Not long ago, I wrote about how having a dream job is a pipe dream. I got some interesting feedback on here, on Twitter, and on Facebook. I continue to think about that post and the topic often.
Over the past few years, I've had some moments of doubt and confusion about the fact that I'm working in insurance instead of the field for which I earned a degree. It felt a bit like I was a failure and I wondered if my journalism degree (which I'm still paying for, by the way -- yay private college) was a waste of money.
Lately, I began to realize I'm surrounded by people just like me. I don't know how I didn't see it before.
Sure, I have a few friends who are in their dream job or at least the job they always planned to have. But there are also many who, like me, are in a job outside their degree. For some, it's just a stopping point along the way to their ultimate goals. For others, the job in their major didn't fulfill them or simply didn't work out, so they found something else.
I fall into the latter camp. Communications just didn't work out for me. And I'm not sure I feel bad about that anymore. While I miss some aspects -- talking to people, writing, and the constant variety -- there are also a lot of uncertainties in the field. My job in the insurance industry gives me a lot more financial stability and opportunities to move around. Plus, I'm still using my communications skills. I have to talk to people, draft/edit letters, and meet deadlines. That's not so different. And there is plenty of variety. I am constantly learning new things about traffic laws and statutes.
Plus, this allows me to keep writing as my hobby. I have done more work on my novels and this blog since leaving the communications arena. Writing is now my outlet and something I do for fun instead of something I have to do.
I think the reason it bothered me for so long is that I'm a planner. I like to know where I'm going and what I'm doing. And when I say I'm going to do something, I do it. I don't like uncertainty, and because of the way some situations have worked out, I've had a lot of uncertainty in the past few years. I feel like it's leveling out now, and I'm feeling better about where I am.
While it's good to have a plan, maybe it's OK to be re-routed once in a while.
Are you working in a job in your college major?
If not, how do you feel about the change?
I am actually working in my field, but I originally went to college for music education. I really, really wanted to teach music...until I got to school and started classes. I HATED it. Being "forced" to do certain requirements took the joy out of music for me. That's when I switched to elementary education. I found that I enjoyed those classes more, and then I was still able to be involved in music (choirs, musicals, ensembles, etc.) without the pressure. It was better for me to have music as a passionate hobby than a career!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a degree. I fell into my current full-time job 9 years ago and haven't looked back! I love it and the clients we work with. My part-time gig...weeeelllll - that's a part-time gig. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those random people who does do exactly what they wanted to/went to school for.
ReplyDeleteI can't picture myself doing anything else.
I'd like to expand on it though, but I'm kind of stuck on the "how" part.
I'm definitely not in my dream job. But then, I'm not even totally sure what that is anymore, since apparently getting paid to sit on the couch and eat ice cream and watch Netflix isn't a thing.
ReplyDeleteI am planning to go back to school to get a Master's Degree soon, though, so that I can teach a few classes on the college level. I'm kind of excited about it.