What to go do with career/job after being made redundant?

[ncfc10]

So it's looking like I am going to be made redundant on Friday. I am in retail, and have been all my job career, I'm 28, I'm shielding and 6 months pregnant, so won't be getting another job a few months, I feel like I need to go into something other than retail, (as the high street isn't going to be same)
I have a understanding husband who is happy for me do a college/uni course.
I just have no idea what I would like to do though. I have a level 3 in childcare but never worked in a nursery, I did think about social work as a option, but open to other ideas.

Fab that you are thinking of this now as you have years of work ahead of you! Take some time to be with your baby and really think. What do you love to do?
Social work and childcare are not well paid and you may find your salary all going in childcare til your children are at school.
You are young enough to start anywhere from scratch, though obviously degrees cost money. Could you finance one? Do you have A levels?

What are you good at? What type of person are you? How easy do you find studying/academics? How much does money matter to you?

So my interests are looking after children, travel industry, and helping people. I have a access course in science however I think I would have to re do it as it's past 3 years.
I would say I'm more someone that's practical person, than academic, basically I want a career, something I can mould into, and something that's paid better than now, so I can buy a house! I'm only on minimum wage currently! Happy to do college/ uni to get a better life.

Well, travel won't be a growth industry for a while or pay well. Childcare is also generally badly paid unless you have the business acumen to set up your own nursery or go into management. You could look into being a nanny with own child, but NWOC generally earn less and the hours are long.

There are many allied health professions though which offer good career paths and hours with degree level entry. Perhaps you could research into one of those?

Thanks @Respectabitch I totally agree childcare/travel isn't well paid, I have been a nanny before but I live fairly rural so not many jobs unless i travel a hour away, I am gonna have a look at allied health professionals.

Have you looked at NHS careers? Yes starting salaries are low for nursing etc but you can work your way up. Then there’s occupational health etc etc. A friend of mine studied in her 30s and is now a consultant.
A job in the NHS can take you places and has good security

Occupational Health therapist or something akin in NHS as previous pp suggested.

I have looked before at doing operating department practice, so I think that's my first Avenue, no idea how to go and get a levels though, so I need to have a look!

If you have GCSEs you can do A levels at night school or via distance learning. So can fit round a family. Probably hard with a newborn but will be easier when they are al little older. Good luck, even if it takes you 5+ years that’s still 20 years of work left in a career you enjoy!