Career With Family
I have always been the type to try and keep my career moving in the up swing. Sometimes this meant taking risks to get there, either by changing employers or jumping into the fire when needed to get things done no one else wanted to do because of the risk.
Ever since I had my two kids (3 years old / 8 months old)I have found myself taking a less risky approach. I tend to think of the longterm consequences of what may happen if I jump into a new job / position. In some cases I think this has caused me to lose my edge in landing a different job.
In the past location was not an issue, job security was not a big issue. I figured I could get in there, learn new technologies and sharpen my skills even further. I have always worked very hard to provide solid service and work ethics where ever I worked. In returned I gained valuable experience.
Now I find my self wanting that long term job, where I can grow within. It would be nice to think where I work now would fit that bill, but I fear (the obvious) that it may not be.
It really is amazing when you have to think about others that depend on you. It changes your outlook, goals, etc. At least for me.
Are their others with the same dilemma? How do you balance family reliance and career planning?
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I'm in exactly the same
I'm in exactly the same boat, with kids the same exact ages. To top it off, my wife stays at home with the kids so I am the sole income provider. I've been thinking more and more about career changes, but I can't risk a drop in income.
I hope you'll be at the happy hour tonight, I think we'll have a lot to talk about!
Eric
Yep will be there!
Yep will be there!
Your question presumes that
Your question presumes that it's the recent additions to the family that have changed your additude towards risk/career advancement. I have a 15-month old and one on the way, and I'm planning on making the riskiest career move of my life. Maybe age or maturity of your career is the driving factor? I'm 25 and graduating with my CS degree this spring and moving to Austin this summer to pursue a software dev career (I'm switching from Sys Admin). Do you feel like your career goals have been achieved, or do you feel like you're pushing them aside for the sake of the family? I think this is an interesting subject which isn't discussed enough.
Send me an invite
http://www.linkedin.com/in/andynaegle
I think there are a few
I think there are a few factors for me. I am entering a part of my career where more senior jobs are available. However some of the types of jobs that come with with that (management, systems architect, etc.) tend to be riskier jobs due to the pay.
I find myself more concerned with stability than more money at this point due to wanting to make sure that I can provide for my kids future. Mind you I am lucky in the fact that my wife is a Civil Engineer.
As a non-family person (no
As a non-family person (no kids).... I have to say that the stability you desire is universal.
But reality is that history often has more to do with it than you. If you live in the wrong place at the wrong time, doesn't matter how well you manage your career.
Alas these are good times. Don't spoil your kids, save some money, value friends.
You will do well, at least relative to the total, as you are asking now when times are good.
The wisdom of RoundSparrow
The wisdom of RoundSparrow is strong...
Totally agree with what you are saying. I think my point goes along with what you are saying about wrong place wrong time. To me that right there does have something to do with career decisions. If you chose to change career paths or jobs you have to be careful that you do not inadvertently end up in the wrong place.
Without dependents I took more risks in that area only because if I faltered it was just me and my wife.
Totally agree that during the "good" times it is time to save money and prepare for when times are "less than".
Good points