Help! I need a new career, what can I do?

[jobsearchhell]

I have a really successful career as a Technical Writer (yes very niche).

However I absolutely hate what I do. It's soulless and mind numbing but fortunately it pays really well so thats why I've kept doing it. I have over 10+ year's experience in it.

I'm 36 now and just thinking of returning to work now after having my second child. I'm done having kids so looking for a fresh start however I can't face going back to my old career. But I don't know what else I can do? We could really use the money so I don't really have the luxury of time to retrain as something else, although if it's something short term I could consider it.

I have excellent communication skills, as well as IT skills. I'm really adept at learning about new technologies, I enjoy working with people, I'm really good with social media and digital stuff too. I would even be okay with some kind of admin job now but I think no one will hire me because of my extensive CV.

Any advice?

Lots of roles in IT. If you can communicate clearly in none tech language too that’s a significant bonus.

Cyber security?

Set up your own business fixing people up with technical writers when they need them?

Or failing that as a virtual PA (maybe in w technical field)?

Why does everyone suggest PA work?

There are very few decent PA jobs out there right now and shed loads of applicants.

How about Business Analyst?

IT marketing (in-house)

Procurement, perhaps. Could be a good fit with your knowledge and experience.

Project management?

Thank you all for your suggestions.

The problem I'm facing is that i can't just start applying for jobs that are out of my niche because recruiters will look at my CV and think she doesn't have any relevant experience. I guess what I'm asking is how do I make that transition between what I do now to something else? I don't think highlighting relevant skills on my CV will be enough...

The recruitment consultance for technical writers idea is an interesting one though, will look into that

@OccaChocca

Why does everyone suggest PA work?

There are very few decent PA jobs out there right now and shed loads of applicants.

Many of us use self-employed virtual PAs. It’s hard to find a good one and they can command high rates (one charged me £45 an hour with less than 49 hours notice and £28 an hour otherwise).

Well. The classic answer is to identify where the job you want is, then to move sideways to that organisation using your existing skills. Then you have a much better chance of moving towards the job you want via networking and internal training/getting onto projects with a linked team.

IT consultancy - get the minions to do the grafting - you do the communicating - which, tbh excellent tech and communication/relationship skills are as rare as hen's teeth - and the consulting world are crying out for them!

You do have skills, and writing + understanding tech stuff is really useful stuff. Have you been working in software?

I agree with looking into recruitment, there's much £££ to be made in tech, and as you know the job and the industry you'd be really good I bet. Some companies such as QA offer short courses in cyber for women specifically, looking to change direction in their careers, would something like that appeal?

I went through a career change a few years ago and was similarly stumped! I had a very niche background. I’d advise not aiming to complete it all in one move. I went to work for a large charity (think Cancer Research, Alzheimer’s Society, Macmillan etc). I just found a job I seemed an alright match for and didn’t sound too tedious, and used it as an opportunity to experience a new sector. It’s been great, I’ve done it for a couple of years, had lots of new and different experiences and it’s given me a breadth of experience and more knowledge about what I like and what my skills are (ie which were truly transferable). Maybe start browsing job sites with some wide-ish parameters and see where it takes you? Good luck!

PS I was very stressed and drank a lot of wine through this process. It’s less advisable than my advice above