Deals.Woot

Not sure if this counts, but I started college as a software engineering major, changed to biotechnology, transferred schools to become an ecology and evolutionary biology major, added a second major in political science to make me feel better about my GPA. Then got a job in software testing. Full circle?

I've changed career paths several times. Been a welder, wood worker, Network administrator, offset lithographic press assistant, Tech support, electro-mechanical assembly tech, electrician... After I got laid off from my network administration job, I decided it was stupid to be so specialized, and started learning how to do everything I could. If I lose my current job, chances are I'll be able to go out and immediately find employment nearly anywhere else.

I started out working in politics, fell into purchasing, moved to sales and now I'm about to start an accelerated program to be a nurse. I don't regret a single career change although I miss certain aspects of each position.

I started out in retail. I got certified as a personal trainer and did that for a while. Worked as a research technician for an optics company. Went to college and got my Mechanical Engineering degree and worked in Aerospace. I quit that and put myself through an Administration of Justice Academy and worked various law enforcement assignments for the past 20 years. Went back to college and got my Masters in Conflict Resolution and turned to counseling. I'm in college again to be a certified substance abuse counselor. Next career...retirement.

In college, I was on track to go to law school. One day I decided I didn't want to be trapped in school anymore, so I dropped out and became a SCUBA instructor. I did that for 8 years until the oil spill cost me my job. I tried my hand at cable/phone installations and hated it. I stumbled into medical sales and absolutely love it! I think I'm going to stick with this one.

Twice. From office admin to web designer to community management+, which I have been doing for cough years. :)

+ And then I changed industries within the same career. I've been amazingly fortunate.

Before high school I worked on a produce farm, from planting to harvesting, then during high school I worked at a farmer's market selling produce (I can't stand tomatoes ever since as part of my job was sorting through rotten tomatoes. I can't think of a quicker way to hate the things).

During school I worked as a student assistant, writing tutor, and resident advisor while working on my BS in aerospace engineering.

Since then I've worked in the aerospace sector for two different companies in the past 4 years, starting out as a NASA contractor. I suppose not huge 'career' changes like everyone else, but looking back I've kept myself busy, being only 25.

What is this "career" you speak of?

I have changed around too many times to count. Retail, landscaping, retail, phone support, printer, retail, tech support, on site support, retail, delivery driver and now am managing work flow at a print shop.

I'd also like to state that I personally believe that everyone should work retail for at least a year or so at some point in their lives, so they gain an appreciation of what it is like to do so. Anyone who has worked retail knows exactly what I mean by this one...