Feeling trapped in current NHS role. What options do I have?

[Eisenberg]

I have worked within the NHS for over 9 years now in a Band 4 Office Manager role. My work centres on arranging the purchasing, servicing and repair of medical equipment as well as ensuring asset information is correct and reporting KPIs (Key Performance Indicators.)

I am growing to really dislike my job having done it for so long as well as contending with the usual staffing shortages and pressure of working in the NHS. I'm finding myself feeling really trapped in my current role with no way out in sight.

I would love to move on from the NHS and admin work to do something more enjoyable. However, I am held back by the generous Annual Leave entitlement, decent pension and really not knowing what I would like to do next.

When I look at alternative options nothing is really appealing to me.

I am 39 now with a wealth of administrative experience within the public sector, but no post-GCSE qualifications.

What kind of opportunites and industries are out there that wouldn't require years of studying to get into?

Do you want to move completely away from office work?
Is there anything you do enjoy about your current job?

Ideally I would like to move on from office work, but if I could find something with the option to work remotely in that sector then I would also consider it.

In terms of what I enjoy about my current job, there's not a lot. Obviously the job stability, Annual Leave entitlement and ability to work remotely on occasions are good perks of working in the NHS.

I'd have a look on the NHS recruitment site. There's so many types of roles you can do in the NHS, you might find something that appeals, or at least give you some inspiration

All right, is there anything in other parts of your life that you enjoy? Do you enjoy managing people, leading projects? It sounds as if you'd like to work for yourself?

Are you in a hospital Trust? Get to the academy and ask about opportunities.

I would love to work for myself, but I have no idea what kind of work would enable me to do it.

I know apprenticeship funding is available for NHS staff. Unfortunately for me, the apprenticeship would have to be relevant to my current role so wouldn't enable me to switch into a completely new field. I could do one in something like Business Administration, but that doesn't interest me and wouldn't open up a different kind of career for me.

Have you looked at jobs in the ALBs? That may give you something different and some different progression opportunities? Whilst keeping pension etc

I keep an eye out for their jobs being advertised.

Hi, I have just qualified as an Allied Healthcare Professional. I took a careers book out of the library and looked through it to help me to choose which sector to work in. The Prospects website is a helpful place to start plus the book What Colour is Your Parachute? if you want to change job but don't know where to start.

Find a local access to university course at your nearest college enrol then take it from there

Good luck in your new career! What were you doing previously?

Mental health work but in unqualified roles.