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Mid-life crisis career ponderings or something else?

6 replies

Brosette · 02/07/2010 18:57

I'm not quite sure where I should post this and I'm not entirely sure what I am looking to ask my fellow mumsnetters, so indulge me please while I ramble through the background.

I work for a large, public sector organisation which have done for nearly 15 years. I work in a job which required post-graduate study for nearly 5 years, which I did part-time before children. Before children, I enjoyed my career but since having them I've gone part-time and quite honestly I now feel like I've been side-lined. How much of this is due to not being around for much of the last 4 years due to maternity leave, I don't know. I don't actually enjoy the work anymore either.

My friend launched a business last year and I've been helping her out from time to time. She has told me that she really values my input etc and wants me involved more. I'm really keen to do it and we've agreed that I'll start doing a regular amount each week.

I've been on annual leave for 2 weeks and I am dreading going back. Morale is low, I hate the work and everything is about cutting services, finding savings, doing more for less. Quite honestly, I hate it.

I want to leave but it seems like such a big thing to give up a career that I've done for so long. But equally, I know that life is too short to do something you hate. But, whilst no where near as secure as it once was, it the old "permanent pensionable post" that ties me in.

I'd love the opportunity to join my friend in her business but I can't decide if I am being irresponsible in giving up my profession for such a leap in the dark. I'm not usually risk averse and I'm not sure what is holding me back.

Has anyone done similar?

OP posts:
emy72 · 02/07/2010 19:29

All I can say is GO FOR IT.

Yould always ask for a sabbatical so that you still have your job if it doesn't work out?

I am in the same boat but I am too scared to quit......so I need to talk myself into my own advice!!!

Brosette · 02/07/2010 20:19

I like the sound of GO FOR IT. My DH says the same. Something is holding me back though.

OP posts:
fluffles · 02/07/2010 20:26

i've got a public sector job with 12 months left on the contract and i'd be over the moon to have a small business option to move to next year.

the public sector is going to be in trouble for a while now, there is little opportunity to do a good job or 'make a difference' with the budgets heading the way they are...

go for it!

GrendelsMum · 05/07/2010 10:55

Go for it. I really think that, even if your friend's business doesn't work out, your current employment sounds pretty bad, plus public sector cuts are looming.

katierocket · 05/07/2010 21:49

Definitely do it. You won't regret it. Yes it's a risk but there are risks in all jobs these days. If it's something you're interested in then you'll make it work.

I just did something similar with my friend.

EmmaHewett · 02/08/2010 12:21

I've got 2 children and had to go self employed when the first one was born, pretty scary. What I did eventually was to also take on a part time job on a permanent contract - 2 jobs in different sectors which complimented each other. Worth a try and takes out the stress.
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