How many of you are in a vastly different career than where you thought you'd be?

[SS Junk]

I got into the broadcast field at the tail end of betacam and reel-to-reel just before everything went digital and had to learn what IT was all about. Nothing IT related was offered when in college other than how to use Word Perfect on an IBM 286. Fortunately I at least knew how to type.

I hated the job for the first couple of years but kind of grew into it.

Too much "RASPEK MA AUTHORITAAAAAAAA!" I take it?

[kingjason]

I was never with out a job, however, I figured I would be a retail store or sales manager my entire life but just randomly applied for the force where I lived almost 18ish years ago. I hated the job for the first couple of years but kind of grew into it. When I hit twenty years, there is a good chance I walk and go do something completely different. My wife has jumped ship a few times now, so I get the financial part! She went from the Navy, to dispatching (where we met),to six years college, to athletic training for the high schools. She quit that this year, mid year, to do contract work.........

[Frank]

April 2016 I was laid off after 23 years with a company. The next 14 months sucked out loud, but I used that time for a lot of self-care and growth besides the relentless pursuit of my next job. I got to meet a lot of interesting people. Made a lot of new, quality friends. Cut loose from toxic people and negativity. Grew more compassion. Spent more time with my kids. Finished some projects. Traveled across New Mexico in my old truck for a quick job. Was "bodyguard" for an actor who came to town and got to hang out and hear some of the coolest stories. Stepped up my wardrobe. Increased some of my skill set. Found others to help and encourage. I can tell you, if you haven't been through a job loss, you cannot relate to how hard it is out there. From dealing with BS recruiters, fake job listings, fake interviews because they already had someone internal in mind, "you're too focused", "you're not focused enough", "we'll call you.", and a plethora of other nonsense, I made it through a lot wiser. I am now about 19mo into my current company and almost dug out of the financial hole. I am still in my field of IT, but very different than where I was. I love reading about odd careers or how people found themselves in a vastly different place than where they thought they would be, but for the better. What is your story?