Soul issue

[comloulou]

Im opening myself up to God knows what here, but here goes. Im in a dead end job and earn �13500 a year. I have a mortgage on a flat I love. I have an honours degree which Im proud of but which is in History and is as much use as a chocolate fire guard. My job gives me the kind of gut twisting head popping boredom that makes people hurt other people. I cant afford to re-train because I cant take on more student debt. Is this it? Am I doomed?

[Wee Kaz]

Just because you are in a dead in job at the moment doesn't mean to say that your doomed. Why don't you get another job in the same field, it could just be that particular compnay or even the people. I have learned that it's not always the money that's important, if you are happy in your job it makes all the difference. Good luck in whatever you decide to do. : )

[comloulou]

I'll have a go but thanks for your best wishes

[andy hughes]

It appears that your satisfaction with your job has been influcing all your life decisions, and your definition of who you are. Why not expand your horizons outside your day job? If you have the time (and energy!) take an evening job in a bar - this will widen your circle of aquaitances. Or take up a hobby with like-minded friends. Maybe some voluntary counseling - The Samaraitans are desparate for Volunteers if you have time to give - any or all of these will give you a wider perspective, and that balance will make the impact of your job boredom receede back into manageable proportions. Best of luck with your future, what ever you decide to do.

[Moonhead]

Im also in a dead end job comloulou, but even worse is that i dont have any qualifications beyond GCSE's :o( Ive cut my hours, and bceome part time, so I can spend the rest of the week, searching for new jobs. Im also in the process of moving too, which is making money very tight. Could you afford to go part time for awhile?

[comloulou]

I'd like to moonhead but the problem with being a post grad is all the debts. I have loans and god knows what else. I almost envy you. Though I loved uni, and it was the 'making' of me, all i left with was debts, a useless degree and negligable work experience. My brother, dropped out with a handful of GCSEs and has been earning fortunes in various jobs. Its the work experience that counts these days not your academic ability.

[Miss Zippy]

Comloulou, if I had a pound for every friend of mine (most of whom have 'good' degrees from 'good' universities) who has found themself stuck in a career rut at one time or another, I'd be a rich woman! I've been there too and I didn't have to spend a fortune on re-training to turn things around. After reading for two law degrees and working in practice (for a pittance!) for a couple of years, I decided I did not want, and couldn't afford, to qualify as a solicitor. I didn't know what else to do!! After lots of research into other careers, I decided that a compliance/legal role in the financial services sector sounded right for me and a qualification (Financial Planning Certificate) costing just under �200 is what it took for potential employers to take me seriously and see that my skills and knowledge were a little more varied than just law. I haven't looked back since, but there were times when I felt very down and disillusioned too. Obviously I don't know you or what your skills and interest are, but would just say hang in there and things you will get out of that rut, but it will take some time and effort. With regard to post-grad courses, from personal experience, I'd say these don't really add anything to your CV, unless, of course, a specific job requires it. I only did a Masters as I was lecturing at the time, but outside of academia, they're just seen as a nice 'extra' and rarely command extra pay in their own right (unless it's an MBA, which is a different kettle of fish). You'd be much better off doing something more 'vocational', which is usually cheaper too! Good luck!

[comloulou]

Thanks Miss Zippy, Ihad to laugh when I saw your email, youll never guess who I work ....I know all about FPC (because i work for the rival provider!!!!) I do think youre right about something vocational...I wish i had grown up wanting to do something badly, like medicine, at least something where my desire to do it pushed me through the hardship of getting there....

[Miss Zippy]

Forgot to mention, being the waffler I am, that temping is a good way to 'try out' other positions and work cultures. Go and have a chat and register with some employment agencies, you're not obliged to accept anything they offer and getting a 'professional's' opinion on your circumstances may help you see things from a different perspective.

[woodpam]

Here's some practical advice you can ignore if you wish... Look up Careers in your phone book and ring your local centre and ask if you can use KUDOS software. Alternatively your library may have it. This will enable you to take an audit of your skills, interests and abilities and generate a list of job ideas for you. Take the ones that appeal to you and look at www.connexions.gov.uk/occupations to find details of entry, pay etc. If you find you need a vocational qualification go to www.support4learning.org.uk/money/index.htm to find out how to get it funded. Treat the job you are in now as a temporary stepping stone, don't admit you're bored (you'll need a reference from them one day) and start planning your escape right now - you'll feel better immediately. It's hard when you feel like you're buried alive at work, but you have the brains and the skills to make a change and you're learning a lot about what you like and dislike in a job, so it's not wasted time. Good luck and post back if you need more sources of info.

[Jonathan R]

Hi, You possibly need to approach this from a pretty radical angle. I recently decided that I no longer wanted to work in an office and am lucky enough to be able to take time out and explore other options. I'm considering a possible career in healthcare or working with animals, something I wanted to do when I was a kid. I also worked in Financial Services before and even fooled myself it was right for me for a while. I eventually realised all I liked was wearing a nice suit and a few of the people. I would say to anyone stuck in a dead-end job to look outside of their immediate surroundings and forget any pre-conceived ideas they have of what they 'should' do. Good luck.

[gazzawazza]

You're definitely not doomed comloulou, (what a nice name!)

I would say that there is definitely something to be said for being happy in your work and you just aren't at the moment. Sometimes when we're in a situation that makes us unhappy we focus on that and the problem seems to get worse. I would definitely consider finding another job (be radical and openminded as to what this might be). If you hate your current job so much any change might be a step up. You may then find you have a better outlook which means that although you could still be looking you aren't absolutely desperate for change.

As I said at the beginning, happiness at work to me is very important. I've been urged to try for promotion many times in the past, I just do not see myself as being able to fill a role with more responsibility. Some people may say I don't have the bottle to try but I've assessed myself honestly and do not think I'm suitable.... but I am happy!

[comloulou]

Just wanted to say thanks to all! Ive been suprised at the response Ive had from this question and will be taking a piece of advice from everyone. Thankyou.