Not happy in job

LegacyUser

I'm not happy in my job. I am in my 30s and have been stuck in this job for the past three years and I don't know how to get out of the whole thing. I need to work so I'm there until I figure out something. I don't think a new job in a new company doing the same thing I do now will even help. I hate what I do. Even if I did change, it's a wage I cannot live on forever, I'm just a little over minimum wage which is depressing. I cannot afford to retrain unless I do a part time or distance learning course. I can't afford to get a university degree.

There's something i have been interested in doing for a while now and doing some research on the whole thing, I can do a distance learning course for two years. Looking at jobs that are advertised now, I'd be getting a small bit more, a few extra euros which I guess it's better than what I'm on now. The next course is starting next August. The cost isn't too bad, I'm good at saving. However, there's a catch. I have to be employed in this new job that I want before starting the course. I just lack the confidence to even try. I'm walking in off the street with no experience and asking them to take me on when most places just wants experienced people. How do I do something like this?

eeguy

What area are you looking into?

From my (limited) experience of interviewing job applicants, i look for interest, willingness to learn and whether they'd be a good fit for the team.

If its possible, build up a body of relevant work you can show your employer.

smokingman

My brother went from credit controller in a bank during the recession (where he had to forclose on people who didn't want his help) to being a farmer to get away from what he didn't enjoy being. He makes eff all money now but he's a hell of a lot happier about what he does.

Follow what makes you happy and don't put that kind of thing off. It will only eat you up inside.

Captain Slow IRL

I've been in a similar situation to you recently, totally changing my career. The biggest thing that can help you is identifying transferable skills from your old job to your new job. For example, I used to be a mechanic which used very hands-on problem solving skills. For my new role in engineering, it required a more analytical problem solving technique but knowing how to relate my old skills to the skills required for the new role was key to me landing the job.

Watch the video in the link below, excellent viewing. The biggest thing I took from it was to look on the interview less as an interrogation and more like a conversation. It'll help your relax and realize it's a 2-way conversation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUx6L1Xf9E0&t=28s

Good luck!

witchgirl26

OP if you've done the research on the field you want to move into and are actively looking at signing up for a course, then a lot of places would probably be happy with that. I know a few colleagues who've moved from one area to another with no experience but with the drive and willingness to learn. That's what got them the roles. Also you'd be surprised at what skills are transferable between roles that you can use as your starting point.

I'd say start looking at the roles you want in relation to this course and apply to them. Include a cover letter that outlines that you want to work towards obtaining the qualification. And who knows, the new place may even be willing to cover the costs of the course and provide study leave for you.

If you honestly hate not just where you work but what you do, you're better to do what you can to get out of there.

LegacyUser

I'm in a similar situation. I used to enjoy and like what I do but not so much any more. It can be very intense and heavy and my wage is very poor and doesn't reflect the responsibilities or the hours that I do. I go down the whole lot exhausting and I want out entirely. I haven't made any progress to change things yet. I'd be willing to seek out any work at minimum wage for now but that won't be ideal. I'm going to need to seek out work that I will hopefully like with a better pay as well. To live reasonably comfortably I'm going to need work that will bring in 400-500 euro a week. I haven't a clue where to start or what to do.

Pelvis

I'm not sure I follow, what course requires you to be in a specific job before enrolling?

witchgirl26

Pelvis wrote: »

I'm not sure I follow, what course requires you to be in a specific job before enrolling?

There are some courses where you're required to be in a training contract to complete - some accounting exams for example.