Ideas

[Supernick]

2 years into the rat race since leaving university as an account manager, it's occurred to me (like most I presume) that I just can't stomach being sat behind a computer for the rest of my working life.  I want to be involved in a line of work that makes a genuine, positive difference to people rather than existing for profit and shareholders.

However I'm torn, because I can't see how I can leave the rat race behind yet still remain abitious and successful. If I wanted to work in conservation etc, I couldn't go very far without getting behind a desk again, and I don't want people around me to be disappointed or feel that I'm not making the most of myself. On top of that I don't want to be looked down upon by others who think that I'm not quite as good as them if i don't work in an office, or have to completely start again on rubbish wages.

Surely there has to be a better way of living? Anyone got any crums of insight? Rant over, sorry.

[metagirl]

Hmm....first off, before you leave your job make sure you have paid off any debt. Also, make sure you are CLEAR about what job you want to enter into next. You don't want to spend money getting another degree or taking some training course just to realise you hate your new chosen path. Secondly, give yourself a break. Lots of people do many different jobs throughout their life. Thirdly, most jobs require you to sit in front of a computer. Fact of 21st century life. Fourthly, who cares what other people say? The only people you should worry about is your family and nonjudgemental friends.
And finally, if you want to work for a charity/non-profit/civic govt./ etc...etc.. you can STILL be ambitious. All organisations require managers and will reward you for your good work and effort. Good luck!

[Hermia]

I think most people feel like this at some point! If I were you I would seriously think about what you would actually like to do and research that area. And also think seriously about the money issue. I went into Librarianship and chose to work in public libraries in poor areas with low literacy rates/bad schools etc because I wanted to make a difference. So now here I am earning less than the average wage and unable to afford a flat or a pension and seriously thinking about going into something less socially worthy, but with a reasonable standard of living!

Could you maybe not do some voluntary work in your spare time to see what you might enjoy doing? I've got a friend who does 3 days voluntary work with an animal charity each month whilst she considers whether to give up her job and go into animal welfare work. Or you could choose to see work as a means to an end and do the stuff you care about outside work. I do fundraising for a local hospice in my spare time, a colleague took a sabbatical from work to work in Romanian orphanages and I know a guy who is a Special Constable. It takes a bit of juggling to do stuff in your spare time, but it might give you a sense of achievement and meaning whilst being able to maintain a good job.

[ianess]

Not sure if I should really be suggesting this, but a great many people are quitting the rat race in the South East of England, cashing in on the ludicrous property prices, and then buying up half of the tourist business in Scotland.  Caravan park, small hotel or B&B etcetera.

[alphamale]

We decided that we had had enough of the rat race working in 09:00 to 17:00 (he he) living in Oxfordshire. Billions of people, loads of traffic and so hot it could make your head burst.

So we sold up and moved to the north coast of Scotland. There are conservancy jobs up here, but you may need to do two jobs to make ends meet. Property prices and labour costs are low but any goods brought in are expensive.

Living conditions are fantastic, the air is clean, you can see for miles, only a few people and cars, golden beaches and loads of wildlife. I could not reccomend living here highly enough. Good luck.