Help! I need a new career, what can I do?

[jobsearchhell]

I have a really successful career as a Technical Writer (yes very niche).

However I absolutely hate what I do. It's soulless and mind numbing but fortunately it pays really well so thats why I've kept doing it. I have over 10+ year's experience in it.

I'm 36 now and just thinking of returning to work now after having my second child. I'm done having kids so looking for a fresh start however I can't face going back to my old career. But I don't know what else I can do? We could really use the money so I don't really have the luxury of time to retrain as something else, although if it's something short term I could consider it.

I have excellent communication skills, as well as IT skills. I'm really adept at learning about new technologies, I enjoy working with people, I'm really good with social media and digital stuff too. I would even be okay with some kind of admin job now but I think no one will hire me because of my extensive CV.

Any advice?

[AvantGardening]

Lots of roles in IT. If you can communicate clearly in none tech language too that’s a significant bonus.

[TrifleCat]

Cyber security?

[Egghead68]

Set up your own business fixing people up with technical writers when they need them?

Or failing that as a virtual PA (maybe in w technical field)?

[OccaChocca]

Why does everyone suggest PA work?

There are very few decent PA jobs out there right now and shed loads of applicants.

[Kerberos]

How about Business Analyst?

[Valhalla17]

IT marketing (in-house)

[HappySpade]

Procurement, perhaps. Could be a good fit with your knowledge and experience.

[PermanentTemporary]

Project management?

[jobsearchhell]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

The problem I'm facing is that i can't just start applying for jobs that are out of my niche because recruiters will look at my CV and think she doesn't have any relevant experience. I guess what I'm asking is how do I make that transition between what I do now to something else? I don't think highlighting relevant skills on my CV will be enough...

The recruitment consultance for technical writers idea is an interesting one though, will look into that

[Egghead68]

@OccaChocca

Why does everyone suggest PA work?

There are very few decent PA jobs out there right now and shed loads of applicants.

Many of us use self-employed virtual PAs. It’s hard to find a good one and they can command high rates (one charged me £45 an hour with less than 49 hours notice and £28 an hour otherwise).

[PermanentTemporary]

Well. The classic answer is to identify where the job you want is, then to move sideways to that organisation using your existing skills. Then you have a much better chance of moving towards the job you want via networking and internal training/getting onto projects with a linked team.

[Limetta]

IT consultancy - get the minions to do the grafting - you do the communicating - which, tbh excellent tech and communication/relationship skills are as rare as hen's teeth - and the consulting world are crying out for them!

[Kerberos]

You do have skills, and writing + understanding tech stuff is really useful stuff. Have you been working in software?

[Slipperrr]

I agree with looking into recruitment, there's much £££ to be made in tech, and as you know the job and the industry you'd be really good I bet. Some companies such as QA offer short courses in cyber for women specifically, looking to change direction in their careers, would something like that appeal?

[ElectricMistofelees]

I went through a career change a few years ago and was similarly stumped! I had a very niche background. I’d advise not aiming to complete it all in one move. I went to work for a large charity (think Cancer Research, Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan etc). I just found a job I seemed an alright match for and didn’t sound too tedious, and used it as an opportunity to experience a new sector. It’s been great, I’ve done it for a couple of years, had lots of new and different experiences and it’s given me a breadth of experience and more knowledge about what I like and what my skills are (ie which were truly transferable). Maybe start browsing job sites with some wide-ish parameters and see where it takes you? Good luck!

PS I was very stressed and drank a lot of wine through this process. It’s less advisable than my advice above