i second the 'who moved my cheese' recommendation. Excellent book that encourages/motivates. But not in a Zig or Tony Robbins sort of way.
Im in sales--7 years now. Previously spent 1 year in advertising and 1.5 years in retail management(same company) right after/during college. Up until my current sales career, i spent seven years in social work non-profit organization. So ive definately lived both extremes of the work spectrum.
The whole therapist/social work thing was great, but paid horrible(not as bad as the 17k police job though!!!)
The whole sales thing is Fantastic pay, but youre not exactly saving the world or anyone else.
My choice was based on the realization that when i was inside a system, that system's flaws and the boneheaded mistakes made by the companies comprising the system drives me crazy!!!
Starting my own company or a sales career were the two best choices for me. Both give you high levels of freedom and the ability to make independent decisions. Sales offers the highest pay levels in general, with some opportunities approaching CEO pay range.
So, if you know what you love and you can start your own business doing that---that would be MY first choice. My second choice would be for the sales pay and make what you love a hobby.
I would say that every time i changed paths, from retail management to social work to sales, the people i was leaving all told me dont do it, you cant do it, you shouldnt do it. Thank God i didnt listen. Every move i made was a good one for me.
By the way, the most important career is the one held by my wife. She takes care of our two little ones. After considering going back to her former 'career', she decided to change to fulltime mother. Neither of us have any regrets with that decision either.
Good luck and i hope this novella helps.
