To wonder how people afford to live with these jobs

[Dreamer14]

I have worked in the private sector for nearly 20 years. In a high paying industry too. However… I’m bored. So very bored.

My Monday dread starts on Friday nights. I’ve changed company and the feeling is the same. I feel isolated because I work at home all the time. I don’t feel like I’m being the best version of myself. I’m grumpy as I’m unhappy etc.

I’ve thought for years, I’d love to go do something completely different. Each time I try… I give up because I simply can’t afford to work 37 hours (with all the childcare I’d need) for £20k.

I would love a job helping others. I look at NHS and school jobs, council jobs, charity jobs etc. but the pay simply isn’t enough. Am I doing something wrong? Have I missed something?

We would like to move in next few years but if I went to bank and said I earn 20k they wouldn’t lend me nearly enough. I don’t have a rich husband! I’m the main earner.

I'm working 37 hours a week and hate every moment. My dream situation would be slightly less hours so I can pick my kids up one day a week and something I love that involves a bit more human interaction.

Same here OP. I earn £55k on private sector and long to change career. I just can't afford the pay cut.

Universities often advertise for project managers. The pay likely won’t be as high, but not as big a drop and generally decent holidays. Try searching on jobs.ac.uk and good luck

A lot of people in low wage work are being supported with extra income or lower costs, e.g

• young people still living with parents rent and bills free
• older mortgage free people
• those topped up with benefits
• single parents receiving higher than typical child maintenance
• second earners where the primary earner is on considerably more
• people living in low cost social housing paying rent well below market rates