What was the best employment decision you've made during your working life?

[LookingForAChange21]

Just that really...

I'm at a bit of a crossroads in terms of work/not particularly liking my role or the sector/wondering how far to carry on with my studying.

It just got me wondering what other people may look back on and see as a pivotal moment, either leaving a particular job or taking one, or enrolling on to a certain course etc.

Just curious about all your experiences while I wonder where to go next

I took a huge risk and joined a start-up.

It’s paid off in buckets, thankfully.

Leaving to go self employed after 8 years of juggling both. It was terrifying and exhilarating and even after the impact of covid, the best decision I've ever made.

Mine would probably be moving to my current role.

I took my previous role last year, when the company I had worked with for over a decade announced redundancies. This was just as we were heading into lockdown, so I panicked and took a job that on paper looked a great fit. I started having doubts about 3 months in, but decided to stick it out. So didn’t apply when I saw an ideal role advertised but it just got worse so I started to look elsewhere. The ideal role was readvertised and I applied and got it. I lasted 8 months at my previous role, my shortest job to date!

The pivotal moment for me was being able to accept that the role was not what I wanted and was making me unhappy. I was going to stick with it as I thought it was best for the kids, but put myself first for once. New role works even better for the kids, but is less money. I am happy with my decision as this role will use my experience but also develop my skills hugely.

I left I job I didn't enjoy and was being bullied in. After doing some temp work I've ended up in a different field but am happy and challenged.
I understand there isn't so much temp work these days and you may have to consider how much of a pay drop you could take, if any, but if you can make the leap from something you don't enjoy, do.
Life's too short. Good Luck!

Taking voluntary redundancy and starting my own business. Being self employed is stressful, but much prefer this stress than than what I was under previously at a large corporation.

Changing my field of practice from mental heath to neurology at a seniorAHP level.
Huge learning curve. Renewed my energy for my job 100%.

I nearly quit teaching after 3 years as I just couldn't cope with the workload any more and didn't feel the money was worth it for the pressure eventhough I loved the teaching side. I was also working in a pub on weekends and during holidays make enough money to pay my rent and it all just felt so unfair after working a 60 hour week. But I persevered after the amount of money and training I had done to get there. I am now in a higher position and therefore not expected to 'prove' myself (reducing workload) and on a salary that allows me to have a nice house and lifestyle. I'm so glad I stuck with it and I love my job and feel very secure which is important to me.

Wow! A real mixed bag of responses here already

I went freelance. This was around 25 years ago and was a pretty common way of working in my industry with plenty of work around if you were good and not a tricky person employment-wise but it was still a bit of a leap.

Within two years I had a full-time post at one of the top firms and it was just another level in terms of salary, status and opportunities.

I suppose looking back though it didn’t need to be that moment, I think a year or two later, or even more could have worked, so decisions aren’t always time-limited IYSWIM?

Could you tell us a wee bit more about your situation? In my experience I have seen people regret jumping ship, but not many. For most the change is overwhelmingly positive. Good luck

Moving hundreds of miles alone to relocate for a job. The job was great but I also met DH there. We have relocated since and may relocate again since DS has left home.

Leaving a job even though I had nothing else lined up. I should be thankful to the idiot manager who pissed me off so much that i decided to leave. Otherwise I might have stagnated there even longer. Within 6 months I was earning six times as much as a contractor in a much more interesting role.

Quit and went traveling!

Left a good but stressful job that was making me miserable, where I could see that progression would only lead to even more stress. I'd always wanted to travel, so went abroad, doing farm work just for room and board.

1. It was amazing fun, and I learnt loads about myself, the country, the language.
2. When I came back, I walked straight into a much better paid, less stressful and more interesting role, due to reaching out to an ex-colleague. If I hadn't left, I doubt he'd have thought of me for the new role.

Deciding that sales was not for me anymore, I had fallen into the roles and hadn’t realised how much I hated it until I took the plunge and left. It was the best decision I have made!

Going self employed as a consultant and making sure I work a 4 day week has made life much better for me and the kids. So much less stress and I can choose my working hours. So glad I took the risk I can't ever imagine wanting to go back to my old role.

MMMarmite I am envious! I would love to do this with the kids and am seriously considering it in the future 😁

Starting my own business has definitely been the best thing. It's a scary step but ultimately has worked out on so many levels

I jacked in my job last summer and started a full-time PhD. I have a scholarship so my fees are waived and I get a stipend of £1273 per month, so I'm not destitute but it was a shock dropping from my previous salary!

However, I'm happier than I've been in my working life. I love my research area, I've been able to work on some really interesting projects and I've discovered that I LOVE teaching undergrads. I recently presented some of my research at a (virtual) conference and the audience engagement with my work was so gratifying.

Ask me again in 2023 if it was worth it, when I've finished my degree and I'm struggling to get an academic job

Not giving up work when I had kids- I’m always glad I kept going.

@Mediumred of course

I'm 34 and have studied to degree level. I fell into a retail job post-uni when I wasn't sure what to do with myself and have been there ever since! As time goes on I feel myself losing more and more confidence, but I know I need to do more for myself, every year I stay in this role is another year I regret.

I've recently started a college course which I've loved! I had wanted to go on to the degree but due to already having one I wouldn't be entitled to the student loans and unfortunately can't afford to do it without.

My other option is to enrol and hope to be accepted on to a Masters course, starting Sept 2022, for which I would be entitled to financial help, but the thought of it terrifies me!

To work overseas on numerous medical contracts over 5 years. Earnt enough to buy our house outright when we came home. But it was very long hours and hard work. Dangerous at times too, and abusive. Cured me of any desire to go travelling.

I started an online tutoring business last year. I'd drifted away from education due to all of the stress and tick-box mentality. But when lockdown first hit a year ago, I rediscovered my absolute joy of teaching. I loved teaching DS and organised resources and lessons for my friends' kids. Then after several not-so-gentle-nudges, I started my business.

It's an absolute joy for me to teach and provide support to families. Best decision ever.

I left teaching at Easter. I'm like a different person. When you have outgrown your old job / profession you owe it to yourself to look around for new opportunities.

The difference in me already is so noticeable. People keep asking me if I've lost weight. I've lost the mental load that was weighing me down. My own children are much happier and I'm working freelance on very low hours at the minute while I mentally recover from the last year. By Christmas I will be earning the same I earned in teaching but the difference is I will be working entirely to my own schedule.

That’s interesting to hear @VodselForDinner I’m currently waiting on an offer from a start up and wondering if I’m making a huge mistake leaving my well paid and stable job in a big established company to go and work somewhere very new (but well funded) for slightly less money but with the opportunity to make the role mine and really have an impact.

I’m swaying towards taking it at the moment depending on what they come back with. It’s a really exciting role and something I’d have normally jumped at but we want to buy our first house next year so I can’t afford to take too big a drop on my basic.

Sorry ignore that, they literally just called to offer the salary I requested (just a tiny drop from what I’m currently on) and I’ve accepted

Congrats Fizzy!