Wondering if I’ve chosen one of the worst possible careers I could’ve

[GreenEgg]

Has anyone realised this, and restarted in a completely different field? How did you do it - or the reverse, did you think that but it ended up ok?

I’m so unhappy and stressed all the time, work becomes my entire life. My work is high pressure in that deadlines can be very demanding, but it’s also quite complex and means dealing with lots of different people who have different views etc. I’m a people pleaser and a bit of a perfectionist so that really is challenging for me.

I keep imaging an escape and it’s always something like a wildlife rescue in the country, or even a florist, or a librarian, or anything else. I feel like I’m just not cut out for my work - everyone says how good I am it but they don’t see the toll that it takes on me?

I feel like resigning, ending my lease, moving somewhere and just escaping it all but I can’t do that financially. I doubt I’d ever have the courage or follow through as well, I’m terrible with decisions and just get paralysed and do nothing.

I also don’t trust myself though, like is this just me in the moment? Would another job just be exactly the same, because it’s about how I react to things? Would being somewhere totally new and alone with no one really be the best idea? 

[randomxx]

Hi there op.

Only a few million other people and just about anyone l've ever known. Many into completely opposite work , myself included.

Unfortunately it's really weird how we can be a natural or so good at some area , but it just doesn't agree with us.

l had a dream all my life didn't start it until 35 but then , l didn't like it at all, yet l was one of those myself but l just didn't like it, people still ask why l left it. l was just much happier in a long the lines of my old work and that life that went with it. l kinda went back to that but in a different area of it but also back into my own business. Been very content 15yrs now it changed my life and me to and l still thank the Gods l left the other.

Your not happy in what your doing now and it's very obviously filling you full of anxiety and effecting you in huge ways and all that sort of thing just makes us miserable and sometimes a lot worse.

Some of the things you spoke of there sound much more you, seriously, l'd really start planning on getting into something else.

All the best

rx

[GreenEgg]

Thank you fx! It helped reading your kind reply in what’s been kind of a not so good day. How did you know what would work for you, was it just something you tried and felt good so kept going?

[randomxx]

Heya there Greenegg, thx for that.

Well, it's complicated but l was always good working with my hands, and l was always a very good artist to so art was always my eventual dream. Dad always sad though ah, no money in art until your gone- that was back then. So l thought ok l'll get into one of the trades try to get a bit established first then get into art later on when hopefully money wouldn't matter so much.

Tried a few apprenticeships , one closed down, the others l just didn't like as a full time job, had other jobs. l didn't get far and l hated being restricted and clocking on.

At 23 l just stumbled across this business idea. lt had all the the things l like like working with my hands, l could set it up from the yard or a simple little workshop somewhere, good money so l could do just say one job then have a few wks off between jobs all yr through, so l got into that.

lt wasn't really my dream job but l enjoyed the work, got lots of time of, my own boss and made ok money so l stuck with that 13yrs.

Then finally l was in a just ok position to try art.

l loved art and did very well but l hated everything involved with art and the artist life and the industry itself. l missed being back in the real world and just being a worker and the more normal life, l was much happier back then.

Sooo, l quit and went back to working for myself and the real word ha ha. lt wasn't the exact area but a spin of from what l use to do. Been doing that ever since. lt was hard getting started again few broke yrs like the first time and like art to but stuck with it and eventually got it going into a pretty good lifestyle/work combo l like, plenty of free time, quite enjoy the work.

Dad always said orrrrrrr, ya never get perfect in anything in life ha ha, well for me anyway that proved spot on.

But if you can get the 2 out of 3 in the most important things to you then l reckon your doing pretty good.

Maybe there's something in the rant for you.

Good luck hey.

rx

[Whatsinaname]

Hi Greenegg and rx,

It would have to be about once every year I dream of just giving it all in and moving to the middle of no where and hiding from the world. But if I am completely honest with myself that is simply because sometimes I just want to run away and hide.

I guess my vague point is, ensure of your intentions before doing anything.

I wish you well in whatever choice you make.

[yours_truly]

Hey GreenEgg,

This sounds like something that has been on your mind for while, probably constantly there. If so, then it would be best that you consider what movements you can make NOW, that are also on the safer end. Don't leave it on your mind and regret for as long as you will. It takes courage and effort to make these decisions, but you don't have to make it tomorrow. Start looking for options now, and slowly build up your knowledge, preferences and pathways. Reach out for advice from people in fields you're interested in and try reaching out to contacts you know through previous networking. 

The best advice I can give you is, unless you try and actively seek a difference, there won't be one. 

Hope this encourages you to make a decision suited to you,

Yours_truly

[Priya953]

I understand your feelings completely. It's so common to feel overwhelmed and fantasize about a complete career change, especially when work anxiety takes such a toll. However, there may be better solutions than making a drastic decision.
I suggest first acknowledging your emotions as valid. Additionally, I came across an article on Yourmentalhealthpal.com called "How To Overcome Work Anxiety" that might be helpful for you. Work anxiety is natural, and you shouldn't dismiss how you're feeling. Then, try implementing some practical tips, like time management, creating to-do lists, and taking mental health days. Talking to a trusted colleague or employer about adjusting your workload could also make a big difference.
Before resigning and making a major life change, please try these strategies. With some adjustments, you may be able to find more balance and reduce your work anxiety within your current role. The grass is sometimes greener, so approach this cautiously. Taking small steps forward is often wiser than leaping into the unknown.

[GreenEgg]

No thank you for telling me! I love hearing about what people do and they’re passionate about. There’s something so satisfying about making something, I’m not very good but I love my wonky creations and drawings. 

[GreenEgg]

Hi everyone 

I thought I replied but it’s not here so quite possibly this is just going to be another lol. 

I love hearing about peoples stories and what they’re passionate about, it sounds pretty brave to me trying things out. And there’s something so satisfying about making something, although in my case very wonky things. Your dad sounds pretty wise to ,2 out of 3 isn’t bad at all.

And hi whatsinaname & yours_truly, yes definitely I do think part of it just an escape. I definitely swing between lots of energy then total burnout, and I ignore things till they start to build up. Maybe there’s somewhere in the middle where I could use a more steady job so I’m less likely to burn myself out, and some small life changes. 

I’ve been down this road a little bit before, where I feel really unhappy and decide to enrol in a random course or something. Both times I’ve quickly realised that I can’t manage it and it’s too stressful, I’ve just added more on without leaving anything, and didn’t really have a plan for what I wanted from it… 

So yes working out intentions probably would’ve been a good starting point lol, not my best area. I guess just when feel a bit lost as a person like I don’t have much personality or skills it’s hard to see where you’d fit in, and the critic in my ear just seems to find a flaw with everything like I’m not really capable of anything. Even things like volunteering I can’t help but wonder who would want me to / I wouldn’t help 

[GreenEgg]

Hi and thanks Priya! I got too excited at replies and didn’t scroll down before I responded! 

That’s great advice thank you. I do struggle with organising a bit because I have ADHD, and I can be pretty impulsive. I’ve tried doing a weekly plan at work my boss recommended it - each week just setting a single priority for the week like if you could only do one thing. Quickly I ended up with a whole list not one lol so maybe delegating too, I just feel bad delegating when it’s short timeframes. Maybe I could even do 4 days instead of 5 or something to have a bit more down time