Completely lost in my career

[nursetobee]

I'm in my late 20s. Spent the first part of my 20s aiming to work in academic research - did a Biology degree and master's, but failed to get into a funded PhD position. Then I worked as a lab assistant for the NHS which was ok - I loved being around my colleagues but the actual work was quite boring for me and the salary was only £21k. Then I worked in regulatory affairs for a pharmaceutical company and worked my way up to £37k but suffered with burnout and found the work really stressful, I also hated being in an office or working from home. Life was looking ok though with a decent salary which would soon be enough to buy a flat for myself. However, after my mental health was really bad I decided to quit my job and take a couple of months out to go travelling and try and figure out what to do which is where I'm at now. I applied for the NHS scientist training programme and was shortlisted but didn't make the cut as it's highly competitive.

I convinced myself that nursing would be a good choice as it's related to healthcare, involves helping others and involves working in person in a small team with a common goal. Now I'm starting to worry about whether that's the wrong decision. I can't sleep at night because I'm so stressed and worried about what to do.

Also in the background is my worry that I'm single with barely any dating history and I want to children. It just feels like time is running out for me.

Do any wise Mumsnetters have any advice or words of wisdom they could give me? I'd really appreciate any and all advice

Hopefully someone from healthcare comes along. Bumping for you

Thank you

Nursing is not the only healthcare career. So take a look at the Allied health professions as well, if that is what you are interested in.

Ask for work experience in nursing and some other hospitals will offer work experience days in physio/ occupational therapy that sort of thing.

But don't commit to it unless you are sure. Also take a look on mature students section

And you are only in your late twenties, time isn't running out for you. So possibly you need to do look at places to meet people for that side of things.

OP I can’t help with your career but couldn’t read and run, you sound very stressed. Everything will be OK, you will find something that suits you. And you have plenty of time for dating, partnering up and children. Don’t worry about that. Even people who seem very accomplished and organised, are all working it out and winging it to a certain extent. You are doing great in considering your options before embarking on a career you don’t really want. That’s an amazing attitude and many people wish they would have been so brave. Me included, I’m doing it now in my late thirties and wish I’d done it in my twenties.

Sales, medical equipment or anything you can relate to.

I am a band 5 staff nurse in Scotland (I mention Scotland as I believe our salarys are slightly higher than other parts ok UK) I am at the top of my band which you get to after being qualified for 5 years. You would also have to do 2-3 years training. My salary is 37k which is the same as your last salary. Not trying to be negative as thier is alot of good things about the career, but just pointing out it would take you 7-8 years to match the salary of your last job if you chose nursing.

There is also options to progress in other roles in nursing that are higher bands - therefore higher salarys but again you would likely need to be qualified a few years before doing that.

Thank you all. I can't help but feel drawn to nursing, and feel like it would suit me as I like knowing that the work I'm doing is making a difference and I find human biology and pharmacology etc really interesting. I feel like I'll regret it later in life if I don't try to pursue it.

Sign up for bank work as an HCA to see what ward life is really like? Many nurses say the training and work is pretty or very stressful.

OT and SLT are also helping people hugely and science-based. Or could you apply for the NHS scientists again having got feedback?

You are still very young. Don’t be beating yourself up! Nursing is not an easy road, long hours and it’s a tough tough job and of course, shift work. I have a few friends who are nurses, they wouldn’t recommend it for their children. One said she would recommend getting the nursing qualification but not actually do the job as it’s so hard, use it to go on and do something else. I don’t know what she means by that though?

what about occupational therapy?
or something in the dental area?
keep looking, you have a masters and obviously like working with people so you will find something! Good luck.