How do I find a career?

[littlemousebigcheese]

Hey, please help!
I feel directionless and like I have no purpose. I've been a sahm for years but my children are a bit older now so I want to do something for me!

I have a degree, and two masters in humanities plus a teaching qualification and experience in academia but hate how cut throat and soul destroying it is so don't want to work in schools/colleges/unis etc. I haven't worked in any other industry but am really happy to retrain!

I flit between law and psychology as potential career routes but am not really sure! I don't care about earning loads, I just want a job I love that is flexible around my children.

I love people, love writing, love challenges. What can I do?! How do I even go about finding a career?!

Well, this is frustrating … Someone wanting a career but already somewhat overqualified for the Mature Study and Retraining board to be of much use to them! It’s here, anyway:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students

• if you’re interested in browsing.

But I do wonder if you couldn’t actually find a way to capitalise on the learning and thinking you’ve already acquired. I’m trying to resist using the word ‘consultancy’ because I never really know what it means - but have you done any writing / mentoring / fundraising during your time as a SAHM?

I've written some bits and done some exam marking but that's about it!

What about charity comms? Or writing grant applications?

So, how might you expand on that now you have more time? What was the nature of your writing - academic books / journals or …? Have you kept up with current issues in your subjects or maintained contacts amongst former colleagues?

(I ask because I worry that interviewers might question the need for more training in your case unless they can see that you’ve made some active use of what you already have.)

Law is quite a grind. You'd have to do a 1-year full time conversion course then a diploma in legal practice (or the English equivalent) and then join the fierce competition for a 2-year training contract. Just to enter the profession. I got out years ago and am glad I did, and I know a lot of others who have left the profession, the hours, the stress just weren't worth it.

I got out years ago

Moi, aussi …

Though the OP would be well advised to secure a training contract before she embarks on any professional training. Pupillages are also in short supply …

I have to agree that the early stages of a legal career are not leisurely. Not if you want to get anywhere. (And they’re not going to be interested unless you give the impression of fierce hunger for success.) It may be that you’re already familiar with routes into Law, OP? Don’t know if you’re interested in becoming a solicitor or a barrister - have you spent any time in firms / chambers in the past?

I know nothing about psychology as a profession - there are several people pursuing it on the Mature Study board linked above.

I did anlaw conversion course and the lpc afterwards but couldnt secure a training contract so did something else which tbh was probably for the best. Really wish I hadnt spent thousands training for no real reason. If you are considering law, I'd suggest doing some shadowing or volunteering before spending out on money
If you look on job sites then there are usually questionnaire which help steer you into a direction. Depending on the age if your children, lots are not really flexible esp if you are new to the role

Sorry fat fingers and typing one handed.

Write down your passions and talents and take it from there. What motivates/interests you? How many hours can work realistically?

I have no idea what I want to do, I feel completely lost. I like writing, I've published academic stuff before in journals and books. I like the research and writing part but hate the bureaucracy and everything else about universities so it's just not the right path for me.

I think law appealed as I want to be mentally challenged and I am really interested in it but realistically I don't have the time to dedicate to it or the energy!

My eldest is at school and youngest is about to turn 3 so I've got time but not endless amounts if that makes sense? I want something that excites me and keeps me thinking but I don't know!

Volunteer for CAB then apply for any jobs that come up with them
Best thing I ever did