It seems like a lot of us on here are in our late 30s to early 50s, which I think is generally a time for taking stock of what has become of the dreams of your youth as they hit the reality of the external world and your own limitations. These last few months seem to have brought a lot of issues to the fore for most people and provided an opportunity for extra introspection among those of us who are more fortunate. So, I'm curious what are your takeaways?
I’ve been working part time for the past few years so I can spend time with my young kids. But being suddenly FORCED to be a SAHM for months has really motivated me to ramp back up.
Ramp back up - your work?
Yes
Yep, this is me. Now that we are in pandemic with DC there is no downtime, so I am either with them or focusing only on my job. And this means I realize more than ever that I don't love what I'm doing and don't really have a path out of it. It doesn't pay well and I feel like I'm not having an impact, so it's the worst of both worlds. I had been considering a career change prior to COVID, but it's not a good time to go out and try something new. I've been so tempted to quit and SAHM and DH supports that but I also can't imagine not working (and giving up what are really good benefits). I wish I had been more confident when I was younger, I think I could have really done amazing things. But it's too late.
What field are you in?
Communications.
Do NOT give up your job in these uncertain times especially because you said you have great benefits. I’m in a similar position, but I fear DH could face cutbacks at work so am holding on dearly to my job.
Interesting comments. I have a big job and am overpaid in my opinion but I traveled a ton across the country each week. I am loving being home and spending more time with my kids and husband. Growing up, I never intended to have a career like this; I’m seriously considering staying at home if I must go back to the way it was.
What’s your job, in general terms?
Finance. Senior MD.
Because DH's job is less certain right now, it is important that I keep my job. Before the pandemic, my job's biggest pluses were its stability and the accommodating work environment. Those are still the biggest pluses now. Long term, I had hoped to move into something more lucrative, but covid has made that seem less possible.
I was in finance and recently resigned. I hope to not ever have to return to that industry. I’m 43 and so done with it.