Should I make a career change? No Idea what i would change to though!?

I graduated with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing in 2006.

Immediately on graduation i begain employement with one of the biggest investment banks at their offices in london, as a Technology Associate.

The salary is more than I ever expected to get with my first job after finishing school, there are some great opportunities to work towards, and we have excellent benefits and flexible working arrangements. I have been in the rolw for 18 months.

My dilema is that I hate my job. I find it very dull working as a developer. Although I am putting my degree to use, I don't think I am destined to do this forever. Although I obviously have ability (this company would not have hired me fi I was thick) I don't feel that I can perform to the standards that I should be (even though I have very positive review at the end of last year).

Some days I dont do any work. Then I bullshit my way thorugh meetings. I drag everything out longer than needs be because I can not get motivated to do it because i find it so dull.

It is such an amazing job that I feel so afraid of leaving it and giving up the salary and benefits that I wont get anywhere else!

And even if I was to leave to find a job that i would be happier in, I have no idea what career to change to. I studies computing from the age of 16-24. And have now been workingi n the industry for 2 years. I have been immersed in computing for so long I have no idea what else I would be suited for!!

So confused!

Anybody else been in a situation that was in any way similar?

OK, I am in much the same position as you (although not the same industry). I finally decided to quit my job, although I don't have anything lined up. (I have a supportive husband, and children to take care of at home though...lol).

If there are days that you are not doing work at all, and "bullshitting" your way through meetings, then you are doing yourself and your company a dis-service. This is know in business as ToT (theft of time)... making your employer pay you while doing no work. To non-managers, this sounds "Polly-Anna-ish"; however, managers understand that the bottom line is that the company is not getting what they paid for, and this hurts the bottom line. Productivity of employees directly affects a company's profits and growth, and good managers recognize this (whether they approach an employee about it or not). Although you have managed to pull your way through it so far, eventually, it will catch up to you, and you will be reprimanded or terminated. Neither looks good on your resume/CV.

So my recommendation is to do some soul-searching (during your "off time"), and work hard at your job while you're at work. Maybe contact some staffing agencies to see what a recruiter would recommend with your skills. If you have an understanding boss (not all of us do, but if you do), then talk with your boss about the fact that you are no longer happy in the position that you are in, and ask if there are any other job openings within the company that you may be qualified for that may fit better with your interests. Alternatively, try to work out with your boss a position that you may enjoy more, even if it means more education, etc., and plan for a transition to a different position. Most bosses would be happy to help you get where you're going to be happiest (as long as it's not their job...lol).

Hope this helps!

Are you seriously complaining or just sorta trying to brag a little on here?

Don't make a career change until you know what to change to. My advice is to research other careers you may be interested in before you make such a drastic choice.

It seems that the job bores you, maybe you could stick it out if you found a variety of interesting things to do outside of work. Try new hobbies, join a sports team or meet new people.

Also, if you stick it out longer, you may get a promotion into a more interesting role with even better benefits.

The last thing you want to do really is jump out of the frying pan and into the fire; there is always the risk that your new career may make you feel the same way, or worse.

It seems that you've learnt a lesson in life....... "theres more to life than money" there's a reason why some jobs pay well like programming, developing, banking, accounting......... they're dull! They'll sap the life out of you, but they'll give you a lot of money for it. Is it worth it? Theres plenty of exciting things you can do with that computing degree of yours.. im not an expert though, but i think you should go for something, but its upto you to risk finding something less well paid or remain unhappy and well paid where you are

I have no idea what 'applied computing' is! BUT I do know that if you are bored and feel unfulfilled, no amount of money will make you feel better. (I must admit, your job sounds bloody boring - investment banking? Yeuch!!) I was in a very unfulfilling job last year, great salary, great position etc, but I just wasn't working to my potential, so I gave it up and took a much lower paid job in a different city. I have now taken another job which is back up to what i was earning before, but much more enjoyable. I'm a Project Manager by the way - which is a massive industry at the moment. Perhaps you could look at getting into PM in a computing field? Don't feel you are 'wasting' your degree if you go and do something seemingly unconnected to it. The mere fact that you have the aptitude to gain a degree is an important one - it doesn't always matter exactly what your degree is in...
It also sounds to me that you are lacking in confidence a bit? You are right though - your company wouldn't have taken you on or given you a good review if you aren't doing your job well. Are you wanting another job because of this? Just look about, do something different, take time out. Anything - just don't stagnate in a job you don't like. There is no need for it. It is always easier to find another job while you are in one. And don't worry about company's thinking you don't stick with a job - organisation's respect people who aren't 'plodders' and need a challenge. Good luck..

Changing your career is not easy and unless you find that something which will motivate you, you will meet with the same boredom in whatever job you have.

I would tackle this situation in a different way - how can I use my knowledge to make me happier and more satisfied?

Try to set long term targets, such as within the next four years you will have your own company and you will have people employed by yourself in this field. In that way you will then have different jobs within the same industry ie technology associate, marketing you own products, meeting people, etc.

With today's economy and downsizing, now is not the time to jump to a new job. You might find yourself layed off after starting a new job.
You are at the beginning of your career. Do your best and shine in your position. Find a mentor (either in your company or in another one) and learn how to advance into more interesting work within your company.
Ask for more responsibility.
Meanwhile, talk with career counselors at your former university or even a local community college. They will have good ideas for other areas you can apply your skills.
Also, do you want to be a little fish in a big pond or the opposite? Maybe you would enjoy being the tech guru in a small organization, such as a municipal government or public school--places that don't pay as well, but could really use your expertise.