What to do...

buckeroo987

I am currently employed but I find myself increasingly miserable and depressed at work. I spend around 2 and a half hours a day commuting which is also taking its toll after 3 years.

I am obviously grateful to have a job and income but can't help but feel there must be something better out there.

I would really like to start a business of my own or with someone else but I have no idea what I could do - although I think I have quite good business skills from my experience. I would also have to pay back professional fees to my employer if I were to leave within the next twelve months (which I can't afford).

Does any one have any suggestions for what I can do? I know it's asking a lot but jsut another perspective might be helpful

nikki_angel

If you can, use this next year to really think about what you want to do. Start a business plan, save your pennies and get a good idea about what you think will succeed. It's always a risky thing setting up a new business but you have 12 months in which to really get the ball rolling.

I don't think you could move forward any sooner than a year and then you don't need to pay back your employer either.

HTH!

WeakHeart

If you are unhappy then you know you need to do something about it but it sounds like you are not sure where to start.

If you ran your own business you would have to self motivate and set your own targets. Why not use that approach to your problem now? Set out a project plan that has the goal of exploring self employment and set relevant tasks and deadlines for your research and completion. You could start very simply by completing a list of 'what am I good at?' There is lots of information on the internet about self employment, business ideas, funding etc so some basic research may spark a few ideas. Unless you drive you could possibly even use your commuting time to work on this.

It sounds like you may not be able to leave in the next 12 months because you can't afford to pay back fees but you could at least use this time to explore and plan your future and organise your finances. At least you would feel that you were doing something constructive towards a new future?

nikki_angel

WeakHeart wrote: »

If you are unhappy then you know you need to do something about it but it sounds like you are not sure where to start.

If you ran your own business you would have to self motivate and set your own targets. Why not use that approach to your problem now? Set out a project plan that has the goal of exploring self employment and set relevant tasks and deadlines for your research and completion. You could start very simply by completing a list of 'what am I good at?' There is lots of information on the internet about self employment, business ideas, funding etc so some basic research may spark a few ideas. Unless you drive you could possibly even use your commuting time to work on this.

It sounds like you may not be able to leave in the next 12 months because you can't afford to pay back fees but you could at least use this time to explore and plan your future and organise your finances. At least you would feel that you were doing something constructive towards a new future?

This is what I was trying to say, although a lot more eloquently put! Thanks WeakHeart!

buckeroo987

Thanks for your suggestions I will start having a look at ideas etc. I did actually start a list of things I'm good at although it wasn't very long so need to think harder!

buckeroo987

I have come up with an idea for a business!!

I am going to start preparing a business plan/budgets etc.

Thanks again for your help - gave me some inspiration to start thinking about things. I will report back once I have moved forward if you are interested to know - otherwise I will keep quiet!

katskorner

I have a business that I started with very little financial investment that is allowing me to work around my family and other commitments. It might be worth you looking into doing something similar. Message me if you want to chat about it and i can point you in the right direction.
Kat x