Full Careers

Career Change?

I am 33 and have been in business for 15 years (owner/operator) Landscape. Lately with my body getting beat up(injuries), and the economy taking a dive, I have been contemplating a career change. Am I stupid for thinking this? Most people would love to own their own business... but there are downfalls, (stress, long hours, etc) I have experience in (business management and landscape) What other career could I move into, and how do I find out what I want to do? OR should I just tough it out, and stay in business. I am so confused lately... Alot has changed in this past year with my business and the field in general. I just dont know if I want to do this for the rest of my life..... Any ideas or thoughts? I also have an Associates Degree in Business mangement.. I should have gotten my bachelors! Oh well. I guess the only thing I would miss would be the freedoms of being your own boss.

Public Comments

1. First of all, you are not stupid for thinking this. You bring up some good points about the demands on your body as well as the fact that owning a business is a lot of hard work and stress. Any career change is a challenge and taking the first step is difficult, but it can bring with it many rewards. Your experience would be great at some place like Home Depot or a garden center in your community - some place where you could use your years of experience in landscaping to educate other people. Or maybe there is a career out there that you've always wanted to try but has nothing to do with landscaping. Start looking at online job sites or looking at the classifieds. See what catches your eye. Follow your heart and it will lead you to the rigth place. Don't question your own judgement. There are no right or wrong decisions here - just a lot of options.
2. Go for supervision in a large company. You have the background. the budget oversight. Know the insurance and emplymetn laws. You would be an ideal candidate. How about manager of a golf course. You have many hidden talents that you make not even know you can offer another employer.
3. It is never too late to change jobs, but before you do check out what is out there that you can do. Maybe you could work in a nursery or a shop that deals with landscaping.
4. you could look into alternative power or some type of environmental organisation. check this out http://www.evergreen.ca/en/cg/cg.html similar to your field now but with a bit of a community focuses spin. Evergreen is a non-profit environmental organization with a mandate to bring nature to our cities through naturalization projects. Evergreen motivates people to create and sustain healthy, natural outdoor spaces and gives them the practical tools to be successful Maybe you could do a healing garden at a hospital or something. Just find a project that has a greater purpose or meaning. Anyway hope you find something you like and feel excited about what you are doing again