Go and work abroad somewhere.

You`re making me go back to Buckeye Road?
I`m making you go back to Buckeye Road.

I am just turning 30 but would say something different to what some others have said and DO have a plan.

I didn't plan anything, even when choosing my degree I didn't know what I wanted to do, spent money on a Masters just cos I wanted to stay at Uni and didnt have a plan when I came out.

Fell into a high reward job that requires long hours and have carved out a few promotions but after 6 years I crave something different with a better work/life balance or for something I am passionate about as Ive completely lost my drive and motivation.

Ironically I am exactly where you are some 12 years later! Not sure what to do and trying to make a decision is really overwhelming, although maybe with a slightly different challenge of having to take a big step backwards in money and career ladder to enjoy working life a bit more.

Given where I am now, I would highly recommend choosing something you are passionate about, money is great but you spend most of your week at work and a soul crushing job bleeds into your personal life.

was that too heavy?

Edited by cols123 (24 May 2016 10.51am)

No, thanks was very insightful. Im contemplating do a masters in a field im interesting to further my prospects Would you say plan for it and try and obtain it, as it would push me into the realm of being able to get a job in finance, or would you suggest holding back - as the last part of your message seemed to be scrutinising a good job than praising it?

Dont let Cabaye go

Go with your dream,do what you want to do.
When your young free and single,travel,shag,travel and shag.

The shyte will still be here when you get back.
Never know you might meet someone who wants to sell their bar on a beach and spend the rest of your days with,sun,the blue sea and pure white soft sand between your toes.

(met an English bloke in Grand Cayman who did that)

Very true. Even higher end pay, of the 40-60k margin is actually quite uncommon outside of management grades and in demand specialists.

In corporate work, these days, its more consultants and contractors who earn higher wages, than employees, until you move into senior management. And even then, if you don't jump company regularly, you'll probably cap out between 50-60k.

There are some very high paid jobs, but they're an absolute bitch to even get interviews for. Friend of mine in Marketing, with 20 years experience, MBa spent 9 months unemployed applying for jobs as a marketing manager and director before finally getting a job.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

In terms of IT, never let a lack of real technical skill get in the way. There are a lot of roles in IT that actually work better if you aren't on the technical side, and they generally pay better anyhow.

IT really lacks for skilled and proficient managers, given its tendency to force techy wizard nerds into management roles, for which they are socially ill equipped.

Trust me, in 16 years, I've met one configuration manager who was a failed programmer and one who had a decent IT degree (the others have all been temps, business grads, drop outs, project management types and flunkies).

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]