Mid-30s, ADHD, stuck in a government job, and desperately want to switch to corporate. Am I being unrealistic?
I'm in my mid-30s and have been working in a government job for several years. It isn't one of those prestigious or high-paying government roles with great perks. The work has become repetitive, growth is limited, and I constantly feel like I'm underutilizing myself.
The problem is, I feel trapped.
For years I've wanted to move into the corporate world, where I feel there would be more learning, faster growth, and accountability. But every time I think about making the jump, my family reminds me about the "security" of a government job. They've always discouraged taking risks, and I realize I've internalized that fear.
Before this, I spent years preparing for UPSC. It didn't work out, and after that I ended up staying in this job because it felt like the safe option. Looking back, I wonder if I stayed because of fear rather than because I truly wanted this life.
I also have ADHD, and I think novelty, learning, solving problems, and building things energize me. Routine and slow-moving environments, on the other hand, leave me feeling mentally drained. Lately, the feeling of wanting to escape has become stronger than ever.
Has anyone here made a similar transition from a government job (or another stable career) to corporate in their 30s?
Was it worth it?
How did you deal with the fear of leaving security behind?
Did ADHD make the transition easier or harder?
If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?
I'm looking for honest experiences, whether encouraging or cautionary. I don't want to spend another decade wondering "what if."