Changel

Hi

Just wondering if anyone out there has had to change their career due to addiction.

I have a 15 year career in the alcohol drink business in a very specialised technical area. Obviously this is a very dangerous (impossible?) business for me to be in, but it is what I am good at, and I haven't worked in any other occupation since my working life started out of university.

I am currently pondering other options, but am nervous about having to start again at the bottom of the ladder mid-life.

What are your career change stories and/or advice?

Mark1014

Wow, that's a tough one, but what quality of life do you hope to have if you stay? I do sympathize with you.

Changel

Thanks Formadistance. To answer your question...no quality at all. I am searching for something else.

Dee74

Hi Changel

I think a lot of folks have to start over later in life, and due to the economy sometimes it's not a choice. They seem to do ok.

I hope you'll hear from some of them

My own experience is a little different but may be helpful. I was a gigging musician I found it impossible to do that and stay sober so I gave it up.

I don't regret doing that. I might be dead now, if not.

(The difference is I've gone back to playing music seven years on...doesn't sound like your skills would transfer to a non alcohol related occupation?)

D

Mark1014

I'm a middle aged guy at what is probably the peak of my years of financial obligations for my kids cars,tuition etc.. So I definitely get your hesitation. With the way I was going, I fear I would have lost everything...that's why I'm tackling sobriety. So I commend you for making what I think is a sound decision for your future. Best of luck.

MythOfSisyphus

I would imagine that your technical expertise would translate into other fields. You may not start at the same level you enjoy now but neither will you have to start at the bottom.

luvmygirls

I'm sorry to hear that you have a specialized technical skill related to alcohol...I can't imagine there are many of those jobs that even exist! RE: starting over, I think there are some elements in your favor: 1) Transferrable skills (if you have one technical skill, chances are you'll be able to develop more); 2) Work history (if you've spent some time in your industry, you probably have a good track record and positive professional references) and 3) a network (if you are voluntarily leaving your job, you should have a professional network you've developed). As far as the career you choose next, you should reasearch labor market information in your area to determine what skills and experience are in demand. Are there any certifications you need? Have you joined online networking sites like LinkedIn?

Good luck to you!!! It's difficult, but it's also an opportunity.

rich624

I can tell you this:
I started out as a laborer and started over at 25 to build electric control panels.
I went to school for electronics and started over as an electronic technician at 30.
I worked my way up to Associate Engineer for an electronics company and went to school for Computer Engineering and started over at 40.

I have been in IT ever since and I am now 55 years old and I love what I do. I have been to numerous companies and just started with a new company on Monday that has equipment I have never worked on, but it is up to me to learn it.

It can be scary and tough to start over, especially as we get older, but it can be done.

Rich