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

[ExpectTheWorst]

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?

Lockdown has actually made me appreciate my job - key worker in the civil service so good job security. I am however considering home ed if I can do that and still work.
@KenDodd do you know anyone who is a long distance lorry driver? I'd be wary of the dangers of travelling alone and the risk of being threatened by smuggling rings. Also up to 12 hour delays sometimes if the ferries are delayed.

@KenDodd what about Ocado delivery driver instead? I've heard people say good things about it. Or postman/woman?! Long distance lorry driver sounds dangerous.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this, but have got no further than no idea. I have 2.5 year old DTs so need to earn a decent wedge just to afford the childcare. Unfortunately due to pissing around in my 20’s I have no real qualifications, no business ideas, no chance of additional uni funding for the full three years and even if I could find a way, I don’t know what I want to do.

I got a contract job three weeks before lockdown, then lost it due to corona. I bloody loved it, so want to get back to work. Hopefully I’ll find something that’ll work for me!

I don't know anyone who's a HGV driver.
I wouldn't want to be a local driver, also supermarket driver is too much lifting, with HGV machines would be doing the heavy lifting. Also I really like the idea of long, long runs across the continent. I'm not really afraid of assault or anything. The biggest challenge would be the size of the vehicle, I much prefer really small cars that can park in small spaces and get through little gaps.

It would be a complete change from what I do know, most people I know do professional jobs but why shouldn't a women like me be a HGV driver?

I hated my previous job, so quit at the end of mat leave. I am now looking into a technical job, like electrician or plumbing as I generally do 90% of DIY and hopefully my science degree will be of some use. Thankfully we are financially stable for me to not work, for a year or so.

Yes, I have.

My work furloughed me which made me realise how much I dislike them and I don't feel appreciated. I've decided to have a change of career, I've told my family my plans and most of them have said that I will suit my new career better - I want to to go into teaching.

I am putting time aside to make this happen. This time has made me feel closer to my family, they are pretty ace!

I’d like to retire! Unfortunately lockdown has badly hit my retirement fund though

I've had a bit of an opposite epiphany to many. I hate WFH when I have had to, I hate lolling around the house and I desperately want to get back into a really full on job. I have been doing my current job for a long time and I now know I need something more challenging and that will push me more mentally.

Yes. DH and I both resigned - we're retiring in a few weeks.

I have enjoyed just spending more time in the house, and moving slower with my kids. My 2020 resolution was to spend more time saying no to things I didn’t really want to do.i have lots of friendships that don’t really offer me anything, but many that do. I just want to slow down. I was also in counselling last year because I was so stressed with work and life, and I wanted to care much much less. lockdown has somehow made me manage not to care, I am still working but not worked up. Also, my husband and I have made the first steps towards becoming foster carers. I love children, and the idea of helping those children who haven’t had a good start in life or have had something traumatic happen to them would be a privilege.

Some really interesting thoughts and plans.

I feel at a loss what I want to do and I don't seem able to find out what that is. I guess I need the adult equivalent of a careers advisor?
I'm interested in lots of things, and I like learning, but that is so vague, and there should be some sort of job opportunity at the end of it all.

Well I have just been offered an unconditional place on my Masters, and have accepted! Now looking for a 16 hour role to support..... equally scary and exciting!

Those of you doing Masters - may I ask why? Is it work promotion, change of work, or love of academia?

I have a yen to go back to studying but can’t justify it has it wouldn’t make a hoot of difference to my job. For me, it would really be a vanity project. Nothing wrong with that, but my current earnings are essential for the running of the family.

Change of work for me

sadonfriday I’ve been batting this idea around in my head for a few weeks, can I ask if you’re paid for the placement? Or is it a student loan situation? In uni or remote learning?

No placement on mine, it’s two very full on semesters, followed by a dissertation in the third. Mine is a Psychology conversion as I already hold a BA (Hons), my big dream is the doctorate but we will have to see how masters goes. I will be working part time and taking the postgraduate loan too

It looks like initially it will be deliverered online due to Covid