is it normal to still not know what you want to do with life at 30?

[Rosiered91]

I'm a mum to two. my youngest has just started full-time school. and although we are okay for money with my partner working. I've now hit a point where id like more for us and that would involve me working, maybe getting a bigger house, etc. my first and only job was in retail, I was pregnant at 21 with my partner after we had been together 4 years. It's all I've known now. leaving school, finding my other half, working in one place, having 2 children, and not going back to work. my partner wants me to look at careers, rather than just a job. I just feel a bit lost. It's a question you're always asked ''what do you want to be when you grow up''. I thought I knew back then, teacher, vet tech, etc. now I'm older and have children of my own, i don't think teaching is for me . I'm ready to branch out and find something new after putting everyone first for 10 years, but I'm feeling extremely lost. I've just known being a stay-at-home mum. any advice or experience is welcome. I don't know where to begin, to as cheesy as it sounds 'find myself' again. xx

Can you afford some careers advice/life coaching? It seems to me that you need to work out your strengths and interests plus what you require from this - do you need flexibility, is potential for a high salary important, do you want to leave the job at the door, career or job etc.

Maybe start making some lists along these lines then seek some outside advice. FWIW I do think that this is perfectly normal. I’m 40 and have worked as a PA forever after retail,
I went to study and got to PhD but it didn’t work out so I am back as a PA whilst I work things out. You aren’t alone.

I hope so because I'm 32 and have no idea myself.

• sorry I know that doesn't help.

Take a look at the threads on the Mature Study and Retraining board to see just how many people either didn’t know or changed their minds - at all ages!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students

(And - MNHQ will happily move your thread there if you ask, via the Report button.)

How exciting to be in a position where you can decide your future! Many people would kill to be in your position and your partner sounds super supportive too.

Go to a proper career advisor. Any money you spend will be worth it.

I think they will probs ask you about your priorities, strengths and weaknesses.

Priority could be earning a lot, working flexibly, working from home, working doing something you love. Strengths and weaknesses really have a think.