I want to make a difference, but I don't know what to do...

[WhereToGoFromHere33]

Sorry for the wanky title

I'm feeling a bit lost/confused today, have suffered some bereavements really and it's making me reflect on my life. I know I'm lucky to have everything that I do (love family and marriage, a good childhood) but there's just something missing. Apologies if everything I type is a bit random, just looking to get it down and see if anyone feels the same really, or has felt the same and has gone on to 'make a difference.'

I'm currently 33, a SAHM, but will be looking to go back to work next year. I've no idea what I want to do, and that's playing on my mind. Coupled with googling some old school friends and their families today and seeing what some of them have achieved has just left me feeling.. Sad? Inferior? At a bit of a loss.

I'm lucky that I can retrain if I want, I have some time and a supportive DH on my side, but what do I train in?! I done a couple of courses based on counselling and mental health and loved that, so I could consider roles related to that. Or something different?

I just want to 'succeed', in that I want to be happy in what I'm doing and feel like it's making a difference to people. I guess I always thought I would be happy doing something in the background, but my googling today has shown me that people I knew years ago are doing various things and being recognised publicly and I think I'm quite jealous to be honest.

I know this is very woe is me (anyone got a violin? ) and we can all change our lives if we put our mind to it. I'm just a bit lost today (and tired, thanks DC2.)

I could have written this!
We are TTC #2, and I'm in the corporate world but after #2 I want a total change.

I'd love to be a midwife, paramedic or teacher but it all feels very difficult to achieve at 33/34 😭

@blueberry23 I'm sorry that you feel the same, but I'm glad I'm not alone

Hopefully someone will come along with some words of advice! And an inspirational story

I also love the thought of a caring profession, but the hours/shifts do put me off with having a young family.

Sorry you're having a hard time. It is really hard to know what to do in life. I was always envious of my best friend who knew at 10 she wanted to be a nurse. I've had periods when I've felt like I'm drifting through life with no real direction.
Anyway at the ripe old age of 40 (weeks off 41) and 3 children later I'm off back to school in September. I've worked in the care sector in a variety of roles and found it really rewarding. But have had more than enough of nights, poor pay and watching people pass away.
I've been debating teacher training for a fair few years so this year I got myself on a course. I'll be juggling 3 kids, 2 step kids and night shifts and I know it's going to be really hard. But I wanted something for me. That I can do until I'm old, that will challenge me daily, keep me learning and also be as rewarding as care.
I found the careers advice quiz online really helpful I giving me ideas of possible careers based on my personality.
I hope you find what you're looking for. Wishing you all the luck. You can do whatever you put your mind to x

@Mochatatts thank you for that lovely, supportive message

I'm sorry that you've also felt like this, but a big congratulations for seizing the opportunity to make a change and do something that you want to do, for yourself! That is very inspiring.

Do you have a link to the quiz that you completed? I'd love to do it and see what it suggests for me. And would be happy to report back.

No problem 😊
This was what I used
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment

Hope it helps x

If you feel you have time and are up for a challenge, you could consider being a school governor. Schools can't function without them!

You're definitely young enough at 33 to train in something new, and as you're a SAHM you won't need to give up an income to do it.

If you're concerned about shift work as a midwife you could do teaching instead - I was a secondary teacher for a while but wish I'd trained in primary instead. Non- teaching role now.

I'm 53, well paid but would love to do something else, but I'm a single parent and can't lose income to retrain so I say go for it while you can!

Refuge work? Always need empathetic, practical staff with mental health understanding