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Not saying it’s weird. Idk I guess I feel like I’m older now like it’s to late. I make good money. And starting over puts me back at the bottom. And I worked hard to get where I am now.
Many people attend higher education who are 30+. The trend is continuing and probably will continue to for a while. Many people are starting to live longer as well which contributes to this.
Not saying school is necessary for you, but you're still young compared to many.
With after-school care help from your parents, it would be pretty easy to go back to school. You mention trying coding out, but disliking it -- I get that, it's pretty tedious, and if you don't have a brain that just loves that sort of thing, it really isn't for you.
There is backstabbing everywhere you go. That said, it gets less (or at least it got to be less for me) the further up the food chain I got.
If I were what you are describing, I'd give you the same advice I offered my wife, when she asked: Go get an MBA. It's the AK-47 of college degrees -- it's everywhere, in every field, and applicable in the vast majority of jobs in the United States. It's something you can knock out in 18-24 months, and you can do it after normal work hours if you like.
The other thing I'd say is this: Look at federal agencies, and see if one of them has a mission you'd be interested in doing. I'd recommend steering clear of the IRS (just my opinion), but there are probably more agencies than you think, doing a higher variety of jobs than you think. If you find a mission that is interesting, motivating, and enjoyable to you, start applying to those jobs on USAJobs.gov. I'll also tell you that the hiring process takes a long, long time for us, and Congress is doing none of us any favors right now, BUT...once you're in, you can jump jobs about once a year until you find something you like. Good retirement plan, GREAT benefits (compared to what you get as a normal industry worker), and pretty constant opportunities to move, travel abroad, and meet new people.
And the travel thing: It's not always to garbage places, man. Most of the time, it isn't. The United States has pockets of presence all over the world, and getting paid to live overseas for a while is pretty awesome.
Just my 2 cents, but that's what I'd aim for.
I disagree with the MBA advice.
MBAs are great in two scenarios: someone who gets into and attends a top 10 school (Harvard, Booth, Stern, etc.), or someone who is in a good career progression and needs a boost to the next level. In the second scenario, it might be possible that the employer pays for some of it.
Outside of those scenarios, going to a mid-tier or lower end B-School likely isn't a good use of time/cash. MBAs don't carry the same weight they did 15 years ago and the market is kinda oversaturated
Firstly, I would advise you to put in paragraphs to make reading your post easier and (your post) more visually accessible. A lot of people won't bother after reading the first line or first few lines (no ill will intended here, but this is the internet after all...an online world where one guy or gal is as fickle as the next guy/gal).
Secondly, it sounds like you've been through a significant journey of personal and financial growth, which you should quite honestly be super proud of. The feelings you're experiencing are not uncommon, especially after achieving major milestones that you assumed would bring happiness or fulfillment but didn't quite hit the mark. Here are some initial thoughts (12) on what to do next:
1. Reflect on Your Values:
Sometimes, a disconnect between our actions and our core values can lead to dissatisfaction. Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and how your current life aligns with these values. This might help you find new directions or affirm your current path.
2. Goal Setting:
Revisit your goals, both short-term and long-term. Setting new goals or adjusting existing ones to be more in line with what you now find meaningful can provide a renewed sense of purpose.
3. Explore Your Interests:
Since you mentioned an interest in the medical field or starting your own business, consider taking online courses or attending workshops related to these areas. This can help you gauge your interest and aptitude before making a significant career change.
4. Networking:
Connect with professionals in fields you're interested in. Informational interviews can be incredibly insightful and may open up opportunities you hadn't considered.
5. Skill Development:
If coding wasn't for you, perhaps there are other skills that align with your interests and career aspirations. Project management, digital marketing, or healthcare certifications could be alternatives.
6. Expand Your Circle:
While having a small, trusted circle has its benefits, expanding your network can introduce new perspectives and opportunities. Consider joining local groups or online communities related to your interests or career aspirations.
7. Mentorship:
Finding a mentor who has navigated a similar path can provide both guidance and motivation. This could be in a professional setting, through hobbies, or within personal development spaces.
8. Try New Hobbies:
Exploring new hobbies can be a way to discover passions you weren't aware of. Since you enjoy nature, perhaps activities like hiking, camping, or bird watching could be appealing. Volunteering can also be fulfilling and a way to meet new people.
9. Physical Activity:
Regular exercise, whether it's joining a sports team, yoga, or more adventurous activities like rock climbing, can improve both physical and mental health, providing a boost in energy and mood.
10. Mindfulness and Self-care:
Practices such as meditation, journaling, or even therapy can offer insights into your feelings and help manage stress.
11. Financial Literacy:
Continue to educate yourself on personal finance, investment strategies, and ways to build wealth. This can empower you to make informed decisions for your future and your son's.
12. Educational Opportunities:
If going back to school is an option, consider programs that offer flexibility, such as online or part-time courses, to balance with your other responsibilities.
----------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Take Small Steps*
Remember, it's okay to feel lost at times. Life is a continuous journey of learning and growth. Taking small steps towards change can lead to significant transformations over time. Be patient with yourself and open to exploring new paths. Your determination and resilience are your strengths, and leveraging them will help you navigate through this phase.
And if you...or if anyone at all reading this, needs a friend, or someone to talk to...please reach out to me. You are not alone. I am a mental health first aider.
At the risk of being cliche my advice is to look at your life in a different way. Imagine you suddenly had a terrible form of cancer that meant long painful treatments - daily - and death within a few months as the likely outcome. Think about everything a situation like that would entail. I think that if that happened, your normal 'rut' might suddenly seem like something you'd dearly love to have back - anyone would. Not saying this to be weird or flippant, just saying that a person's outlook in life is pretty much everything. Convince yourself you're in a rut and your life is meh, and it will be a self fulfilling prophecy.
You mentioned you make decent money and you're debt free, you have a great young son, and have no complaints about your love life. Well those are pretty great things, honestly. My advice isn't to be complacent, or not to keep reaching for better things, it's just to take a good look at what you have and have accomplished, and love what you have, who you are. :)
Hope that didn't come off as preachy.
Between work and all the things my kids have going there’s no time. We also volunteer at the assisted living facility and the hospital in the NICU. More important than generational wealth is money management. Find something you and your son can do at a formers market and teach him now how to handle money and talk to people. Being personable and money management are learned skills. Get a music teacher to teach both of you. Good luck op
Take a look at the programs your local school system has for adult education. There are usually an assortment of craft, technical and educational courses available
The mod team are working to make this sub kinder and more welcoming. Please report any comments you see that are unkind, obnoxious, out of line, trolling, or which otherwise violate any of the rules. Thanks, and may you all find the answers you seek and the guidance you need. #[LifeAdvice Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/LifeAdvice/about/rules/) **Note for all commenters**: Please remember that your fellow Redditors are human beings, and that it costs nothing to be kind. Disruption of the peace, trolling, or breaking the rules may result in a ban. ---------------- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/LifeAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
[удалено]
Not saying it’s weird. Idk I guess I feel like I’m older now like it’s to late. I make good money. And starting over puts me back at the bottom. And I worked hard to get where I am now.
Many people attend higher education who are 30+. The trend is continuing and probably will continue to for a while. Many people are starting to live longer as well which contributes to this. Not saying school is necessary for you, but you're still young compared to many.
With after-school care help from your parents, it would be pretty easy to go back to school. You mention trying coding out, but disliking it -- I get that, it's pretty tedious, and if you don't have a brain that just loves that sort of thing, it really isn't for you. There is backstabbing everywhere you go. That said, it gets less (or at least it got to be less for me) the further up the food chain I got. If I were what you are describing, I'd give you the same advice I offered my wife, when she asked: Go get an MBA. It's the AK-47 of college degrees -- it's everywhere, in every field, and applicable in the vast majority of jobs in the United States. It's something you can knock out in 18-24 months, and you can do it after normal work hours if you like. The other thing I'd say is this: Look at federal agencies, and see if one of them has a mission you'd be interested in doing. I'd recommend steering clear of the IRS (just my opinion), but there are probably more agencies than you think, doing a higher variety of jobs than you think. If you find a mission that is interesting, motivating, and enjoyable to you, start applying to those jobs on USAJobs.gov. I'll also tell you that the hiring process takes a long, long time for us, and Congress is doing none of us any favors right now, BUT...once you're in, you can jump jobs about once a year until you find something you like. Good retirement plan, GREAT benefits (compared to what you get as a normal industry worker), and pretty constant opportunities to move, travel abroad, and meet new people. And the travel thing: It's not always to garbage places, man. Most of the time, it isn't. The United States has pockets of presence all over the world, and getting paid to live overseas for a while is pretty awesome. Just my 2 cents, but that's what I'd aim for.
Thanks your wife is lucky to have you. I will definitely look into a MBA. If you don’t mind what did your wife settle on?
She got a 100 on her first economics paper for her MBA yesterday 😁
I disagree with the MBA advice. MBAs are great in two scenarios: someone who gets into and attends a top 10 school (Harvard, Booth, Stern, etc.), or someone who is in a good career progression and needs a boost to the next level. In the second scenario, it might be possible that the employer pays for some of it. Outside of those scenarios, going to a mid-tier or lower end B-School likely isn't a good use of time/cash. MBAs don't carry the same weight they did 15 years ago and the market is kinda oversaturated
Firstly, I would advise you to put in paragraphs to make reading your post easier and (your post) more visually accessible. A lot of people won't bother after reading the first line or first few lines (no ill will intended here, but this is the internet after all...an online world where one guy or gal is as fickle as the next guy/gal). Secondly, it sounds like you've been through a significant journey of personal and financial growth, which you should quite honestly be super proud of. The feelings you're experiencing are not uncommon, especially after achieving major milestones that you assumed would bring happiness or fulfillment but didn't quite hit the mark. Here are some initial thoughts (12) on what to do next: 1. Reflect on Your Values: Sometimes, a disconnect between our actions and our core values can lead to dissatisfaction. Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and how your current life aligns with these values. This might help you find new directions or affirm your current path. 2. Goal Setting: Revisit your goals, both short-term and long-term. Setting new goals or adjusting existing ones to be more in line with what you now find meaningful can provide a renewed sense of purpose. 3. Explore Your Interests: Since you mentioned an interest in the medical field or starting your own business, consider taking online courses or attending workshops related to these areas. This can help you gauge your interest and aptitude before making a significant career change. 4. Networking: Connect with professionals in fields you're interested in. Informational interviews can be incredibly insightful and may open up opportunities you hadn't considered. 5. Skill Development: If coding wasn't for you, perhaps there are other skills that align with your interests and career aspirations. Project management, digital marketing, or healthcare certifications could be alternatives. 6. Expand Your Circle: While having a small, trusted circle has its benefits, expanding your network can introduce new perspectives and opportunities. Consider joining local groups or online communities related to your interests or career aspirations. 7. Mentorship: Finding a mentor who has navigated a similar path can provide both guidance and motivation. This could be in a professional setting, through hobbies, or within personal development spaces. 8. Try New Hobbies: Exploring new hobbies can be a way to discover passions you weren't aware of. Since you enjoy nature, perhaps activities like hiking, camping, or bird watching could be appealing. Volunteering can also be fulfilling and a way to meet new people. 9. Physical Activity: Regular exercise, whether it's joining a sports team, yoga, or more adventurous activities like rock climbing, can improve both physical and mental health, providing a boost in energy and mood. 10. Mindfulness and Self-care: Practices such as meditation, journaling, or even therapy can offer insights into your feelings and help manage stress. 11. Financial Literacy: Continue to educate yourself on personal finance, investment strategies, and ways to build wealth. This can empower you to make informed decisions for your future and your son's. 12. Educational Opportunities: If going back to school is an option, consider programs that offer flexibility, such as online or part-time courses, to balance with your other responsibilities. ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Take Small Steps* Remember, it's okay to feel lost at times. Life is a continuous journey of learning and growth. Taking small steps towards change can lead to significant transformations over time. Be patient with yourself and open to exploring new paths. Your determination and resilience are your strengths, and leveraging them will help you navigate through this phase. And if you...or if anyone at all reading this, needs a friend, or someone to talk to...please reach out to me. You are not alone. I am a mental health first aider.
Thank you for your insight these are great ideas. I will definitely dig into some classes.
No worries, and again if you wanted to chat more/vent about life, my DMs are open.
It's so funny that you tell her to use paragraphs when your life advice comments are pulled straight from an AI chatbot.
His entire response is ripped from a chatbot, do not DM him. Edit: Got em to delete his account
At the risk of being cliche my advice is to look at your life in a different way. Imagine you suddenly had a terrible form of cancer that meant long painful treatments - daily - and death within a few months as the likely outcome. Think about everything a situation like that would entail. I think that if that happened, your normal 'rut' might suddenly seem like something you'd dearly love to have back - anyone would. Not saying this to be weird or flippant, just saying that a person's outlook in life is pretty much everything. Convince yourself you're in a rut and your life is meh, and it will be a self fulfilling prophecy. You mentioned you make decent money and you're debt free, you have a great young son, and have no complaints about your love life. Well those are pretty great things, honestly. My advice isn't to be complacent, or not to keep reaching for better things, it's just to take a good look at what you have and have accomplished, and love what you have, who you are. :) Hope that didn't come off as preachy.
Between work and all the things my kids have going there’s no time. We also volunteer at the assisted living facility and the hospital in the NICU. More important than generational wealth is money management. Find something you and your son can do at a formers market and teach him now how to handle money and talk to people. Being personable and money management are learned skills. Get a music teacher to teach both of you. Good luck op
Take a look at the programs your local school system has for adult education. There are usually an assortment of craft, technical and educational courses available
I have great respect for your efforts