Career change after kids - realistic or pipe dream?

Dec 11·1 min read

Been in sales for 12 years, making six figures, but I'm burnt out and hate the travel. Thinking about going back to school for something more stable with better work-life balance - maybe data analytics or software development bootcamp. Kids are 7 and 9. Wife thinks I'm crazy to walk away from the income. But ngl I'm miserable. Has anyone actually made a drastic career pivot with school-age kids? What was the financial hit like?

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Comments(6)

RRyan G.RegularDec 12

I did something similar. Left a 6-figure gig that was eating me alive. Took a pay cut but my kids actually recognize me now. Worth it but it's not the move if you can't make the numbers work

AArchie M.RegularDec 13

Don't rush this though. Map out the actual financials first - tuition, lost income, job market timeline. Burnout makes everything look better than it is

FFred J.RegularDec 12

The travel part is what matters most imo. If you can get a stable job that keeps you home, that's worth more than the extra money you're making now chasing deals

MMiles B.New DadDec 12

Data analytics is smart - way more remote-friendly than sales and the pay stabilizes faster. But real question: can you afford the school while supporting your family?

JJamal W.RegularDec 12

Have you looked at bootcamps instead of full 4-year programs? Faster entry into the field and a lot of them are designed for career changers

BByron S.RegularDec 13

12 years in sales means you understand business problems in a way bootcamp graduates don't. That's actually an asset in analytics roles