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Are you happy with your career choice/path? Would you have chosen differently?
I want to know if people regret what they are doing for their jobs in life.
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6 answers
Joyce A. Ravinskas, RN BSN
Program Manager for Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
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Joyce A.’s Answer
I find immense joy and satisfaction in the career path I've chosen. My work has primarily focused on assisting low-income families, minorities, and diverse cultures. It wasn't until about two years ago that I became fully aware of this. I believe it was my true calling. Interestingly, I wasn't actively seeking these roles, but rather, I felt a natural pull towards them. Looking back, it seems as if my career has flown by at a rapid pace. Although I'm in a position to retire now, I choose to continue because I genuinely love what I do. Being a Registered Nurse brings me immense happiness, and I relish the opportunity to learn something new every single day.
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Melissa’s Answer
My initial passion, and still is, is psychology. I however ended up in Massage Therapy school and have been a therapist for 18 years. I love what I do, as I am still helping people, but there is still a draw to do more. I do intend to enroll and get my degree in counseling as it it a good alternative to psychology, I feel. People always feel comfortable talking to me and people intrigue me, so I feel it's a good next step in my career. Who knows maybe I will take the leap and do the full psychology training :-) Side note I did get a bachelor degree in Healthcare Administration but no one to date will hire me with no experience. It has been a frustrating thing but guess that degree wasn't meant for me I guess, just money spent and lost for no reason.
I suggest follow your passions and don't let anyone tell you that you can't have your dream job. That's where I messed up. You will never be satisfied in a career that doesn't light you up when you think about it.
I suggest follow your passions and don't let anyone tell you that you can't have your dream job. That's where I messed up. You will never be satisfied in a career that doesn't light you up when you think about it.
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Matthew’s Answer
Hey there, Alexis! I'm totally on board with John's perspective: "Pose this simple question to yourself - what's that one activity you're so passionate about that you'd do it for free, purely for the happiness it gives you?" This was the question I asked myself when I embarked on my journey as a help desk technician/analyst, believing I had found my dream job.
Fast forward 13 years, I found myself at a breaking point. The thought of going to work each day filled me with dread. I came home stressed and irritable each evening. It was only after a heartfelt conversation with my wife that I decided to chase the career I truly desired.
Now, you might be wondering, "Didn't you say your dream job was solving tech issues and teaching people how to use their computers?" Yes, that's correct. But after about 8 years in various help desk roles, I started to lose my enthusiasm for it. Around that time, I stumbled upon an enlightening book at my local Barnes and Noble called Career for Dummies. As I delved into the book, I came across a career I had never considered before: Technical Writer. Unfortunately, breaking into the field of technical writing was quite challenging at the time, even after I bagged a certification from UMass. I continued to work in help desk roles, albeit reluctantly, for about 7 more years.
Today, I'm living my dream career as an Ice Sculptor! Just kidding, I'm a technical writer.
My only regret is that I didn't make the leap into technical writing sooner. I wish I had put more energy into making the transition.
On the bright side, my time spent in help desk roles helped me cultivate skills that have proven invaluable in my technical writing career.
Here's a final nugget of wisdom I want to share with you. Working in a help desk role isn't a bad career choice. It just wasn't what I envisioned doing for the rest of my life.
Fast forward 13 years, I found myself at a breaking point. The thought of going to work each day filled me with dread. I came home stressed and irritable each evening. It was only after a heartfelt conversation with my wife that I decided to chase the career I truly desired.
Now, you might be wondering, "Didn't you say your dream job was solving tech issues and teaching people how to use their computers?" Yes, that's correct. But after about 8 years in various help desk roles, I started to lose my enthusiasm for it. Around that time, I stumbled upon an enlightening book at my local Barnes and Noble called Career for Dummies. As I delved into the book, I came across a career I had never considered before: Technical Writer. Unfortunately, breaking into the field of technical writing was quite challenging at the time, even after I bagged a certification from UMass. I continued to work in help desk roles, albeit reluctantly, for about 7 more years.
Today, I'm living my dream career as an Ice Sculptor! Just kidding, I'm a technical writer.
My only regret is that I didn't make the leap into technical writing sooner. I wish I had put more energy into making the transition.
On the bright side, my time spent in help desk roles helped me cultivate skills that have proven invaluable in my technical writing career.
Here's a final nugget of wisdom I want to share with you. Working in a help desk role isn't a bad career choice. It just wasn't what I envisioned doing for the rest of my life.
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Jerome’s Answer
I almost ended up as an Entrepreneur by accident. I worked for someone who didn't really understand business. Figured if they could, then I probably could as well. I went and got a business license and started selling and marketing myself.
That has lead to being a VP of Sales with some larger organizations and being invited to speak at conferences across the United States. I am not sure I would have ever imagined this life for myself, but I wouldn't give it up for anything!
That has lead to being a VP of Sales with some larger organizations and being invited to speak at conferences across the United States. I am not sure I would have ever imagined this life for myself, but I wouldn't give it up for anything!
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John’s Answer
Here's a piece of wisdom I'd like to share with young individuals grappling with the crucial decision of choosing a fulfilling career path. Ask yourself this simple question - what is that one thing you love so much that you would gladly do it for free, just for the sheer joy it brings you? For me, the answer was always writing. I find immense satisfaction in my career as a technical writer, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
However, I regret that it took me a considerable amount of time to discover my true passion. As a child, I was inexplicably drawn to the magic of words. I would lose myself in the worlds of fiction and non-fiction, and took great pleasure in penning down my thoughts, whether for leisure or school assignments. Yet, I never considered turning this passion into a career. I believed my future was in military service, where I served for 11 years before being discharged after the first Gulf War.
This led me to a crossroads, where I had to reassess my career path. When I asked myself what I truly wanted, "writing" was the resounding answer. So, I utilized my G.I. Bill, earned my degree in English, and set out to fulfill my dream of becoming a creative writer. However, life had a different plan, and I ended up as a technical writer.
But, I harbor no regrets about this slight detour from my initial goal. After spending a few years in this profession, I realized it was the perfect match for what I had been seeking all along - the chance to immerse myself in the realm of words every single day. Each morning, I wake up with a sense of anticipation, eager to start my day because I know that my work will bring me immense joy.
However, I regret that it took me a considerable amount of time to discover my true passion. As a child, I was inexplicably drawn to the magic of words. I would lose myself in the worlds of fiction and non-fiction, and took great pleasure in penning down my thoughts, whether for leisure or school assignments. Yet, I never considered turning this passion into a career. I believed my future was in military service, where I served for 11 years before being discharged after the first Gulf War.
This led me to a crossroads, where I had to reassess my career path. When I asked myself what I truly wanted, "writing" was the resounding answer. So, I utilized my G.I. Bill, earned my degree in English, and set out to fulfill my dream of becoming a creative writer. However, life had a different plan, and I ended up as a technical writer.
But, I harbor no regrets about this slight detour from my initial goal. After spending a few years in this profession, I realized it was the perfect match for what I had been seeking all along - the chance to immerse myself in the realm of words every single day. Each morning, I wake up with a sense of anticipation, eager to start my day because I know that my work will bring me immense joy.
Updated
Kara’s Answer
Every job I've held has come with its highs and lows. Yet, each one was exactly what I needed at that specific moment in my life. The secret to success and creating your best life lies in recognizing when it's time to venture into new territories. Remember, you're not chained to a single job for eternity. It's perfectly fine to believe in yourself, take leaps of faith, and embrace risks, especially when it's something you genuinely desire. In essence, I'm content with the roles I've selected, the adventures each one has presented, and the skills I've acquired along the way. A consistent source of joy in every job I've had has been the support I've received.