I'm about to hand in notice on my job in a place I have worked 13 years. Background is that I manage a large team, allegedly work a 4 day week (but do way more) the job has become absurdly stressful, and the structures are currently falling apart (many people are seeking to leave).
However, when I look at comparable or next step roles elsewhere, I see two big problems - one, no roles like mine are part time - most are full time plus! and two, there are elements of the next step up that don't interest me - they just don't play to my strengths and I feel that I'm in the wrong professional area.
On the part time issue - my kids are 5 and 3 - and I want one of us to be there for them more while they grow up. My husband is in a high-earning job while my sector is strapped for cash, so it makes far more sense for it to be me being around more (though he would do whatever he could to make life work for both of us).
On the 'next step is wrong' bit - I have decided to leave and do an MSc in an area I'm really interested in, to see whether that supports me to move towards an alternative career or a retweaked career
Am I mad? These are the things I've done prior to this.
- 6 months careers coaching thinking through what I want (done 18 months ago - I didn't action it straight away due to major some life issues)
- met up with several people in the area I am weighing up going into
- pre handing in my notice, I'll be meeting up with agencies this week to discuss what they think of my CV for interim work in my current area in case all goes wrong
- made peace with myself that I don't NEED to manage a large team like I do now for money or self esteem
- looked at money - we don't need my income.
Do I sound like I'm crazy doing this? I've been in my job too long, and I can't see the wood for the trees.