Finding a career that is more fulfilling/rewarding

[TrustTheProcess]

I'm currently working in an IT role.

The jobs OK, the company is good, but I don't really feel passionate about what I'm doing and it's leaving me feeling unfulfilled.

I've been in recovery for drug and alcohol addiction for over 3 years, every aspect of my life has improved and I'm solid in my commitment to never drink or use again. I'm currently on £53k a year, but am paying off the huge debts I racked up during addiction (was £40k, now down to £24k).

I really want to find a job where I help people, but the problem with that is they don't tend to pay very well! So far I've looked into becoming a paramedic and fostering, but the drop in pay is too much. Counselling doesn't appeal to me.

Anyone got any suggestions? Or recommendations for companies/people that offer career guidance advice?

Earlier this year because of voluntary redundancy I moved from Financial services to a role in a charity. I honestly thought it would be my dream job and I am grateful I had the opportunity to change, but mostly the role is demanding more of me for a lot less money. Therefore I would caution walking away from a decently paid job to feel more fulfilled, particularly as you have debts to pay off.

Could you look to do some volunteering/charity work in your spare time? Maybe offer a charity your IT services to help them develop, or simply do something completely different- I love volunteering at parkrun.

I think volunteering is your best bet. DD works for a charity and while it is fulfilling and she works with nice people, the pay is abysmal and they have announced that there will be no pay increase this year due to the rise in National Insurance contributions. Well done in paying off your debts. I think you should stick to your current job, pay off your debts and do some volunteering using your skills. It is rarely possible to change careers and keep the same level of income.

I am looking to leave the charity sector now! Honestly, they will have your last breath…. If you feel the need to ‘give back’ then look at sitting on a board maybe. Your skills are much in need, and you will keep your salary while you get your finances back on track

You'd help people a lot more if you did an unpaid role in your free time. I'd have a think about what you feel passionate about and volunteer. Working for a charity is not more noble than working in IT in my opinion. Volunteering certainly is.

This will sound cynical and jaded but money is ultimately why we go to work. If you’re on good pay for not much stress then who cares what you do? A job like that is what you need to have a decent life so don’t walk away from it.

Because your job allows you a comfortable life in terms of money and stress; you have the headspace to build a desirable life outside of work. As others have said, I bet volunteering your IT services would be welcomed by charities.

The charity sector (and public sector) are often pretty toxic, require lots of unpaid overtime and don’t pay well. With jobs like that you’d be too stressed to do much outside of work. I say this as someone who’s worked in both sectors. I’ve never had a better quality of life since I moved to the private sector. Don’t walk away from your job, your job will actually enable you to build a fulfilling life because it’s well paid and low stress.