Hi MN, first time poster here. I’m hoping some of you lovely clever people can help me figure out what to do with my life career wise!!
Context - I’m a recent STEM graduate, I’ve worked in nurseries and with young children for a few years now during my degree, running holiday clubs etc and as lunch cover in nursery. No childcare qualifications except the standard safeguarding, DBS, and specific qualification needed to run the holiday club. I’ve also done hospitality but I will not go back to that industry for various personal reasons.
I cannot find a STEM job, and to be honest, I don’t think I want one. I’ve only got a bachelors and have zero interest in going back to university. Interviewed for multiple corporates think graduate product management type roles, had straight rejections from several and waiting lists for a few, but my heart isn’t really in it.
I adore working with children, but I’ve heard primary teaching isn’t great at the moment re pay and conditions, and an oversaturated market. I also really don’t want to pay to do a PGCE and go back to university. I’m considering a career in safeguarding or something to that extent, but I’m not quite sure what that would look like. I’m pretty sure I could manage the stress and tragic circumstances you’d encounter in a job like this, I think I’d be quite good at it. But I have no idea about this industry and how to get into it!
I love the nursery I work in, but even if i got my childcare qualification the pay is too low and doesn’t justify the money I’ve spent on doing a degree, if that makes sense. Not trying to be snobby at all, but I’m aiming for a higher paid position.
What sort of thing should I look for? I’d love a job working directly with people, I love working with children, but I’m not keen on doing further study. Would love some recommendations!😊