Any public sector comms people out there?

[CouncilComms]

I have worked in communications in the public sector for the past 12 years, in roles in central and local government and in a government agency. I'm really starting to hate it, partly due to poor management in my current organisation but also due to lack of confidence as I'm in a bit of a rut just now.
I'm in my mid-30s and can't see myself doing this for another 30+ years but don't know what I'd like to do instead! So if there are any former comms people out there who have changed careers, I'd love to hear what you do now.

I know this is brief, but happy to answer questions or give more info if anyone is about with tips or advice. Thanks!

Hopeful lunchtime bump.

I'm in exactly the same boat as you and looking to get out. It's sooo boring but pension is good :-). We should start up freelance!

Well, you could move sideways in some way? So, another public sector job or another comms job in the private sector. What do you like about work at the moment, if anything?

Hello again, thanks for the replies.

Bernie52, yep the benefits are definitely good! Freelance does appeal but I would worry about not getting enough work to support myself. Perhaps I could start out small while still working and see how it goes.

annandale, I do like some elements of the job! I enjoy writing, and the planning and organisational elements - I much prefer working on projects to having something dumped on my desk at the last minute, but the latter sadly happens all too often! I also do a bit of online stuff but don't have the skills needed to do that as a specialism. So I can do a bit of everything but don't really have a depth of knowledge in any one area, if you see what I mean. I do look at other comms jobs in all sectors but none of them make me think 'wow, I'd love to do that'. So I'm wondering if I would be better off getting out of comms altogether...

Anyway, got lots of thinking and research to do, thanks both.

If you're public sector, can't you move sideways into a policy job? I've known several Comms people to do that.

I have considered that, it would definitely be of interest but I rarely seem to see any policy jobs advertised. Perhaps I need to look harder!

University job?

You could have a look at private
Sector work or freelance.

Comms is stressful

Maybe have a look at research coordinator jobs? Need good comms skills but more of a structure.

Thanks, those are good suggestions as there are a couple of universities near me so university/research jobs could be an option, will have a look.

And thanks for the Ubik1, it sure is! Especially this week!