Change of career-is it worth the change?

[ianleeder]

I'm in a pickle and need advice from mums who changed careers whilst their dd are young. I graduated from university with a first class degree 10 years ago and worked in my chosen field ever since. My pay isn't great but if I stayed in the same field at a different company I could be earning more. I've been thinking a career change as I lack in motivation and I'm not enthusiastic anymore in my job. I want to get into childcare. I applied for a p/t course (I have 2 young kids under 5) which involves 1 day in college and 2 days in school. I properly won't get paid much for the 2 days in school so my money will go from luxury to nothing! Do I go ahead and do the course (starts in sep) which means I will be very broke,no disposable income left to do anything. Or stay and be miserable in my current job ? (the pay is stable and my kids can continue with their clubs, food and bills will be paid etc). Deep down, I want to do the course but I can't be selfish as I will be broke for the next year or so. my current company is small so there is no where to progress or move up.

Do you have a DP or DH? Just wondering how you'd support your family. If so, what does he feel about being the sole earner?

Yes sorry forgot to add I do have a dh and with our combined Salary and we can afford the bills, mortgage, food etc. I can't be earning any less or we won't be able to cope. My dh thinks its a bad idea changing to anywhere that is less pay.

How long is the course? One year, two years? I think, as long as you can make your basic needs that sacrificing good stuff for a couple of years in order to get yourself a future job that will bring you satisfaction (thereby making you happier and by extension your family happier) is worth it. And I think the sooner you do it the better. Kids only get more expensive as they get older, doing it with under fives (and their easy fascination with a bucket and spade or helping out in the kitchen) would have little effect on them.

However, if your DH is not on board that's a different kettle of fish. Think you need to discuss with him and 'sell' him on the idea, while I'm sure he loves the money (no-one's going to embrace a pay cut!) he must think of how your current job is affecting you and why you feel you need this change.

If he doesn't support you, that throws up a whole lot of other issues...

What is the course you will be taking? From what I hear, even people with degrees in Childcare are paid abysmally. You have first class degree. They do not come easily.

Do you think a changing place of work but keeping same career could inspire motivation?

And DH/DP not supporting you is not necessarily throwing up other issues.

You are a team, both bringing money to the table. He is being realistic and believing you need to bring money in that is enough to live. The stress of feeding a family should not fall on the shoulders of one person unless they are willing

And I mean that in the nicest way

Why don't you try moving to a different firm, first?

That would "buy you time", as you could save up the extra income and then decide a year or two from now whether you really do want a career change, or whether it was just the atmosphere in your company that you disliked!

If you still want to retrain, you'll have those savings to live on while you study and if not, you'll have a nice little nest egg, plus a job you enjoy and a great income! Win-win

I did a complete career change a few years ago, but it was while I was single and had no children. It meant that EVERYTHING was on me to make sure that I still had enough money coming in to keep my house, pay my college fees and eat; and it was pretty hard going. I costed out my monthly spending, and how much I'd need to bring in - I needed a part time job and 2 lodgers to make it work.

I also had to change my general way of life in terms of going out, driving to visit friends, what sort of food I bought etc. It was a pretty tough 2 years! But at least I knew I was only affecting me.

I would see if you can do some of the retraining while you're still working, if that's possible - maybe ask to go part time at your job, or look for an alternative that is part time (probably as rare as hens' teeth) - but if it's not possible then it's going to be really tough on you, especially if your DH isn't 100% behind you. I don't know if he's the sort to rub things in, but if he is, he's likely to whinge and moan every time you're short of money for anything. :(

I agree with anyone saying you should try and save up first, so you have some back-up.

Yes, i have thought about this seriously. Ive lost my mojo with my chosen career and want to try something else. It's probably not the best time to change with young kids and a house. I work part time so I feel stuck as my current job works out well with childcare and flexibility but I'm miserable when I get home

Well, you'll always have a house , but your kids will grow up...

I retrained for a new career when my youngest started junior school and the first couple of years were tough, but it does get easier as they get older and more independent!

You're miserable when you get home? Are you sure it's the job that's the problem ?

If you're serious about this, it's really your DH you need to discuss it with, as I don't see how you can do it without his full support (hence the 'other issues' I mentioned if he doesn't fully support you in this) otherwise either he will be resentful as time ticks on with little dosh. Alternatively, if he doesn't support you in this and you continue to feel trapped in an unsatisfying job, then it's likely that you will feel resentful as time ticks on.

Either way, you both need to be on the same page (whatever that page may be). As long as you can pay the bills, it's affordable. Holidays and nice clothes are optional extras. If it's not affordable, then you may be looking at using up savings or getting another job during your training to help pay the bills.

You sound like me! Childcare ad flexible working keeps me here. However I cannot afford a pay cut so that will have to wait.

So I'm looking for a new organisation instead and if it doesn't work then who knows.