Have You Ever Drastically Changed One Career For Another?

2 times. So 3 different careers. I'm fine with it. I'm 60 and want to do it again so I have a new career when I'm forced to retire my present one.

[Quote]I'm 60 and want to do it again so I have a new career when I'm forced to retire my present one.

What are you thinking of doing?

I haven't a clue what to do next. I know it won't be entrepreneurial, consulting, or self employed - I don't like that.

Yes, I stopped practicing medicine and began a career in medical writing. I have just landed my first freelance job!

It doesn't pay nearly as much medicine but I am so happy to be free of being responsible for others, especially when they can't be bothered to take a care for themselves.

I went from being a sex worker from my teens to mid 20s, when I graduated from law school and became a lawyer. In a way, maybe I didn’t change careers. Both jobs involved screwing people and charging way too much.

Was a nuclear engineer for about 9 years, then became a lawyer. Liked the nuclear industry, but all the good jobs were way out in bumfuck. I met my now-husband, and that made me realize I wanted to live in a major city with him, so I switched to a career where I could easily work in any city.

^ What type of law affords you the luxury of easily working in "any" city? The bar exam is specific in many states with few worth living in giving reciprocity. Also, how do you build a client base?

R5 Oh, you.

R6, I was/am assuming you are in the United States. Apologies if you are not.

R7, after five years of Big Law, I moved in-house at a large non-profit and have been there almost 20 years. So if I moved to a non-profit in a different city, I could likely "waive in" to the bar of the new state (my state has reciprocity agreements with around 30 states, and rules are often more lax around practicing in-house), and I also would have no need to "build a client base".

I was a pharmacist for 22 years, then changed to marine biologist. I couldn't take the druggies and the risk of being held at gunpoint more than once.

It's the best thing I ever did, and I've been happy in my job for 16 years. Now, at 60, I'm ready to retire.

Thanks, R10. I am a miserable attorney in a God-forsaken state who doesn't see many options or a way out.

R12, I'm sorry to hear that. If it's an option at all where you live, in-house can be a very nice lifestyle. No need to drum up business, just need to build respect among your in-house "clients" over time. I wish you happiness.

Worked as COO (Chief Operating Officer aka the C-person cleaning up after the CEO) in various startups. Hated every single one of the companies I worked for.

The long winter break during the pandemic made me realise I really want to be a composer for documentaries, film, tv, video games. Currently building my portfolio while doing a bit of freelancing (consulting) on the side.

This is not a linear trajectory, so wish me luck, bitches!

Good luck with your new career Dutchie!

-MD who left medicine

Thank you, former medicine man!

Former travel agent and insurance adjuster who went to med school in his mid-30s.

And yes, I landed in the specialty you're all thinking.

[Quote]And yes, I landed in the specialty you're all thinking.

R17 Dick doctor!

Bariatric gerontology, so you could care for the Datalounge community, VOTN?

I vas sex vorker too R5!

Then became "lady architect" and "fashion model" and now is Vairst Letty-in-Exile

I went to law school at 40 after working my entire life in restaurants. But I guess working at Applebee's wouldn't really be considered a "career."

Oh, yes.

I'm envious of gays who chose big careers (medicine, law, corporate, showbiz, etc.). To me it would take big balls to barge in and demand 'your place at the table'.

I always thought I should stay in the shadows and be...

Yes, OP, I went from being a grifter to a criminal.

Bumping this as I’m sat at work not doing the work I should be doing as I can’t muster any shits to give (pointless corporate job). Seriously thinking about a total switch and doing something that helps animals/wildlife in some way. Still have a possible 25 years till official retirement age so it’s a long time to go.

R14: how’s the career change going so far? Any luck?

R11: how did you start that switch? Did you go back to college to study marine biology? Full time or did you start studying while in your old job?