Mumsnetters: I need direction, please!

[MyCeiling]

I'm really at a crossroads and don't know what to do work-wise going forward. I would MASSIVELY appreciate ideas.

I'm 37 yrs old. In my 20s I worked in the media. I was a magazine journalist, then a TV researcher, then a radio producer (over a 10 yr period). I fucked my career by having two children just as it was taking off, really .

I left the media 5 years ago, and since then have done a full time postgraduate diploma in Careers Guidance, and worked on and off on contracts as a school careers advisor (found it boring and regretted the postgrad in the end), a bit of teaching in FE (found it stressful, although was pretty good at it) and for 18 months as a middle manager in a college (loved the role initially, but found it very stressful juggling full time work and my children eventually).

My CV is very bitty - lots of short contracts and gaps.

I havent been working for the last six months due to illness (better now) and challenges at home (one child has SN).

I am now trying to figure out what to do going forward.

I miss doing something creative, but have very few contacts left in the media and not sure if I could keep up with the pace of that environment anymore. I feel so old and out of the loop.

I like working with young people and enjoyed aspects of my education roles, but have held off teacher training for various reasons (not sure I could do it full time, mainly) and not sure if i should just take the plunge now and go for it? I would do a post compulsory PGCE or possibly just PTLLS/CTLLS initially, but its a big commitment and not sure if retraining again is just stupid at my age?

The other possibility would be to try to set up some sort of business myself, but all my brainstorming as to WHAT sort of business just confuses me further. I seem to have completely lost confidence and any idea of what I am good at.

Money wise we are OK as a family, could cushion a year retraining or starting up a business, but longer term I need to be bringing in money.

Any insights? Suggestions? Feeling so lost at the moment.

P.s. I realise the irony of a careers advisor asking for careers advice .

Hi,

You like working with young people and like doing creative things...both of these shout out teaching! How about school teaching? It may offer you more than FE (especially the school holidays/career structure)!
What is your 1st degree in?
I am in a similar position regarding retraining. I am 42 so, at 37, you are NOT too old. I am interested in teaching and couldn't decide between FE, secondary or primary. I decided to carry in working part time (I am the biggest earner) and do a part time post-16 PGCE. I went for the interview back in May and was successful. I am supposed to start in September but my lovely manager, at work, has decided he wants me in on different days of the week so it looks like I cannot commit to a post-16 PGCE. So, I am looking at leaving work next year (the job is moving away anyway soon) and doing a primary PGCE. I have loads of experience in schools with one thing and another.
The post-16 PGCE I am supposed to be doing has the PTLLS at the beginning of the course anyway. You have to pass that, and have a degree, to go on and study the PGCE.
Go for it! You are no way too old!

How old are your children? Mine are 10.5 and 6 now so I am starting to feel like I am 'ready' to take on something else now.

What about communications / publicity for a charity? People with as much media experience as you are relatively hard to come by for charity roles outside of London.

Hi,

I've started 2 businesses since having my kids and really love working for myself! I really didn't want to return to the corporate world - they all preach family friendly work environments but really it's all talk!

I underestimated the amount of work running my own company, and it does require a lot of self-motivation, but once you find something you love, it's no longer considered 'work'. You'll find you just get on with it because you love it.

My new business is related to children and community and I'm looking for like-minded mums out there to bounce ideas off.

I'm happy to talk through my experiences of running a business if you'd like some help or just someone to bounce ideas off?

It's tough running a family and household and you need something that gives you the right balance as your family is important. There are so many things you could do, and it's about building your confidence and being brave enough to take the plunge. It's making that very first step that's the hardest. Don't set limits on yourself and believe in yourself :)

Are you in London? PM me if you'd like to chat.