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Original poster

Has anyone else been having a good long think about what they actually want to do with their life after all this is over?

43 replies

ExpectTheWorst · 03/06/2020 15:58

I'm in my late 40s, have been a SAHM for over 12 years now, and I really enjoy it. But the last few weeks in lockdown have really made me think about what I actually want to do when it's all (properly) over. I'm still somewhat limited as my youngest is just 5 and not yet in school (we are not in UK), and even when in school the hours are VERY limited. But that shouldn't stop me, where there's a will there's way, right?
So, I could do a course, study something, or apply for a job or apprenticeship or....well, I suppose in theory I could do anything but actually I haven't got any idea what I want to do.

So if you've also been having a good old think about what you want to do with the rest of your life (workwise I mean), what are your thoughts, have you got a plan, how did you decide what it is you want to do?

OP posts:
FangleBangle · 03/06/2020 17:54

I have lots of intentions but very little energy and motivation. So yes I have given it thought but not really come to anything concrete yet!
Ive been looking at job sites to see what kind if jibs are around and local to me. Thinking about what I really enjoy doing.

sadonfriday · 03/06/2020 17:56

Yes! Applying for a masters. The rat race can piss off after this

Smokeyrobinson · 03/06/2020 18:04

I’ve loved being at home so much during lockdown that I’ve set a date for my retirement!!

blueglassandfreesias · 03/06/2020 18:09

I’m going to work less but do less. I don’t miss all the e pension W travelling and kids activities. I’m happy in my garden, eating nice food and playing with my daughter on the trampoline, painting and baking etc.
I have loads more money in my account because I haven’t been driving everywhere and buying meals in cafes.

FurForksSake · 03/06/2020 18:35

Well I've not been working properly since I had my last baby (5 in September), doing a part time WFH job that has just dried up.

So somehow I need to get a job, but no real idea how to make myself employable and to get a career. At 37 I've already had two that I've had to give up for various good reasons.

And I also know I have to sort my weight out. I've let myself slip back into being obese and I feel awful for it. And look worse.

cantdothisnow1 · 03/06/2020 18:48

Yes, my kids were homeschooled anyway. but I am now going to take the plunge and buy a motorhome to world school around Europe. Hope to be off by end of August / September virus permitting.

I have been thinking about this for ages but the move to more 'online' learning has given me the confidence to go for it!

Can't bloody wait!

Original poster
ExpectTheWorst · 03/06/2020 18:57

Good to hear about other plans and ideas :)

FurForksSake I am wondering similar myself - how do I make myself employable? And what is it that I actually want to do.
Don't beat yourself up about the weight, this has been a really difficult time for so many; one day at a time and it will come off again.

sadonfriday How did you decide what you want to do your Masters in? Is it very different to what you work in atm?

OP posts:
sadonfriday · 04/06/2020 17:40

@ExpectTheWorst I am taking a Masters in Psychology, it’s a conversion course as I already have a social work degree

Hermanhessescat · 04/06/2020 19:05

@cantdothisnow1 I envy you. Are you buying a motorhome - they are literally ££££££

cocorico42 · 04/06/2020 19:31

Restructuring our business, converting our van to live in and travelling around Europe.

cantdothisnow1 · 04/06/2020 19:32

yes buying it, on finance. I am going for a second hand model and I have savings for a substantial deposit and can afford the repayments by working on the road ( I currently work online and did so before the pandemic)

I do realise I am really lucky, this has been just the push I needed to go for it.

I'm viewing one on Monday that fits the criteria so fingers crossed!

cantdothisnow1 · 04/06/2020 19:33

cocorico I'll give you a wave!

purpleme12 · 04/06/2020 19:35

I'm quite happy doing all the days out and activities we normally do. And working from the office. I will be happy to do all the things we usually do

cocorico42 · 04/06/2020 19:36

Cantdothisnow1 Grin

Wishingstarr · 04/06/2020 19:43

OP I hear you. I am 51 and have been out of the workforce for 20 years which I never expected, but we ended up relocating twice and I didn't have work visas. I went back to finish my MA in 2017 when I was 48 and then my 11 yr old son was diagnosed with cancer, so I got a leave of absence, then I had a cancer diagnosis 6 months later. Still recovering but cancer free and back to square one!

Trying to figure out what to do for the next 15 yrs or so.....

beachcomber70 · 04/06/2020 19:49

I always loved my time at home but was feeling very restless and ready to move on but getting very frustrated not seeing what I wanted...going round in circles.

The enforced time here has made me love this house, my home and staying in it even more. So I've become more content and settled. I've done some maintenance on the property, made the garden lovely and stopped racing around. I haven't missed driving much at all.

KenDodd · 04/06/2020 20:03

I'm 51, I was thinking I might try to retrain as a HGV driver.

I like driving, drive around to business meetings usually. If I was a long distance lorry driver I'd just drive all over Europe, sleep in the back of the cab, it'd be great. My children are all secondary school so being away a few days a week would be ok.

Wishingstarr · 04/06/2020 20:33

That sounds like a good idea, I don't like driving enough personally and I know DH wouldn't want me to do it as he would be lonely if I was away for nights or days at a time.

ScrapThatThen · 04/06/2020 20:52

I think I would like to do a horticultural apprenticeship or RHS qualification.

IsolatedIzzy · 04/06/2020 21:19

I'm 53 in a stressful job with a rubbish commute, not many miles but takes an age due to the traffic , no job satisfaction what so ever!
Have been working from home & it's so much nicer!

I'm thinking I'm going to retire at 55 or as soon as possible after that! Doesn't mean I won't ever work again, I might need to but I want to do something worthwhile!

Ghostlyglow · 04/06/2020 21:20

I was going to retire later this year but, if we still can't do much and I can work from home, I might actually keep working for another year. I never thought I would be saying that.

KenDodd · 04/06/2020 21:29

Wishingstarr
I don't think my husband is very keen tbh so not sure it will happen.

Cheeseycheeseycheesecheese · 04/06/2020 21:32

Totally understand where you're coming from op!!

I'm looking at retraining to become a SEN teaching assistant. It's something that I've been interested in since my late teens but something has always pushed it to the back burner and stopped it from becoming a priority. The last 10 weeks have given me time to think on it and I've been looking at OU courses.

I'm planning to contact the local SEN schools where I live to discuss some work experience on my days off once lockdown has eased, and sign up to some courses.

I've asked DH to help hold me to account on this plan like I am him with his home workouts.

I never thought I would be almost 30 and say I want to do some work experience.

Blackbear19 · 04/06/2020 21:37

At the beginning of lockdown I had ideas of a career change. Into some form of health care - guaranteed to have a job. Hmm
Now I just normality back.

NomadNoMore · 04/06/2020 21:46

@cantdothisnow1 I did this three years ago. Took a sabbatical from work for six months. Went back for a year but couldn't settle so I sold my house and did it again Smile