What job can I do instead? Devastated

[treetea]

I have been working towards a midwifery degree since 2019 and I now cannot continue due to a health issue that doesn't affect me day-to-day, but that they feel makes me unsafe to practice.

It is my dream, I have never wanted to do anything else. I was going to use the degree to set up my own business.

I am now at a loss? I have a 4 year old DS and live alone with him.

I am generally quite intelligent, but not a fan of mathematics.

I'd ideally like something with high (ish) earning potential, but I'd settle for less if I loved it.

I don't want to be in healthcare anymore.

I just can't see myself starting from scratch, I'm absolutely gutted.

Thinking of the transferable skills you may have gained already. Counselling? Teaching? Would they allow you to train as a health visitor if that is deemed less risky?

Teaching assistant apprenticeship

Doula? Hypnobirthing "teacher"? (Don't know what they are called.. pregnancy yoga instructor?

Oh op I’m so sorry. You sound gutted.

Have you thought about teaching?

Can’t you still graduate with the degree but not pass for entry to the register?

Presumably you’ve been adequately supported in uni and in practice? Is it something new that’s developed during the course or something they’ve always known about?

Private doula? They can charge £5000 a pop.

Also add, if I were you I would finish the degree even if you can't work in it so at least you can say 'qualified midwife'.

So sorry OP, what a position to find yourself in. I really admire your drive to find another career so soon, wishing you all the best.

I have 2 health conditions that mean it would be easy for my employer (also NHS) to say ‘this isn’t going to work’ but luckily I have an understanding boss and good input from OH and I’m still here! have you been in touch with OH?

Teaching? Social work? Private Doula and breast feeding advisor? High end nanny?

Clinical Trials for pharmaceutical company or University? Registered nurses/midwives have a lot of transferable skills and knowledge that are valuable in clinical research.

Is it epilepsy? A friend of mine trained as a MW but had to leave due to being diagnosed with epilepsy, it was awful for her

Who has said you can't do it? An employer or the NMC? Are there any reasonable adjustments that could be made for you? I know someone who is a nurse and has epilepsy. Their seizures are triggered by lack of sleep so they have an agreement that they do not need to do night shifts.

No decent salary in that at all. Once you get to the top of an achievable scale you are stuck. Just good if you've got school-age children

I am sorry this has happened to you.

If you can finish your degree, then you will have access to jobs that require degrees and aren't picky about what the degree is in - I was at uni pretty much at the same time as the Project 2000 generation (though I'm not clinical) and I knew a few people who did the degree, didn't go into healthcare/nursing for various reasons, and moved into jobs where the employers just wanted a graduate.

If you're sure you don't want to stay in healthcare in any form, then there are some very sensible other options that others have already mentioned - coaching, counselling, teaching (the new T levels should be a bit more widespread soon), tutoring, writing/research, even the civil service. Or a something like an information officer for a charity?

I hope you find something that's suitable for you - try doing a bit of searching on Indeed and LinkedIn as well, on areas that interest you, it might give you a few ideas.

Antenatal/postnatal/health education, counselling, parenting classes, first aid? Rather depends on your health issue

Lecturer in the field?

hard to say without knowing your condition but a doula was the first thing that came to mind

Op do you mean they won't let you finish your course and qualify or that you can but you won't get a midwife job?

What was the business? What about it appealed to you the most?

It might help if you told us what the medical condition is so people can advise appropriately (although if you dont want til say of course that's fine).
A lot of people saying teaching - not a quick option if OP doesnt have a degree, she would have to do one, and also there are fitness to practice regulations there too so if she cant work in healthcare she may well not be able to work in education either depending on what it is.
So sorry OP, it really sucks.

If you can finish your degree you can move into research ( related to your degree). I've once met a midwife that had moved into research. You may also be able to become an inspector for the Care Quality Commission.

An “office” job at nhs England or your local ICB (commissioning body). Crying out for medically qualified people to run projects etc. some really interesting work and well paid - lots of 20 something band 8s where I am!

Ah I'm sorry that's really difficult news.

I wouldn't become a doula if you need guaranteed £, yes some can make £5k a pop but most don't make much at all. Also you need v flexible childcare.

What would your business have been?

How about a baby sleep expert? No idea of £ but they're in demand!

This might help
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/skills-assessment

Horrible situation to be in, but these things often turn out fine, if not better. I know loads of people who changed direction not through choice and none of them regret it now