Career/Self Employment - do I just give up?

[hortsy]

Hi all,

Just looking for opinions/advice please if I may? Or if anybody has been through something similar, please bear with me!

For the last 9 years, I've felt really miserable at work, I have tried to do something about it, I've changed companies twice but still feel the same, kind of depressed, unfulfilled, low energy and feel really disillusioned with companies - I'm really hard working and want to work, I'm on really good money (£40k) and full-time, I am grateful I have a job and a good paying one at this time.

I've worked with a careers coach who advised me to go self employed, and said this is the only way I would be happy, (if I was in total control and set my own culture) that's fine, but in what? I've always been in a company in different sectors (large and small) for 23 years as some form of business support, I could set up as a virtual assistant or project manager or similar, but I don't feel like I want to do office type work - even though people say doing it for myself would give me a different perspective. I've volunteered in different things to see if anything 'fits' but so far nothing appeals, I've recently qualified as a life coach, as I felt I wanted more of a people role and more satisfaction, but I don't love this, (it's hit and miss depending on clients) yet others on my course do love it and have left similar paying jobs to try and make a go of it full-time.

I do like being around people, which concerns me going self-employed, networking once a fortnight to fill this gap doesn't cut it for me and of course an unpredicatable salary - I do value safety and security, I also don't have a partner to rely on. I've tried coaching on the side (as could do this self-employed) and could perhaps try and get a bit of freelance work in admin to see how I feel dealing with my own clients - but I don't feel like my heart is in any of it, I just don't get why I'm like this and how others can find their calling or take huge risks.

I've made lists of what I like and don't like but it really doesn't help, I've even looked at various franchises, this calls for more money, I'm not massively passionate about anything or anything I could turn from a hobby into an income.

I guess my question is I cannot get it out of my head that the career coach advised self-employment is the only way I can be happy and that I need to keep going and take the risk, even if it isn't something which excites me.

Any advice? It would be greatly appreciated.

[quote hortsy]**@Lumene

Thanks, yes I definitely haven't misunderstood, it surfaced in every question.[/quote]
@Lumene

Sorry, I meant surfaced in every session.

Then I would be very wary of this person. No properly trained careers advisor, let alone career coach should be giving direct advice about what would or wouldn’t suit you in that way.

This is a bit left field but can you find something outside of work that fulfils you? Work could just be the thing that pays the bills then. It could be doing life-coaching, it could be volunteering or it could even be some sort of new sport or skill?

First of all, I’d suggest that you go back to your coach if possible for some more coaching to help you clarify what direction you want to be working in. If that’s not an option, I’m a career coach myself. Ive got an offer on at the moment for an hour’s free Zoom career coaching on my FB business page and my Insta. I’m happy to extend it to you if you’d like a free hour - just PM me to arrange a time.

I've worked with a careers coach who advised me to go self employed, and said this is the only way I would be happy, (if I was in total control and set my own culture) that's fine, but in what?

This worries me. I think you need to find a new careers adviser and check their qualifications. No decent careers adviser would tell you this. It's not their decision to make.

First of all, I’d suggest that you go back to your coach if possible for some more coaching to help you clarify what direction you want to be working in.

Definitely do not go back to a coach who is telling you what decision to make about your career. As SueEllen says this is not their decision to make, check their qualifications and whether they are a member of a professional body.

Thanks @larrythelizard - I'm trying to make headway with that as well.

@MirandaWestsNewBFF

Thank-you for the offer, I'll speak to the coach again, see how I get on.

What qualifications does your career coach have?
I'm quite concerned about the advice they've given you.

[quote hortsy]@MirandaWestsNewBFF

Thank-you for the offer, I'll speak to the coach again, see how I get on.[/quote]
No probs, the offer stands.