Career Change, Lifestyle Change, Location Change have you done it? Your philosphy?

Hi,

I wanted to hear stories from people who took radical changes in career, lifestyle, and location changes i.e Moving country, starting a business etc

Has anyone on here gone through these changes? And what did it take for you to make them? Did you have to change the way you thought about life? Did you take a risk?
And lastly what did you achieve?

:think:

Re: Career Change, Lifestyle Change, Location Change have you done it? Your philosphy

I was an environmental regulator for 21 years but had to quit because of my Autistic son. My wife made more than 1.5 times my salary so I was the obvious choice. In 2004 my wife lost her job and we had to move down south which is a cultural shock in and of itself. While my son was in what they call down here schools, he was subjected to verbal abuse from teachers and students and degressed significantly. As a result I had to fight the good fight against an intrenched enemy (which is how I was viewed) holding the high ground and by 2007 had becone a member of the walking wounded. I am no longer able to work and look forward to going back home for retirement.

Close enough?

Re: Career Change, Lifestyle Change, Location Change have you done it? Your philosphy

I was born, raised and worked all over the US. Moving for me has always been the natural thing and not trauma inducing but I'm not Italian, Latin or Jewish. I have never had close family ties or at least not the kind that require you to show up for dinner every Sunday or call Mama three times every day.

I did change "career" once. I was a tool and die maker or machinist as circumstances required. Then an opening came up in a brewery for a machinist who could heliarc weld (the job was actually as a maintenance mechanic). I couldn't turn it down. The pay and benefits were just too great and I was married. I hated to leave my trade but I didn't really suffer any trauma. The worst thing about the job was the box at the entrance gate where you had to deposit your brain upon entry. Management made it clear that: "We do the thinking, you turn the wrenches."

Lifestyle change? When I married my present and second wife I needed a cosigner to buy lunch. She had the first dime she ever made. I like her way best. Today I don't have to check my bank account to see if I can afford anything I need or want. That feels much more warm and cuddly than a new car or motorcycle. The latter seem to lose their shine in a sort time.