Yuku free message boards

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 8:14 AM

Have any board members had the experience of intentionally downsizing their career? I'm wondering if any of you've gotten sick of "chasing it" and just decided to be a "worker bee". I'm considering a new position that would have significantly fewer responsibilities (non-management) and would pay quite a bit less. The upside? A more stable work environment; less stress; no travel.

Anyone out there who has gone down this path? How did it go? Any regrets?

Thanks in advance!

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 8:34 AM

CV, not personally but have watched many a friend and colleague go through this. Some by design, some forced to by work redundancies or health. One friend had been a controller/CFO at several companies and at the age of 45 or so, took a new job as a financial analyst at a large company. In most situations, however, the 'grass is greener' syndrome hits where they either get bored or the job becomes as stressful as the previous ones, just different types of stress with different responsibilities.

Seems when folks hit 50-55 is when it begins to happen. Tired of the office politics, the stress and the hassle of managing people. Plus, they get to spend more time on Badger sport message boards.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 8:53 AM

My Dad downsized around age 42. Was making good money but traveling 2 weeks a month. He had a 8 and 3 year old and decided he needed to be home more; even though it meant making less money.

I think it worked out for him.

Older Tailgate/Bowl Trip Photos · August 15, 2012 9:52 AM

I did about ten years ago and haven't looked back.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 10:13 AM

Nation's Lower Class at Least Grateful It Not Part of Nation's Middle Class

Older Tailgate/Bowl Trip Photos · August 15, 2012 10:17 AM

delted

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 10:31 AM

I did it to go work with my brother. Unfortunately, economic concerns drove me right back where I was.

I've turned down opportunites to go past my analysis roles. I'm challenged. I'm involved. I enjoy what I'm doing and by in large who I'm doing it with.

Honestly, like Ed says. my stress level is one small peg below that of my finance director. If I pulled back further, I'd be bored. If I went further, I'd want to stab someone in the heart. I'm about where I want to be. I'll probably feel differently in 10 years. By then, who knows? Maybe I'll want to give it the ole' Corporate Accounts Payble, 4thngoal speaking and tell someone they have a case of the Mondays.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 10:34 AM

You could be like Gobbz and downsize yoru career from the start.

I am seriously considering this as well-- if I can reach an agreement to sell my business, I will be done soon. Downsize all the way to starter on a golf course.

Older Tailgate/Bowl Trip Photos · August 15, 2012 10:48 AM

Portage Plumber wrote:
You could be like Gobbz and downsize yoru career from the start.

I am seriously considering this as well-- if I can reach an agreement to sell my business, I will be done soon. Downsize all the way to starter on a golf course.

You'd make a better ranger and ball washer.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 11:13 AM

Myles Long wrote:

Portage Plumber wrote:
You could be like Gobbz and downsize yoru career from the start.

I am seriously considering this as well-- if I can reach an agreement to sell my business, I will be done soon. Downsize all the way to starter on a golf course.
You'd make a better ranger and ball washer.

Given your experience, which did you prefer? I dont want to work that hard.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 11:24 AM

Remove this ad

As soon as you can handle the fact that there's nothing left to gain--your own ego, significant money, office prestige--it's not that hard. My career peaked long before I planned, mostly because I wasn't good at taking direction from idiots who knew all the buzz-words. Did I mention ego?

So I quit trying to impress, accepted the fact my annual review would contain a bunch of needs-to-work-ons, and did the stuff I liked to do.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 11:26 AM

Just did it and start on the 27th of this month. Less stress, smaller agency and no travel. Base pay is not that much less and they gave me a bonus/profit plan that is very reachable

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 6:21 PM

My best friend's husband did this a year ago and it was the best thing he ever did for their marriage. He was in a supervisory position in a road construction company and basically did the "take this job and shove it" routine one day. Now he's back as an independent laborer without supervisory responsibility and can choose to work or not work when called. Previously, he was always in a bad mood and my friend seriously wondered how she would be able to have him around when he retired (she thought maybe he could live in their heated, lofted garage). Now, they are really enjoying each other - probably the most carefree and happy they have been in 37 years of marriage.

Edited for improper homonym.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 6:45 PM

UncleEd2007 wrote:
CV, not personally but have watched many a friend and colleague go through this. Some by design, some forced to by work redundancies or health. One friend had been a controller/CFO at several companies and at the age of 45 or so, took a new job as a financial analyst at a large company. In most situations, however, the 'grass is greener' syndrome hits where they either get bored or the job becomes as stressful as the previous ones, just different types of stress with different responsibilities.

Seems when folks hit 50-55 is when it begins to happen. Tired of the office politics, the stress and the hassle of managing people. Plus, they get to spend more time on Badger sport message boards.

This is a good description of my feelings this past summer. I had a department of 75 people.....and, it was draining. When I thought about what I really enjoyed doing and what gave me energy....it had nothing to do with moving a herd of Gen X'ers and Gen Y's in one given direction. On top of that, the parent company had a former McKinsey twit from France who never really managed a team of people, but was really good at wanting to use my team as a test lab for his future white paper case studies.

I did something I never envisioned myself doing..... I basically gave notice without having anything lined up. I was faced with a couple of choices: CMO for a retailer (right back into the frying pan), or..... A well-established consulting practice where the managing partner is more interested in quality of life than about growing the heck out of the practice. I love it! No direct reports, and I can come in and be a nice guy that asks lots of good questions and then says something semi-insightful.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 7:15 PM

If you are talking about downsizing in terms of compensation, then yes, I did this when I moved from the private to the public sector 8 years ago, when I was 50 years old. Took about a 50% cut in compensation to move to a position that I thought would bring me more personal satisfaction.

I've been very happy with it. It took a year or so to adjust to the reduced availability of money, but once I did that, I was fine with it. I'm still well compensated compared to most people -- even with the $8-10K that Scott Walker and friends took from me this year.

And I love the law.

The stress level may not be different, but it is a different type of stress. Now I have to deal with political/media/public stress, as opposed to business/financial/bottom line stress. I travel less. I put in slightly fewer hours, but not a lot; however, the extra hours are generally on weekday nights and not on weekends.

I loved the people I worked with before and I sometimes miss them. I don't miss the financial and business aspects of my prior private practice; I did that and learned how to handle it well, but it got annoying. I love that I am now doing something that I think is a public service, which is what I wanted to do when I made the career change. There are aspects of my current work that are also annoying, but I am in a place where I can mostly deal with them.

Follow your bliss.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 8:31 PM

Wow, Uncle Ed Has nailed me!

About 10 years ago I quit a job that paid very well but I always felt I wanted to do something else.
I have tried other places to work since and the same thing always comes up. Wonderlust.
I have had few problems finding work but I seemingly always find the same jerk who I must answer to.!! Umm Bob?
I'm at that point again right now. I know its as much me as it is them. I just have a hard time with authority figures who
are morons. LOL
At 591/2 I value my downtime more than ever.
If you honestly love your work I would not change. If its just a job. All bets are off.

I think I want to run an antique store. Sleep in to at least 6AM, Putz around, drink coffee, Lock the door when i want. Fix crap and make it ready for sale.
talk to people I want to, listen to any kind of music I feel like. scatch my balls when they itch, Rub one off in the restroom when I feel like it.
Take a crap at anytime I want. Drink Beer.

Or else.

Quit everything, Move to the shack, Hunt, fish, and drink beer.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 8:57 PM

AKA TAW wrote:

Edited for improper homonym.

This might be the funniest thing I have read on this board (with exceptions for improper pant selections).

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 9:48 PM

Left one field (package design and visual branding) I loved in NYC, loathed it in Wisconsin, became a full time wedding photographer 5 years ago. Yeah, I like being my own boss and having total creative freedom. Now that we have Jonas (almost 6 months old), I'm scaling back from 25 weddings to 15 or so in 2013 so I can spend more time being Mr. Mom. My stress level should drop ten fold compared to 2012.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 9:50 PM

My firm is taking care of that for me. Getting real tired of trying to build a bigger boat with water continually draining out of the bathtub.

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 10:09 PM

I did so for family reasons

I've mentioned the reasons a few times on this board

Financially it was the biggest mistake of my life - but I wouldn't have traded it ever

My Recent Posts · August 15, 2012 11:20 PM

Remove this ad

Big Eddy Springs wrote:
Wow, Uncle Ed Has nailed me!

Did you spoon afterwards?

Author	Comment
CVBucky	Downsizing Your Career		Lead	[-]
Posts: 784 August 15, 2012 8:14 AM	Remove this ad Have any board members had the experience of intentionally downsizing their career? I'm wondering if any of you've gotten sick of "chasing it" and just decided to be a "worker bee". I'm considering a new position that would have significantly fewer responsibilities (non-management) and would pay quite a bit less. The upside? A more stable work environment; less stress; no travel. Anyone out there who has gone down this path? How did it go? Any regrets? Thanks in advance!
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
UncleEd2007		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 7557 August 15, 2012 8:34 AM	CV, not personally but have watched many a friend and colleague go through this. Some by design, some forced to by work redundancies or health. One friend had been a controller/CFO at several companies and at the age of 45 or so, took a new job as a financial analyst at a large company. In most situations, however, the 'grass is greener' syndrome hits where they either get bored or the job becomes as stressful as the previous ones, just different types of stress with different responsibilities. Seems when folks hit 50-55 is when it begins to happen. Tired of the office politics, the stress and the hassle of managing people. Plus, they get to spend more time on Badger sport message boards. Ben Brust - Refuse to lose!! Edited 1 time by UncleEd2007 August 15, 2012 11:28 AM.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Slimm21		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 12769 August 15, 2012 8:53 AM I've paid for bottle service	My Dad downsized around age 42. Was making good money but traveling 2 weeks a month. He had a 8 and 3 year old and decided he needed to be home more; even though it meant making less money. I think it worked out for him.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Myles Long		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 15716 August 15, 2012 9:52 AM	I did about ten years ago and haven't looked back. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.' President Muffley --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Badger Sports Photos Older Tailgate/Bowl Trip Photos
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
RichInBunlyGoodness		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 5043 August 15, 2012 10:13 AM	Nation's Lower Class at Least Grateful It Not Part of Nation's Middle Class Sent from my Commodore 64
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Myles Long		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 15716 August 15, 2012 10:17 AM	delted --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.' President Muffley --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Badger Sports Photos Older Tailgate/Bowl Trip Photos
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
4thngoal		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 6152 August 15, 2012 10:31 AM Denis Lemieux	I did it to go work with my brother. Unfortunately, economic concerns drove me right back where I was. I've turned down opportunites to go past my analysis roles. I'm challenged. I'm involved. I enjoy what I'm doing and by in large who I'm doing it with. Honestly, like Ed says. my stress level is one small peg below that of my finance director. If I pulled back further, I'd be bored. If I went further, I'd want to stab someone in the heart. I'm about where I want to be. I'll probably feel differently in 10 years. By then, who knows? Maybe I'll want to give it the ole' Corporate Accounts Payble, 4thngoal speaking and tell someone they have a case of the Mondays. <<She kind of looks like Vern Lundquist with a wig on.>> >>Herschey 11-13-12
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Portage Plumber		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2753 August 15, 2012 10:34 AM	You could be like Gobbz and downsize yoru career from the start. I am seriously considering this as well-- if I can reach an agreement to sell my business, I will be done soon. Downsize all the way to starter on a golf course.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Myles Long		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 15716 August 15, 2012 10:48 AM	Portage Plumber wrote: You could be like Gobbz and downsize yoru career from the start. I am seriously considering this as well-- if I can reach an agreement to sell my business, I will be done soon. Downsize all the way to starter on a golf course. You'd make a better ranger and ball washer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room.' President Muffley --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Badger Sports Photos Older Tailgate/Bowl Trip Photos
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Portage Plumber		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2753 August 15, 2012 11:13 AM	Myles Long wrote: Portage Plumber wrote: You could be like Gobbz and downsize yoru career from the start. I am seriously considering this as well-- if I can reach an agreement to sell my business, I will be done soon. Downsize all the way to starter on a golf course. You'd make a better ranger and ball washer. Given your experience, which did you prefer? I dont want to work that hard.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
mcguda		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 7696 August 15, 2012 11:24 AM C.O.F. elderly gangbanger	Remove this ad As soon as you can handle the fact that there's nothing left to gain--your own ego, significant money, office prestige--it's not that hard. My career peaked long before I planned, mostly because I wasn't good at taking direction from idiots who knew all the buzz-words. Did I mention ego? So I quit trying to impress, accepted the fact my annual review would contain a bunch of needs-to-work-ons, and did the stuff I liked to do.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
GeorgiaBadger		#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 217 August 15, 2012 11:26 AM	Just did it and start on the 27th of this month. Less stress, smaller agency and no travel. Base pay is not that much less and they gave me a bonus/profit plan that is very reachable
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
AKA TAW		#12	[url]	[-]
Posts: 13248 August 15, 2012 6:21 PM Den Mother	My best friend's husband did this a year ago and it was the best thing he ever did for their marriage. He was in a supervisory position in a road construction company and basically did the "take this job and shove it" routine one day. Now he's back as an independent laborer without supervisory responsibility and can choose to work or not work when called. Previously, he was always in a bad mood and my friend seriously wondered how she would be able to have him around when he retired (she thought maybe he could live in their heated, lofted garage). Now, they are really enjoying each other - probably the most carefree and happy they have been in 37 years of marriage. Edited for improper homonym. I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch. Gilda Radner Edited 1 time by AKA TAW August 15, 2012 6:49 PM.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
NewBerlinBucky		#13	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1867 August 15, 2012 6:45 PM	UncleEd2007 wrote: CV, not personally but have watched many a friend and colleague go through this. Some by design, some forced to by work redundancies or health. One friend had been a controller/CFO at several companies and at the age of 45 or so, took a new job as a financial analyst at a large company. In most situations, however, the 'grass is greener' syndrome hits where they either get bored or the job becomes as stressful as the previous ones, just different types of stress with different responsibilities. Seems when folks hit 50-55 is when it begins to happen. Tired of the office politics, the stress and the hassle of managing people. Plus, they get to spend more time on Badger sport message boards. This is a good description of my feelings this past summer. I had a department of 75 people.....and, it was draining. When I thought about what I really enjoyed doing and what gave me energy....it had nothing to do with moving a herd of Gen X'ers and Gen Y's in one given direction. On top of that, the parent company had a former McKinsey twit from France who never really managed a team of people, but was really good at wanting to use my team as a test lab for his future white paper case studies. I did something I never envisioned myself doing..... I basically gave notice without having anything lined up. I was faced with a couple of choices: CMO for a retailer (right back into the frying pan), or..... A well-established consulting practice where the managing partner is more interested in quality of life than about growing the heck out of the practice. I love it! No direct reports, and I can come in and be a nice guy that asks lots of good questions and then says something semi-insightful. "i think the way Goldy was walking needs to be discussed. bad night at the frat? colonoscopy?" - Curseislifted33, Gopherhole
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
TheMonsignor		#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 7082 August 15, 2012 7:15 PM Phil King "200 lbs, dripping wet"	If you are talking about downsizing in terms of compensation, then yes, I did this when I moved from the private to the public sector 8 years ago, when I was 50 years old. Took about a 50% cut in compensation to move to a position that I thought would bring me more personal satisfaction. I've been very happy with it. It took a year or so to adjust to the reduced availability of money, but once I did that, I was fine with it. I'm still well compensated compared to most people -- even with the $8-10K that Scott Walker and friends took from me this year. And I love the law. The stress level may not be different, but it is a different type of stress. Now I have to deal with political/media/public stress, as opposed to business/financial/bottom line stress. I travel less. I put in slightly fewer hours, but not a lot; however, the extra hours are generally on weekday nights and not on weekends. I loved the people I worked with before and I sometimes miss them. I don't miss the financial and business aspects of my prior private practice; I did that and learned how to handle it well, but it got annoying. I love that I am now doing something that I think is a public service, which is what I wanted to do when I made the career change. There are aspects of my current work that are also annoying, but I am in a place where I can mostly deal with them. Follow your bliss. Bless the Badgers.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Big Eddy Springs		#15	[url]	[-]
Posts: 4519 August 15, 2012 8:31 PM	Wow, Uncle Ed Has nailed me! About 10 years ago I quit a job that paid very well but I always felt I wanted to do something else. I have tried other places to work since and the same thing always comes up. Wonderlust. I have had few problems finding work but I seemingly always find the same jerk who I must answer to.!! Umm Bob? I'm at that point again right now. I know its as much me as it is them. I just have a hard time with authority figures who are morons. LOL At 591/2 I value my downtime more than ever. If you honestly love your work I would not change. If its just a job. All bets are off. I think I want to run an antique store. Sleep in to at least 6AM, Putz around, drink coffee, Lock the door when i want. Fix crap and make it ready for sale. talk to people I want to, listen to any kind of music I feel like. scatch my balls when they itch, Rub one off in the restroom when I feel like it. Take a crap at anytime I want. Drink Beer. Or else. Quit everything, Move to the shack, Hunt, fish, and drink beer.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Rhino141		#16	[url]	[-]
Posts: 346 August 15, 2012 8:57 PM	AKA TAW wrote: Edited for improper homonym. This might be the funniest thing I have read on this board (with exceptions for improper pant selections).
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
scoobs69		#17	[url]	[-]
Posts: 5997 August 15, 2012 9:48 PM	Left one field (package design and visual branding) I loved in NYC, loathed it in Wisconsin, became a full time wedding photographer 5 years ago. Yeah, I like being my own boss and having total creative freedom. Now that we have Jonas (almost 6 months old), I'm scaling back from 25 weddings to 15 or so in 2013 so I can spend more time being Mr. Mom. My stress level should drop ten fold compared to 2012. don't jab, poke, pierce, stab, or joust with your sausage. you'll lose juice, and ultimately flavor. scoobs - 11/11/02
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
Bucky312		#18	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1050 August 15, 2012 9:50 PM This space for rent	My firm is taking care of that for me. Getting real tired of trying to build a bigger boat with water continually draining out of the bathtub.
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
whirly711		#19	[url]	[-]
Posts: 6596 August 15, 2012 10:09 PM THE JETER	I did so for family reasons I've mentioned the reasons a few times on this board Financially it was the biggest mistake of my life - but I wouldn't have traded it ever
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote
KegStand81		#20	[url]	[-]
Posts: 5472 August 15, 2012 11:20 PM	Remove this ad Big Eddy Springs wrote: Wow, Uncle Ed Has nailed me! Did you spoon afterwards?
Interact My Recent Posts	Reply Quote

Yuku free message boards

Downsizing Your Career

Downsizing Your Career