how to pick a career / direction

[BetteDavis01]

Hello

I'm currently a SAHM, but with my DCS now at school I want to get back into work! We need the money and I need to work for my self esteem, I'm getting a bit low, tbh.

My background....left college after A Levels and fell into admin work and never really progressed further than that. I gave up work to have DC1 and haven't been employed since. So that's 6 years.

I didn't enjoy admin / office type work, but I'm struggling to figure out a career path for myself. I did the Myers Briggs personality test and came out as INFJ; careers suited to this personality type are jobs which involve caring for others. I want a role where I can help people, to be able to see that I've made a positive contribution to someone's life. Basically, my job from hell would be high pressure sales!

So, my situation is that I'm not qualified for anything, not worked for years, s'pose I'm a bit of a blank canvas. Need to start from scratch.

Although I have a feeling that I will end up either in the education or health field, I don't want to be a Nurse and after reading threads on here, teaching sounds incredibly stressful.

I know I sound ridiculous, but what can I do? I studied Psychology to A Level and loved it. People fascinate me, I love talking to people and would love to be in a role where I am
helping them.

Im going round in circles, are their any career questionnaires I can fill out online, in order to work out my dream role? If you have any suggestions, I'm
Open to them! I could really do with some guidance! Feel very directionless at the moment.

I want my own career now, DH plans to step down from his high pressure role in the future and I want to step up. Thank you x

[mckenzie]

counsellor?
hypnotherapist?

[Chorltonswheelies422]

I'm INFJ too.

[Chorltonswheelies422]

Damn posted too early - have you done Strengthsfinder2 to get your 5 strengths?

[BetteDavis01]

Hello Chorlton, fellow INFJ!
No, not heard of that? Is it a website?

I have thought about counselling, But again, from reading threads on here,it seems expensive to get qualified and then very difficult to find paid work.

[Chorltonswheelies422]

It's a book - buy it cheap on Amazon but make sure it's a brand new copy. It's by Tom Rath. It comes with a code and you use it to take An online test and it gives you your 5 strengths. Highly recommend - I knew I was an INFJ but hadn't thought properly about my strengths and how to build on them. We should all be doing jobs that use our strengths.

[Babymamamama]

There are several quizzes you can complete on the national careers service website. Use this as a basis to research entry routes to different caring/helping professions. Good luck.

[Babymamamama]

"What color is your parachute" is also a classic book for career changers looking for a new direction.

[BetteDavis01]

Thank you baby mamma.

Can anyone think of actual job roles that may suit me?

Thank you

[BetteDavis01]

Chorlton, if you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living?

[Chorltonswheelies422]

Technology Service Delivery for an investment bank. However, I never knew what I wanted to do. I did secretarial course at college, did a few admin jobs then started at the bank as a temp in the tech dept and just went up - luck not design. I love what I do as I'm playing to my strengths but would love to know what I'd be the greatest at! I've just ordered the book that baby mamma suggested for you! I was always jealous of people who knew what the wanted to do. If I knew, I'd be unstoppable As I have so much drive and enthusiasm. Also I'm going to do a psychology course and thinking next year of studying anatomy and physiology - just because I'm interested!

Do let us know how you get on

[thesandwich]

Have a look at the icould website- Myers Briggs based questionnaire but lots of career suggestions too. And videos. What about charity based jobs? Some great roles.you could start by volunteering. You could do with some experience.

[ApologiesToInsectLife]

Occupational therapist!

[Emeralda]

I did support work for a while. It involved being out and about with various individuals with a particular support need, to help them do stuff they wanted to do like leisure activities and classes, as well as a bit of emotional support. I enjoyed working with people, being out and about, and feeling like I was making a difference (though some days were better than others). The hours were a bit fragmented and I'd struggle to fit it in round family life now.I tthink some organisations are probably better to work for than others.

I totally agree about volunteering. It gives you experience while also getting a chance to see what suits you. If you think you'd be interested in support work, try looking for befriending roles, for example. If you live in a city, is there a volunteer centre near you?

Good luck!

[MaybeDoctor]

What about something allied to medicine, like physiotherapy?

It sounds as if working with people 1-1 would be right for you.

Or, maybe a PA role where you are supporting one person?

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

I agree with allied health professions - physio, occ health, speech therapy, radiography etc.

[JemimaMuddleDuck]

INFJ here too and unhappy PA (so don't do that!).

I think occupational therapy too but I'm mid-40s and don't think I want to do another degree for three years.

[BetteDavis01]

Thank you all for your useful replies. I know I would not be able to cope with front line medicine ( I have so much respect for nurses) but I'm just not cut out for it.

Yes, I think an allied health professional role is probably where I would be most comfortable. Where can I find a comprehensive list of these types of roles, or can you tell me? Thank you, really appreciate you all replying to me x

[BetteDavis01]

Jemimia x

[thesandwich]

www.healthcareers.nhs.uk

[George2014]

I was thinking allied health prof too..

I'm a speech and language therapist in a hospital and I love it. It's diverse and interesting and I sometimes work with children, sometimes in nursing homes, own homes etc.

Other jobs are physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietician, radiographer, audiologist, pharmacy.

There are assistant / technician type roles which don't require a degree. Often we have SLT assistants work for a few years doing the therapy and organising the clinic and then decide to do the degree when they feel it's right for them.

AHPs is a good area of the nhs as it's not full on in the same way as nursing / medicine. It's more specialised and you have a lot more autonomy. The pay and career progression is better. I'm a band 7 after 11 yrs where most nurses (horrifically) stay around band 5.

[JemimaMuddleDuck]

I totally agree with you re nursing. FWIW, we have one group of friends who are OTs, physios and social workers. They're a lovely bunch and I always feel 'at home' with them as opposed to the sales and marketing types I work with.

How old are you Bette?

[BetteDavis01]

I'm early thirties

[Boogbuster]

It's uncanny how similar our situations are @BetteDavis01

Can I ask which path did you take in the end?