to ask for career/job help

[NCagainandagain]

I made a huge mistake at work this week. Think code red, big breach, no one has died but it's a serious error and the big cheese are involved to try and resolve it. I was rushing to get something sent, and it went to the wrong person.

Mistakes happen, but I'm in my early 40's and have never got past an entry level job because I always seem to make them. My DH and friends all have amazing careers and I'm now realising that that is never going to happen to me because I can't even do the simple jobs without messing up. I start each job full of enthusiasm thinking this is going to be the one thing I'm good at but it never works out that way.

I've tried so many online questionnaires to see what field would suit my (lack of) skills but invariably get unrealistic suggestions like 'artist' or 'actor' when I just want something to pay the bills that I'm not completely shit at.

Any ideas of where else to turn?

Why do you think you continue to make such big mistakes? Is it possible you do this deliberately to avoid progressing in your career, in order to avoid more responsibility?

To clarify, this is by far the biggest mistake I've made and it was because I was rushing. But I often forget to do things, send the wrong stuff, miss deadlines etc. I'm pretty certain I'm not subconsciously doing it on purpose, I don't think I'd mind more responsibility. It's more that I'm not a naturally organised person and every job I've had involves juggling multiple projects and I always inevitably drop the balls at some point.

Most people are not naturally organized, even if they appear to be. It's just that they have developed a system which keeps them on track. I am very organized because I work hard at it. I keep a daily planner and write everything down, and I review my planner several times a day to make sure I'm on schedule. I also make sure I put calendar reminders in my phone/Google calendar for any important meetings/events/deadlines. Organization takes discipline, it's as simple as that.

My belief is that you should take some time to really get yourself organized, at work and at home, before you even think of changing jobs or careers. If you don't, these patterns are only going to continue, and that's just setting yourself up for failure.

It's funny you say this because I really do try to be organised. I have always had amazing to do lists, notebooks, online lists eg. todoist, calenders etc but they only keep me organised for a week or so and then I can't stick to it. My most recent was plotting out the day in 15 min segments and it was great for one day but by the second I'd let the deadlines slip.

I know that getting organised is the key but I really am so bad at it, no matter how desperately hard I try. I don't know anyone else who is as forgetful, disorganised and messy as me yet I try so hard not to be.

I think you should consider that you might have ADHD. Perhaps it would be worth investigating it.

ADHD is something I've considered. I feel like a total time waster going to the GP about it though when people are dying because of a stretched NHS.

Anyone know any good jobs for people with ADHD in their 40's?

Or perhaps, op, just stop rushing. I’m data officer for my co. and we have a much easier time if people take their time & check.

Plus it can happen to anyone, so please don’t think it’s only you.