Changing Direction

[Noir]

Hi all! I hope that you 30something folks could pick my brains a bit. I feel like I'm going through a mid-life crisis or whatever you call it. I'm in my mid-30s already and I feel like I need a change of direction. There's nothing inherently wrong with where I am right now, but in my gut I'm desiring a career change and take on a risk too. I've increasingly become unhappy at my job. I've been with the same company for seven years now and I really want to go back to school to change careers. It's only one year program but expensive. I don't know if it's worth to take on this debt just to go to this school full time and at the same time run my small business. The subject at school is related to my small business and will educate me in all areas that I need to know to run my business. I've this passion for this subject as long as I can remember and always wanted to work in this industry because I enjoy it but my job has nothing to do with this industry at all. Plus, I'm not in for money but to find something that keeps me occupied and to contribute to the household finances. I'm married but no children so my husband's willing to support me while I go to school full time and be my partner in business too. I've prayed about it. I'm happy with other areas in my life except for my career and job. I love to work hard and learn new things. I believe in personal growth. Be inspired and a room to breathe. At work, I felt like I had to "hold my breath" so I guess this means suffocation of my personal growth or change. Is this normal?

 

[BRISH]

I'm almost 31 and have kind of been going through the same thing this past year. I wouldn't say its abnormal. What I've learned is that graduating from highschool and earning a degree does not mean we know who we are or what we want to do. I think that happens down the road. It may just be that you're at that place now of knowing what you want out of life and feeling hesitant because we assume at this phase that "all is said and done". It's not though. It's just beginning, IMO. Age does not always correlate with knowing ourselves. You have someone who supports you and the time to do it. Go for it.

 

[Blessd1]

What you are experiencing is not foreign. So many of us are experiencing the same thing. Bishop TD Jakes recently wrote a book, Repositioning. I have not completed the entire book yet but I believe that it explains what is occurring to so many people. I also experienced what I called a "mid life crisis" in my late thirties. I would encourage you to pray, journal, try to have some quiet time where you can truly examine what would make you happy, whole, complete. Seek the Lord for His direction. Listen to the "still small voice" which we usually ignore when we are in jobs that don't fulfill us. Is there any way you can keep your job AND pursue your desire to return back to school? This may be an avenue for you to pay for school. Is there a way that you could perhaps pursue your education part time?Sometimes you have to walk by faith and invest in yourself. I am learning this at this point in my life. I would encourage you not to ignore what you are sensing and to pursue your dream. It's time for you to breathe . Go for it!

 

[UpTheWaterfall]

I am 31 years old and I am going through the same thing. If you don't want to quit your current job there may be college courses you can take online. But if you have the support of your husband and you feel God pulling you in that direction then I say Honey go for it!