to think I'm in a rut and that life is passing me by?

[BatKitten]

First post here so please be kind.

I know from reading through some other threads here that I should be thanking my lucky stars for the life I've got, but I'm in a rut and don't know what to do about it.

I've been with DH for 30 years. We met at uni and both of us knew we'd found "the one" within a week of meeting. We're very alike, have shared interests and, though the passion has diminished over the years, the love and affection is still strong. Neither of us wanted children and instead concentrated on work. We both have well paying, interesting jobs, own and live in a cliche of an old stone cottage (yes, it even has climbing roses around the door), have nice cars, go on holiday two or three times a year, and probably have enough in investments and pensions to retire now and live comfortably for the rest of our lives.

And despite all this I'm unhappy and feel guilty for being unhappy. I love my job but have no idea how I'd fill my days if I wasn't doing it. I work in a male dominated environment (electronic design) and haven't worked with another woman engineer for 20 years. Apart from my work colleagues the only person I seem to talk to is DH. Years pass by without anything really happening and I need to get out of this rut but don't know how.

Why not use your passion for your job to inspire young women to study engineering? WISE is an organisation that promotes Science, engineering and technology to women.

I teach technology and I know many schools/ universities would really appreciate strong female role models in your area to inspire a new generation of female engineers, offer your services as a mentor or give a talk for careers?

that's a brilliant idea from halfbaked. you would know you were doing something worthwhile, as well as using your talent and experience.

you seem to be very well-placed generally, and just need a new interest to give you a boost, capture your imagination and fire you with enthusiasm.