How To Find A New Direction

[colette]

I am on maternity leave until May. I really do not like my job - I work for a large bank and really find it unrewarding/ unfufilling. It has really evolved to a total sales job- and the thought of trying to sell everyone who comes in the door a visa /loan etc. is depressing.
So I really would like to change careers and would consider going into f/t education if the course could be fitted aroud school hours. I know I like working with people and in a "helping capacity" (I sound like a Miss World Candidate)
the problem is I don't know exactly what I want to do- Can anyone reccomend any on line sites/ books / advice resources to start me off.
I am 39 and have studied a few years ago with ou for a year- part of asocial science degree which I liked but found a bit pc iykwim.
I feel as if I don't make a change now I never will . I have been thinking about this for months and even looked into doing a ditics degree - the course was 4 years f/t and I wasn't sure enough about it to proceed.

Sorry about the spelling should be "dietics"

Aaaaaghhh no takers

Where are you? Look up your nearest colleges on the web and browse the different courses they do and the times of classes etc.

Oh Colette! I clicked on here for the advice! Feel in similar boat, will be 39 when ds2 starts school and would love a new direction. Come on, everyone, help!

Thanks Hercules- I may try that . I feel I really need to think of what I could do and then find the course. I suppose it is because I am so aware of my age that I do not want to waste any time iykwim

Give us some more information on the kind of thing you want to do.

Something vaguely therapeutic - working with someone on a one to one basis if poss. About 5 years ago I did a computer based test to see what was suitable and top of the list came a herbalist.
The problem with that is after studying I would probably need to set up my own business - I am not too sure about it, also the length of the course and finances etc. It is really narrowing it down that is the problem . I tend to be sure of what I don't want to do I suppose I am also feeling bored being a sahm (too much of the one thing)and am feeling that I need to shake my life up. Thanks for listening

Massage therapist
Work in a gym
Counsellor (lots of diff specialities)
Social Worker
Teacher
Psychologist
Nurse
Doctor
Physiotherapist
Ostopath

spring to mind

specialisms I think i mean!

btw as herbalist you wouldn't necessarily have to set up your own business, you could go and work for an existing one.

Speaking as someone who works in the health service, dietetics sounds good...also have you thought about occupational therapy? See www.cot.co.uk for info. There are some part time courses - few and far between - but not sure how easy it would be to fit into school hours because of placements. The NHS trust I work for is also taking on people as 'mental health workers' in a capacity that they don't need professional qualifications but can accumulate experience and/or qualifications along the way, accepting that there are a lot of people out there who simply can't take three years out to do a degree but have lots to offer - I think salaries go up to about 19k, but start much lower. If you're not sure, why not look for a job as a dietetic assistant/speech and language therapy assistant/OT assistant/ Physiotherapy assistant or similar and get an inside perspective while being paid - sometimes they will then help you to get qualified. Good luck with whatever you do.

Thanks cd
It has started my thinking again. I suppose I am looking for security of employment. I had a prospectus from a college to study herbalism and it said most were s/e after also the course was about 4 years, but it still interests me a lot.
Counselling interests me but I have heard that there are a lot of courses but not much permanent employment - maybe this is not the case. Actually sending thes posts is helping me carify my thoughts iykwim wri

Thanks Jenin. That is really interesting- I will check out the website . What trust do you work for? The mental health assistants sounds like an ideal scheme

I gather the NHS are always desperate for occupational and speech therapists. My dd's last OT said that it is very plum job and because there are so few around she was able to specify her job terms herself etc. There are a few courses where you train whilst working as an OT or ST assistant...

That is interesting thanks I will look into it

Avon & Wiltshire Partnership - they cover Bath/Bristol/South Glos and North Somerset

Thanks JeniN
I live in cotland and will look into it, I am very interested in speech therapy and ahve been researching it this week.

Oops should be Scotland

colette - I read a great book at college - I think called 'What colour is your parachute?'- Richard Bolles. I know that this sounds like it is about jumping out of planes (!) but it is about career changes. I am considering going back to uni to train to be a teacher (see my thread 'I want to be a teacher' so I know how you feel.

I too worked for a bank, so I know how you feel.

Would it help to make a list of all your skills, and an honest list about what you enjoy. Looking at it like this might make you more aware of what type of job would suit you. Also ask the people close to you what they think you would be good at - as they know you well they might have some suggestions. Failing that how about a life coach? or some career guidence?

good luck

Thanks puddinggal(that should be my nickname)
Starting this thread has really helped me to really analyse(sp)my thoughts. I will try writing things down as you said.
Popped into work today - everyone was really fed up - the staff turnover is horrendous . One girl only lasted the morning
Good Luck on your career change . Life is too short to stay in a job you dislike . I will read your thread later when dd and ds are in bed.