Mental Health Nurse - new career inspiration

[Katiehod]

Hello all,

First time ever poster but longtime reader of the AIBU board.

For context: I'm a mental health nurse, and have a prior degree in English and Creative Writing (2:2).

I'm 35, currently finishing my mat leave and due to return to work in Sept. I work shifts in busy A&E's and do enjoy it but I am hoping to learn a new skill seperate to nursing. Initially with no expectations, just to learn something new, but with potential of this growing in the future.

Does anyone have any ideas of what to look into?

So far I've looked into Complementary Therapies, Beauty Therapy and Dog Grooming, but all seem quite over saturated markets. I wondered about learning a trade, if anyone has any experience of this? I always struggle to find a good tradesperson and do love a bit of DIY!

Thanks in advance.

I've known a couple of MH nurses who've gone on to become gardeners/horticulturalists.

Round our way it's hard to get a gardener - so there's a bit of a market

Plumbing?
AAT ?

@damekindness I do love gardening! There's not many part time courses at our local colleges but I haven't done an in depth search at all of them so there might be more out there.

@Rummikub I wondered about plumbing or painting and decorating. Ideally a trade with the least contact with spiders 😂 I've thought about accountancy, I might have to look into it before assuming it's boring!

@Katiehod you can do a plumbing or gas course through weekend study in some places. I’m aware of one in Birmingham I think.

Anecdotally, housing associations would like to employ more female trades as their older tenants feel safer.

For relevant courses at level 3 you can use an Advanced learner loan for tuition fees. Similar set up to uni fees.

@Rummikub We're really lucky to have Leeds College of Building nearby. They do a level 1 certificate/award in Plumbing (2 nights per week for a year) so I might self fund that initially to see if I like it. If not I'll be a whizz at DIY!

Exactly! Double bonus so that you can sort out dripping taps. And I think it would be quite fun to learn.

Ive always fancied learning brickwork or plastering.