I am on crossroads and am considering whether to choose a career in academic history. The field has plenty competition in my country, and the financial aspects of the job aren't very bright until a few more years. If people who are pursuing it as a career could share their valuable stories, I'd be able to make a more informed decision.
I worked an office job out of college, but after a year it was apparent to me that I hated it and hated the setting. I had always been interested in history and took it as one of the majors in college. So I applied to various PhD programs in the area I'm interested in and got it. And thanks to luck and other factors I got a TT job.
As it is, however, I would be hard pressed to recommend this line of work to anyone. I dont know what area you're in, etc, but history in general has very few jobs for the number of graduates, and even people from top schools are having difficulty getting a tenure track position. If money is at all a concern for you I would not try a career in this.