I just can’t settle in jobs

[Chillychangchoo]

So a bit of background initially. I left school and worked as a Receptionist for 4 years and then had a decade off work raising my 4 young children. During this time I also obtained a health and social care degree. (2:1)

I went back to work three years ago in a pastoral secondary school role and I hated the bullying culture that was present with SLT, so then I moved to a primary school and again, awful management.
(Thought by other employees too not just me).

I have now started work as a support worker in LD services, but I just don’t like it. I feel so confused about what to do and feel like I am wasting my degree. I also look like a massive job hopper now on my CV.

Am I doomed to feel like this forever? I love being at home but obviously need to earn money. I just feel like I’m going to hate every single job as I’m struggling to find anyone in real life who enjoys work.

I just need to get on with it don’t I? Shall I let go of the ideal that enjoying work is actually possible?

PS - I’m 32.

You need to find a job you can enjoy rather than just tolerate. Have a think about what you really enjoy doing, either in work or out of it, and make a list - then look for jobs that fit with your criteria.

I enjoy my job, not all the time but most of it. What is it exactly that you don’t like about your current job? Is it not what you thought it would be? Is it that you need more support? What would your ideal job involve?

I'm the same OP, well, I have always enjoyed my jobs bar 1, but get itchy feet and move to a new one every few years. I've never found the career type job I want to stick with!

I would start by thinking about what you might enjoy doing if qualifications, pay etc wasn't an issue, and then draw out related jobs until you reach some that are obtainable.

Thanks all. Outside of work I just like being at home reading a lot. (As well as looking after my children etc). I know that sounds so boring but it’s true, and I find joy at home 😂. If I won the lottery, I would keep studying for fun. Maybe I should consider academic research, but I don’t think I’m clever enough. I got a 2:1 and I was stretched.

Despite being very introverted I’m very good at public speaking and enjoy it. In my old job I presented assemblies to all the students and parents on open evenings etc. Never any nerves and I made audiences laugh, and I’ve always felt at ease. I think it’s just all the red tape in education and bullying culture I couldn’t cope with. The health and social care sector I can tolerate for sure, but I don’t enjoy it.

I will stick with it for now but I’m thinking about doing a research masters, and maybe that will spark something in me.

@Chillychangchoo

Thanks all. Outside of work I just like being at home reading a lot. (As well as looking after my children etc). I know that sounds so boring but it’s true, and I find joy at home 😂. If I won the lottery, I would keep studying for fun. Maybe I should consider academic research, but I don’t think I’m clever enough. I got a 2:1 and I was stretched.

Despite being very introverted I’m very good at public speaking and enjoy it. In my old job I presented assemblies to all the students and parents on open evenings etc. Never any nerves and I made audiences laugh, and I’ve always felt at ease. I think it’s just all the red tape in education and bullying culture I couldn’t cope with. The health and social care sector I can tolerate for sure, but I don’t enjoy it.

I will stick with it for now but I’m thinking about doing a research masters, and maybe that will spark something in me.

Happy to chat further privately if it would help - I’m a career coach so it’s what I do. I’m sure there’s a role out there for you to love and enjoy.