#YouAsked: Quit and get a PhD?

Awesome to contribute to LinkedIn’s feature #youasked! The question - "I'm currently a Senior Director in technology and I’ve become discouraged with the corporate environment. I'm planning to pursue a doctorate in psychology. But how do I uproot everything?" Here's my response: When considering a major career switch, be sure you’re running TO the new opportunity, and not FROM a bad situation. Are you sure the challenges that discourage you in corporate won’t be the same (or worse) in a new field? As a first step, revisit your values. It’s likely there’s a conflict between these and your current environment. Then, search for a middle ground. There are likely companies where you can apply your technology skills that are less soul sucking. Simultaneously, take a few psychology courses and shadow practitioners to see if this career path is a possible fit. Clarity comes through action. Just a few small steps forward in a new direction can change your view enough to see several satisfying new possibilities, many of which won't require you to uproot everything. All my best! #careers #switchers

I’m thrilled to contribute to LinkedIn’s feature #YouAsked ! The question - “I’m in my mid-thirties. I’ve worked in technology since a very young age and I’m currently a senior director at a big corporation. I’ve become discouraged with the corporate environment. Now I'm planning to pursue a doctorate in psychology. But how do I uproot everything that I’ve come to understand, now later in my life, with more debt and more family responsibility?” — Chris C., New York City-based marketing director Here is my response: It sounds like you are experiencing what some are starting to call ‘affluenza,’ where you feel, 'I have all this material wealth and success, so why am I still unhappy?' Many of us are finding that the modern workplace has become unrewarding, and we're looking for something more to give us fulfilment. It may be unrealistic to expect work to be our only source of meaning or happiness, but so much of our identity is associated with our careers. The material burdens of pursuing a PhD may be the most apparent factor in the short term, but remember that being an inspired and driven version of yourself is also a critical contribution you can give to your family.

Contributed to LinkedIn's new feature - #youasked about considering the pursuit of a doctorate in psychology. Thanks for inviting me to share my thoughts Scott Olster