Refusing the ladder

[isithometimeyet]

(No, not thinking about setting up a DIY firm)

This isn't exactly a 'what do you think about this career' post, but hope it chimes with some people. After many years of working in different fields in search of The One...I have come to the blasphemous conclusion that there isn't a One - that basically, I'm just not cut out for a career.

Whatever I try, it doesn't quite 'fit' - either it's a great job, but a poor environment; or a great environment with super people, but I don't suit the job.

What I've realised is that, regardless of degrees/qualifications etc, I'm not superstar bright, and the effort of pretending to be superstar bright Mon-Fri has driven me up the wall and over the other side.

It's hard, because I have many very clever friends, who are zooming up that ladder. But as the years pass I feel increasingly doubtful The One exists for me.

(Just to be clear, this is not a snide swipe at the SAHM; 1) being a SAHM is a bloody career in itself, without paid holiday 2) I have to get out an earn - I'm not choosing career or f/t motherhood, rather career or job)

Maybe my career prospects would improve if I could speak basic English

I kind of know where you are coming from although I am not sure it is all about being "bright" - a lot of it is about being motivated, flexible and able to grease your way up the ladder pole!!

I know exactly what I'd need to do to get "up the ladder". In my line of work essentially I would have to keep moving as advancing in the same corporation is very hard and most people take their next step up by moving. Moving is not so convenient when you are working flexi and part-time!

Also with children lots of opportunities have had to get passed by because of travel.

It does make me sad sometimes although I do dream of being a high flyer when I am middle aged (quite close now actually!)

I wonder how old you are? I'm in my mid-40s, and had children late (when I was 39 and 40). Up till that point, I hadn't really found my calling, career-wise, although I'd done reasonably well at what I did, and now that I have the DC, I really don't think I can be bothered with office politics and all the shite that goes with that. I just don't care passionately enough about work to get involved. I work freelance, from home, so it's not an issue for me any more, and there are still things I think I'd enjoy doing to earn a living, but certainly working my way up some sort of career ladder isn't one of them. I could see myself starting my own business, but not office-based.

So, not sure what you're asking in your OP, but I do understand how you feel.