Getting a career back

[cheerup]

8 years ago I left a good London job to relocate after my personal life went t*ts up. Since then I've got married and had two lovely kids but have struggled to find a job which interests me. I've been in my current (public sector) role for about 4 years now but it bores me to tears and renders me completely miserable. I CANNOT carry on like this until retirement. I feel like I've got two options: 1) go back to London, write the last 8 years off as a career break and take an graduate entry level job in my old sector hoping for rapid promotion, or 2) do a masters/MBA (very much not my other half's favourite option as we don't exactly have the cash to fund it and it will eliminate our family time). I'm really struggling. I've sat on this for the last 8 years and it's starting to take a toll on my mental health; I have to do something, it's really not just going away. Anyone been in a similar position and have any wisdom to share?

I'm afraid I have no wisdom to share but will keep an eye on this as I'm in a similar position. It's very hard to pick the reins back up after a long break, especially when you have to factor in working hours that fit round children aswell, but I know there are many who have managed it.

I gave up a dream job to move closer to home after having ds1, and although we have a much better standard of living up here than we did in London (we managed to buy a 3 bed house rather than rent a 1 bed flat), I do miss my old job. Every job I've had since then has just been something to pay the bills and I know exactly how you feel when you say you just can't do this until retirement.

can I join the club? I gave up my career 6 years ago to move abroad with DH where he was working. Was only supposed to be for 2 years but was over 5 years in the end. I'm now back in the UK and attempting to get back in my field but its not proving easy.

So soul destroying. I spent years gaining my qualifications and practicing, kept up with my CPD whilst away and still can't find anything

Good luck to you two

Watching with interest as walked put on 'high flying' job in the City very recently to raise two babies and move out of London but wondering how long I can reasonably break for before I become stale.

I also left a job I loved to move out of London, closer to family after DS1.

Our quality of life is better, the local schools ate fabulous and I have some great friends.

But

Somewhere there's another me having lunch in Nobu whilst negotiating exciting deals.

I have a freelance career of sorts but it does just pay the bills.

Sounds like you've found a solution that works for you who knew with the freelance work. I shall miss the closing dinners at top restaurants but schools, gardens etc all more important!