Sometimes, it takes reaching a breaking point to finally break through—2024 was my year to break free.

Working in shipping and receiving at a family-owned manufacturing plant turned out to be much more than I signed up for. My job went far beyond typical S&R tasks for mediocre pay. My military training helped me push through 3 years of this mess, but the constant strain wore me down. Days began battle my attendance - I felt like I won a battle just to show up. I often wondered if I should just quit and "figure it out later." But with my family depending on me, leaving wasn’t an option.

So what did I do? Well, I took classes on SNHU Online for a BS in Computer Science from 2022 to 2024. My goal was to transition into tech. However, I slowly realized the dense schedule prevented me from diving deeper into projects or attending group coding sessions. I felt defeated because I had worked hard to understand some difficult stuff but didn't have the banging projects or way of demonstrating it. Yet, I had to make a change, to take a chance - so I relied on my inventory expertise to find another warehouse job.

That decision paid off when I landed a few interviews, one being with my current employer. In each interview, I clearly outlined I was looking to find a warehouse role where I could use technology to solve problems. I told my current boss, “I can code in Java, C++, and Python”; and their response was, “How are your Excel and SAP skills?”. This caught me off guard because my experience in those areas was limited. I still got the job and I hit the ground running.

Start Planning Your Exit - Update Your Resume (Today)
Instead of waiting until you're desperate, update your resume regularly. This way, you won’t have to scramble when the stress of the job you're beginning to hate becomes too much. Planning an exit isn’t about quitting on impulse, it’s about being proactive.

Commit to the Effort
Be prepared for late nights, early mornings, or both. Transitioning to something better often requires sacrifices, but those sacrifices are temporary.

Mindset Shift
When you decide it’s time to move on, inactivity feels worse than taking action. You may find that each step brings relief and empowerment, no matter how small. Embracing this mindset helps you push through challenges and stay motivated.

Pursue Opportunities to Learn, Even When It's Tough
Life will always be busy–Kids need undivided attention, your spouse needs quality time, and your job requires you to pay attention. However, it’s essential to keep learning, whether it's taking classes, earning certifications, or diving deeper into your area of interest. The progress will feel slow at first, but every bit of knowledge you gain adds up over time, which opens the door to a new career.

The Power of Continuous Learning
While you may not immediately reach your end goal (like becoming a "software engineer" in my case), the skills acquired along the way can still create value in your current role. For example, with my awareness of what computers are capable of, I'm able to create automated solutions and improve processes in inventory management.

Balance and Patience
Remember, progress is not linear: needing to pause or adjust plans (like taking a break from school) to focus on the present moment is fine; it doesn’t mean you’ve lost momentum. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t reached the "perfect" job or position yet. The key is to land a job with the right environment for your skills to thrive and be appreciated by the right people.

Rely on What You Already Know
When you're looking to make a career change, it's easy to get caught up in what you don't know yet or feel like you need to completely reinvent yourself. But the hard truth is you already have existing skills that will provide immense value to someone else. Write a list of everything you think you know, then mark them with (P) for pro, (I) for intermediate, or (B) for beginner.

Transferable Skills Are Key
The beauty of transferable skills is that they can apply to a wide range of roles. In my case, it was inventory expertise, something I've honed over the years through the military to warehouse logistics. Remember to identify and lean into your strengths on your resume because they can give you the confidence you need to discuss your work during an interview.

Don't Wait for the "Perfect" Moment
Sometimes, waiting for the "perfect time" to make a career change or pursue a new opportunity can hold you back. Apply to several related jobs you're interested in and don't hold your breath. Even if the interview goes well, having 2-3 interviews that went well is a better fit. Be the one who is looking for a company to join, rather than thinking of yourself as someone who needs a better job.

The best time to take action is now. Update your resume, reach out to your network (personal or social media), and start making connections. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each position to showcase your strengths and align with the job you're applying for. Chances are they run your resume through AI to look for keywords.

These are the steps I took to land a job I truly enjoy, and I hope this article has given you the motivation to take similar steps toward your own career goals. Remember, every small action adds up, and the only way to move forward is to start.

You've got this!

RESOURCES

• Updating my resume on Indeed helped me submit multiple applications
• Glassdoor shows salary ranges for each job listing, which I find useful.

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