Career change

[etch]

I have a problem with my current job. i no longer like the job i am in. Excessive long hours (avg 60-70hrs) with little reward have taken their toll on both my family and health.

I am looking for a career change into an up and coming industry that has some long term potential and will not shut down after 3 months of work.

I am qualified in metallurgy, mechatronics and health and safety, the problem lies with the fact that none of these are at degree level. I am looking to move into a different field of work , but i am unsure of what direction. I fell mechatronics would be a good career change. Does anyone know if this si still a growing market? Is there any advice, should i bite the bullet and go and do degree, this is not a realistic option as i have a heafty mortgage to pay.

i guess im looking to get out of heavy industry into a more stable and long term business.

 

[PSE]

Etch,

At least in the U.S. it seems to be an ugly job market at present and the lack of a degree will not do you any favors. Try looking at smaller firms as they will likely show greater flexibility in qualification requirements. I wish I could offer better information. You may also try enrolling in a educational class in order to show a prospective new employer that you are working toward a degree. A single class hopefully won't strain your finances excessively. I have been trying to help out a friend with similar qualifications who has been unemployed for some 15 months now but opportunities seem scarce whilst candidates seem plentiful.

Best of luck

 

[IRstuff]

I guess the question you'll need to ask yourself is whether that's something that will make you leap out of bed in the morning to get to work.

A new job, while exciting, will most likely involve a lot of work to get up to speed and be productive, so you'll need to make sure that once the luster of the new job has worn off, you'll still be motivated.

Mechatronics seems to be an ongoing and evolving industry, particularly in light of new military programs such as Future Combat System for the Army and DD21 for the Navy.

I'm not sure if there's really such a thing as a stable job these days. My general manager from 3 jobs ago gave a talk that essentially said that lifetime employment at one company or job is a thing of the past and that you should expect to change jobs at least a few times.
TTFN

 

[plasgears]

Many years ago a fellow student expressed a concern about having to enter the military/aviation field (that's where the offers were), and I recommended looking into bio-eng. His eyes lit up, he went back to school to concentrate on bio, and he must be very happy today. Multidiscipline is wonderful if you can stand the extra expense and effort. Another similar multi-disc is patent law.

Yes, go for your degree before it's too late.