Spinoff to career question

If you didn't follow the career path that you had 10 years ago, do you regret it?

I do, actually. I don't like research but now I don't really have many skills to change careers drastically. With research you're working even when you're not on the clock. Sometimes I think I should have chosen a career that is 9-5 and you don't take your work/worries home with you.

Anyone else?

Re: Spinoff to career question

sometimes...yes...like when all of my teacher friends have off in the summer and they call me at work from the beach...but other than that...not really. I really don't focus on the "what if's" in life...it tends to depress me

Re: Spinoff to career question

I really do. Ten years ago I was in HS and thougt I'd become a professional dancer. Now I haven't put on my tap shoes in years and I miss it so much.

It wouldn't be so bad, but I got my teaching certification and I didn't make it in that field either. So I'm really unhappy with where I am now, and I haven't even started my career yet!!!!!

Re: Spinoff to career question

Yep.... I think of a reason every single day as to why I should've been a teacher... thankfully, it's not too late!

Re: Spinoff to career question

I'm more or less in the same boat and don't regret anything. It's all part of the journey.

Re: Spinoff to career question

About 13 years ago I was a high school math teacher. I hated it, so I quit. I went back to college and I am now a tax accountant (cpa candidate). I regret the perks of teaching (Summers off, the retirement plan is insane..) but I don’t regret quitting, I LOVE my job now.

Re: Spinoff to career question

No regrets. I still have the ability to get my Master's, but I'm content working with the students and dealing with their many issues in my current position. There are days where I have my downs, but what job doesn't?

I know as i get older, I can still write and I still do. I may not be Michael Crichton or such, but I can still have fun!

ETA: I'm content with life and work!

Message edited 9/25/2007 11:55:34 AM.

Re: Spinoff to career question

Yes and no. The career I wanted to get into (TV writing) is based on 20% talent and 80% luck. I was also considering broadcast journalism which are the same stats, mostly luck. I am not the type that can live hoping a job will come through. I am all about job security and knowing when my next paycheck is coming. I'm too neurotic to leave things to chance.

So I live with a secure job in an industry "I like" and would consider myself successful.

I admitt that recently I've been regretting not at least trying a bit harder to at least see if I could break into the TV industry. God, I hate rejection-such a chicken!

Re: Spinoff to career question

I would definitely have regretted not doing what I do. I love being a therapist and working with kids. My only regret (up until a few weeks ago) was not working in a school. Now that I do work in a school, I am very happy.

I also think that my full time career has enabled me to do my side job very well.

Re: Spinoff to career question

I chanfe my mind on my career path all the time...usually I change how I feel, when things in my personal life are effected by my career path.

on most days....I enjoy what I do