This industry is draining & stressful. I’ve been on the estimating/office side for 8 years and have absolutely no love for it anymore. It’s effecting my mental pretty tremendously. Could just be the shop im at, but curious if anyone left and started loving life again? What career path did you take after? 30F for reference. Work/life balance is really all in looking for, with a lot less stress.
I’m a collision estimator, 30 years old. I have been with the same company for 8 years, started as a receptionist, parts department, Customer service rep & then estimator. I make 75k a year but am EXHAUSTED with my 10 hour days Monday-Friday. Upper management is draining. I could go on for days. Very over worked and under compensated doing the roll of 4 people. I do know my worth and they even have ads up offering a higher pay than what I make and I have asked for a raise numerous times. And I’m the leading writer and have been since I started.
Anywho, I say all this to say - I know there’s better out there. I don’t know where to look or what path would interest me. I don’t have it in me to start over financially, I’m willing to take a small pay cut to start but it can’t be super drastic. Also, health insurance is another huge factor. I can’t afford to lose that during the transition for both myself & my son. I feel stuck, and so beyond burnt out (I know many of us feel this way😔) I just want to love my job again. I want to step out of a stressful career and start enjoying life again. Sorry if this seems like more of a rant, maybe I’m just looking for encouragement.