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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

No idea what to do career-wise! Any advice?

7 replies

Piglets31 · 19/06/2025 16:43

I'm aware this post might make me sound like I've wasted my qualifications in some way, and maybe I have.
I have a degree in a humanities subject from a redbrick university, not that that seems to really matter at all once you graduate!
I have a secondary PGCE, graduated 10 years ago. I never did my ECT years, which is stupid I know, as no school will probably ever touch me now?
Since graduating from my degree in 2013, I've taught English as a Foreign language (around 4 years) worked as a Teaching Assistant with SEND children and adults (3 years).
I've worked as a Care Assistant for around 3 years, done supply teaching/TA supply for around 2.5 years and I currently work in a call centre! Done a lot of private tutoring too.
As it happens I'm good at the call centre role, and I'm due to receive a bonus soon, couple of hundred, nothing life-changing.
I take home around £435 a week after tax, can work from home and that's really the only benefit. In terms of progression, I could eventually move up to Team Leader but it's competitive.

I'm in my mid 30s and sort of wondering where I've gone wrong. I did pursue teaching in alternative ways as I've referenced, I did start an ECT year but got put on a support plan for poor behaviour management, and eventually struggled to get interviews so just sort of gave up.

I live alone and own a small home, I'm not in a position to be earning anything less than a full-time wage and I've got little in the way of savings. Honestly no idea what to do next, I'd love to be on 30k.
I'm willing to try the ECT years but what school would have me after 10 years? Just looking for any suggestions. I'd love something where I can progress and eventually be on a good salary, it isn't everything but unfortunately at this time in my life it's a priority for me.

OP posts:
Piglets31 · 19/06/2025 16:45

I know you don't have to use your qualifications for the rest of your life, but part of me feels a bit silly working in the call centre role which is something I could've done at 18, several of my colleagues are 18!
I don't dislike the job but just feel a bit silly about it.

OP posts:
thesandwich · 19/06/2025 16:45

Could you do some volunteering in school to get back in?

Piglets31 · 19/06/2025 16:46

thesandwich · 19/06/2025 16:45

Could you do some volunteering in school to get back in?

I have worked in schools recently, before my call centre job I was a supply teacher, just worry about lack of job security with it.

OP posts:
Piglets31 · 19/06/2025 17:00

I'd love to work up to a non-teaching senior role in a school but I don't imagine I'd be considered..

OP posts:
DoYouReally · 19/06/2025 18:03

Jobs like these. If I were you I would start targeting something like the Lead Administrator Officer role amd seek to progress to the top two type of roles over time.

https://uk.indeed.com/q-school-office-manager-l-london-jobs.html

thas · 19/06/2025 18:08

Some of the insurance companies are incredible for working your way up. They’d snap you up for a hybrid or home based customer service told and once you’re in, the sky can be the limit. For example - Royal London - but they are probably not local to you. I know a couple of women who have done really well within insurance companies. Think Royal London starting salary is already about £27k for an entry level call centre role. Good luck!

Piglets31 · 19/06/2025 18:09

Thanks so much, I'll take a look! I'm in the North West so sadly not local but I'll see what there is around here.

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