to think at my age (43) I would have a full and engaging career?

[CheshireDing]

I work in an industry that will potentially make redundancies due to Covid-19. As this same industry was also affected in 2008 I am thinking a need a new career.

I fell into my current job by chance 15 years ago and have mostly really enjoyed it and the money is okay.

The problems are :-

1. I don't know WHAT I want to re-train in but do want a 'proper' job iykwim

1. I also feel annoyed that I don't have a proper career and didn't go to University

1. I feel annoyed that because I didn't know what I wanted to do at school the Careers Advisor pointless woman suggested I become a Nurse (because my Gran and Dad are Nurses). I don't like blood etc so that was a definite No

1. I can't get beyond the feeling at the moment though that at my age I should have a proper job and should have gone to Uni, lots of people where I live have met this criteria and are a similar age to me (I don't live in the area I grew up in)

1. I think I feel annoyed that somebody growing up directly after WW2 (for example) as a woman may not have had many career choices but surely I should have had around 1992

I know that I didn't know what I wanted to do but I feel like there was no guidance, assistance and I constantly feel stupid/annoyed with the situation.

I know it was my own making in the end and I am waffling but I wondered whether anyone felt like this, or even understands what I am whittering about ?

I would consider conveyancing a 'proper' job! Do you mean a 'career'? I would also consider it a 'career path' too. There is no point complaining about something in 1992 - you could think about all the people my age who were pushed into degrees for 10k a year without actually knowing what they wanted to do and now the degree is irrelevant

AKA, it can always suck. If you want to change jobs go for it, but obviously prepare to start lower down! Good luck OP

Really interesting thread and it seems a lot of people are in your shoes OP.

My DP is looking at a career change option right now, which would involve 2 years of retraining. Like you, he fell into a job he doesn't much care for which pays relatively well. I told him to go for it, we can be a bit skint for a couple of years and make do. You don't want to get to your 50s/60s and feel like you have wasted your life. Go for it!

In your case, its a question of figuring out what you really want to do. And then taking the plunge!

A couple of thoughts - there are services you can go to who will give you quite detailled assessments to see what jobs/career paths might suit you, involving psychometric testing, discussion of personal preferences, practical considerations such as family commitments etc. Obviously, this does cost something but could be a worthwhile investment.
On the other hand, you say that you mostly enjoy your current work in conveyancing (which I would certainly describe as a "proper job", BTW!). What is it you particularly like? What do you dislike? Could be the people (staff or clients), the detailed paperwork, attention to detail or all sorts of other features which could provide a pointer to a future.
Quite a lot of your OP is about your regrets at not going to university or going into a different career. Well, it's never too late! Or maybe some counselling might help you to decide the way forward.

Conveyancing is definitely a “proper” job, requiring a professional qualification and is for the most part, is well paid.

That’s all I have to say, sorry, I just thought it was a bit odd to insinuate it’s not a proper job.

Hi OP

I'm a career coach who specialises in helping women figure out their purpose and take mid-career changes.

I would start by considering your values and purpose...

Some of these questions might help, answer them without placing any limits on yourself...

• If money were irrelevant but you still had to work what would you choose to do?

• What do you do now that lights you up? What do you like to do and talk about?

• If you could make one difference to the world, what would you want that to be?

• What parts of previous jobs have you enjoyed the most?

• What, if any, struggles have you had in your past that you like (or would like) to help other people with?

Not too late to go to university. I went back at 40 to do a masters in a completely new subject, and now work in that field. I'm really glad that I did as I was stuck in a rut.

Yes I think that's it, not a 'proper' career (as I fell into it initially, rather than an active thought process)

Thank you everyone I will take on board everything you have all said and go through all your replies later once children asleep.

I do appreciate everyones thoughts and comments and hearing from others who have retrained or are thinking of.