Lockdown and being furloughed has made me realise I don't like my job

[Righteouswarrior]

Since being furloughed during this lockdown I've realised that I don't enjoy my job, especially not the same way my coworkers do who post on social media about missing work and being excited at the prospect of going back. I obviously haven't said anything but I don't feel the same way. I really like my coworkers and we get on great so I miss them but the job, no. I'm lucky that I have a job and positive relationships with everyone there and I realise that but I wish I had changed career before all this. Its not going to be easy to find another job during the resulting economic depression is it?

You can probably use this time to think about what you might like to do instead, but don't hand your notice in.

Can I ask what your job is and if there is anything else that you're thinking about doing?

I work in a nursery. Been furloughed as I was only part time and they didn't need everyone in for so few children. I like children and have my own so it's not that aspect, but after a few years I am feeling a sense of not being fulfilled by it. I love seeing children develop and grow and feel proud to be a part of that but I know it's not what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have been doing an OU open degree, albeit slowly. If I'd been a bit more proactive I could have finished it by now. I would love to work either in the field of psychology, counselling or the legal sector.

Can you do a short online course in any of those things as a taster during this crisis?

Yes, I've looked on the open learn website and enrolled on a few of the free taster courses. Hopefully they will help me decide what I want to do.

Ooh Right were there any free taster courses in counselling? Also eyfs and also planning a career change!

I feel the same! I always thought I liked my job but it terns our that it's my team that I like! Without them around my job feels so dull and unfulfilling. It's been an eye opener!

Ditto. I miss the people, but hearing so many of my colleagues go on about how they're desperate to get back to work when I'm more than happy to sit around at home messing with the internet on part-pay, makes me realise that at some stage I need to make some changes.

I wouldn't resign now, or even in the next few months. I need the money - but once things 'settle' (as much as that's going to happen!) I need to change something.