Dear Annie: Getting a career off cruise control

Dear Annie: I’ve been working at the same car dealership for five years, since I graduated high school. When I started, it was just a job. I thought I would do this and then figure out what I really want to do. Then I started to make some money, and I got decent at selling. A week turned into a month, which turned into a year, and here I am at 23.

I got married last year, and my wife and I now have a 6-month-old baby girl. She is the love of my life, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. But part of me regrets that I never went to college before starting a family. I don’t want to be a car salesman my entire life.

I’d really like to pursue a degree and study business. I am only 23 and know that I have a long way to go, but the past five years have flown by so quickly, and I want to make sure that I am not on a path I will regret. I love my daughter and her mother. I don’t hate my job, but I can’t imagine doing this for the rest of my life. What should I do? – Stuck Salesman

Dear Stuck: Car salesmen get a bad rap, but really, it’s not an easy job. They have to be persistent, quick-thinking and good with people. If you have the finesse to be a good car salesman, you can probably do pretty much anything you set your mind to.

Look into seeking a degree online or through a local college that offers night classes so you can continue working and supporting your family while laying the groundwork for a new career path. The U.S. News University Directory can match you to a reputable online program that meets your needs.

The skills you’ve honed over the past five years will take you far. With real-world experience plus a degree, you’ll be firing on all cylinders.