I hate my job... Need a new career. Help please!

[Emslifechoices]

But don't know what else to do! I'm a solicitor (working in private practice). I'm thinking of applying for new jobs (in-house) in the vain home that I may prefer it.

BUT I'm pretty convinced I won't like that either. I'm 30 and fancy a change of career. Does anyone out there love their job and have any good ideas as to what to do. I love working with people and don't like being restricted to sitting at my desk all day.

Thanks for ANY help.

Blueshoes - this is the exact problem! I have no idea what else I could do / would enjoy / would be good at.

Has anyone made a career change and found something they love. If so how did you decide what to do?

If it's any help, I thought about various careers that I would consider changing to, but then took a step back and tried to figure out my motivations and what makes me 'tick', rather than just trying to find a different career.

I very quickly realised that I loathe being told what to do and loathe hierarchy. Hence being any kind of employee is always going to be a bit of a struggle for me (which is why I'm hopefully taking the plunge and starting a nursery business).

Maybe make lists of what motivates you, what kind of personality you have etc and go from there?

Perhaps you can start by describing what you don't like about your current job.

Cleanlines, you sound inspirational!

What are you going to do?

I work in fundraising - I have done since 2 years after graduating, but it seems to be a popular second career too, probably because it lends itself well to transferring skills. There are different types of fundraising you can specialise in too - grants and bid writing, community fundraising (good if you love meeting people) events fundraising, corporate, major donor, etc.
if you work for a medium to small charity, there are many opportunities both to develop your own role and also to progress.

Fundraising sounds interesting. Any other interesting jobs out there? Having another rather boring day at my desk...

I can honestly say that in the last 13 years in fundraising, my job has never been boring, I have met so many different and interesting people, been pushed right out of my comfort zone, and the rewarding aspect of seeing the charity's work / impact is very motivating. I really do recommend it!

I know most of you guys want out of the law, but I've just come across a home-based work opportunity that might make life easier?
See: www.timewisejobs.co.uk/job/6283/lawyers-open-to-flexibility/

That's pp I'll take a look at that.

Had an interview last week for a role I which I thought I'd really enjoy but just found out that I didn't get a second round interview as there are "other candidates with more relevant experience". Really disappointed as the first interview had gone really well and they'd started "selling" me the role during it!

Can someone give me some tips on how to keep positive and bounce back? I'd sort of already convinced myself I was leaving this job...

meant to say *thanks previous poster....

Come and join us this Friday at our new venue Jumbo Play in Newcastle. Our topic this month is Networking and Catherine Edmunson from WiRE will be giving a talk. Come for a chat, cuppa and business promotion while the little ones play.