Looking for career change inspiration

[Daisy1988]

Basically, I've been working in the same industry (property) now for over 15 years, it's something I fell into rather than actually went after but I feel that it's not exactly me. The hours are long, often requiring (unpaid) overtime and weekends, most weeks I’m left feeling stressed, burned out and general completely exhausted. The money is ok though not above the national average and but I’ve been wary of dropping down too much. I have long felt my personal feelings don't align with the job, and I want to do something else, but after so long I have little confidence that I can change my career at this stage I feel a little pigeon holed.
I don’t have a degree and can’t afford to spend lots on retraining, nor would an unpaid internship be an option, and so I’m unsure how I can make any move. I’d like to ideally work more regular weekday hours, become less sales focused and change from a sales focused property role to something else, and am hoping for some inspiration from anyone who can suggest a way forward as I’m really struggling to think of much! Thanks 🙏

You've talked a lot about what you don't like - I think you need to spend some time thinking about what you do like to do and then come back and ask what your can achieve with some can do, want to do and I'm interested in questions.

@Hairymoohead

You've talked a lot about what you don't like - I think you need to spend some time thinking about what you do like to do and then come back and ask what your can achieve with some can do, want to do and I'm interested in questions.

That's fair, though I've found what I'm interested in Im not qualified in, so feeling a little lost. For a little more background, I am interested in politics, I'd love to work doing something worthwhile and making a difference. My ideas so far have been admin support to MPs, home office or local council roles but I'm interested to hear of anyone who's been in a similar position and made a change so I can get some inspiration

So go do a part time degree in Politics - if you don't earn enough money you won't pay anything back, invest in you - if you don't have the faith in yourself who will have?

@Hairymoohead

So go do a part time degree in Politics - if you don't earn enough money you won't pay anything back, invest in you - if you don't have the faith in yourself who will have?

I've thought of it, but as I said doing a degree isn't an option, as I'm the breadwinner.

How about something to do with property planning/regulations or property policies/operations rather than sales?

Something in social housing? You've got very transferable skills for that, and it might satisfy your desire to do good, for example if you worked with the homeless?

You don’t need a degree in politics. A caseworker or office manager for a politician would be really interesting and worthwhile, and doesn’t need a degree. Just good organisational skills, good communication.

Lots of people do a part time degree while working full time and having kids - you don't want to or can't but many do.

I left law for a career in university administration. I love it. There are still bad times when students are failing but it's a lot less depressing than litigation. The university where I work has lots of opportunity for progression into different departments. Personally I don't aspire to a more senior role but if I wanted to, the support from my line manager is there. They offer a lot of fixed term contracts which put people outside of the university off but if you have a year long contract there could be at least ten suitable permanent jobs that appear in the meantime. A lot of value is placed on knowing the university as an organisation so once you're in, the opportunities are endless. They use the local government pension scheme which is a huge bonus in itself.

@mauramonday

Something in social housing? You've got very transferable skills for that, and it might satisfy your desire to do good, for example if you worked with the homeless?

That's a good idea! I'm really feeling stuck in a rut, and as I've been in property so long that's all the agencies seem to be putting me forward for, which makes me feel like it's all I can do.

@Hairymoohead

Lots of people do a part time degree while working full time and having kids - you don't want to or can't but many do.

They definitely do, I've looked into it though and I would have to pay for it which I cannot afford unfortunately.

Look into charity roles. There are a lot of very interesting jobs in charities and good career progression. Charity salaries will never make you a millionaire, although they have come on a lot, but part of the deal is an alignment with the mission and a sense of purpose which various studies show is worth money in the bank in terms of daily satisfaction.

@OneMoreForExtra

Look into charity roles. There are a lot of very interesting jobs in charities and good career progression. Charity salaries will never make you a millionaire, although they have come on a lot, but part of the deal is an alignment with the mission and a sense of purpose which various studies show is worth money in the bank in terms of daily satisfaction.

That's a great idea, thank you! I don't care about bring a millionaire, I just don't want to continue being this overworked stressed out mess for my daughter. I'm often doing 60 hours a week and would value time at home more.

I don't understand how you can't afford a degree - you borrow money from the Gov and only if you earn enough do you pay it back. I understand if this goes against religious idea etc but I do wonder whether you understand the true nature of student loans - many don't!

@Hairymoohead

I don't understand how you can't afford a degree - you borrow money from the Gov and only if you earn enough do you pay it back. I understand if this goes against religious idea etc but I do wonder whether you understand the true nature of student loans - many don't!

Well, because I work full time I don't qualify for any reduction in fees, i also don't earn enough to pay for a degree. I also work long hours so have already stated a degree isn't an option, if you haven't got anything constructive to add please don't bother posting.

You are wrong that you cannot afford a degree - you don't understand the system (if you are from the UK) but I will leave you to it.

I want to start my own business but afraid of fail ;(

@Freerom

I want to start my own business but afraid of fail ;(

I fully understand this, it's something I've thought of but so far it seems the costs of setting up plus a drop in income while it gets off the ground wouldn't be possible. Have you thought about what you'd do?

OP I feel burnt out and it sounds like you are too. I’ve just handed in my notice with no job to go to. I’m lucky in that if we cut back we can afford this. I intend to spend a bit of time recovering before I think about what next.
I’m not in the right place to think about it now as I’m so burnt out I don’t have anything to give

An Advanced Learner Loan is not means tested. My studies were part time over four years and cost a total of around £6,000. I paid some of the fees initially because I didn’t realise that I qualified, but the final two years had a cost of over £4,000 and I got a loan. I shall need to pay it back once I earn over £26,000 pa.
Good Luck 🌺