Why can’t I think of a career change. Despise job, so unhappy.

[Wizzytimehfv]

I’ve never been unhappier in my work life. Have the worst managers you could possibly imagine. Absolutely hate the company, the people, the ethos.
Feel so stuck.

Feel so frustrated that I can’t think of something I can do to create my own business. I feel like I’ve been trying to think of an idea to work for myself for years. Just feel depressed and like I’ll never get out of this daily grind of being treated like crap in companies I don’t want to work in.

Do not want anything to do with field I’m in now and currently take home about 35k. Would go and learn a skill but the quicker I could learn that skill the better (fast learner - do much better on fast track type courses)
Id love to train in acupuncture but the only one near me needs to be self funded and takes 3 years. I’m looking for something shorter and cheaper than 27k.

Did anyone (or do you know anyone) that did a course or something that changed their career in a shortish amount of time?
Reckon I’m open to almost anything so throw anything at me.

Thank you

I'm a data analyst and you sound like the kind of person we see in our industry! Lots of problem-solving, maths, stakeholder engagement, and project management.

Few routes:

Data analysis courses online (especially coding ones e.g. SQL/Python/R).

University courses

Entry level NHS roles - data admin type roles, work your way up.

NHS Graduate Management Scheme - 2 year course - currently paid at £28k (I think) per year. I did this and was on £42k straight after. Have worked my way up from band 5 to band 8a.

@Wizzytimehfv '.. Would always be a day rate instead of price job kind of person if I were a builder.'

I think you've got that the wrong way round. Price work is great if you're very quick and efficient. You've charged a standard fixed price for the job so if you get it done fast that's a bonus for you and you move on to the next job.

Look into project management

For those saying project management i actually disagree and think it would be too boring for you. I have a similar skillet as you OP. I work as an evaluator, running short term evaluations of government/ngo programs, and it involves bursts of activity, a robust methodology, coming up with findings and recommendations, which is essentially problem solving. You get to go deep into new subject areas all the time while applying your skills.

I work in the foreign aid sector but this kind of work exists in a number of sectors, usually where government funding is involved. I'm a consultant though, have worked for myself and large consultancy firms.

You need research methods skills and qualifications mainly.

I haven't read all the comments but maybe you could explore buying a business rather than starting one. Google Codie Sanchez. She's an American business woman and really inspired me.

You sound like an occupational therapist to me. I retrained at 37, did two year pre-reg master's course (student loan) and due to previous managerial work experience, progressed to Band 7 in the first 18 months.
I am the same as you, good with systems, like problem-solving, like getting to the bottom of things - all great qualities for an OT.
Although, if you fancy a bash at phsyio, they have a lot more private sector opportunities.

Teaching?

It depends where you live but there's a lady near me who is an organiser/pa/general sorter outter for people. She runs her own business, advertises for clients and basically does what rich people need (holiday organising, finding appropriate childcare, recruiting household staff, getting tradespeople booked in, party planning, removals and house move organising - any daily admin or organisation task that super well off people cant be bothered to do themselves). We live in a privileged area so it is a good market but she seems very busy, it's very varied and fast paced and she is naturally good at organising, planning and budgeting. I don't think it needs any qualifications, her background is events, she gets lots of recommendations from happy clients and charges by the hour (not sure how much but suspect its more than you'd think!)

Although you sound like you would be a great virtual assistant, if you are considering reflexology and hairdressing, it sounds like you would rather have something more creative and work with actual people (as opposed to sitting at your laptop at the kitchen table).
For very quick training - spray tanning or also look into lash extensions - ideas that could start in an home salon which could then be extended into other treatments, some of which only require a weekends training boot camp.

sienna-x.co.uk/product/level-one-spray-tan-course/

Perfect time now just before everyone is going on their summer holidays

I love this thread! Strangers on the internet boosting everyone up! I needed this threat too though. I’m 30, married with two kids. I work in retail, absolutely despise my job and it’s definitely change of career (start career really) time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a hard worker, just always put my “career” on the back burner. Now it’s time to focus! Wouldn’t mind a course or an apprenticeship, but have no clue where to start!

Lean management

Look at the processes in other companies and streamline them

Imo You can try handmade items
Like making beanies or clothings in generally for babies
I feel that its market is always active and new parents tend to splurge on nb items no matter what.

As well as items that teens find appealing like making knit key chains or crop-tops. Invest in a good influencer and send them a nice bunch of items to display in their videos and make sure its an influencer with a smilier aesthetic so that it grabs the most buyer's as possible.

Usually custom made / handmade items sell better and make as better gifts.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-get-a-job-you-love-find-a-job-worth-getting-up-for-in-the-morning/john-lees/9781292463308

This book is so great for changing careers , loads of exercises to help you find your hidden skills and work out which direction to take.
I found it valuable because when you hate your job you just want out and think anything will do as long as it's not what you're currently doing. But you risk just ending up in a job that's bad for you in all sorts of other ways.

What did you want to do as a child?

Have you thought about something like plumbing or electrician? Good money! Especially electrician.

Working for yourself… Would you consider electrolysis? They’re self employed and get paid £80-110 an hr in the South East. Mine always has a waiting list.

Set up your own subscription box?

I trained as a counsellor at your age. It did take me 3 years (in Scotland) but I looked at it like this: would I rather spend the 3 years training for something I love or would I rather spend the next 3 years hating my work and still be in the same position 3 years down the line? It was a no brainer for me. I'm now fully qualified and running my own practice. I am fully in control of my own working life and set my own hours, days, costs etc. I never have to deal with office politics and I feel more free than I ever did in my corporate role I held for 2 decades previously. Do something that you excel in and that brings you joy. Good luck.

I went from Physio to Interior Designer. I worked part time and did a diploma in my “spare time” says me, a mum of 2 kids! If you can go part time and do both for a bit while it builds that’s what I did and helps with the transition. Then when the time is right siddle on out. I set up my own business and it’s growing and I really enjoy work now.

Can I ask how long you’ve been thinking about it? Forget about the time it takes and just start. Imagine if you’d done that when you first wanted to - you’d probably be there by now. Don’t waste that time worrying it’ll take too long. Best bit of advice I had was to stop looking at it as a whole and start working towards it gradually and you’ll be surprised how quickly it all happens but it won’t if you don’t start!

Sign up to civil service jobs. Loads open to career changers as they recruit on skills not exact industry experience. Loads of hybrid jobs all over the country. The application process needs studying but loads options

Colour consultant?
De cluttering expert?

@Victoria3010 not to derail the OP’s question, but do you happen to know what your organiser lady advertises herself as? It’s exactly what I want to do and have been thinking about it for a while. Just not sure how to start. I also live in a fairly affluent area so am sure there could be a need for it. Thanks :)

DIlly Carter or declutter Dollie’s runs a decluttering course. She’s the one on Sort your life out with Stacey Solomon