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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

If you enjoy your job, what do you do?

164 replies

UsernameShmusername2024 · 20/05/2025 07:38

Have struggled for years to really understand what I actually want to do. I've mainly worked in public sector policy type roles and currently am in a reasonably senior role where I manage direct programme delivery and also lead strategic decisions about programme design and aligning with local and national govt policy, etc. This is challenging and it's constantly an uphill battle to get different politicians to agree, to find internal funding to invest in projects, etc.
In some ways it's a great job - we'll paid, flexible, great manager and team, and I believe in our mission. BUT it also has the usual way-too-massive workload, I constantly feel like I'm not good enough for it and lack confidence - this sort of strategy role always involves slowly chipping away at things and it can be very demoralising and just generally hard work!

I'm early 40s so have years of working ahead of me and just can't imagine doing this sort of role forever but have no idea really what I'd be happy doing. If you enjoy your job, what do you do? Would love to get some ideas!

OP posts:
Skade · 20/05/2025 20:18

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Snickersnack1 · 20/05/2025 20:15

Psychologist. Worked hard to get here, it’s not easy constantly having to deal with people thinking I will be able to change their brains or behaviour as if by magic through my infinite wisdom and insight, so feelings of inadequacy can creep in when I can’t deliver on these expectations.

But, it is a privilege to be doing this work, I do enjoy it, feel it is worthwhile and I’m well paid. So it’s a pretty good deal!

Woahtherehoney · 20/05/2025 20:15

I work in marketing but in quite a niche area of communications and I love it. I get to work on some really cool and interesting projects and on things that genuinely make a difference to people in an industry that usually isn’t always seen as helpful!

BananaramaNananana · 20/05/2025 20:10

IT Manager but now only enjoy the training others part (small company)

AusBoundDD · 20/05/2025 20:07

I’m the lead physio within our ICU department. Absolutely adore my job and always have! 30 years post graduate and it’s still interesting, varied and very rewarding. Love working within a big team and getting to know the patients

Twoshoesnewshoes · 20/05/2025 20:06

I’m a psychotherapist/psychologist on a psychiatric inpatient ward.
I really do enjoy it.

MyUmberSeal · 20/05/2025 20:04

Funeral operative. Same as many others have said, no day is the same. Love it.

K8Davidson · 20/05/2025 20:03

MartinBishopsbum · 20/05/2025 16:53

Love my job, I work for Citizens Advice

This is actually my dream job! Did you walk into the role, or did you volunteer first?

My favourite role was when I interned in Parliament for ten weeks, I’m not sure if it counts, but I was so sorry to leave!

Zanatdy · 20/05/2025 20:01

Civil service but senior ops lead. No day is the same, but it is very full on but I enjoy it

monktasmic · 20/05/2025 20:01

Public affairs.

Rainbowcat99 · 20/05/2025 20:00

I’m an advisory teacher for the local authority, I absolutely love it, rewarding but with less of the frustrations of school teaching. I feel very lucky.

Iamuhtredsonofuhtred · 20/05/2025 20:00

Midwife specialising in women with complex social issues. So interesting and you can really make a difference just by caring and going the extra mile. Can be stressful though, but most things worth doing are.

cakewitch · 20/05/2025 19:59

I make cake

CameronCook · 20/05/2025 19:57

Unqualified teacher in a SEN school. Always fun, often dramatic, totally fulfilling, crap pay.

MinnieMountain · 20/05/2025 19:57

I’m a legal auditor.

NuffSaidSam · 20/05/2025 19:56

I'm a nanny.

FightTheAlchemy · 20/05/2025 19:56

Secondary Maths teacher and Head of Department - can’t imagine ever not wanting to be a teacher!

CoffeeCakeAndALattePlease · 20/05/2025 19:55

I’m a social worker and love it - I work in fostering.

Overtheatlantic · 20/05/2025 19:54

HR generalist, trained during Covid and love it.

VIOLETPUGH · 20/05/2025 19:52

Police dispatcher - never a dull moment !

Plonkydonkey · 20/05/2025 19:50

Public health nurse. Variable weeks. Multiple clinics, excitement of outbreaks 😉, hospital, care home, housebound,clinics, occasional working from home. Downside... Lots of reading, frequent changes to clinical guidelines, new outbreaks, lots of PPE, lots of reading.

MartinBishopsbum · 20/05/2025 16:53

Love my job, I work for Citizens Advice

IsoldeWagner · 20/05/2025 16:51

Katemax82 · 20/05/2025 09:19

Mine isn't as impressive as others on here but my favourite job was a courier for royal mail. I used to handle the parcels for the town I lived in on Sundays when their depot was closed but the huge depot in the next town was operating. I loved all the driving and seeing all the different places and houses (I even delivered to bob geldoffs house some flowers for tiger lily, fifi trixabelle answered the door)i miss that job because for an unskilled temp job the money was OK and it was fun

That sounds like a great job!

MissPrismsMistake · 20/05/2025 09:28

Rocknrollstar · 20/05/2025 08:41

DH was a journalist on a magazine in a specialist field and absolutely loved it.

But the thread is asking about you, @Rocknrollstar…

Katemax82 · 20/05/2025 09:19

Mine isn't as impressive as others on here but my favourite job was a courier for royal mail. I used to handle the parcels for the town I lived in on Sundays when their depot was closed but the huge depot in the next town was operating. I loved all the driving and seeing all the different places and houses (I even delivered to bob geldoffs house some flowers for tiger lily, fifi trixabelle answered the door)i miss that job because for an unskilled temp job the money was OK and it was fun

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