Buehler --
I did a career switch that may be similar to what you are considering. When I was 26 or so, I was a applications engineer. I felt that my contributions to the company were marginal. While I had excellent prospects for an immediate promotion, I didn't think the new position would suit my personalities or skill, or be very fulfilling.
I did a drastic career change (academia, still in engineering). It required relocating my family, a reduction in income and lifestyle, and 4 years of additional education. Once I landed the job i wanted, I made roughly 1/3 more than the job I had left 4 year earlier, not adjusted for inflation. After that, I had to work hard for about 16 years to get into a position where (for the last year or two) I am generally proud of my accomplishments, well-recognized by my peers, and am now having important influence on the direction of my department and college.
Concluding message -- a successful, meaningful career requires a lot of time, effort, dedication, and risk-taking. Weigh the cost and benefits and make the best decision for you with confidence and total commitment.
Things I like about my job:
1) helping young people achieve their goals
2) discovering new knowledge
3) shaping the future of the organization
4) respect from my peers
5) sense of responsibility, meaning, and purpose
Things I don't like about my job:
1) longer hours than I like
2) stress
3) less control over "what do I want to do today" than a few years ago
4) occasions of responsibility without authority
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