Decisions on future....

LegacyUser

Hi,

I was hoping some people here could share their similar stories or even offer some advice if they have been in a similar situation...

I'm a man closing in on 30 years of age; engaged, we have a baby, we're both working full time and I'm also studying for a degree (linked to my 'career').

The problem is, I don't enjoy what I do (as in work & study). I have very little interest. The industry I'm in just doesn't really excite me. I kind of fell into the job I'm in. At first I genuinely liked it - I had little responsibility, but I felt like I had become somebody as I put on a suit every morning and went to work in an office! (I previously worked in a more physical, menial type of job).

As I progressed in work I began studying so as to gain a degree qualification in order to be promoted and make more money over the years. My employer covers the cost of my college course.

I'm just finishing the 2nd year of a 4 year degree, with end of year exams coming up next week. So I've decided to sit the exams since I've already put in the coursework throughout the year. But I really don't care whether or not I even pass!

There have been some changes in my job over the last year (we are a small company) - some staff were let go a few months back; and now it looks like the rest of us are facing redundancy fairly soon too. To be honest it almost feels like a relief. I'm half hoping I'll be made redundant as it means I'm no longer stuck in a job that I'm not motivated to do; but it also means an end to my degree as I wouldn't be able to fund it myself.

However I'm worried about the future. I have a child to look after, a mortgage to pay and other responsibilities like bills / loans etc.

I'd also hate to wake up one day in 20 years and think I've either:

a) wasted my life doing something I don't like just to pay the bills
b) dropped out and ended up 'struggling' through life (paying bills etc. and having no savings / disposable income for holidays etc.)

I know life isn't all about money - but the mortgage, gas, electricity, phone bills etc. won't pay themselves! As I said earlier I just kind of fell into the job/industry I'm in at the moment. I never specifically decided to target a job or career in this field.

As well as that - I'm still unsure about what it is that I would actually like to do. So I can't even decide to pursue a dream job as I don't have one!

I don't want to just drift through life either - I want to make something of myself.

I'm just having a hard time realising what it is I want from life, and I don't know what to do about it!

Any thoughts or advise are welcome...

Thanks for taking the time out to read this and help a complete stranger!

Mayboy

Ask yourself:

'what job would I do that absolutely fills me with interest and excitement if money/ time etc were no barrier?

We all change careers and you might need to feel motivated in something else to truly feel 'connected' to what you need to do in life/ Also the baby coming along does tend to focus the mind.

Final suggestion is a good qualified career coach?

Good luck.

LegacyUser

I find brainstorming with other people helps. Maybe your friends could give you some ideas, it's always the people that know us best who can spot things that we can't. If you're at a big University they'll have a careers center, you could book a session with them.