Help with career path

[pancakes22]

Hi all

I am 34 and have always felt like that child being asked for work experience what I wanted to do and having no idea! It is something that has always plagued me and made me feel like a failure not having a career. To date I have worked in administration, HR and currently a PA and desperately want something more rewarding.

I have the upmost respect and admiration for anyone in the healthcare professional and have considered nursing as a career path. I don't think there can be anything anyone can feel prouder of than someone like a nurse paramedic or midwife. I originally really wanted to be a midwife but after two traumatic births I am not sure I could go down that route for personal reasons and had decided against it. However a couple of friends have started their training in midwifery and I can feel the jealousy and envy stabbing inside me whenever I hear them talking about it.

The other thing I have been considering recently is a teaching assistant. I have two children and this would be a family friendly route and I do love being with the little ones. I have no childcare experience apart from being a mummy myself which will be hard to get at the moment.

I feel like I could get enjoyment from a TA role and personal satisfaction while also being able to be with my family whereas I know if I went down a healthcare route there would always be sacrifice for the family in terms of the hours and shift work

The problem I have is this feeling of inadequacy compared to anyone who is in healthcare. I don't know if it is best to try and push myself into a role which will be harder in terms of hours and effect on the family but will have the most reward and pride that I am contributing to the nhs and working among such amazing people, or whether to choose a route such as TA that I feel would still be satisfying and happy but that I would always feel like I didn't quite achieve the creme de la creme or helping others that nursing would and would I always have regrets not going into midwifery or similar feeling inadequate compared to others.

I try and do volunteer work where I can to get a sense of fulfilment that I feel I'm missing from a caring career but I can't quite seem to fill my cup.

Has anyone ever felt similar?

Hi OP,

No solid advice sorry but I feel very similar to you at the moment. I am currently working in admin (at home due to Covid) and being at home has made me realise how much I dislike my job and that I want to do something more fulfilling. I have a good degree but not using it in my job.

I am struggling with the sense of failure too, but the past few years have been tough for me (for reasons outside of work) and I'm realising now that I need a big change. I think the main issue for me is confidence, but also as you said in your post, having no idea what I'd like to do!

Do you know any nurses or anyone working in the NHS? I'm not sure about career paths but could you look into becoming a healthcare assistant/home carer and then at the career progression into nursing/midwifery?

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along though for better advice!