Big life change- help me decide

[Leafytwigg]

I have been a full time carer for my dd but unfortunately she’s had to go into full time supported living. It’s happened much earlier than expected and now I have an empty nest, I’m faced with what to do with my life. She is well looked after but I’m so sad.
I own my house. I worked hard in a very demanding and emotionally draining job supporting other people. I’ve had no fun.
im thinking maybe sell house, use the money to improve life somehow. No other dependents, no partner. But no spare savings.
ive thought about downsizing, or buying somewhere to rent out. How can I make my life better- travel, live a little or generate income. Is it madness?
has anyone done this? Any advice. I’m heartbroken and need to see life in a positive way again.

Retrain for a more fulfilling, enjoyable job?

First, I think you need to take time to process your feelings. I second the person n above, I would be inclined to retrain. I am not sure how you would purchase a second property if you don't have savings.

Thanks for the replies. Sorry, I wasn’t clear. Sell my current 3 bed house, so I would have a lump sum. How to use it in a way to improve life.
I will be returning to work/ retraining . But first I think I need a re set.

Ooo I wouldn’t sell your house. That’s your security. Can you just use your monthly salary to do wild things or save. I just feel like selling your house leaves you abit vulnerable

But you’ll still need somewhere to live. Do you need to stay in the vicinity of your DD’s supported living environment? How much would a buying a one-bed flat leave you from the sale of your house? Do you want to travel ?

Dont do anything yet. Take time to think and collect your thoughts.

If you decided to go travelling, is there anyone who would go with you?

I agree with previous posters that you need time before making permanent decisions, but if you could get a “time out” from your life to help you to do that you could come back fully energised. I’m thinking 6 or 12 month sabbatical from work, rent your house out for that time so that you have a little income and do low cost travelling. But all much easier and safer if someone else can go along (although perhaps you need the time alone to decompress?).

A low key travel plan would let you see if you get a taste for it before making any bigger decisions

Don't sell your house or make any major decisions for at least 6 months.
Give yourself time to process your thoughts.
Are you working now? Can you afford to take a long holiday somewhere you have always wanted to go. Then when you return start thinking about what you want to do.
But whatever you decide I wouldn't sell your house unless you buy somewhere else you will feel happy living in.
Using money from your house sale to do something exciting won't make you feel better in the long term especially if you don't have anywhere to live.

Thanks, wise advice.

I would downsize to a two bedroom place that could be used for dd if she comes to stay. I don’t quite know how you will travel for long periods and not see her? How does that work?

First thing I would do is book a holiday, lie on the beach and consider your options with a cocktail in one hand and a pen in the other.