" in front of my title and a lot more input on what the rest of the team does. There's going to be a point in the future where I want something else and I'm not sure if that means a management role in the same industry or looking for something completely different. I'm not even sure which country I'll be in either.

A month after this post my boss got promoted to a more senior role on a different team and I got promoted to his previous role of team leader. 6 months later, I'm actually really enjoying my role. I did mention in this thread I'd be worried about taking a management role on because of the lack of development work, but I think I'm doing just enough to keep me happy and I do like being more involved in planning and decision making.

I've always been somewhat uncertain about whether a management role was for me. Early signs suggest it's something I'm going to be happy continuing in.

 

[Kneon Light]

Are you the penguin photographer?

Yep

 

[Jam The Man]

I hadn’t read this thread at all before tonight, but having had a long chat with Mrs JTM tonight about how I feel work is going to pan out over the next couple of years, it’s given me a decent bit of optimism about being brave and exploring changes.
I’m Currently 46 and have been in Public Sector (Police staff) for 23 years, I feel institutionalised but really believe I could bring my skills elsewhere (its not about the pay, but I’d wager private sector is better!)
And It’s not that I don’t like my job - in general I do, and the people at my level are great… but I just feel a desire to re-evaluate life a bit following the death of my dad 8 months ago. I no longer want to just be accepting of the ludicrous decisions made my the powers that be in my arena. Frankly I’m done with the lies and lip service, and my optimism for the future workload has grown weary.

Got a big decision to make fairly soon I think.

 

[Jam The Man]

I’ve just started to really look into a change after 18 years in the same environment. 34 so still a lot of working time left and don’t think I can stay doing what I am for the long haul. Looking at something completely different (although no idea what) is quite daunting. Comforting to read so many positive stories on here!

I’m hearing you mate!