Mid life job crisis

[Nasreen]

Mid forties and struggling to work out which direction to take next.
I have previuously worked as an LSA, parent supporter for another site not disimilar to MN and a teacher (that really was in a former life!).

Currently volunteering for a local food bank and for Citizens Advice, but desperately need a paid job.

Have considered re training, but unsure in what and how I could fund it. I have been job hunting almost continously for the last six months, but to no avail (have attended a few interviews).

I enjoy the CA work, even though it is challenging and does require some commitment. I have the opportunity to attend training as and when and to really acquire some valuable skills e.g customer service, IT, research and written. Not sure whether to persevere with CA to build some experience and hopefully find suitable employment that way, or what to do!

Can anyone of a similar age relate to my situation?

Thanks.

Aren't there any paid roles within citizens advice? I started as a volunteer and the became a paid debt worker

Yes they do come up occasionally these jobs. Need to build some experience up first I think. How long did you volunteer for NiceCardigan?

I think I'd been there about a year when a benefit/debt adviser job came up.

At the CA where I work paid roles occasionally come up occasionally but not very often. there have been a few admin type jobs recently. they do usually get filled by people who have previously been volunteers though so keep applying.

How about advise work within a local authority / charity / housing association? CA don't have a monopoly on advice work.

And I can use advise / advice properly

I totally relate, but as I'm in the same boat can't really offer any advice! However, will follow with interest!

I agree with a PP, maybe look at advice work in local government or an agency?

I know this isn't for everyone but one of my best friends works for Jobcentre Plus as an adviser and loves it. She's really good with people. Look on the civil service jobs website, or jobsgopublic?

Thanks for all your replies.

Redbox, I did apply to the civil service for a Job coach role. Failed at the online situatuional test, so that was that. That said, I will re apply if a job comes up again, as I would like to do that kind of work.

I am going to persever with CAB and try to build up some knowledge and experience. Hopefully, something will come up before I reach retirement age! :)

P.S apologies for typing errors, brain and fingers not working at same speed! :-)

I know how you feel! I've always to find the right job and really struggled getting back into work after having kids. But I think it was two years ago, I used this online CV directory called DYWAJ (don't count me on this!) and found a job pretty quick!

Have you tried these?

I haven't heard of that one Emily, but will certainly have a look, thanks!

Yes it is hard, but I need to make things happen.

At the moment, I am ploughing alot of time and energy into CAB, in the hope that it will help me gain employment somewhere else. Someone please tell me it will be worth it in the long run! :-)