Am at a career crossroads and am spinning round in circles.

[hamsternumber1]

I'm not sure whether to post this in freelancers, business start ups or going back to work, such is my dilemma.

I feel like I really need to make a decision and I don't know how to make it. Can someone help me.

I used to have quite a senior job in the media industry. However, after bobbling along part time for a few years, we moved out of London and I left my job.

Over the past few years I have been ducking and diving doing various bits and pieces, some media, some not.

However, I have loads of itty bitty jobs in lots of different areas and I'm sending myself loopy trying to keep track of them all. It also means I can't focus on one of them and keep up with all the industry developments etc.

Now my DD is starting school, I feel I need to really make a decision. These are my options.

1. really go full pelt at the media work. Pros are I love it and (if I'm being bold) was really quite good at it. Cons are that it is very London centric and competitive and, although I can get into London in less than 90 minutes door to door, I feel 'out of it' Also the networking element of it is intense and I'm not quite sure I've got the energy required anymore. However I sometimes feel I'm doing myself down and making excuses.

1. I have a two day a week contract at the moment which I quite enjoy. The pay's not great but they are very flexible and it is hassle free. Con is that I'm not very challenged or satisfied and I really want to earn more money.

1. I have considered setting up a social media training company/marketing business. I have no marketing experience but have worked a lot with marketing departments etc and am very up on social media trends etc. Some of the work I have been doing recently has been in this field and I'm really enjoying it. Another pro is that it would be far more local.

1. To try to get an actual job, maybe in marketing. I'm not sure I can just walk into a role as have little direct experience (although I'm confidant I would do a good job if someone hired me). I'm contemplating going back to college to do a CIM but not sure whether this would be a waste of time or not.

My husband earns OK money but I definitely want a better lifestyle than I have now. I thought it wasn't important to me in the heady 'I just want to be with my baby' phase, but have now realised it is. So in the long term, being well paid is a priority

What would you do in my position, and how do I make a choice?

Hi

I think we PM'd a while back, both under different usernames. I was Watersign76. Sorry to hear you are in a quandary.

What about doing 2 & 3 as a way of testing out the market for 3? That allows you some stability/income whilst you set yourself up? I think doing marketing/social media is something that you have been thinking about for a while, why not give it ago? The set up costs will be minimal I think.

It is also more local & will come with flex which might suit you better whilst DD settles at school? I have come across www.aliciacowan.com/ recently. She seems to do well in delivering online Twitter training - doesn't matter where the client is then...

Number 1 will still be an option in a year if you give 3 a go and it doesn't work/isn't for you. As somebody said to me when I was thinking about whether or not to freelance - "There will always be employed roles". Obviously the job market isn't great, but it is true there will always be jobs out there. It sounds like you will need to invest a lot of energy into this option, worth checking out what might be a less intensive option (ie 2 & 3) first?

I wonder how feasible 4 would be. Would you be willing to take a less senior/well paid role to build up experience? When I was employed in marketing, I would generally choose experience over qualifications when seeking new staff.

But obviously it completely depends on the role, there may well be roles that are somewhere between media and marketing that would jump at the chance of securing you.

What is your instinct telling you?

I've just checked through my messages and you're absolutely right.

That has given me a proper kick up the arse as I realise I have been procrastinating about this for a year now! It's about time I actually made my mind up.

My instinct is telling me I should try for option 3, but not burn my bridges for going back into the media. When the children are older, a commute into London a few times a week would be less of a hassle.

Thank you - you have focused the mind!

Ah, thought your "story" sounded familiar. Glad I was of some help! Sometimes it takes time to come to the right conclusion etc.

Go for 3. You sound interested and have the skills, I think you'll make a success of it. You just need to start - easier said than done.

Do feel free to PM me if you have any questions, not that I am some sort of marketing freelance guru!! Best of luck.

As always, Margot gives good advice (I hope you'll still have time to pop in on us when the baby comes!).

All I can add is, not 4. Experienced marketers are finding it very, very tough atm.

Thanks Wilson. Blushes Back at ya. Can you tell I have more time on my hands!"?!?!? - for now!

For now!