best way to get careers advice?

[meysey]

Hi

I'm freelance in a very unfamily friendly industry and have tried to keep work going with kids, taking a few contracts a year (they are always 24/7 buyouts) and not working inbetween. Or sometimes being unemployed for far too long!

The hours/stress/lack of family time are getting ever worse as the economy and industry change. Sadly and a bit angrily, I realise I have to get out. I've already tried once.

Any tips on how to get careers advice? I don't know where to start and don't want to pay a fortune. Some of my skills - working with people, writing, managing, presentation, creativity - should be transferable but I don't know what to.

I am not sure if I want a 3 day a week job for someone else or to try and start my own business. I can't afford to spend unpaid time retraining as my DH has an erratic income.

Kids are at school.

Hi There
Just read your message and whilst I can't really offer any advice I thought I'd console you with the fact that you are not alone. Your situation sounds almost identical to mine - i work in the TV industry as a freelancer, and it's extremely difficult to juggle the job with family life. I am currently expecting my second child and finish a project in June. Baby due in August and I just can't imagine how I am going to go to back to the same industry. Nor can I imagine what I'm going to do instead come next year! Apart from the fact that we desperately need the second income, I do largely enjoy working - or at least I would if I could get a job that didn't involve working around the clock! I'm going to spend the next few weeks thinking about and looking for other options - if i come up with anything I'll be sure to pass it your way. In the meantime, good luck with your search too...x

hi
yep i'm a tv freelancer too! currently ill as so run down... i've joined media parents and hope they manage to pull some family friendly jobs together... but who knows...
would be good to swap notes and good luck with baby, other options etc... x

I'm a tv freelancer too! We have moved out of London and I am trying to find clients in the local area but they are few and far between!

Constantly trying to think of other industries where my skills will be useful but can't think of any.

Maybe marketing? Charity fundraising? Event organising?

Also waiting for my Dragon's Den idea to come to me in the shower .

One thing I have thought about is becoming one of those part plan agents. Mainly to earn a bit of money in the short term but also to have some sales experience to put on my cv. more strings to my bow and all that.