To give up my flexible job in favour of something more worthwhile?

[sgvibes]

Hypothetical, as I haven't found another job yet but...

My current job has served me well over the years and is very flexible. I work freelance so I don't have to answer to anyone, I wfh, and I earn enough money for my needs. I can work when I want, take time off when I want etc so it ticks a lot of boxes.

However, I'm sick of it on several counts...

1. It involves cold calling and some people can be so rude. I'm not selling anything or trying to sign people up to anything, it's simply asking about their experiences of a service. Most of the time I can move on and not let it bother me but some days it really gets me down.
2. I'm sat on my own at home so I get no colleagues to have a chat to/moan about the job with. It's lonely.
3. I don't get any fulfilment from the job. It doesn't make any difference to anyone's life, it's kind of pointless.

I fancy going out of the house to work, having some banter with colleagues, making a difference. I couldn't do care work because I've got a bit of a weak stomach but something working with people in some way, doing something useful would be great.

However, I'm not sure I want to give up the flexibility of my current job. I just don't know what to do. What would you do in my shoes?

Could you keep the job but reduce your hours, free up some days to try something else? I'd be loathe to completely give up something that ticked so many boxes.

Please let me know if you do leave and your job role becomes available because I shall take over🤣 In all seriousness, if you feel like you want something more find something more. It’s beneficial that you’ve got a stable job because you’ve got to opportunity to look for other things in the meantime that suit your needs. Keep your eye on job sites, you might find something that really catches your eye, or apply for a few jobs and do a few interviews too see if you like the feel of anything else. You don’t have to quit your job just yet.

Have a look round see what's out there.
If you see something you fancy apply.
If you get an interview then go.
Weigh up pros and cons
Then if you are offered the job you can decide whats best for you.
Flexibility means a lot, but how much flexibility you really need it depends on your circumstances. A fulfilling rewarding job can mean a lot more- hopefully you can combine the two!
Good luck

@electriclight I only work part time as it is. I make time to do other things, I get out of the house and see people, I do some volunteering as well.

It's kind of like I know I'd be stupid to give it up but I'm so bloody bored of it.

Flexibility means a lot, but how much flexibility you really need it depends on your circumstances.

This is the reason I'm thinking about it now. I started the job when the dc were young and it was a godsend being able to do the school run and not worry about it if they got sick. They've left home now so I don't have to consider that.

I would not give up a job where you are your own boss for one where you have a boss. Bosses. Fucking. Suck. Enjoy your freedom.

Bosses do indeed Fucking Suck.

But... in your shoes, Id look out for something that sounds ok, apply, see if you get it. Maybe keep one day a week freelance.

I'm a boss and hopefully I don't Fucking Suck. I do offer flexible working. So look for employers that have good terms and conditions.

Maybe getting a new job for a couple of days a week and just reducing my freelance work is the answer, to see how it goes (if indeed that exists)

A friend of mine works in a children's home and she loves it, I'm thinking something like that might be good.

Working with children is hard work. Worthwhile and at times enjoyable but exhausting. I'm getting to the point where I want more flexible work and would love to work from home lol.