Hey guys,
I’m currently standing at a massive crossroads in my life and could really use some perspective from people who have made a similar leap.
The Situation:
I’ve spent the last few years climbing the ladder in operations management. I currently run a branch generating over $3M in annual revenue, and I’ve even stepped up to manage multiple locations during management shortages. On paper, things are "great." I’m a top performer, I have a stable career path, and the promotion opportunities are there if I want them.
But the truth is, I’m exhausted. My current schedule is a grind—I’m working a standard 8-4:30 management gig and then driving Uber/delivery until 10 PM several nights a week. I’ve managed to save about $6k toward a $10k goal, all because I want to be as financially independent as possible for what comes next.
The Crossroads:
I’ve been admitted to a Master’s program in Computer Systems and Cybersecurity at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. I even landed a 75% scholarship. Plus my current company are offering me area maager
Here is where I’m torn:
The "Safe" Path: I could stay in management. I know I’m good at it, the money is consistent, and I’ve built a solid reputation. "Growth" here means higher-level operations, but my heart isn't in it.
The "Leap of Faith": In July, I plan to quit my job, move to Sweden, and pivot entirely into tech. I’ve always wanted to get into cybersecurity, but if I’m being honest, coding assessments have been a massive hurdle for me in the past. The "imposter syndrome" is hitting hard—I'm leaving a field where I'm an expert to become a student in a field where I've struggled with technical interviews.
The "Why":
My family is being incredibly supportive (they are helping with tuition), and my mom is actually living in Norway right now, so being in Scandinavia would bring me closer to her.
I’ve always told myself "Growth Always," but as the resignation date in July gets closer, the reality of leaving a high-performing career to start from zero is getting scary.
TL;DR:I’m a successful branch manager with $3M+ revenue responsibility, but I’m planning to quit in 3 months to move across the world for a Cybersecurity Master's. Am I crazy for leaving a "sure thing" for a difficult career pivot?
Has anyone else transitioned from high-level management back to being a "beginner" in tech? Was the payoff worth the struggle of the degree and the technical learning curve?