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Permalink Reply by Rick Shelton on January 30, 2013 at 12:45pm

Changed my life a few times, although I didn't have massive debt load when I did it. That is a huge burden and worry but look around, find out what it is that you want to do. Try a few things part time to see if they are something you could do full time. Open your own business if you want. It can be done, it has been done, and you can do it.

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Permalink Reply by Paul_of_TX on January 30, 2013 at 12:54pm

It sort of sounds like you may have plateaued. You started out and there was much to learn but now you feel like what you are doing is monotonous day in and day out. Trillions of people have been unsatisfied with their job over the past thousand or so years. I don't buy into the pipe dream of doing what you love because eventually it will become a chore and you will begin to dislike it. There are a few exceptions but they are extremely rare.

My advice is to not settle for where you are at. Keep you eyes open for other opportunities and be prepared for them when they come up. You might be happy doing the same thing you are doing now but at a different company with a different culture. There could be something very similar to what you do but in a different field. Don't quit the current job until you have something better. I have worked at places I hated and actively looking for another job does help because you feel that your current situation is temporary so mentally you can tell yourself that you can keep going until it is over.

You could get a part time job and put most or all of the additional money toward the debt and look at your primary job as just a necessity. You will have something driving you.

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Permalink Reply by LShieldes on January 30, 2013 at 12:57pm

Reminds me of reading something here(I think) about a lot of people at this guys age have a problem because of the structure of their life up until now. Every 4(or so) years there was a drastic change. First you moved up to Jr High, then High School, then College. Now you are working, you feel you mastered it, and there is supposed to be another major change, but the reality is that those changes for the most part are over with.

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Permalink Reply by William W. How on January 30, 2013 at 1:19pm

I agree with all the prior advice.

My grandfather hated his job for 40+ years, but I don't think he hated his life. He had a family and lots of friends and hobbies. There are lots of ways to have a satisfying life. Work is just one, or just a part of that.

If you leave your job just to leave your job, eventually you'll hate the new one too. That may be fine. Changing jobs every 4 years is now normal, even good. But don't set yourself up for failure. Try to figure out what you'll like, and then look for a job doing that.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on January 31, 2013 at 1:31am

This is all good advice to think about. I agree with the thought of a rut. I also think the 4-year observation is right on. I was so used to go go go. I think the office life is just not for me. At least just yet. Now I need to know how to get out of it and still make enough money to pay my bills.

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