Work Dilemma

[cat764]

I need some advice, I’m 41 and I’m feeling I’m at a cross roads in my life with my career.

I have worked in insurance for 20 years, 5 years ago I was made redundant from a job I loved, I joined another company which was good but the office politics got to me so I left.

Since then I have had 3 jobs in insurance (last 8 months), all of which I haven’t liked, first one was like being stuck in the stone ages, the second I was disappointed in as I loved the company but the office manager was vile to me and the third wants me in the office all the time and the work / life balance isn’t working for me, I have asked about working from home and they say I can once training is done but seem not happy about it.

The trouble is there aren’t many insurance companies in my area, sometimes I feel like starting something completely new but then can’t be bothered. I enjoy working from home but worry what this is doing to my mental health as there is a no social interaction.

I have never jumped from
job to job like this, but I lost my sister suddenly last year and I’ve realised life is too short to be unhappy in any aspect of your life!

Can anyone give me some
advice?

insurance doesn't seem to be the way forward for you.
What do you enjoy? What are your interests? Is there anything that you wish you could do employment wise? Would you like to be self employed?
I lost my brother 15 years ago at the age of 32 and I think it does make you see things very differently.
Life is far to short to be unhappy

stick with it through your training.
the people contact of being in an office is good for you by your thread

Agree that you will be better doing something different. You are strong, powerful and knowledgeable. In the place where you were originally nurtured and gained those skills, you were an asset. Every new place you join now will have someone there who sees you as a threat.

If there is a gap in the market where you could thrive, consider setting up your own business within the industry you know, then you don't have to obey anyone's commands and you are using your knowledge.

Complete the training and give it at least six months afterwards.

I do think some of this could come down to how you are feeling about your sister. At times when your life and perceptions have been given a good shake, I’d advise not making any major decisions for at least a year. Wait and see how you feel then.

Complete the training, then look for something else later.

It can help to focus more on 'not work' rather than think harder about work - try focusing your energy on what you are putting into your life outside work and just let it be for a little bit.

Very sorry to hear about your sister, that's a big thing.

You may be feeling unsettled and uncommitted because of your life circumstances, rather than work. Before jumping ship, do some work on everything else. Go through the ropes at work, get through your training, then do a day a week at home in the middle of the week.

Check your health. You are at an age when the earliest hints of perimenopause may be starting, so look after yourself physically and maybe keep a bit of a health diary.

When you know the rest of your life is on track, and isn’t the root of your discomfort at work, reassess the work situation.

The only thing I’m passionate about is sticking up for what’s right, wether that be peoples rights, complaints, bad service etc but can’t find anything where I don’t need a degree which I can’t afford to do

This is the problem I have had / am having, because of my experience I am seen as a threat due to others inexperience and it’s very clear from the start which again makes things awkward