I realise this is very first world problem and I'm sorry.
I'm single and childless. I've spent a lot of my life in difficult relationships and I've raised my ex's children. My ex was abusive, manipulative mainly and difficult, but also periodically violent (almost killing me on one occasion).
In short I've spent a lot of my life doing things not for me. I'm finally free, and after a lot of self reflection I want to do something for ME now. But I'm so scared.
I'm a qualified counsellor.
I'm MA sociology.
I work in a decent but GCSE grade job which I like, but I'm wondering if after not using my MA since I graduated, any decent sociologist department would even want me? Ive looked at jobs in research and wondered, but I want to use it now I'm free to be me, and I can.
I also wonder if I should just cut hours at my now job (which I'm being promoted at in a few months anyway) and make a go at being a freelance therapist. I just don't know. Where do I even begin?I'm 40 years old..I've wasted so much of my former years doing things for others. I want to get this right, now. Ive had a lot of valuable advice on here under other usernames. I just dont know where to start. Any advice appreciated,anything at all. I want to make the most now.