What now?

[Brieandbeetroot]

I work in publishing, technical/academic publishing, and have done since leaving university. But I am bored.

It's not a well paid career, so I don't mind starting in a more junior position in a new field, or even a field that is generally low paid.

I have a strong creative side which I have always struggled to utilise professionally but I think it's partly why after 12 years I want to do something new.

Part of the problem is having taken a new job last year, I realise I don't want to be averagely remunerated despite being expected to be highly skilled and go above and beyond, at a job that I don't find that interesting. As I don't think there exists a job that will pay me amply to float around doing bits of cooking, writing short stories and still being finished early so I can spend more time with my toddler, what can I do to liven up my working life?

So as not to drip feed: DH works 50+ hour weeks with at least monthly, often last minute travel and we have a toddler with good formal childcare but no ad hoc help from family etc.

It's why I'm struggling to work out how I could retrain while working full time and doing most domestic stuff. And if I did retrain...as what?

Sorry for rambling, I'm just feeling gloomy about it all today.

I've worked in three fields...

First was average remuneration, enjoyed it for most part, limited progression but could do it on my head/leave at the door. Managed to have a very good work/life balance so got creative kick outside work.

Second was quite low paid, creative. really loved it, could have earned more working for myself but always worked for others.

Third is current field, average remuneration, thought it would suit me but it doesn't, not interesting to me, actual pain in the backside with lots of needing to go above and beyond just to stay afloat. Lots of potential to progress and maybe earn more.

I'm going back to two with a plan to do my own thing. If that fails, I will go back to one.

To be honest, unless you try other things you won't know if they suit or not. If you're creative you need to do a job that includes that (and take a hit on money generally) or do a job you are able to clock off on time/leave at the door to leave enough energy to be creative in your spare time. That's my theory anyway.

Could you drop some hours to allow for a bit more wafting around?