Switching Careers in a Recession? Yep, the weird Northern Chick has Lost her Ever-Lovin’ Mind.

originally posted August 4, 2009

So, I mentioned in my introductory post, that I was “searching for the right career.” Welcome to what I like to call, Finding Myself 101.

I’m one of those folks who woke up one day and found themselves in a career they really didn’t see coming. Sound like I’m an idiot? What does she mean she didn’t see it coming? I like to tell folks, sort of tongue-in-cheek, that I “fell” into my current career path. See, for someone who studied Justice / Pre-Law in college, and was at one time headed to Law School, working in the high-tech industry was the furthest thing from my mind. But, one thing led to another, and from about 2000 on, I’ve had a really interesting ride. I’ve learned a lot about business, the psychology of the office place, the way technology moves at lightning speed, and also about me. No, I’m not writing a self-help book, and I’m not going to tell you where to find my cheese, or what color my parachute is. I may tell you that you DO need a parachute as you jump out of the plane, but I’m not blogging to pretend to be wise about career choices.

Why not? Well, eight months ago, I parted ways with my last high-tech software company. Although I had found myself in the enviable position of being a Director of a department, I also found myself in the unenviable position of the clichéd “restructure.” As my boss, The VP told me, “You’re a victim of reorganization.” I guess there’s a first time for everything. Certainly the first time that’s ever happened to me. Talk about a check to the ego.

So, many buckets of water under the bridge later, and countless hours of soul-searching, and I’ve come to realize something. I don’t want to work in the high-tech industry any more. And how you ask, did I come to that realization? I went back to what motivated me in the very beginning. No, not to the primordial ooze, I’m not THAT old. I mean law. To help people. My goal was to become a defense attorney, and advocate for those who didn’t have their own voices. Children, the homeless, the impoverished. Ah, the idealism of youth. Anyway, I obviously never made it to law school, but maybe if I could find that long-ago catalyst; I’d find where the next adventure started?

Then it hit me, and not without help from some friends, that non-profit work was probably where I’d make a difference. I could use the skills I’ve obtained in the past 15 years, combine that with the fact that I’m usually volunteering to do something, and go fishing. Sure, the pay isn’t going to be close to what I've been used to, but what would it be like to get up close and personal with helping folks? Instead of sitting in front of a computer and worrying about the next big software bug, I could affect change. Some idealism? Check. Gainful employment? Check. Make a difference? Check. Job where you’re not living with your laptop and working 70 hour weeks? Hopefully check.

I’ve thrown a few hooks out; I’ll let you know what gets reeled in.