[Pturner]

Originally Posted by gvsulakerfan

Obviously, a large majority of the members here are retired or of retirement age so I'm looking to you all for career tips/advice, since I'm getting close to 30 and getting incredibly bored with the day-to-day professional grind.

I have a great professional job, however, like I said, it is boring me to death. No excitement, no change from the norm. I think I'm looking to change careers or do something different.

How did you know when to change careers? What to do? I've always dreamed of owning my own business or working for myself (mostly because I seek the freedom to do what I want), however, I am lacking the one thing that would be necessary... a good idea (I know, minor detail).

Now I know that probably is not the way to go, but regardless, I don't know that what I'm doing is cutting it anymore, so maybe changing fields or something would work.

Now I'm just rambling, but I figure there is plenty of experience on these boards and in The Villages, and a lot of good stories to hear about. No doubt some/most of you found yourselves in the same position at some point... what did you do to change it?

Hi gvsulakerfan,

How smart you are to reach out to people at the end of their career cycle for career advice, people who walked in your shoes and beyond, who made choices and know how they worked out.

After reading all the encouraging and excellent advice you have received, I almost feel bad about adding some words of caution. But I think some caution-- as well as encouragement-- is in order. So forgive me for adding to the already excellent advice you have received a few red flags:

• You mention that you are bored, but not why. Have you put your finger on it? If not, the grass may not be greener on the other side. Abraham Lincoln once said that, "most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be". I think, to some extent, boredom is like that too. Sometimes a conscientious attitude itself can alleviate bordom, an attitude that says, "I'm going to do an exceptional job today. I'm going to learn at least one new thing. I'm going to teach something I've learned to a colleague. I'm going to make a concerted effort to contribute to a positive work environment." Most of the times, proactively doing those things isn't boring. In other words, if your profession doesn't "generate" excitement and enthusiasm, can you make your own? If not, are you confident you can find it where you are going?
• There is no way around the fact right now that the economy and job market are as bad as they have been in my lifetime. With so many people out of work, businesses are failing at an accelerated rate. Being in a great professional job right now is, well, terrific. If you don't start your own business, please don't give it up without having something better and reasonably secure in hand.
• The notion that owning your own business or working for yourself gives you "the freedom to do what I want," often (not always) is more romanticism than reality. On the other hand, as others have said, if you can leverage your skills and expertise to offer a truly needed product or service and do it better than the competition, well, let's just say boredom is off the table and a happy, healthy work life and retirement can be realized.

You are doing the right things. Asking the right questions. Looking before you leap. I think you're going to do great! I'm rooting for you.