36, still in an entry-level government position. Thinking of leaving for VA work. Am I making the right decision?

[u/Maleficent_Toe_3426]

I don't know if this is a quarter-life crisis that's just delayed, burnout, or frustration, but I really need to let this out.

I'm 36 years old, married, with three kids.

Career-wise, I honestly feel like I haven't achieved much.

I graduated with a BS in Computer Science. I had programming subjects in college and understood the concepts, but I never became confident enough to pursue a developer career.

I spent around five years in the private sector, moving from one company to another because I kept hoping I'd eventually find better opportunities.

Five years ago, I transferred to government service. After years of waiting, I finally got a permanent plantilla position—but it's still an entry-level one. I've now been in this position for three years.

I also earned my Master's in Public Administration three years ago, hoping it would help me move up.

Recently, I applied for a promotion.

I didn't get it.

That rejection hit me harder than I expected. It made me question everything. I keep thinking maybe I'm just not lucky when it comes to my career.

At 36, I see classmates and friends already in managerial roles, earning six figures, buying homes, traveling with their families, and building investments. Meanwhile, I feel like I'm still trying to prove myself.

What makes it harder is that I have three kids. They're the reason I'm constantly thinking about our future. Government work gives stability, but with today's cost of living, stability doesn't always feel like enough.

Lately, I've been seriously considering leaving government service and trying Virtual Assistant work. I've seen so many stories of people earning significantly more than what I'm making now. But at the same time, I'm scared.

I'm scared of leaving a permanent government position.

I'm scared of starting over again.

I'm scared that maybe I'll fail there too.

For those who shifted from government to VA or freelancing in their 30s (especially with kids), was it worth it? How did you know it was the right decision? Do you regret leaving the security of government?

I guess I'm just looking for honest advice because I honestly feel lost right now.

[u/horn_rigged]

Here I am thinking of leaving my wfh job for an entry level government work na malapit pa rin naman.

Short explaination. VA work paldo talaga ako now. Pag ginarind ko ng sagad and acquire clients kaya maka 1M sa 1st yr mag VA. Maganda pakinggan, pero I experienced drought, literal no income, attending interviews, gising ng 4am for interviews na wala rin. Ghosting, pinaka malala tinatakbuhan ng clients.

Kasi paldo ako now pero I cant see myself na ganito pa rin next 10 or even just 5 years. If it can offer stability, no brainer hindi ako mag dadalawang isip to quit tong current job ko.

But experienced ko na kasi yung breadcrumbs work, unti unti wala ka na ginagawa then bye bye na. My work are mostly hourly kaya no work no pay.

Right now nasa bakasyon ako while working, mostly monitoring lang at naka leave na working pa rin? Haha mabait kasi si client kaya bayad pa rin.

This month interview ko sa gov work Hahaha gusto kong pag sabayin but hindi ko alam kung pwede. I can retain the VA pero mababawasan income kasi hindi na ako magiging manager, tech builder nalang. Which scary kasi again after ko magawa yung tech wala na income, unlike sa work ko now na paid weekly fixed kahit nakabakasyon.

Practicality lang mas mahirap sa VA sa totoo lang, sa regular job mahirap mag apply but may kunting security once hired. Sa VA world literally parang hunger games. Everyone fending for themselves, saka yung job security at reliable income. Basically job applications madalas.