I hate my career that I’ve invested a lot in. How do I make a career switch at this point?

I'm 28 years old and am a cardiovascular perfusionist. I've been practicing and out of grad school for a year and a half. I make $150,000 a year but despise the negative aspects of the field, mostly the high-stakes stressful work environment, and being on call so much. I've been seriously considering making a career switch sometime shortly out of healthcare, but realistically it'll take me around 7ish more years to pay off my student loans (about $110,000). I'm torn because I have a young family to provide for but am depressed and anxious all the time because of what I have to go through at work.

JobAdvisor:

Understanding Your Situation

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious when considering a significant career change, especially with financial obligations like student loans and a family to support. Your current situation is challenging, but it's important to remember that it's not insurmountable.

Steps to Consider

1. Self-Assessment:

   • Identify Your Passions: What truly excites you? What kind of work would you find fulfilling?
   • Skill Assessment: What skills do you possess that could be transferable to a new career?
   • Values Assessment: What values are important to you in a job? (e.g., work-life balance, creativity, helping others)

2. Explore New Career Paths:

   • Research: Use online resources like O*NET, or consult with a career counselor to explore potential career options.
   • Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in fields that interest you to learn more about their roles and the industry.
   • Take Courses or Certifications: Consider online courses or certifications to upskill or reskill for a new career.

3. Financial Planning:

   • Budgeting: Create a detailed budget to understand your current financial situation and identify areas where you can cut back.
   • Debt Management: Explore options like refinancing your student loans or consolidating debt to reduce monthly payments.
   • Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

4. Mental Health Support:

   • Therapy: Consider seeking therapy to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.  
   • Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones.

5. Networking:

   • Leverage Your Network: Reach out to former classmates, colleagues, and friends to seek advice and potential job opportunities.
   • Attend Industry Events: Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events to connect with professionals in your desired field.

Remember, it's okay to take things one step at a time. A career change can be a daunting process, but with careful planning and a positive mindset, it's achievable.