Want to change career but don't know what to

[Santaclarita]

I want to change career but don't know what to. A lot of areas sound interesting but I don't think I'm smart enough to do them and think I'm maybe too 'old' now to start a career in some of them. I'm 28 but some careers are easier to get into when young, like medicine.

I have 9 standard grades (gcses in scotland) with good grades in all, nothing lower than a c
I have 4 highers as well, bit like a levels.
Got two degrees, a 2.1 in psychology and a masters in an analysis related degree

I currently work in network security and I enjoy it to an extent but currently I think (and some of my colleagues agree) I am kept mainly to reporting because I'm a woman. I am good at it too, but it's so boring. I would like to learn more, but thanks to under staffing that's not really possible, plus I get given basically 3 jobs to do all at the same time.

I'd be useless in the police other than a staff job but been rejected for those that I am qualified for. Useless in teaching.

I am interested in law and would like to study that but think realistically I should have done that in uni. I wanted to be a solicitor in high school, but then found out another student was going to do that and as he was much smarter than me, I figured I wasn't smart enough. Medicine sounds interesting too, but with the NHS how it is that doesn't sound appealing.

Id love to do something worthwhile. Politics should be worthwhile but it's so corrupt there's no point to it.

Any ideas for me? I know I have two degrees but I'm not smart really, I dunno how I managed to get them and my psychology knowledge is redundant now. That area moves too quickly and I got my degree 6 years ago.

[sleepismysuperpower1]

you could try doing an online course, or attending an open uni at night. that way you can get more training in a certain area, while you still can work. all the best x

[Santaclarita]

I'm currently doing a computing course with work at college forgot that. I like it sometimes, programming is fun but it's hard and I'm not overly good at it.

[Santaclarita]

I do like architecture too and some designing of buildings/homes, but I'm not good at maths.

[elkiedee]

You need to present yourself more positively to prospective employers - you sound as if you've done very well but keep putting yourself down, (no good, useless, your knowledge redundant) and you are currently bored and frustrated at work.

OK, start with your qualifications - you are educated to postgrad level and you're currently studying for further new skills. When you are applying for jobs start with the degree, the masters course and any computing qualification you get out of the course you're doing at the moment. And your experience of network security and computer skills, not what you're no good at. Don't start with GCSEs. Don't knock your own achievements - most jobs won't require an up to date knowledge of your degree subject, it's your intelligence and ability to learn further that they show and that employers will care about. 28 really isn't that old though you might not want to start on a career path which requires 7 years of training and exams (medicine, law, architecture).

Why is your current job boring and what would make it or a different job more interesting? Why would you be useless in police work or teaching?

[birdywird]

I'm a lawyer and plenty of my colleagues are on their second career- it's not uncommon to become a lawyer in your 30s, 40s or beyond. I'm not entirely sure what your job entails but if you're interested in a career in law I'd recommend seeing if there are any similarities between your current role and a particular area of law - if so, you could try to gain some work experience / shadowing in that area.

[birdywird]

Just to add, it wouldn't take 7 years to qualify as a solicitor as the PP has suggested - as you already have a degree you would just need to do 2 years of studying (the GDL, followed by the LPC) and then secure a 2 year training contract. So 4 years of training in total, 2 of which would be completed on the job. Although I should add that competition for training contracts is tough and you'd most likely need some work experience and a compelling story as to why you're retraining/why law is your passion etc.

[NameChange30]

Honestly, I think you need some counselling or careers coaching. You’re so negative about yourself that I can’t see you getting anywhere until you tackle that tbh.

There is a “but” in almost every single sentence you post!

[Santaclarita]

I know, my negativity is what let's me down. Think I just assume I'm too stupid to be able to get any of what I do, although I manage it on a daily basis. Its what stops me moving to a better job, because I just assume they can get someone better. Doesn't help that I have been rejected for some jobs at interview.

I think really I need to study my current job more, like a couple of nights a week and that may give me some confidence in that I actually know what I'm talking about.

[antimatter]

Are you not interesting in working as an analyst at all? Maybe in a different company? Your analysis related degree should give you interesting options.

[VolcanicCoconutCoast]

Hi Op, I don't have much advice to give as I'm in a similar situation.. don't mean to pry but what was your analysis related masters in / what was the title? Was it specific to IT? I have a 2:1 in psychology and after a false start on another career path I'm really stuck as to what to do next.......

[Santaclarita]

The course no longer exists sadly but it was related to it.

[nm1989]

What about data science? A good basis for this would be your analysis and programming skills?

[BeautyBox]

If you like architecture and buildings, and have a legal head what about asking your local authority if they'll take you on as a Planning officer? Lots of them will take on people to train as they work and they may even find your studies

[Cobblersandhogwash]

Honestly, I think you need some counselling or careers coaching.

@NameChange30, can you advise where one might get careers coaching?

[Squirelslostnut]

I posted this just now on someone elses post but it pretty much seems to apply to you too so I'll paste what i wrote here wish i was on commission

-----
Have you thought of working for the probation service? You could begin as an unqualified officer (probation service officer) on approx £22k then if wanted to could undertake paid for in-work qualification and become a probation officer beginning on approx £29k.

Both NPS and CRC are crying out for staff and you sound like you'll have excellent transferable skills you could use for application and interview.

You could work in the community or in a prison with this.

Probation is one of the recruiters who value all ages who apply and recognise every age and experience has it's qualities.

If this interests you feel free to message me if want info/help as I'm a Probation Officer.

And ignore the spelling mistake in my username...I can't remember my flippin password to change it!

[OtterPockets]

@Squirelslostnut can I be really cheeky and PM you for a bit more information? I'm seriously considering it, my friend works for the MOJ and has pretty much convinced me it's something I'd like to do!

Unless you have an AMA

[Squirelslostnut]

Hi Otter, sure you can PM any questions you have