Employment/redundancy - what the hell do i do now

[DuffyMoon]

AM hoping someone can help

Have been a civil servant for 21 years and have been told my job will probably be made redundant. The thing is I have no idea what I want to do/jobs to go into - the jobs around my area seem to be bingo callers /bar staff and doorpersons.

I am thinking of maybe retraining/going to college but want to look for courses with the greatest chance of employment. Does anyone know which professions are in demand or recommend their job... I do feel I would like to move into more health/caring professions but dont want to do a course where even if you qualify there are very few jobs or an area which is cut whenever there are funding problems.

Has anyone else re-trained mid life?

TIA

PS I realise that if I dont know what to do with myself no-one else will but all tips/advice etc gratefully received

[Grevling]

Does your job equivalent exist in the private sector?

[LIZS]

Normally they offer outplacement resources which would give you time to re-evaluate your skills and have advice about possible related careers.

[DuffyMoon]

not really equivalent in private sector...I feel like I want to change my life but dont know in which direction. I suppose I would like to go in a direction where there will be a future...a profession that is always "needed" and is enjoyable/rewarding. I have very little self confidence so inside I do want to change things but am scared to do so