Career move, worth the sacrifices?
Discussion
Is it worth taking on more stress, responsibility and hours to move your career on?
I'm currently a self employed contractor with a good, relaxed role at a big company which I can do with my eyes closed. The money is good, there has been mention of a permanent job, which would be okay, paid holiday, good salary etc. no real room for progression, but as the wages are good no one usually cares.
I have quite a good home life currently as the hours, while more recently night shift, are really rather good, 4 nights per week plus paid overtime if I want, but it's never forced. Long weekends every weekend.
The lack of progression does bother me though, and it's quite a niche industry in which the skills aren't really that transferable to other jobs with similar salaries. There has been interest in me from another department to take me on as someone has left. It's still a contract role, which is fine, but a lot more responsibility, an extra 2 hours per night, plus if they need weekend cover there is no option but to do it. The bosses are also a little difficult whereas my bosses now are brilliant.
The upside is, it would look fantastic on my CV, teach me new skills so I could leave this particular field at some point and possibly find a normal 9-5 job with less commuting and even better money.
Keen to hear from anyone who's made sacrifices to get somewhere, and those who stay put and just enjoy an easy life. I do sometimes struggle with nights getting the sleep right, and it makes it hard going, so longer nights and over time may wel screw up my weekends completely. At only 24, I don't want to waste what should be the best years of my life working, but then again maybe it's better to do all the legwork now for a better life later on. It's a tough one, and having worked heavy hours since I was 17, until fairly recently, part of me wants to just stay put.
Look forward to hearing your experiences and how it's worked out.
Cheers
I'm currently a self employed contractor with a good, relaxed role at a big company which I can do with my eyes closed. The money is good, there has been mention of a permanent job, which would be okay, paid holiday, good salary etc. no real room for progression, but as the wages are good no one usually cares.
I have quite a good home life currently as the hours, while more recently night shift, are really rather good, 4 nights per week plus paid overtime if I want, but it's never forced. Long weekends every weekend.
The lack of progression does bother me though, and it's quite a niche industry in which the skills aren't really that transferable to other jobs with similar salaries. There has been interest in me from another department to take me on as someone has left. It's still a contract role, which is fine, but a lot more responsibility, an extra 2 hours per night, plus if they need weekend cover there is no option but to do it. The bosses are also a little difficult whereas my bosses now are brilliant.
The upside is, it would look fantastic on my CV, teach me new skills so I could leave this particular field at some point and possibly find a normal 9-5 job with less commuting and even better money.
Keen to hear from anyone who's made sacrifices to get somewhere, and those who stay put and just enjoy an easy life. I do sometimes struggle with nights getting the sleep right, and it makes it hard going, so longer nights and over time may wel screw up my weekends completely. At only 24, I don't want to waste what should be the best years of my life working, but then again maybe it's better to do all the legwork now for a better life later on. It's a tough one, and having worked heavy hours since I was 17, until fairly recently, part of me wants to just stay put.
Look forward to hearing your experiences and how it's worked out.
Cheers
Edited by CX53 on Sunday 1st May 09:07
If you're earning decent enough money, and contractors in most industries usually are, then I'd stick with what you're doing at the moment. Life's too short to spend it at work all the time. I spent years chasing the next move up the ladder but ultimately I was happier when I jacked it all in and started working for myself / from home, more quality time with the people that matter and im better company with a decent sleep.
Believe me if I had the opportunity to work from home, or for myself, earning reasonable money then I'd jump at it, and it is a goal for the future for sure.
That's what's holding me back, but I don't want to be stuck doing the same thing forever, which is likely if I don't make a jump like this at some point. It always seems to involve more hours though - and I know you get out what you put in, and have to work for what you want, but it's a shame in my case that means working too much and not having enough time to relax or pursue interests outside work.
However, I may reap the rewards after a year or two when I could take my new skills and experience and go elsewhere hopefully working normal hours so I can have more of a life.
That's what's holding me back, but I don't want to be stuck doing the same thing forever, which is likely if I don't make a jump like this at some point. It always seems to involve more hours though - and I know you get out what you put in, and have to work for what you want, but it's a shame in my case that means working too much and not having enough time to relax or pursue interests outside work.
However, I may reap the rewards after a year or two when I could take my new skills and experience and go elsewhere hopefully working normal hours so I can have more of a life.
If there's s light at the end of the tunnel and you think it's worth it in the long run go for it
Personally though in my industry, by the time I was experienced enough to be a contractor in my field I didn't stand to gain anything other than a bit more money and responsibility by trying to climb the ladder, if you're already earning enough then my advice would be to put the focus on your home life instead.
Unless work is a passion and something you love, why do it more than you have to? Maybe I've just gotten old, but priorities really become clear after years of hard work and you realise what you've missed out on just to get somewhere. The happiest bloke I know is a painter and decorator working 37 hours a week for 25k a year. Okay, he has a modest lifestyle, house and car, but gets by, gets to see his wife and children every night for hours, can go out and do things after work as he still has the energy.
Have a think about what's really important
Personally though in my industry, by the time I was experienced enough to be a contractor in my field I didn't stand to gain anything other than a bit more money and responsibility by trying to climb the ladder, if you're already earning enough then my advice would be to put the focus on your home life instead.
Unless work is a passion and something you love, why do it more than you have to? Maybe I've just gotten old, but priorities really become clear after years of hard work and you realise what you've missed out on just to get somewhere. The happiest bloke I know is a painter and decorator working 37 hours a week for 25k a year. Okay, he has a modest lifestyle, house and car, but gets by, gets to see his wife and children every night for hours, can go out and do things after work as he still has the energy.
Have a think about what's really important
That does help put it into perspective somewhat.
It's not so much the money that's important, as its the same as I get now, although could increase future earning potential.. It's more the options it can open up for an easier working life later on with more variety of jobs available.
That being said, im wondering if I have it in me to do a basic 48 hour nightshift week, plus overtime at weekends... 40 hours a week with optional overtime is currently about enough for me, but I don't want to be stuck in the same position forever. More thought needed I guess!
It's not so much the money that's important, as its the same as I get now, although could increase future earning potential.. It's more the options it can open up for an easier working life later on with more variety of jobs available.
That being said, im wondering if I have it in me to do a basic 48 hour nightshift week, plus overtime at weekends... 40 hours a week with optional overtime is currently about enough for me, but I don't want to be stuck in the same position forever. More thought needed I guess!
I think it depends if you have that 'itch' to try and better yourself. The fact you ask the question probably means your not that motivated to do it. Where ever I work I always seem to end up taking on more and more responsiblity which I enjoy but it does come at a price the money is always useful but you can end up living to work...instead of working to live!
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