Feeling trapped in a successful job

[Katsushika]

I’m early 30s, currently living in the city, earning a great wage and seeing all of the luxuries that come with it. But deep down I’m completely unfulfilled in a corporate job that is mentally draining and in a complex/technical (but boring) specialism that is not easily transferable to other fields. Every day when I log on for work I think, “surely this is not my life”? Due to my level, the slightest mistake could cost the company both financially and reputationally, not to mention the fact my career would be over. I’m always feeling the burden of responsibility and stress.

I so often day dream about other jobs I’d love to do, would be less ‘responsibility‘ but so much more rewarding and fulfilling…working with children for instance. But sadly the huge salary cut I’d have to take would result in losing my home which I own with my partner, having to leave the city and probably worrying about money given the current climate.
The thought of taking such a salary cut feels unimaginable, but then again so is spending the rest of my life working in the field I’m in. I’d be so interested to hear from anyone else who is or has been in my boat and what you ended up doing?! Or even just to know I’m not alone!

I love my job as a teacher (mostly) and I feel lucky. However, my husband is also a teacher (hates it) and in this climate, with two kids, we are struggling money wise. It isn't nice to think of the sacrifices we have to make e.g. no holidays, no meals out, fewer activities etc when we both work hard in professional roles that we got into plenty of debt to train for. Sometimes I dream of working high up in a bank etc and would love to be bored but rich. Tricky to know what to do for the best in your situ.

Definitely in your boat, OP!

I am in my late 20’s and at the peak of my career salary wise and my skills aren’t easily transferable meaning that no matter what I do I will probably divide my salary by almost 5. Yet I too daydream of something (anything) else now.

I am not sure what the solution is. Right now I am just focused on saving and I am planning on buying at least a property this year (ideally mortgage free or very low mortgage) and then buy a few more in the very near future. My goal is to invest as much as I can so that I can get a passive revenue so I can then quit/end my career and do something else without having to worry about it being minimum wage etc…

I am personally not that worried about the paycut as I don’t really spend my salary as it is, and don’t care much for luxuries so know I could be equally happy on half of my salary, but I definitely at least do want to remain financially stable enough to be 100% positive that I won’t have to worry about paying bills and essentials.

Wow well done you.

What do you do?

Out of interest what area did you retrain in and how long did it take? I have almost 10 years on you age wise and day dream about the possibilities of leaving the corporate job i hate but wonder if a paycut and retraining is possible

@Cornelious - i’ve just seen your post. It sounds really interesting! Hope all is going well for you