Jack it all in?

[lucasnorth]

I have (and know I am lucky to have) a job that allows me to work four days a week, and pays quite well. It also has a definite ladder to climb in the years ahead.

I was SAHM for five years and am enjoying the commute (aka reading time), wearing a suit again, and being around adults (I get on well with colleagues).

But but but

I don't find the job itself at all rewarding or interesting. I'm really struggling to find the motivation to get things done. My team is very over stretched (public sector, recent cuts) and struggling and they need more energy than I can give them. It also doesn't help that I am there 4 days and so have 20% less time to get the job done in.

I've always been academic/ worked in an office but now feel like Id be happier doing something more physical, using my hands or being outdoors more. Before I had kids I felt much the same, I've never had a job I've really enjoyed.

So am I being stupid? Should I just suck it up as stop complaining? Or if not, how on earth do I work out what to do next (thinking hard hasn't helped )

I was in the same position a year ago.

Worked 3 days a week for a full time wage. Bored as sin. I hate office environments.

DP got a chance at a better job which involved a big move and we took it. Quit work, moved, lovely.

Although I am no longer in a mind sapping job and DP and I can just cover ourselves on his wages I have yet to find any job, nevermind a satisfying one. At the moment my advice from my own experience would be stick with it, it's not the climate to be walking away from jobs that pay a decent wage and are flexible about children or hours. I didn't expect to walk straight into a job, but also, I did not expect to not even be given interviews for jobs I am qualified to do.

Im in a very similar position to you - can't find the motivation and disliking being in the office. The conclusion we came to was to give it a year - my feelings my change who knows but it also looks reasonable on the cv not too much like I couldn't hack working again. BUT in that year I am looking seriously at the alternatives - ironically I find I've more energy to do that whilst working than I did as a SAHM which is when I had all the time to do it. My DH has been tasked with challenging me on this (over wine obviously!) to keep me on track. I'm 6 months in and there are a couple of options bubbling up but I've not changed my opinion that come the year mark I will be moving on.
So I say go for a change but plan it don't be impulsive

Thanks both.
Sorry to hear you haven't found anything Rev.

Havering - what are you doing to look at alternatives?
One of my difficulties is that because I've always worked in similar jobs I'm at a loss as to where to start in considering what comes next.
Good to hear I'm not the only one

My MIL jacked in being a French teacher, retrained and became a plumber. She has recently retired from this. She loved the work but wasn't the best on the business side of things (too soft with her customers, hardly turned a profit, although her customers were generally loyal)

Wonkylegs - do you know how she decided on plumbing?
Good to hear of someone who has made a change like this and it worked out :)

I've gone through lots - some that spring to mind- photography (slightly indulgent and unlikely to be financial viable unless I find a niche) consultancy in my field which is marketing (not sure this is enough of a change and also fairl over crowded market) IT home support (I'm very geeky but short term in 10 years there wont be much demand) a friend even had a part time sales role in their company which would be working with local businesses (like the sound of this one worried about mixing friends and business)
So as you can different ideas not found the solution yet but - for me what has been good is considering lots of options. I realized how I'd taken the 'easy' option after being a SAHM and taking the job my old company offered. Yes I can do it, yes it pays well but my attitude and outlook had changed in the time I didn't work. Who knows if that would also have happened if I stayed at work - no way of telling.
I really hope you give it some time and work it out - look forward to the updates