Career change - don't know what I could do!

[wickedfairy]

Hello,

Bit of a vague, random question/ponder here, I am hoping for some advice/ideas as I am a bit lost....

I am currently pregnant with DC2, due to start mat leave in a few weeks. Work in an engineering sector in manufacturing and I used to absolutely love my job, but since having a child it is not so important. I mean, sometimes I like it and seem to get that old passion back for problem solving, but now I am just very ambivalent about things, not good really. I earn a very good wage and contribute ~50% to our household income.

I think I would like to do something else, but have no ideas what AT ALL! I suppose money is a big factor, not too many other jobs pay the wages I am on (that I could secure employment in), so I do feel trapped somewhat by the money. I know money isn't everything (and we are not well off, but comfortable), but I suppose I have just realised there is much more to life. We have a big mortgage, so it is pretty much unfeasible to continue living in our home, if I gave up work to be a SAHM (and I am not sure I would want to do that completely). i would need to earn a wage of some sorts really.

I was a bit like this last time I was pregnant, but this time I feel that my get-up-and-go has got-up-and-went! I just don't know where to start! I have no real interests as such that I could use to get ideas for potential new employment, I just don't know what to do. I have worked in my industry since graduating, so I am not really familiar with anything else.

I would like to think that by the time I am ready to finish mat leave, I would be all geared up again, but from experience, it did not last long the last time!

Does anyone have any advice on the above please? I just don't know where to start! Thank You!

HOw about thinking of a change in area of engineering to start with; perhaps you're just bored in the type of engineering you're in. What area is it out of interest?

So if you're in the locomotive industry, why not look at the defense industry or even think about a career in teaching as secondary schools are now introducing engineering vocational courses to students.

That way, you get to change to a different area but don't really need to retrain, other than basic stuff relating to new area of work and getting to know that industry.

what region of the UK are you in?

A bit random, but a fab job, how about being an Operating Department Practitioner ?

www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=754

sorry - missed the bit where it said engineering bit of manufacturing.

wickedfairy - im in the same boat... no real interests and a job in engineering
could be doing a MBA but what for???

not sure where to start either...

wedding planner?

I'd start with making a list of all the skills I had to see which might be transferable, so not just the obvious ones you use for your job now but people skills/management skills/problem solving skills and so on.

Then I'd think about the type of things that interest me, i.e. just do a brainstorm of anything and everything you like/love work things and outside of work things and see if you get any inspiration from that.

I'm sure you would be in demand as a teacher. Or what about offering to do some careers talks in local schools to see whether you'd like that kind of environment?!

Ok, those are my ideas, will slope back to AIBU or somewhere now! Good luck!

Have you talked to these guys - UKRC4SET?

They offer a course in returning to work which includes looking at what you really want from work, evaluating your skills and experience and making new contacts?

They might have some ideas that are still vaguely in your field of expertise. If you are any where near their HQ in Bradford, you could work for them, they are very pro Flexible working!!

thanks MistyB i will look at this website!

i think i kind of know what i want (a more strategic/less technical job) but i need to think it through, probably train a bit and then have the guts to do it.

I know engineering people who have transferred to operations management in non manufacturing environments, logistics, project management and even marketing. I'd have thought a move into something more strategic would be eminently possible. You just need to be able to talk a good game and think beyond where you are. You could speak to people in your wider organisation as large organisations are sometimes willing to move people out of their traditional roles. Good Luck - it'sn never easy stepping out of your comfort zone.

Thanks everyone for your advice and insight - I will look into all your suggestions!

Thanks again :-)