career guidance? can't stand my job

BornIn84

Before i start, i know there are those who will say I should be lucky to have a job in the current economic climate, but i find myself in a constant state of gloom and hate when i'm in work. It's not what i want to do with my life and I look at the very finite time we have here as very important, and it's important to do something you really love with your short time.
My problem is that i'm 28, working in IT and finding myself looking around at the environment and daily tasks and people and thinking i really don't belong here. People seem to just go through the motions and live in the "oh yay it's Friday mentality" just about getting to the end of the week. This is not how i wanna live and spend a majority of my existence. I'd rather wake up interested in what i'm doing every day. I am not 100% sure what i want to do. I'd love to go back to college but find going back to having barely any cash from week to week as a big disadvantage. I absolutely love music and play and teach a bit but can't see myself making a living from this.
Basically what i'm asking is - does anyone know any good career guidance resources or contacts in order to get some help? Any advice would be appreciated!

Thank you.

P.s. sorry if this sounds like a moan.

amtc

I got into a situation last year where I HATED my job. I'd be up at 6, watching morning TV and counting down until I had to go to work (this was an 80k job, secure and pensionable).

One Friday, I got told off by my boss for not having a staple straight in a document that I had written, produced, and which was going to the Board. I saw red. That one motivating factor made me go to my director on the Monday and ask for voluntary severance. He sorted that out. I left three days later.

Scary, not having a job. Had to sign on - never done that in my life! Cried the first time.

But anyway got myself together and I was off buying a new laptop yesterday and a desk with my first consultancy wages, emailed a guy out of the blue and he liked my style, and getting more than I did in work. Picked up another 4 clients since. Busier than I ever was. Spare room is now my office.

Never a day goes by that I miss my job. I wake up and think of the positives every day.

I'm going to be 40 this year and I never thought I'd work for myself.

The SW people are dead helpful - it's tedious but has to be done!

One thing I did was go to a psychologist (specialises in career coaching)- because I made the decision so quickly, work wanted me to, he was great, thoroughly recommended it. If you want his details pm me. wasn't expensive.

santana75

BornIn84 wrote: »

Before i start, i know there are those who will say I should be lucky to have a job in the current economic climate, but i find myself in a constant state of gloom and hate when i'm in work. It's not what i want to do with my life and I look at the very finite time we have here as very important, and it's important to do something you really love with your short time.
My problem is that i'm 28, working in IT and finding myself looking around at the environment and daily tasks and people and thinking i really don't belong here. People seem to just go through the motions and live in the "oh yay it's Friday mentality" just about getting to the end of the week. This is not how i wanna live and spend a majority of my existence. I'd rather wake up interested in what i'm doing every day. I am not 100% sure what i want to do. I'd love to go back to college but find going back to having barely any cash from week to week as a big disadvantage. I absolutely love music and play and teach a bit but can't see myself making a living from this.
Basically what i'm asking is - does anyone know any good career guidance resources or contacts in order to get some help? Any advice would be appreciated!

Thank you.

P.s. sorry if this sounds like a moan.

I know exaclty what you're talking about. Some people seem to be able to do any job and just about tolerate it because it funds their social life or it pays the bills or it gives them status. I have a friend who works in a job that she doesnt enjoy and thats literally wearing her out right in front of my eyes. She stays because shes gotten a few promotions so far and its all about climbing the corporate ladder for her even though its clear shes not well. She literally lives off stimulants and is as far removed from being at peace with herself as you could be.
I think you're in a good position in that you have no dependants, so even though it'd be scary to leave a secure job it'd be 100 times more scary if you were married or had kids. I think doing a job thats in line with who you really are is very important, trying to bash a square peg into a round hole never works. Going back to college would be the way to go but I understand you're dilemma in regards to cash. Do you still live at home or are you paying rent on an apartment? If you're renting would it be possible to move back with your folks while you're studying?
You could also start plotting your escape from your current job by putting a few quid away each week in order to foot the cost of going back to college. I know by returning to college you'll go from having money to being broke but you gotta look at the long term here. A few lean years are worth it. Trust me I know people who are literally trapped in the jobs they do and they're not healthy. Theres always a way to make something work, just start making small moves towards the door, even those small steps will make you feel better and more hopeful. But dont settle for a life where you just live for the weekend because thats no way to be.

BornIn84

actually i'm still living at home. I am definitely trying to move out as i'm 28 now and need my own space.

Yeah i know the kind of people you're talking about. I see them, stress over their jobs everyday realizing it's not really as important as they think and not really doing anything that they are passionate about.
I think i have to do some soul searching, maybe take a few night courses because i think going back to college full time due to wanting to move out and bills etc.
But i'm maybe gonna start putting some cash away like you said and do some courses.
I just need to talk to someone first who can maybe help figure out what i wanna do.