Does anyone have a “proper” career after years of just jobs / no direction?

[LordSugarsFinger]

I completely lost confidence at university and since have drifted and worked in meh jobs and suffered with depression. Now late 20s I feel like I want a career, or least something with progression and something to say “I do this” rather than just “I work”. I just worry it’s too late? Has anyone done this - it seems like people do the big career or well-paid job first then change path but not the other way round.

I dropped out after a term at teacher training college in the 70s and dud dead end jobs then went back to university in 1981 and did a teaching degree. It was easier then, though, because I got a full grant. Financing would be more difficult now.

In your late twenties this is perfectly possible, but you need to think about what you actually want to do. Then you can take the first step in doing it.

You're only late twenties, I hate to break it to you but you've probably got coming up to another 40 years at work. I reckon that gives you ample time to change.

I started in my organisation around 4.5 years ago. I've moved up the ranks reasonably quickly, while still remaining in a role long enough to have a good grasp of it. There's masses of progression, sideways if you don't fancy upwards.

I'm at a stage now where I'm not certain I want the cut and thrust of going further up, but would certainly consider sideways. I don't see me ever leaving my organisation (for all its faults!) and I'm so glad I found it when I did, and while I had time to appreciate it

Definitely not too late! I'm a lot older - mid 40s - and had a similar path to you which I let go on for far too long. I'm now a counsellor, after training from 40. It's not great money in my current NHS role but with more experience I can apply for better paid jobs in the future. I also have the opportunity to do private practice as a sideline which I may do soon. It's hard work but rewarding and since qualifying my self-esteem has grown massively.

Good luck and if counselling is something you want to do PM me for more info.

Lots of people! Look here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mature_students

This new Mature Study and Retraining board has been running for less than six months - and there are countless posters considering, embarking on, or navigating their way through, study or training - sometimes after a few years out, often after decades. GCSE retakes, access courses, OU, apprenticeships, degrees and postgrad degrees … Healthcare, computing, art, law, writing, train driving! You’re sure to find some experiences that resonate with you.

(And, as if by magic …!)

God yes, I had non grad level jobs until I drifted into a paralegal type role, eventually qualified as a solicitor at 31. I was noticeably 5 years or so older than other people at my level to start, but I pushed on and have now been promoted to same level as people my age who are 5 or more years senior in terms of PQE

I went to university (didn't do great) then I have kids relatively young in my early 20s. I have just got an amazing new job with training opportunities somewhere incredible in my late 30s.

You can change everything it's never too late but you have to have a goal and you have to be focused on it. Very few people fall into their dream job. Decided what you want and then plan the best way to get there.

I definitely made mistakes along the way but you can turn those into advantages with a little shift in focus

Good luck!!

I retrained aged 29 for a vocational career. I had a flat but no other responsibilities and absolutely no money saved or spare.

The only thing I had to be really careful with was finances, and it would he significantly harder now than then (15 years ago). I went back to university - if I was doing this now id probably look at something like accountancy, where you get paid as you train.

Me! I worked In customer service after leaving school with just GCSEs. Then worked as a Housing Officer. I'm now 38 and currently at home with my youngest until he startes school next year. I didnt really want to go back to being a Housing Officer so Im studying a Health and Social Care degree with the Open University. I'm hoping to become a family support worker part time while studying but the end goal is to qualify as a social worker. It's definitely not too late, go for it!

Yes totally! Have had three interrelated phases of career to date and mid forties. Adhd meant like you I was a drifter. But now have combined phases 1 and 2 and thanks to pandemic back in a much more lucrative earning capacity. DO NOT write yourself off!

Really interesting responses, thank you. And inspiring too.