[GonnaGetBetter7531]

So this is an issue that I'm really feeling lately, burnout.

I'm in the information technology field. I've been in and out of it since 1998, mainly basic tech support (pc/help desk....alot of call center type work, which I can't stand), which is entry level, which is part of the burnout, because I have a Masters in Information Technology along with a number of certifications that should get me something else besides entry-level, but it hasn't. I feel a big issue is that the schooling, really doesn't prepare you for work, but that is another post!

I think another issue is that there are too many people chasing too few jobs along with the issue of offshoring work to overseas countries.

Now I'm in another entry-level job after getting frustrated with my last job. I was never able to advance to another advanced position, so I left. My job is pretty basic and my managers treat us like kids, and I also work with contractors who do pretty much the advance worked.

I have no enthusiasm for this work anymore. I've reached a breaking point.

I have a ton of vacation saved up, was planning on taking it all next month and going to visit a trade school. I was going to go there to way my future options and find something else.

The only thing that sticks in my mind is that I've spent all of this time and money on this education, and now I'm going to throw it away. This bothers me and I have obsessive thoughts about this. I don't want to go back to school, but if I have to, I guess I have to. I just don't want to have to live with my parents at the age of 40. I want to be able to make enough money to finally have my own home and start some sort of career where I get some sort of validation.

I don't think there's anything wrong with changing fields, but be careful. I've known several people who've quit work and have been unable to find anything to replace it. Just some thoughts, and I'm sure you're already aware of some of them.....check out on-line IT opportunities. A lot of businesses don't have a home-base anymore. Keep an eye on Craig's List....I've gotten a number of things through there. Also, Best Buy, Office Depot and Staples among others hire IT people. It's kinda in-between....it's above entry level phone work but it's not THAT high....you wouldn't be on the phones though. You'd be physically talking to people and working on computers and other stuff. Also.....ALL business these days use computers and have networking. Just call around and ask some if they could use anyone. You could even put an ad on Craig's List and talk to your friends and start your own business....doing virus protection and upgrading and such. Just some thoughts. My husband worked for AOL from 1997 until they moved all of their IT overseas. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.