Okay so I’ve been doing some form of direct or database marketing since I was 16. I’ve worked with different industries on the client side ranging from magazines to computer games. The last 3 ½ years I have been on the vendor side. Different, but I love the work I do. I hate most of the people I work for and the stress if very high. One of my biggest clients is also a political client. So during elections and primaries my life is absolutely insane.

Marketing is what I always wanted to do & it has been my first love. I dreamed of eventually having my own agency. I don’t see that happening anymore. I have now been gone from the client side so long that there have been so many changes in the industry that getting back to doing what I was doing will not be easy. I had the opportunity to leave in December but I didn’t since I was going to get pregnant right away and I’m still here.

So I need to do something else. I played with the idea of running a day care. I’ve decided that isn’t going to work. So last night I was reading the community college brochure and I see the classes for a Pharmacy technician. Its 9 courses, 320 hours of externship and then eligible to apply for registration with the state of California. DH is fully supportive, whatever I want to do. Most of the classes are in the evenings and are Saturdays. If I start now I could take classes while I’m pregnant and on maternity leave. (If I get a BFP soon). Most of the classes are in the evenings and on Saturdays.

But I’m scared. Usually I thrive on change. But as you get older….well it’s not as easy. I’ve heard people say that pharmacy/dental/medical are all high demand jobs. Does anyone know for sure? Ultimately I want something with flexible hours and low stress.

What has been your experience in changing careers or trying something new like this.

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Betsy - Pharmacy and Medical careers make great jobs and bring in a decent salary. I've heard nothing but really good things about pharmacy jobs. I'm not sure about Dental but I would totally go for it. Not only do you want a job with flexible hours and low stress, but something you're going to enjoy doing as well. So, say that a pharmacy position makes little less money than medical but better hours and would be something you'd enjoy more then medical, then I'd go for pharmacy.

As far as Medical, would something along the lines of nursing be something you'd enjoy? I'm starting classes in the fall for my nursing license and would like to work in the maternity ward. Something like that would be really cool. I also plan on continuing school while I'm pregnant to get as much done before the baby arrives. And theres been a lot of other people who have done that, so it can be done.


Either way, I think its a great idea and I know you could do it.

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I cannot give any advice about changing careers, in that I have never done it, BUT I have always felt strongly about people taking control of their lives and their happiness. I think if you're not content with what you're doing, then you should make a change. From what I know of you Betsy, you're a very strong woman, and I encourage you to do what you need to do to be happy!

Not that we don't all have bad days, where we need to complain, or vent, because we ALL do, but I cannot stand those women who complain about everything, but do nothing to change it. We are given a lot of options in our lives, and I think we should use them, to make the most of our lives. If we're not happy, then we're not giving our best to ourselves or our families.

Do what your heart leads you to do! Change is always a bit scarey, but also necessary. Have you read Who Moved My Cheese? It is a GREAT BOOK to help people deal with change!

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Betsy-maybe you could try finding people already in those careers and have a talk with them. That way you will really know what you are getting into and it will help you decide which direction to go in. I am sure the local hospitals/dentists/schools would be willing to connect you. Change is scary, but it is better than being stuck in a job you hate. If you can afford to make the change now I say go for it!! I love my career and can't imagine not loving what I do for a living.

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Lauren- I actually have read that book, I have it. I've given it as gifts a few times. I haven't read it in easily 5 years I will pull that out and read it.

Bina- Good idea, my pharmacist at Target and I always chitchat when i get my stuff, I'll talk to her tomorrow.

Thanks

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Betsy, I totally say go for it! I plan to finish my last year of college pregnant and hopefully have a baby before med school next fall. The more women that forge the way the better. Good luck in your career change and schooling!

I was reading all of your responses to this question and thought that I may pop in. When considering going back to nursing school or not I really put in a lot of thought, and well it's going to work out perfectly even if I get pregnant this month. I will be able to finsih school with my LPN license by the time a baby would be born. Plus, with the shifts at the local hospital I would be able to work 3 days (12 hour shifts) and be off for 4 days. Plus my DH works 9-5 and is off most weekends. So the medical field is working out to be the best way for me to go personally.

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