Help me to decide what I want to be when I grow up!

[easylife73]

I'm 41 and still don't know what I want to be/do....

Currently work term-time only in an admin capacity in a secondary school, but my future retirement age is 67 and I don't think I will still be here for 26 years!! Have two DCs both now in secondary school, so I still like term-time for now, but I'm starting to wonder what kind of job I could move on to after this.

I honestly have no idea what kind of job would suit me and would appreciate some help to try to work it out...so....any ideas?

Are there any subjects you would like to study, or any hobbies you enjoy that could possibly lead to a career.
Have a look at a college prospectus or the OU for ideas.

Did you do a degree pre dc? What was it in? What did you think you'd do with your life at work?

But how long do you want a term time only job for? I think these are probably highly sought after, and therefore few and far between.

Gosh, you're right about the 26 years thing though. What would you like to do?

Thanks for the replies. I don't have a degree, I did A-levels then did an accountancy qualification. Worked in private accountancy practice (not at a high level), then moved to a finance role with the county council. Left when I had DCs, worked freelance for a bit, then got the job in the school when the kids were both settled at school. The thought of going back to accountancy makes my blood run cold (slight exaggeration, but you get the idea!) My job at the moment is finance based, I do enjoy the cash handling and playing with spreadsheets!

Hobbies...none of my hobbies are really relevant to work will totally out myself in real life I enjoy reading and cross-stitching (very rock & roll ) and am learning French, but certainly not at a level that would allow me to utilise it in a workplace!

I'm very nervous about giving up the term time only hours to be honest, which is why I want to be sure that if I do make a move it's the right one, you are right they are very sought after. Youngest DC has started in year 7 this year, so still has his whole secondary school life ahead of him, so I know I've got a few years to think about it (if I want) but could make the change sooner if it was for something I would really love.

I would like to feel I'm making a difference, and think I'd like to be in a job where I get to talk to people. DH is doing his dream job, and I admit I am slightly envious as I'm not!

How about something like Reiki or Reflexology or a Nutritionist - about a year of part time training/learning (more for Nutritionist). Then you can earn a decent living. Even more if you do it from home.

Lol, if you saw me physically in real life you'd realise that a nutritionist is not the job for me! I suspect I wouldn't have the right temperament for reiki or reflexology either...I am quite a "stressy" person. But thank you for the suggestions

I think you should study to do something that you'd enjoy (providing that you can afford this) while you continue to work at the moment. Then, once you want to work full time / outwith term time, focus on this career.

My DH is an auditor, which obviously might be too like going back to accounts for you.

But mostly it involves going out to clients so there is a lot of meeting people.
You can specialise in sectors like charity so you could help people.
Plus there is a big shortage of qualified people just now. A lot of firms didn't take on trainees during recession, now work is picking back up there is a shortage of people who are qualified but relatively junior. So that means that breaking into it, without direct experience but with relevant experience would be relatively easy.

HTH

I think auditing would feel too close to accounts to be honest, as we used to do a bit of that as well. I like the idea of retraining but have no idea as what!

Browse some prospectuses and see if anything grabs your attention

What would you like doing? Anything you think you could enjoy?

I think a lot of us mums put our own development bottom of the pile, so it's great that you are thinking like this - 26 years is a hell of a long time!
Soul searching required! - have you tried personality profiling? It can generate lots of food for thought. I've helped lots of women clarify what it is they really want to do, so feel free to message me if you would like any more info.