As part of being victims of the Sunken costs fallacy, we find it a tough call to change our careers. You studied say, Electrical Engineering and thus you think you must practice electrical engineering forever even you do not enjoy it. We only live once, yet we spend entire lifetimes trying to pursue careers we do not like. You simply may not find it rewarding to stay with a single career forever. Yes we have to pay the bills. So one can reach a compromise by pursuing that which pays the bills but also looking for other better alternatives.

The times are changing and sticking with a single profession for one’s whole working life is no longer tenable in these modern times. It’s what many of our parents did. Sticking to one career has potential pitfalls. Though a single career could mean stability, it could also translate to “putting your eggs in one basket.” The job market is uncertain, and if your skills are not transferable, you may find yourself in the dark if you do lose your job mid-career. In this day and age, having a guaranteed lifetime career isn’t always realistic, so it’s important to have at least other options. Anything can happen.

When considered holistically, a career is just one part of your whole life. Thus, you may find that changing careers is motivating and energizing. We all change as we get older; what worked for us at age 23 may not work for us at age 30, and our priorities might be different again at 44.

Give yourself the chance to try different things as this may lead to real personal growth and development. Each new opportunity will teach you new skills, connect you to more people, and make you more flexible.

I will teach, I will sell, I will invest, I will sing and I will still practice my beloved, electrical engineering for now. Change is welcome.