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Original poster

Would you stay in my job, or try to rebuild a career

10 replies

HibiscusPrint · 24/12/2025 21:29

I’m mid-forties and it feels like it’s my last chance withe the world of work to get back to a career.

I had a child, now a teen, with special needs and had to step away from ft work.

My current role could be summed up as ‘meetings’. It’s very bitty, lots of venues, some online.

I earn £150-£270 per meeting plus the related paperwork. It’s all casual, but I have to turn a lot down as there’s a lot. Not so worried about earning enough or it drying up. I have interesting interactions with people but there’s no decision making or planning. I se people individually pretty infrequently, some only 3-4 times a year. In some ways it’s a nice niche and very flexible, in other ways it’s just basically loads and loads of meetings and hearings. There’s no progression options, it is what it is .

Am I being unrealistic about getting back to work? Rose tinted glasses and all that? If you are my age would you stick with this kind of flexible work, or work you rebuild your career?

OP posts:
Sillysoggyspaniel · 24/12/2025 21:33

Absolutely the flexible work, that sounds like the dream!

Friendlygingercat · 24/12/2025 22:05

I would never swap being self employed for being employed.

BatshitIsTheOnlyExplanation · 27/12/2025 17:21

What are your meetings about, if there's no decision making or planning?

Thelittlegreyone · 27/12/2025 18:02

Sometimes it’s not so much about making the best choice, but just needing a change.

Original poster
HibiscusPrint · 27/12/2025 18:48

BatshitIsTheOnlyExplanation · 27/12/2025 17:21

What are your meetings about, if there's no decision making or planning?

Well for others, I deal with outcomes. The formal letters out, actions.. governance and guidance

OP posts:
Original poster
HibiscusPrint · 27/12/2025 18:50

Thelittlegreyone · 27/12/2025 18:02

Sometimes it’s not so much about making the best choice, but just needing a change.

That’s probably where I am. I’ve fallen into a niche roll, it’s not really me either

OP posts:
Thelittlegreyone · 27/12/2025 19:46

Go for it OP, we're a long time dead.

Menopausalsourpuss · 27/12/2025 20:17

I did a job like this for years and hated it but paid well and fitted with children. Now mid fifties I've gone back to my first career, earnings less and still never earn as much as I did 20 years ago but feel more fulfilled and wish I'd done it sooner. I'm planning to work another 10 years if I can but I have a young child unlike most people I do my age.

Original poster
HibiscusPrint · 28/12/2025 10:27

Menopausalsourpuss · 27/12/2025 20:17

I did a job like this for years and hated it but paid well and fitted with children. Now mid fifties I've gone back to my first career, earnings less and still never earn as much as I did 20 years ago but feel more fulfilled and wish I'd done it sooner. I'm planning to work another 10 years if I can but I have a young child unlike most people I do my age.

That’s good to hear. I get discouraged from my first career constantly, everyone says how it’s changed and it’s tough, but it gave me some spark. People are polite to me and say thank you often in my role now, but essentially fulfilling a statutory process everyone wishes they didn’t have to do isn’t exactly fulfilling

OP posts:
SecondAct · 28/12/2025 12:16

HibiscusPrint · 24/12/2025 21:29

I’m mid-forties and it feels like it’s my last chance withe the world of work to get back to a career.

I had a child, now a teen, with special needs and had to step away from ft work.

My current role could be summed up as ‘meetings’. It’s very bitty, lots of venues, some online.

I earn £150-£270 per meeting plus the related paperwork. It’s all casual, but I have to turn a lot down as there’s a lot. Not so worried about earning enough or it drying up. I have interesting interactions with people but there’s no decision making or planning. I se people individually pretty infrequently, some only 3-4 times a year. In some ways it’s a nice niche and very flexible, in other ways it’s just basically loads and loads of meetings and hearings. There’s no progression options, it is what it is .

Am I being unrealistic about getting back to work? Rose tinted glasses and all that? If you are my age would you stick with this kind of flexible work, or work you rebuild your career?

No denying the job market is tough right now, it’s never too late. Understanding your transferable skills is so important, and work should be enjoyable and rewarding. Flexible work is fantastic, however there is a lot to be said for employed benefits and flexible working outside of the 9-5. Sounds to me you need a new challenge !

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