Advice for career change

[Clmtrrtox]

Has anyone ever made a career change from office work/ professional services to social work such as teaching, healthcare etc?

Im 32, I am a single mum to a toddler and am struggling with the lack of flexibility in office settings and most of the work being in London. I am also chronically bored at work and have ADHD.

Currently a compliance officer at a law firm part time but desperate to work with people.
I know the money will likely be less. But other than that, what have your experiences been?

Fed up of corporate, I want to make a real change/ help to others. Not make someone else rich.

Any advice or encouragement?

There is little flexibility in teaching. Yes you will have the school holidays but it is very difficult to take time off during school hours.

Hi Clmtrrtox, a few thoughts. Your compliance background actually translates better than you think — risk, attention to detail, data handling and safeguarding awareness are all directly relevant to healthcare, education and social care, so lead with those transferable skills rather than the legal title. For flexibility with a toddler, think about the shape of the role as well as the sector: peripatetic/nursing-associate roles, band 3–4 healthcare support, classroom/education-support posts and charity roles outside London often offer term-time or four-day weeks and don't force the London commute. Because ADHD and boredom are part of the picture, pick work where the day-to-day itself is varied and people-facing — do a few short paid shadowing days or voluntary stints before you retrain, so you can confirm it keeps you engaged and spot red flags like long admin blocks or rigid rotas. If you do need a qualification, look for "route-in" programmes that value prior working life; many NHS and education roles have graduate-entry or experienced-recruiter streams where your professional background counts and the pay gap narrows over time. On the money side, expect a step down at first, but frame it deliberately — "I'm choosing people-facing work over salary for the next few years" makes it look like a considered decision to future employers rather than a gap. Moving from professional services into caring work is a very common path and at 32 you're in a strong position to pivot without starting from zero, so go for it.

If you’re frustrated by the lack of flexibility in an office, don’t go anywhere near teaching.