career advice for the career-less

[larnen]

I need an outside opinion here. And judging from what I've read, you guys seem pretty smart. I got a degree in Psychology in 2005. I thought working in social work would be a dream come true. After 6 months, I was totally burned out, depressed, worn out, you name it. The truth is, I think I was in it for personal reasons (I wanted to feel like I made a difference, I wanted to feel good because I helped people. I wanted to save someone!) This ultimately left me unfulfilled.

Since then I've been working as a legal secretary (I mostly took this job because at the time I needed the money.) The place is well managed, and the job is not stressful at all. I actually started out as a receptionist, but I got promoted after 4 months (and I did get a pretty good raise for that) But the truth is, this isn't where I want to be. I have a degree...I could be making more money, and at least I could be in the process of FINDING a career. So yesterday I had made the decision to start looking for jobs. But today when I came into work I got an email telling me that since my probationary period was up (3 months after my promotion) I was getting a 15 cent raise. This isn't much, but I guess I started to feel guilty for looking for other jobs. This is my second raise in the 7 months I've worked here...which is rare I know (I've also been participating in the $1M dollar experiment though!)

The thing is, I know this isn't what I want to be. I don't feel challenged, and I don't feel fulfilled. I am smart, and frankly with my education I think I can do better. I guess the only thing holding be back is the guilt I would feel for leaving after such a short time and after they have treated me pretty well. And I know it would ruffle some feathers since I sought out the promotion and then I would be leaving so soon afterwards. Am I being too idealistic for thinking that I can be happier and do better for myself?