Sorry this is really long!
I would really appreciate some advice and ideas about how to change what I do for a living. This isn't really about "going back to work" as I have never not worked, but I wasn't sure where else to post this.
I have worked in the legal field all my working life, working my way up from solicitor's clerk to secretary, legal executive, senior PA and even becoming a legal affairs manager for 5 years (although that was 10 years ago). After several redundancies I am now back in a more standard PA/Legal Exec role and at the age of 50 I feel demoralised and not sure where to turn next. My job is ok but not fulfilling, i.e. no job satisfaction and no prospect of progression. I have been on a pay freeze for 7 years! I am lucky to work with nice people though, which is a bonus. It's just that I don't see this kind of work going anywhere, as technology progresses everyone seems able to type for themselves these days and whereas I used to be involved in working on complex and interesting documents, organising and minuting meetings, going to court etc nowadays I just get to do dull admin and the boring tasks no-one else wants to do. With a large mortgage, children etc, there is no way that I can afford to give up working in order to study.
So what to do? As said above, I don't have a degree, just a bunch of O levels. I am a very capable person and I think that is supported by the fact that I have never been out of work. Even after my redundancies I have always been able to find new work very quickly. Even though I don't feel confident inside, I am able to act in a confident manner in interviews and have been told that I impress in interviews. Every boss I have ever had has said that I have been a major asset - I always get given a lot more responsibility over and above the initial job spec, as employers seem to quickly recognise my capabilities. I am very creative and full of ideas and have implemented more efficient ways of doing things for my employers.
But employment agencies don't seem to be interested in me. Is this because I am 50? I have applied for jobs online on and off over the past year but never get to interview stage. Most of the time I never hear anything back and it feels like I'm just sending my CV into the ether. I've been told my CV is excellent and I think it reads quite impressively. I have a very good work ethic, never take time off sick, never late, very helpful and friendly attitude, discreet, loyal, great team player or can work autonomously etc. But if there is no future for me in PA work I am just not sure what to do. I am interested in lots of things (most things except finance/maths related stuff) but it just seems impossible to break into a new field where I don't have experience, don't have a degree and need to keep earning.
I do appreciate that I am more fortunate than many in that I have a job and a solid work history. But I have 16 more years of working life ahead of me and just dream of being able to do something I find fulfilling. I don't need to earn a fortune - 24/25k is what I need to get by. I can turn my hand to so many things, I'm flexible and open to any ideas. I could spare 1 day a week to do training/volunteering but just not sure which direction to go in.
I can't be the only person in this position and I would be eternally grateful if anyone who has been in a similar position could share their experiences or if anyone has any bright ideas.
Perhaps this is what they call a mid-life career crisis?
Thank you!!
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How can I change careers without a degree? Advice gratefully received
6 replies
thriftymrs · 13/02/2014 17:21
OP posts:
Chunderella ·
14/02/2014 18:19
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Chunderella ·
14/02/2014 18:22
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