To ask for some inspiration?

[MirandaPr1estly]

Basically, I hate my job. It’s an admin role within the public sector which I just sort of fell into and worked my way up because it was the done thing. I don’t care about the work (and actually have a moral issue with a lot of what we do) and it’s also now an incredibly toxic environment due to senior managers who would see you drop dead with a stress induced heart attack, then promptly step over your body to pass on any remaining work to the next available dogs body. It’s just awful.

Unfortunately for me, I have very little direction and although I know I want out, I have no idea what I want to do. I know that I don’t want to sit i front of a screen until I’m 70 and I love the idea of having my own small business (but again, no direction or discernible talent or passion yada yada yada). I feel strongly that something’s pushing me forward but I’m struggling to figure out how to forge my own path.

So, have any of you left a stable but soul sucking 9-5 to pursue something different? Have you taken a pay cut to work in a supposedly “lesser” job but it makes you infinitely happier? I’d love to hear others experiences because I feel like I’m wasting my life.

I know several people who have changed from soul destroying jobs to voluntary sector ones - mainly with a bit of a pay cut or at least less pension. They are all much happier. You don't need to have a full on calling or goal - you could do admin in voluntary sector and also get some volunteering or work experience in areas that you do want to sample. You could work in the arts, health, communities with people that really want to make a difference. My advice would be to just start applying for jobs. e.g. voluntary sector jobs that pay between x and y and where you fit 50% of the job specification. Then see if you get any interviews. I know people who have gone in to comms and marketing, project coordination, volunteer management, fundraising. The key is taking the first tiny step.

I joined the prison service. I really enjoy the variety and challenge

Thanks for replying.

I don’t want to do any sort of admin work. I have thought about the prison service actually, or something similar. and almost applied for a job with the CCRC but decided against it as it was only a temporary post.

I know not everyone will be lucky enough to have a calling or vocation, I just wish I had a little bit more direction in life which is very much a me problem.

Don’t go self-employed, unless you have an incredibly thick skin.

Are you self employed? What do you do if you don’t mind me asking?