I have been a thinking about making a dramatic career change. I have been working in either R&D or with computers since I was 16. Don't get me wrong I am very thankful to have a job during these times. It just doesn't feel right anymore. You spend alot a time at work and to hate it kinda sucks. I would like to do something to help folks out that can't help themselves. Something meaningfull I guess. I was just curious what might be a path to take?

Something in social services. Like a homeless shelter, or a rehab clinic, or anything to do with helping others. Great idea. I had an appointment with an agency the other day and the woman was a straight up b!tch, she has no business working with the public, so if you have compassion for others, you are greatly needed.

When we feel stuck and unhappy it is time to grow. In which directions will depend upon where your interests lie.

Sometimes the growth whether related to our work or not shifts us enough to find more joy in the work we already do. Sometimes it leads us in a new direction entirely.

I'd suggest that you get introspective and discover (if you haven't already) what lights you up. What makes your eyes sparkle when you share it with someone? What gives you that burst of energy from the pit of your stomach that says yes, I can do something about that? What do you do naturally?

Explore what your values are, explore what your strengths are, explore what you don't like to get clear about what you do like.

Explore what your needs are and determine avenues to get them met.

And look at careers that fall in line with all of that. There may be volunteer opportunities in your area to get a better understanding of what some of those options might be.

There are all kinds of ways to help people. You going in to take the scariness out of the computer for an old woman that just wants to skype with her grandkids can be every bit as rewarding as delivering meals to the homeless if it lines up with your values, interests and strength.

Ask yourself what you are missing in your current work. How are you unfulfilled? Are there ways to fill those needs in other ways?

Whatever the answers you find for yourself, the calling from the depths of you is clear. It is time to grow my friend ... it is time to grow. And that is way kool! Sing your song unto the world as only you can!

I've noticed a great deal of burn out in social services, health care workers, emergency personnel, etc. They get to be some the meanest people you ever want to meet and it really frustrates me. And, not all of them are underpaid. Some make very good money and their attitude still stinks.

This is a major pet peeve of mine and totally off topic. Sorry.

I agree.

Ruth that is not off topic at all. I don't want to do something because I have to. I want to do something because I have passion for it.


Artgurl... You read me like a book. Thank you honey.

the oilfield is hiring

only 80 hour weeks of really brutal hard work and about $20 a hour but you make more off the over time than you do off the straight pay

I have a job and not so concerned with the pay....

hahaha you're too old for that kind of work anyway. that stuff is for young guys

I am well aware of that....

You have a good heart my friend.
I'm sure if you listen to your spirit you will know exactly what to do...

So you wish to keep your existing job and want
something meaningful on the side?
From a fellow geek, who learned from a Nobel
Prize winner at Princeton, computers are
probably in your soul by now.
Job or no.
Maybe you can combine that love with something
that gives you bigger rewards.
Just so you don't go brain dead :-)

I was going to make a comment about pole-dancing.

So, computer dancing?!

I could see a whole new version of geek squad. Hire out computer strippers... Bwahahaha!

Thanks Heart. I will keep listening but I am a little hard of hearing.....


Sky, my job will be coming to an end soon. I do believe I have become brain dead at work. Very interesting. Thank you.

Hmmmmmmm.......... I guess that could be rewarding......

Anytime, my friend

Follow your bliss Jeff...doors will open where their once were only walls.

Good point. I really have not been able to. Too busy in panic mode.

Breath, meditate on it..you already have the answers..trust me, you know I love ya!!!

Maybe hug a tree and sing kumbaya? I wish I did Lo. Thank you. You are a true friend...