Keep career on track 2

[huskybuilder]

I've recently (2 months ago) made a very rash career choice that I'm regretting. I left my job at a consultant close to home, where I had established friends and family and took a job in the public sector 1300 miles away. Deep down, I had a feeling the job wouldn't best use my skill set, but the attractive benefits, tough financial times at the previous employer, and opportunity for travel were all attractive to me. I left my old employer on good terms with the offer to return down the line. I don't think they would take me back at this time due to their financial situation.

So I struggle every day to keep my sanity in this new city with no friends in a job I now realize I should have never taken. My options as I see them are tough it out indefinitely and try to make myself happy, or cut and run, moving in with a friend or parents back home, in a rural area with very few other opportunities in my field. Also, if I decide to look for a position back in the private sector, I have to notify my current employer to mitigate any potential conflict of interest, which is basically a deadly blow to my credibility here. The choice seems obvious but I have never been so unhappy in my life.

I'm 24, so I would like to be able to chalk it up as a lesson learned, but at the same time two wrongs don't make a right. Thoughts?

 

[huskybuilder]

Thanks for the responses jmw and macmet. Just so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle, I'm considering a grad school option I explained a couple posts up if somebody else stumbles upon this thread. Thanks!

 

[desertfox]

Hi huskybuilder

For whatever reason we all make decisions that we regret later.
I think I would tough it out for a while and as for getting to know people are there no clubs or gyms you could join?
I work away alot and I get to know people by joining a local gym which is great because it helps me stay in shape and make friends to socialise with in the evenings.
Also if I get repeat work in the same area I have friends already estabilished.

desertfox