Ask a Coach
All "Ask a Coach" Articles |Personal Answers
This is question 16 of 41
<< Prev | Next >>
I hate my job, but I am afraid to leave
Answer by Hetal Shah
Katherine asks:
I am 26 years old, living in Edinburgh and in a career which I hate. It has been over 4 years since I graduated from college and I although I appear to be doing well - I am in a well paid job (Sales/Marketing) - I absolutely hate it.I hate the rigidity of my 9-5 job and the field I am in does not inspire me.
Recently I started an evening art class and love it and would love to be in this field full time.
I am afraid though as I would need to get some training and I am afraid of financial problems I may have as a result. I am not from the UK so do not have family support.
Hetal says:
Think about whether it is your environment, place you work and type of work you do at this company that does not inspire and energise you as opposed to a career in Sales and Marketing. Sometimes many people think about a career change because they do not like their current job and when they think about it its actually not the career in its entirety that is the issue but just their current environment.So, Katherine, make a list of everything that you do not like about your current career and also a list of all the things you do like. Think hard. When you finish the exercise think about any ways to improve your current career situation from talking to your boss if you’ve identified certain issues that can be resolved or looking for another career where you can use your experience and skills. If at the end of the exercise you still want a career change well that’s great – the important thing is you’ve thoroughly thought about it first.
Moving on to your art career. It seems that what is holding you back is your financial situation once you begin training. One idea may be to build it up slowly and keep your current job which you say is well paid. Maybe you could train in the evenings or at weekends at night or weekend school. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. If you really want to leave your job could you find another job using the skills you have to support your studies? Maybe a part-time marketing role?
Well done for finding something you really enjoy and good luck.
This is question 16 of 41
<< Prev | Next >>
