There’s no shame in working in more than one industry or even in more than one career path. A lot of people have switched career paths and some of us pretty radically. I started out in aviation training as an A&P mechanic. I probably would have stayed on that path except through a series of recessions and a glut of employees, jobs were exceptionally hard to come by for many years.
After college, I was almost 20 years in marketing and sales management for a professional services company. I moved all the way from manager to director to VP.
Because of a combination of factors, I chose to quit and pursue a different career in a completely different industry. I now own them run my own business.
I think you’re wise to consider not just what you want to do but what industry you want to do it in.
That was a key factor for me. The industries we sold to became more and more competitive and with it their attitudes changed to become very hostile towards professional services and consultants. They seemed to resent having to come to us for expertise. I finally had enough.
There are some industries out there that are just plain toxic. The companies are dog eat dog and the only reason people stay is generally high pay. But that can only feed the bulldog so long.
One last thought. Trust your gut. I remember when I was interviewing for jobs years ago. I was called for an interview at a very well-known company. Oddly the interview was scheduled for Friday at 3:00. When I got to the interview I was parked and reception and 3:00 came and went. The hiring manager phoned out to reception. All apologies, I’m just having to deal with something blah blah blah could you please wait?
So I waited. 3:30 came and went 4:00 came and went. It was then that I woke up and realized that there were people scurrying about and rushing around like it was 10:00 on Monday morning and there was a crisis brewing. The place was just a hub of very intense activity and everyone wore a frown. On a Friday at almost 4:30. Lots of people came in the door, but nobody showed any signs of leaving.
I asked the receptionist for a piece of paper and I hand wrote a note to the hiring manager saying thank you for scheduling our interview but I am no longer interested in a position at your company. Best move I ever made. Listen to your gut.