Tell me about your success stories when you changed your job completely.

[perenat]

I was working more than 10 years in banking and several months ago I quit to start my own mobile development studio. I was always a math geek and fan and now I am doing a math app for kids. But still there are times when I miss my banking days and feel very insecure. Write your success stories pls) (or may be failures will open my eyes too))

No experience to share but place marking as I'm seriously considering leaving my awful retail job and training in a completely different field so I'd be interested to see others' stories too!

I did a law degree (3 years at uni) and a postgrad (1 year) to allow me to train as a solicitor. I practised in the field for approx 3 years in different areas.

As luck would have it, I was stressed to the hilt, ill and not enjoying the work or commute and if I wanted to think about a family - it would have been very difficult.

I was made redundant and work as an Administrator in an IT company. 10 minutes from home. Decent salary. Decent colleagues. And most importantly, for me, minimal stress.

Ex-solicitor here, moved into media. Absolutely hated law although I miss the money and the prestige. Love my current job - it's no picnic but it's so much more creatively satisfying. Work/life balance is also much better.

ConfessionsOfTeenageDramaQueen, you formulated ideally my feeling. Sometimes I really miss the money and teh prestige. But I really like what I am doing now.

Following with interest!!

I was in academia, which I enjoyed but got v frustrated by. Had 2 kids, was out of work, went into the scientific writing sector. Love it! Obv it has its frustrations, but I enjoy my work most days and am v. happy.

I was a research scientist in academia - I retrained as an accountant. Sounds like I went from interesting to boring but I've actually found the reverse to be true

I always worked in admin/accounts type jobs for small creative firms, and then the same as freelance part-time after the kids. Made really good money working all over London for different companies.

Got fed up of childcare issues 3 years ago and I now work as the medical lady in a Secondary school. Pays not great, but the kids make me smile every single day and I'm currently lounging about the place on 6 weeks holiday - I love it!

I was a nanny for nearly 10 years since I left school . After my daughter was born I thought it's time to start something new . I went in to IT ( project planning) & I'm self employed , it can be very stressful at times as working long hours to meet deadlines but rewarding at the same time . People I work with are great so that keeps me going and makes a big difference.

I was an accountant/financial analyst for a large automotive company, half completed my professional exams and decided I wasn't happy.

Took 18 months off, then retrained as a teacher - have been one for longer than I was an accountant and love it.

Money is rubbish, worklife balance during termtime is tough, but the rewards I get from it are enough to make up for that.

Thank you all for your stories! they really help.