Job advice?

Hey guys I am doing a little better then the other day when I originally posted again.  I've been able to calm myself down and tell myself to just fight through this new job that I can't stand (putting it lightly) until I can find something that better suits me.  Here is my dilemna though and maybe you guys can give me some outside perspective and let me know how crazy I am....

I'm 26 yrs old and am working for a major banking company now that pays pretty well.  I absolutely hate/dread the sales job though.  Being a personal banker is not very enjoyable so far and honestly I hate all the cold calling/agressive sales tactics. I'm thinking of leaving the company and am currently applying for entry level accounting jobs.  I only have an associates in business administration and am about a year and a half out from obtaining my bachelors in accounting which I'm currently working towards.

Do you guys think it's worth taking the gamble and taking a paycut to switch to a job that *might* be more enjoyable?  The reason I'm thinking it might be better is that there are no pressure for sales (or atleast I'm not htinking there is).  I have no problems with a fast paced environment or meeting deadlines, but sales goals and deadlines.....ugh.  Cold calling all day long and getting rejections and negative responses to my service/sales calls?  No thanks.  The MAJOR problem too is since I have no experience I would more then likely have to take a temp job first.  Temp job means no benefits.  No benefits means total out of pocket cost to me for medical....which could really hurt my therapy and my coverage for the lexapro I take.

Then on the other hand maybe reducing the work stress will make me need my therapy sessions less?  Who knows, my brains working overtime as usual.  What do you guys think about all this?  I honestly don't think I am cut out for the sales business.  I took this job with this major bank in hopes to do financial advising but honestly the more and more I am around this environment I am beginning to like sales less and less.  And that's exactly what financial advising is, sales.  So I'm thinking of switching my goals from financial advising to accounting....not as much money in it but it *seems* to be less stressful and more suitable to my comfort level/talents.

Thoughts?

Hi Mike

I always think that it is important that you feel comfortable in the workplace and enjoy what ever it is that you are doing as that is what will keep you motivated in the workplace. I made a career change about 13 years ago to something which I loved to do and it was for less pay and for me was the right choice at that time.

It is a tough one and something you will need to give a lot of thought to so I would not rush into anything as you may regret it. Give it a couple of weeks thought and see how you feel then and if you still want to change then start looking into it.

I would say that you also need to consider the current economic climate and how that is affecting things at the moment as you would not want to change jobs to then find that your new employer were under threat of closure are forced to cut the work force.

I lost my job last year on medical grounds and have not been able to find new work. It is easier to find an other job if you are already employed.

Hibee

My theory has always been this: Better to be poor, mildly-content and semi-sane than rich and miserable. But that is just me. I'd work three laid back part time jobs in nice environments as opposed to one well paying high-stress full time job. Because I 1. Am a nervous, anxiety ridden person who doesn't do well under pressure. 2. Don't place much stock in material things. 3. Don't have too many responsibilities like kids or monthly car payments. So really it comes down to what type of person you are. What is right for some just simply might not be good for you. You might not fit the ideal standard for Workin' Man. Do what you need to do based on what you can handle and what you can afford. If you can take a cut in pay than do it. If you are trying to save up money for something and that's why you are working so hard, start looking at other areas of your life, what can you cut back on to make up the difference in pay? I suggest you make a pros and cons list of staying where you are and leaving. And remember, unless you're Buddhist or Hindu, you only live once so it is your duty to enjoy living as much as you can (while still being responsible).

Ah but then there is the therapy/Lexapro problem. You should definitely not stop going to therapy so you might look into what is available in your city before you make your decision. I, also 26 and newly put on Lexapro, get mine for free from our County Mental Health after ending up in the ER too often. I work part time but it doesn't pay much so before I hitched my wagons to CMH I went through a local clinic that offered services to low income families and with proof of my income was placed on a sliding-fee scale which meant I paid very little for prescriptions. When a program for free county health insurance became available I enrolled in it and eventually got on that plan. Now I am able to see certain doctors, get bloodtests, x-rays, see specialists, and more for tens of dollars out of pocket. The thing is, you have to look for these places and programs. You have to wait sometimes. It can be a pain in the butt. And yes, it is a blow to your pride sometimes but if you are worried you won't be able to pay for these things if you quit your current job it'll be good to know your options. Also, Lexapro's patent has recently worn off so a flood of generics should be flooding the market anytime now making it more affordable. If not, you might consider switching to Celexa which I have heard is very similar but already in generic form.

Post Edited (Illmissucat) : 4/20/2012 7:45:04 AM (GMT-6)