Hi,
Looking for a bit of advice and inspiration.
Currently, I am in a dreadful position which is taking its toll on me, emotionally and financially.
Bit of background…
I am a professional within the NHS and have studied etc. for years to progress in my career. I ended up going through menopause a few years ago (I’m now 51) and it caused a whole host of issues and, well, changed me as a person. My marriage had been sexless for a decade and I suddenly realised that I was nothing more than friends with him (and that’s all it had been). I filed for divorce and this has been going on for 3 years now. I also changed jobs at the same time (thinking I was doing the right thing at the time), same grade (B7) but a different, but related field). To say this was a massive mistake would be an understatement. The place is toxic. I don’t like the job (as all I do is sort problems out) and we are now going through a re-structure. I want out, regardless of what happens. I know I need to get back into my own field. Trouble is, there is nothing local. My execution of the financial settlement (husband will get more than me as, well, I’ve given up the fight) has been delayed until we know the outcome of the restructure as I could end up homeless the way things are going!
There are no jobs locally. I have looked for quite some time. I had applied for jobs elsewhere and always get shortlisted but end up withdrawing my application. My reason being is that I have a 15 year old who is due to sit GCSE’s next summer and she also needs to see her father. She also wants to stay on for the 6th form. Her older brother is at university. I have no other family parents and siblings are RIP (that’s hard in itself).
I have applied for another 3 posts - one near the Lake District (which would be ideal for me as I love hiking), another in Nottinghamshire and another in Carlisle. All 3 have called me up for an interview. It would enable me to get back into my own profession. But, this causes problems with my children. My daughter lives with me mostly and only stays with her dad 3 nights every other month. She doesn’t want to live with him. She is planning on university after A-levels. I feel trapped in some ways and horrified I will end up with a lower paid job (which would be difficult, financially), no job or stuck in an awful working environment.
I am hoping one of these places will allow working from home one day a week. All are about 2 hours from home. I’ve thought about buying a caravan and parking it (legally etc.) in the southern lakes! It would enable me to stay there a few nights and come home a few nights. I have to sell the family home once I get the go-ahead.
Can anyone offer any ideas/solutions to my situation? I’m not sleeping well!!!