Author Topic: Another career change thread. But maybe different?  (Read 2153 times)

phalipi

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Another career change thread. But maybe different?
« on: September 22, 2017, 10:00:07 AM »
So my situation is one of those where I actually like my job and don't want to quit. Im a Lieutenant for a fire department that I have been working for 9+ years. Reason I am even considering leaving behind such a sweet gig is my wife has some health issues. With me being gone on 24 hour and sometimes 48 hour shifts, it's hard for her to take care of our two young daughters. So my problem, I have leadership skills, a lot of health and safety knowledge, and also mechanically inclined, but I have no idea what jobs I could possible be hired for. I have an associate's in fire technology and numerous certifications. Moving is not really an option, there are several industries around with the big one being  agriculture (Texas Panhandle) which I have zero knowledge in. I am a fast learner and voracious researcher/studier when I need to know something. There are only two options for staying in the fire department with an 8-5 schedule, but these positions are rarely open. I would much rather stay in my department as I will lose all my benefits and pension, but life happens I guess.
So basically, for those who chose to change careers to a completely unrelated field, were you able to get a non-entry level job where your previous skills could be transitioned? Does anyone have any knowledge of civil service personnel being hired into your workplace? Anyone have any advice on what fields I could possibly do well in?
Ive been looking at health and safety jobs, but it appears most positions need you to have a solid background in that particular field. Any advice is appreciated!

Dave1442397

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Re: Another career change thread. But maybe different?
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2017, 10:18:05 AM »
Can you maybe hire someone to come help out with the kids for a few hours a day?

phalipi

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Re: Another career change thread. But maybe different?
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2017, 11:17:24 AM »
Thanks for reply but her condition isnt always constant. Its also me being away at night, and her having to wake up multiple times a night when she feels bad. Dont think anyone would want that job.

slappy

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Re: Another career change thread. But maybe different?
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2017, 01:15:37 PM »
Thanks for reply but her condition isnt always constant. Its also me being away at night, and her having to wake up multiple times a night when she feels bad. Dont think anyone would want that job.

You would be surprised. There is such a thing as a night nanny. How old are the kids?  Personally, my guess is that the night nanny option is not going to be very affordable/mustachian.

Is moving to another department an option?

phalipi

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Re: Another career change thread. But maybe different?
« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2017, 01:55:49 PM »
4 and 1.5. I watch them on my days off so our part-time child care costs are usually around $500/month. I'm sure a night nanny would not be very affordable for us.

MrsPete

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Re: Another career change thread. But maybe different?
« Reply #5 on: September 22, 2017, 02:02:34 PM »
My now-RN daughter worked "home health" for a while during her college years. 

She'd go into people's homes and help with whatever they needed:  Bathing was the biggest thing she did, but she also helped with "homework" from the Physical Therapist or Speech Therapist, food prep, even drove people to the doctor or grocery store.  She did an overnight nurse thing only once -- she was mostly just sitting awake in the living room by herself after she helped the lady bathe and get into bed.  She wouldn't go back to that house though because the husband was so mean to her that she said she didn't feel safe. 

Get this: Insurance covers it ... for some people.  It's worth looking into.

slappy

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Re: Another career change thread. But maybe different?
« Reply #6 on: September 22, 2017, 02:09:30 PM »
4 and 1.5. I watch them on my days off so our part-time child care costs are usually around $500/month. I'm sure a night nanny would not be very affordable for us.

About the ages of my kids. I know things are tough now, as we are in the thick of it. But for me at least, my older started sleeping a lot better around age 2. So it may not be much longer before you wife can actually get a good nights sleep.  You can obviously still look at switching careers if that's what you want/need to do.

Bruinguy

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Re: Another career change thread. But maybe different?
« Reply #7 on: September 22, 2017, 02:10:17 PM »
If the need is irregular, you may want to look into Care.com.  They can provide one-off or irregular assistance.  It could be more expensive on a per-use basis, but may also be cheaper than having regular help that is more than you need.

I think you are getting solutions for your current job more than suggestions for other careers because it is likely that changing careers is going to lower your income (including as a result of losing your pension). 

Although getting help may be expensive, you may find that the effect on your net income is better than changing careers.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!