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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: frugalorganic on March 14, 2016, 12:43:45 PM

Title: Advice on Career Change
Post by: frugalorganic on March 14, 2016, 12:43:45 PM
Hi everyone-
I discovered MMM about 1 1/2 years ago and have calculated that it will take me about 10 years until FI.  I work in Corporate America at a job I do not love.  I do like that I can work from home as a project manager, but I believe this won't be allowed for too much longer due to Org changes. 
I look at similar jobs but I have a hard time actually applying as even though I am good at it and qualified, I am not passionate about it.  I don't love Corporate life, and can't pull the trigger on applying to similar jobs.  My passion has been around healthy eating, and I have considered a career change, but am afraid that I won't find a good job if I go back to school to get a degree in it.  Also, I don't believe in the USDA diet recommendations, as if they worked our country wouldn't be so overweight and unhealthy, and I would't want to get a degree in something I don't believe is working.
So my question, do I stick it out in a career path I don't love for the next 10 years, or do I chuck it all, and find a new path where I will have to work longer but may actually enjoy going to work everyday?  Are there any MMM members that are experienced in the nutrition field who can give me advice or recommendations for schools that have programs that are really beneficial to keeping people healthy?
Thanks for any advice.
Title: Re: Advice on Career Change
Post by: bellamama810 on March 14, 2016, 01:26:10 PM
Hi everyone-
I work in Corporate America at a job I do not love... I look at similar jobs but I have a hard time actually applying as even though I am good at it and qualified, I am not passionate about it.  I don't love Corporate life, and can't pull the trigger on applying to similar jobs. My passion has been around healthy eating, and I have considered a career change, but am afraid that I won't find a good job if I go back to school to get a degree in it. .. So my question, do I stick it out in a career path I don't love for the next 10 years, or do I chuck it all, and find a new path where I will have to work longer but may actually enjoy going to work everyday?  Are there any MMM members that are experienced in the nutrition field who can give me advice or recommendations for schools that have programs that are really beneficial to keeping people healthy?

Hello! I just wanted to say that I sympathize with your situation and have had many similar feelings about my own work. Approaching 40 now, part of me is wondering why I'm doing what I'm doing since I don't really love it... there are aspects I like, but just no passion. I have the same interests though I haven't thought about turning that specifically into a career, other than in passing. I do know several people who have, though many are stay at home moms who use nutrition counseling as an income supplement or get involved in multiple projects, promoting and maintaining successful blogs, etc. I'm sure it depends on where you live and how much of a market need there is for what you are considering. In my area, there are quite a few people getting involved in that area, but there doesn't seem to be as much readiness. Two people in natural health that I've seen done well are naturopaths because there are only a couple in the area, they don't take insurance and are $$$. I've thought about trying to get into nonprofit work (after now being with a public company for several years - sigh) but accept that that would likely entail a big pay cut. Not being in a financially secure enough place at the moment, I don't know if that's the best choice.

Sorry to not give more helpful advice! Good luck!
Title: Re: Advice on Career Change
Post by: mozar on March 14, 2016, 06:39:50 PM
I would take another pm job if I could get a raise. Agree with previous poster that nutrition counseling is poorly paid, but might be worth doing as hobby for a little extra $. I wouldn't get a whole degree for a job that usually tops out at 30k a year, unless you work with celebrities or something.
Title: Re: Advice on Career Change
Post by: nanana13 on March 14, 2016, 07:53:39 PM
Wouldn't your 10-year plan for FI be derailed if you go into a new career, and presumably, a lower salary?
Then again, you said you'd be okay working longer doing something you love.

This is a tough decision. 10 years to work at something you don't like sounds grueling. How bad are the hours? If it's a standard 40-hour work week, and you're good at your job and you can tolerate it, then I don't see why you couldn't pursue your passion outside of work, and still continue on your path to FI in 10 years, at which point you could switch full-time to nutrition.

Title: Re: Advice on Career Change
Post by: garion on March 15, 2016, 09:57:31 AM
Are you interested in exercise/fitness at all? If so, you could get certified as a personal trainer and pick up some clients for that. Could incorporate nutrition as well.