Career pivot with two kids is stressing me out | DadHQ

Career pivot with two kids is stressing me out

2w ago1 min read

I've been in marketing for 8 years and honestly hate it. Been thinking about switching to something more technical but I'm terrified. Two kids, mortgage, and my wife just had her hours cut at her job. How do people make major career changes when they've got dependents? Do I just bite the bullet and take a pay cut for a year while I get certified in something new? Would love to hear from guys who've done this.

6 comments122 views

Comments(6)

RRandy M.New Dad2w ago

The stress is real when you've got dependents, but staying in something you hate is worse. What field are you looking at switching to?

KKevin M.Regular2w ago

Man, I feel you on the stress. I switched jobs when my oldest was 3 and it was rough for a bit, but staying miserable for 8 more years would've been worse. What's the technical field you're eyeing? There might be transition paths that don't require starting from scratch.

FFrank K.Regular2w ago

I coach football and I always tell the kids that playing it safe doesn't always keep you safe, sometimes you gotta go for it. That said, I'd crunch the numbers hard before jumping. Maybe pick up some technical skills on nights and weekends first to test the waters?

LLucas M.Regular2w ago

The mortgage and kids definitely make it scarier, but you sound pretty done with marketing. Sometimes the stress of staying put outweighs the stress of changing. Have you looked into bootcamps or certifications you could do part-time?

DDerek M.Regular2w ago

I feel this in my soul. Eight years is a long time to be unhappy at work. Have you thought about what the new path would actually look like with two kids in the mix? That's the part that kept me stuck for a while.

RRyan M.Regular2w ago

Don't let the fear paralyze you man. I switched careers when I had one kid and it was scary but worth it. The timing will never feel perfect.