I hate my job and feel I wasted my potential

[Honeybeebuzz]

I was always very academic in school, all As at GCSE and A-Level, I got onto a medical course but really didnt enjoy it, had no friends and hated the placements, i left and studied social work instead, not sure why but felt I would enjoy the job more. I did initially like it but now after several years feel really unhappy. The job is long hours, lots of stress for little money. Im seeing many friends in corporate jobs and other roles in earning a crazy amount for minimal work and stress. Just feel very depressed about it and not sure where to go from here. I feel too old to go back to uni and retrain and not sure what id even do at this point. Just feel I've wasted all the hard work in school and my potential. I feel i need a new job but don't know what

You almost certainly aren’t too old to try something new.

Why not spend an hour or so browsing some threads on the

Mature Study and Retraining board

partly for inspiration, partly to see the sort of challenges others face faced in retraining.

Also, even if you have professional qualifications, you would be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Loan to study for a Master’s degree if you don’t already have one. And institutions welcome mature graduate students. It’s a good way to refresh your CV and reboot your vocational / professional contacts and networks.

Or you could look into apprenticeships - though I know they’re quite thin on the ground.

If you have money to throw at the problem you might find a professional careers service helpful - particularly if you’re not sure what you’d like to do.

Ahh I really feel this. You’ve clearly worked so hard, and it feels rubbish when the payoff just isn’t there - long hours, low pay etc.

You’re definitely not too old to retrain or do something new. Honestly, I help loads of women go back to uni (even without GCSEs or after years away) and they go on to careers that actually lights them up.

There are some decent career options that don’t need crazy hours or stress. If you ever want to chat it through or just get some ideas, feel free to give me a shout, I'd be happy to help - no pressure at all 💛

How old are you? (Ish!) no disrespect to your hardwood but GCSEs and a levels are meaningless within 5 years of working. They don’t indicate ability in the workplace.

I think it’s really common to hark back at wasted potential but really honest with yourself- is that really true? All careers can be a bit crap, but making the best out of the crap is actually what can accelerate your career.

your friends in corporate jobs didn’t get great careers by just rocking up every day, they had to be resilient, take opportunities and play the game. gscses don’t teach you how to do this- a long career of learning does!

of course you can start again and retain (although you’re literally staring again- it’ll be many years before you’re at the same place the friends are- 10, 20? Depends on your age group!)

or you could try reframing your current job. You don’t know what you want to do anyway so worth a try?

Well since that post nearly a year ago things have changed for the better. I moved jobs, still in Social Work but in a complete different field, im now in Adult mental health and feel I've got my excitement and passion back for the job. Im hoping to go back to university and further my study in mental health to become an Approved Mental Health Professional and possibly go on to do a Masters. Im in such a better place mentally and have a much better work life balance. I agree a career is what you make of it and work you put in

That’s such great news! I had no idea the post was a year old but really pleased I saw it now as that’s prompted such a great update. Well done OP!