I'm not sure which path to take so I can have a happier more fulfilling career

[Nessie2395]

Hello!

I'm 28 (nearly 29) and currently earning 26.5k in a university, in a wellbeing oriented student facing job.

My degree is in History from a good uni and I got a First.

The job is easy. I've been there 2 years and the people are lovely. I'm not paid enough for what I do but I'm never particularly stressed. I like parts of it so that's good.

However in the last year I've been feeling really deflated and like I'm coasting. I haven't been challenged or had to really problem solve for two years. I am feeling less confident as time goes on and have started doubting whether I can do any better. All my peers are all in better, higher paid jobs. I've convinced myself that I'm not as clever as them or that I can't cope with the stress like they can.

I've applied for jobs recently with no success. I'd love to work in heritage and volunteer etc but never been fortunate to get a job in that sector, and jobs are few and far between.

On one hand I'm considering doing an MA in Archaeology part time and staying in this easy job.

But will I just be in the same position in two years? I feel I'd only be doing the masters because I don't know what else to do and again it most likely won't lead to a career. So I'm worried about wasting money and time.

My other ideas are maybe training to be study skills tutor, an SpLD assessor or an occupational therapist which is more reliable career choice and related to what I do now.

We've also been TTC for a year and will likely have IVF next year, so leaving a job at the moment may not be sensible in case I'm lucky to conceive.

I feel like I'm trying to change everything in my life all at once and am really worried that the opportunity to have a career I enjoy has passed me by. I am feeling so stressed about it.

Thanks for reading. I'd really appreciate some advice

When I was getting ready to start a family I felt very unsettled and unsatisfied too. But reading your post, my reaction is just to stay put if you're in a settled role when you've potentially got ivf coming up- you'll want flexibility, reliability, job security in the form of maternity leave.

I'd get volunteering. Anything you do will help future career anyway.

@RhubarbCircles thanks so much for your reply I appreciate it! Yes you're right about leaving a flexible reliable job. It's definitely something I need to consider. I guess I'm worried that if it takes years to conceive (or it never happens) then I'll have spent years not working on my career for no reason really and wish I had done things differently. Perhaps I should give it another year and see what happens - I think the notion of being 30 next year is playing into my doubts about everything

Thanks again for responding!

I think the poster above offers very sensible advice.
Otherwise, you could take a look at heritage planning to see if that might float your boat. To be on course to get chartered you would need an RTPI accredited degree (which can be a one year masters but this would likely have to be more generic urban planning) but you might be able to find an apprenticeship for that. It’s not something I know huge amounts about but just a thought. Plenty of jobs in that area.

You feel unfulfilled in your job and want to start down a career path that challenges and stimulates you.

I'd say that's your first priority, identifying where you want to be and exactly what you need to get there. You can talk to people in the sectors you want to be in - which qualifications and experience will get you the contacts and skills you need? The career centre at your former uni may still be happy to help - try them.

Don't just accept the easy job and ignore that feeling of ambition. You are young. You worked hard for a first. You are clearly capable.

I hope you find the right path that leads to a job you love.

What job would you really like?
Is it history based?
What about a MA in public history? It can lead to careers running stately home collections etc. You could do something like that whilst having ivf.