What next work wise? Business ideas?

[WhatNextForWork]

Hi allI could post this in work but I thought it might get more traffic here

I'm coming to the end of another boring contract job.

I'm 48 years old and I've never been passionate about any work or career. I have had fun in some jobs with the social side etc but am past that stage and feel like I just want a quiet life.

I have got a bit of money I inherited, but if I was going to start a business or something I don't know what it would be. I find work harder and harder in terms of the use of tech that is expected for everything and get sick of looking at a screen. I did marketing when it was originally on paper, and now that landscape changed so much, I find it boring. It makes me tetchy constantky learning new software for no reason.

I know most people find work boring but I can't help feeling there must be something I can do that doesn't seem dull and bring on Sunday night blues.

But how would I even start looking at alternatives and what would they be?

I did have a passion for creative writing and wrote half a novel but I don't see authors making much money, if any. I could knuckle down over winter and finish it I guess.

I am currently filling out an application for another boring contract job that starts in Jan. i'm free from end of Oct. I could spend a bit of money travelling and just accept it will be a short break in a sea of boring jobs.

I am just so bored of it all and all the things that I can do look just as boring. I've no interest in coding or the other tecchie stuff that seems to have taken over.

Any advice? I could invest in something or take a couple of months off. Just don't know where to start.

i'd love one of the super quiet jobs some MNers say they have - work at home, do some writing, get a dog - but it seems to be a total matter of luck.

Maybe I just have Sunday night blues.

Amazon selling?

Do you mean writing and selling work just on Amazon?

Anyone?

I think if you want to start a business, you have to be both passionate about it and really good at it, and also good at the business sides of business - managing accounts, marketing, self-promotion, being creative enough to sell your idea, etc. I think if you don't know what you enjoy, you shouldn't be trying to start a business. But do get out of doing the same old thing.

Could you get work that doesn't involve sitting in front of a computer? Work in a book shop, a cafe, do gardening, do pet sitting, etc. Do your writing in your off time to keep your brain thinking. This will at least give you an idea of what you like and what you hate. I have a sitting in front of a computer type job, but I dropped my hours last year and took up some freelance grooming (horses) work. It was a really nice change. I didn't make as much money with horses as in my actual job, but it was a refreshing break for a few months. It also helped me to appreciate my actual job a bit more - yes, it bores me sometimes, but it buys me a lot of freedom and flexibility compared to working in a more menial role for someone else. So I am still doing what I've always done, but it's opened my eyes a bit to other things I might enjoy.

You sound unenthusiastic about everything, not just your job. Running your own business isn't all excitement and high octane deals. So much of it is mundane and repetitive and yet really stressful at the same time. Its also really long hours at the start and during busy periods. Unless you believe in and take pride in what you do you'll have the same attitude to your business, which will then fail.

Just try being a bit grateful that you have a job that pays you a decent wage. Negativity is self perpetuating if you allow it to be.

As mindutopia says you have to be passionate to start a business. We've had several (which we've sold on) and the hours are terrible and for several years there can be little or no pay. Oh and don't even think about a holiday! They were all consuming and became the only topic of conversation.

You'd be better to find something to do outside of the 'boring' job (which keeps a roof over your head and allows holidays). Volunteering, your creative writing, cookery courses, anything really - you just need to add some balance to your life.

MN has changed so much

mindutopia thank you, I think dog grooming and training is a good idea.

I actually brainstormed some other ideas on my lunch break before logging on here...I think a change might be as good a rest!

Have you looked into franchises for sale or small businesses for sale near you? What about a complete change of career? Depends how much you need a big salary I guess. I’m thinking care/support work or something similar which can be hugely fulfilling but not well paid. Or down size (if you can) go part time and volunteer in jobs that do excite or reward you. And you’ll have time to write too. I think you should consider a bigger life change rather than just a job change.

I would think about all the stuff you really enjoying doing. Don’t get bogged down in the technical / skills because most things (within reason!) can be learned.

So what do you like - creative writing could equal copy writing or editing? Self publishing short stories on Amazon etc.

creating digital content - what are you great at? Let’s say you’re excellent at time management, create a short course and some supporting documentation and sell it as a course online (there are loads of YouTube videos that go into this sort of thing). Sounds complex - is not at all.

Consulting? Are you an expert at a niche area for an industry which could net you a great day rate where you can pick and choose when you work, leaving the rest for leisure?

I think the key is something that floats your boat personally then work out how to make an income.

Another avenue could be voluntary positions for a while, see if anything gets your passion going.

My aunt volunteered (she was retired) doing admin at a hospice, retail in a charity shop, covering reception at the age Uk centre and seeing to the old dears who visited, did the paperwork and accounts for a local club and lots of other things. She didn’t need the money but it gave her lots of new experiences which could have led to a paid role

Thanks Holiday and Storm

I don't earn a big salary and don't spend much so I can be flexible.

creating a course will definitely go on the list!

franchising, I'm not sure but will look.