..... to ask if you left a job after many years, because you just new that "there has to be more to life than this" - how did you do it and what did you leave it to go and do?

[MumInTraining66]

I work for a good, large company. My manager is lovely, colleagues are really nice, and the pay is not bad, and decent annual leave allocation (you can see why I'm still there, right!!!!). However, I get no job satisfaction and every day I just think there must be a more rewarding way to spend my time". I am lucky as, since Covid, I have worked from home - so no commute (which is a big plus for me). It means I have flexibility to help my Mum (lives on her own and has dementia - still manageable) and be here for the kids. BUT I'm just completely unfulfilled. SO, I am just wondering how to make a change, for me and my family, that will mean I can still pay the bills. My husband, btw, has some mobility issues and works part time. I earn more than him and he does most of the childcare (ie taking to and picking up from school).

Just looking for some inspiring (possibly life-changing) stories. So, please, fire away. I'm all ears....................

I was a secondary school teacher for almost 14 years, quickly became head of department and then assistant headteacher, with the view of becoming a head. After 4 years of SLT, I realised teaching was no longer for me. I couldn't cope with the pressure of always being "on", no where to hide if I was having a shit day. It became unsustainable for me.

I was really lucky to have my husband support me to do a master's in a subject I'd always admired and now I'm a Civil Servant. As an SEO for the last four years, I've been able to enjoy the flexibility of WFH and even though I earn less and I have less annual leave, I'm happier. I've been lucky to travel in my role, and I do find office work incredibly dull. But I now have time for a side hustle that brings me a lot of joy. I have zero interest in earning more or going for a promotion. I feel that I'm truly living a more meaningful life, where I can do rewarding things outside of the mundane 9-5, a real work-life balance. I couldn't have done this when I was a teacher. State of education now, I'm glad I left when I did!

I left the NHS because I was so scared about losing my PIN if there was drastic mistake…every shift was a wing and a prayer! Now work in a nursing home which carries the same responsibilities and risks ,but now feel supported ….also my pay is so much higher! Not so sure about the pension but am prepared to take the risk.