I'm 28 yrs old and graduated college about 2.5 years ago with an Industrial Technology degree. That's a branch of the engineering dept at the University that I went to, but easier classes than a straight engineering degree. This isn't something I was passionate about starting, but I had heard you could make decent money in this area and I was a bit lost on what to major in at the time. Anyways, I had a good internship while I was in school and started my current job about a month after graduating. I make about $47,000/yr before any deductions. My job title now is "Project Engineer" and I work in Autocad, Solidworks, and Revit designing radio frequency chambers for industrial use.
I've found in the last 2 years of working here that I'm not passionate about the work I do here, and I'm becoming less motivated to be the super-productive employee that I normally am. I think part of that is because I dont see a good path for me to move up in the company except in a direction I know I wouldn't like (project management). Also despite VERY good reviews, I only received 2.75% and 3% raises both years I've been here. I also dont think I'm taking advantage of my true talents. I'm a people person, I've always been good at sales, I'm competitive, I'm active and physical, etc. I'm ok at what I do but I just feel like I'm "getting by".
I've always wanted a job where I could help the community and feel like I was making a difference. At my current job I dont get that. I looked for a long time into becoming a police officer and was passionate about doing so (applying, testing, etc) but in the suburbs of Chicago where I live it is VERY competitive and people with military experience get priority (which I dont have). Police officers here start around $45-50k, and within 5 years you get max pay for your position, which varies between towns but is usually around $75-85k. Overtime and promotions get you more. This switch wouldn't be for the money necessarily though, it'd be more for overall happiness.
A friend of mine from college ended up applying around here for about 6 months without any luck, then applying to NYPD and getting the job, which required him to relocate. Now he makes good money, has a very generous pension and an extra retirement fund that is matched.
I have a wife, a mortgage on a house, and 2 dogs, so the move would be fairly complicated if I did a switch like that. What do you guys think? It's hard to picture myself in the same place I am now for another 25 years..
I hope this doesn't come off as just a big sob story - I'm happy with my life otherwise.. My wife and I have a great relationship, she makes very good money and her job can be done remotely from almost anywhere, 2 great dogs, only a single mortgage for debt and no car loans or student loans, ,great family, etc.. I'm just thinking while I'm young it might be a good idea to make a switch to something I'd be passionate about.
