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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Mid life crisis job change? Desperate for help

3 replies

Thisisntme1 · 12/05/2024 00:59

I am 40 and currently work as a receptionist/administration for an accountant.
I had kids young and didn't work for years, only casually.
I've never known what I wanted to do in life, never had any real passion or calling towards anything in particular. I have my own personal interests but they don't really translate into a job.
My husband has always known what he wants to do and is in the career he has always wanted and loves it. I'm so jealous of people who know and do what they love.

I'm not particularly good or skilled at anything. I've always just been average, mediocre. I'm not selling myself short. Just being honest. In my current job, I do the work that I've been given and do it well but I know I don't go above and beyond, I think partly because I just don't care enough, I'm just going through the motions to get through the day.
I absolutely love the office I work in though, the people and the culture are great, very family friendly and flexible, a very fun workplace.

I've recently had our yearly review and my boss suggested I could be doing more than I am and should be further along in my role, be more proactive etc.
He said, it's like you're waiting for something but I don't think you know what that even is.

It's played on my mind since and he's not wrong. I know not everyone wants a career (and I don't necessarily) and a good workplace can be gold, but on reflection do I want to just be going through the motions/treading water for the next 20+ years?

I feel like I can't find 'my thing' though unless I try as I truly have no idea and and with a family I can't be trying different things all the time.

I can't be out of a job as we need the money and I think sometimes DH gets annoyed at my changing jobs, but he went through 12 other jobs to get to his passion and I supported him each time.

AIBU to leave and try something new? Or do I stick it out and just 'do better' and go through the motions?

OP posts:
FredsRoses · 12/05/2024 03:01

If you really like where you work, then maybe putting in a bit more effort might make the job more fulfilling for you. To be honest, it sounds like you don't have a lot of confidence in yourself OP. Is there another role within the same company that you would like to try, but aren't qualified for, in which case, could you train to do it?Could you take any night classes or anything to gain qualifications that would bring a different type of job more within your reach?

BlastedPimples · 12/05/2024 06:55

I think you need to meet with a career coach. You don't need to leave your current role to investigate what your might want to do.

You're not not good at anything. You just haven't found what you really like. You're still young. Loads of time to develop a career you like. Plus you've got some really useful skills from your current role.

Find a career coach that you like and spend some time with them finding out. It doesn't have to cost loads. But it could bring great rewards for you.

Try this worksheet.

Thisisntme1 · 12/05/2024 11:28

Hopeful bump

OP posts:
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