Advice for moving on from long-term supermarket work at 37

[SillyViper]

Hi everyone, just after some general advice from employers or people who have been in the same situation if possible please.

I have worked in a supermarket since I was 18 (I’m now 37). I am full time and have accumulated a reasonable sick and holiday allowance. The problem is I’m so terribly bored. There are no chances of progression nor do I particularly want that.

I went to university in 2009 (full time and worked full time) and graduated with a first class business management degree. Unfortunately I have not done anything with it and having already done a degree I am unable to go back to study for something else.

I have always lacked confidence which seems to be getting worse as I get older. I look at job adverts and constantly tell myself I have no transferable skills or anything to offer another employer. The idea of a job interview terrifies me but I understand I need to do it. So my question is if anyone has left a supermarket position after many years, what have you gone on to do? Or if you’re an employer do you recognise any skills a long term retail worker may have gained?

To clarify, whilst I need to stay full time to
cover my bills, my need is a new challenge, something to get my brain working again, so I’m not after any increased financial reward.

Thank you in advance for any advice you may give.

Have you looked into anything like apprenticeships - they’re not just for younger people. If your employer is a big retailer, they may offer them.

Tbh your best bet will be staying in retail and moving up or sideways (both inside retail and in neighbouring industries like hospitality and the like). Why do you say there is no progression? And what is it that is putting you off so much?

You are a known quantity where you are, you obviously know the general ropes of retail and all that. It will be much easier sell than someone trying to break into (say) office work from 20 years on a shopfloor, vs hundreds of other job-seekers who all have direct experience in that setting or industry? Don't underestimate how much of a bloodbath the job scene is right now (sorry).

@Dilemma999 I hadn’t considered an apprenticeship- thank you, that gives me another avenue to explore.

@singthing Thank you, I appreciate your directness and honesty. I think deep down I know you’re right and really the ship has sailed for a major career change. There’s no progression as there are so few managers now as soon as a position becomes available it is filled by someone from another store. I am grateful for my full time position and know there are many people in my store alone that would love my hours. Thank you for your reply.

Ok so let's think laterally:

For example in my Tesco store, there is a Community Champion, who is responsible for sponsoring/supporting local good causes. I have dealt with her a few times and she loves her job!

If you are in (say) Customer Services, what about Supervisory? Or Warehouse? Or Canteen? Or Cash Office (if they still have them?!).

Or local shops/retail parks. Most big stores have a wide gamut of roles in them. It isn't just shop floor or manager. Have you clearly expressed interest in changing roles/getting on management tracks? maybe there is an opening on a night shift for you to gain the experience etc. There are opportunities, but they need tracking down as you might not even realise so-and-so role exists yet.

Tell people you are looking for inspiration or opportunities.

Management in a different role or a training in management, like an MBA or similar

Can you tell us a bit more about what your actual job is now? It’s great you’re for a first class degree. Maybe the starting point is a promotion internally and then a sideways move into another sector?

I used to work at a supermarket, here are some destinations long term employees went onto: Civil Service (Tax office), Social Work, Nursing (you can get a second student loan for certain subjects, nursing is one), teaching (business studies teacher?) and pharmacy dispensing. Are any of those interesting?

You are 37 and the ship has not sailed for a major career change. I am 62 and just transitioned from claims handling, for decades, to a data based career. If the ship hasn’t sailed for me, that ship will be barely built for you.
Speak to people such as the advisors at the National Careers Service, they don’t just help school leavers. Consultants at places such as Reed are marvellous too.
You will have transferrable skills, I bet your people skills are magnificent, and careers advisors will help you find them. You might want to look at courses to refresh some knowledge, but I bet that you can do anything with a bit of self confidence and a coffee or two with a knowledgeable advisor.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply to me, I really do appreciate it. You’ve given me a lot to think about- I had no idea about second student loans for certain subjects or advisors for people other than school leavers or the already unemployed. I’m having to leave for work now so I don’t have time to respond to you all individually but genuinely thank you for the responses.

@NoodleHorses congratulations and very best of luck in your new career area. I have so much respect for your decision to take on a new challenge. I hope one day to be as brave. Thank you.

I have to say I'm not a fan of AI but I recently used chagpt to explore some thinking about my career and found it incredibly helpful so I think it's worth giving it a try.

Be intentional with your prompts - tell it to give constructive criticism and not just tell you positive platitudes or things it 'thinks' you'd like to hear.

Set out your experience - not just your job title but what you've done day to day, challenges you've dealt with, improvements you've made - however minor.

Tell it what your educational background is and what interests you, both out of work and what sort of career you'd ideally like.

Ask what it thinks are realistic pathways for you.