Stuck in a career

[944fan]

I have worked in IT for 15 years, mostly as a developer and in recent years as a manager of a development team.

I used to really enjoy it and was happy being an employee, working for the Man, providing I got paid a decent wedge. As time has gone on whilst my salary has gone up nicely so has the level of stress, to the point that I feel its not worth it.

I am only 35, I cannot do this for another 35 years.

I would like to possibly run my own business but I have no idea doing what.

My wife is currently not working since having kids. She is re-training and will eventually go back to work. Even when she does she wont earn anything like my salary, so I feel like I am stuck with this line of work. We never seem to have any money as is, despite not being frivolous.

Anyone else feel trapped? Anyone been able to break free?

[944fan]

Sharted said:

Redundancy could be a solution.

If you have been at the same firm for 15 years and are earning decent money then the payout might be enough to keep you going while you set yourself up.

You'll know best how to single yourself out at your employer.

Not been at the same place for 15 years unfortunately.

Don't think redundancy is at likely at my current place and even if it was the payout would be tiny

[944fan]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I have considered this. A big part of the stress I have to deal with is constantly trying to keep a client happy, who demands so much and doesn't understand the complexity of software development. At least as a contractor I can come in do my bit, do it well, and then walk away and not take any baggage with me.

Was always in the past slightly concerned about contracting and the lack of stability but I guess it just takes planning. I still think my dev skills are good enough to command a decent day rate so that might be an option.

[944fan]

21TonyK said:

Only comment or advice from me is think really, really carefully about this. you are at your peak earning potential in terms of age. Any dramatic changes now could mean you could (and I only mean could) come unstuck long term.

I was high-end IT until 2002 when I changed career at 32. It took me until now to get everything sorted and basically it cost me a vast amount of money meaning I will now be working beyond my planned retirement (ie, this year!!)

I'd being looking to adapt how you work rather than anything dramatic and quick.

Thanks, good advice. I think you are right. I am not a risk taker and wouldn't move unless it was stable and profitable.

I think adapting to how I work is a good idea. I think a big part of the apathy I have for my job currently is it feels like such a waste of time. I couldn't tell you what my current company actually does because it just would sound ridiculous. It is such a waste of time. Our clients are also no picnic. We bust our balls for them and they are never satisfied. We've cancelled or cut short holidays, worked all night, weekends and we don't even get a thanks.

I would to remain in IT as it is something that I am good at but perhaps if the purpose of the company and the products were of more interest to me then I might get more satisfaction.