Aibu to want to do something more with my life?

[Simonfromharlow]

I stopped working in 2012 when I had my first child. I was a sahm and my husband earned well so I didn't need to work. I had a second child in 2016. Fast forward to 2019 and my husband up and left me. I've found a job in retail but I want more from my life. I'm 35.

I have main care of the children but don't want this to be my life now. I want to change my life for the better. I have only basic qualifications although am fairly intelligent. I live in a small town with not much going on, so difficult to find social groups etc. Is it too late to form a proper career?!

So AIBU to want to change my life and how do I do it?!

It's not too late. You've probably got another 35 working years ahead of you so now is the right time. Lots of people change career mid way through their working life. Decide what you're interested in, what you would like to do and whether it would pay enough, and what to study. Nursing? Social work? IT?

Do you know what you would like to do workwise? Best route in is to get a role however basic in your preferred industry and work your way up. Once in go for qualifications relevant to that industry, be enthusiastic, get to know everyone and give more than you get back and be clear you are ambitious and you can make a jump up as well as across.

35 is a good age to do this, not too old but with enough maturity to make the most of any opportunity. Good luck.

It's not too late. What did you do before - might you want to go back to that?

Or have a think about what you enjoy, what you would find rewarding. Is it about money, or do you want something socially worthwhile. Could you manage financially if you went back to studying for a few years to set you up?

I went from retail to sahm mum. So want something more fulfilling.

I'd like to be able to support myself and have something socially worthwhile. My life is horrible at the moment. All my friends are married and i just spend all my time in my own or with the kids. The split is still very fresh also having all the feelings to deal with too.

I'm starting a part time job in a week but when my youngest starts school I want to start thinking about a proper career.