Crossroads in life - interested in opinions

noelphobic

I took voluntary redundancy last year after 23 years in finance. I did voluntary work for a year (and am still doing so) and got a job with a charity very recently. The job is very low paid in comparison to my previous job and is for only 15 hours a week, which I can't sustain in the long term, but I'm not too worried about that at the moment.

I completed a degree last year which, along with my voluntary work, has enabled me to get a job in a field and role completely different to what I have done previously.

I'm really glad I made the move - and I've got a few years on you, OP!

mustang1

I'm 37 and was a lawyer in the City until earlier this year. I left my job in January because I had to work 12+ hour days and, whilst I just about had time to see friends once a week or so, I was so exhausted every weekend and totally stressed out that I couldn't be bothered to do anything apart from lie on the sofa watching telly.

I rented out my property and have been travelling on and off since then. This time hasn't helped me decide what I want to do but it has made me happy. I am so much more relaxed, much more confident in meeting new people and am feeling much less concerned about what I'm going to do next. I spent 3 years hating my job and wanting to get out but not doing it because:

1. I couldn't think what else to do; and
2. Like you, I was terrified of letting my mum down

Now I realise that I needed to get out to give myself the headspace to get happy and I'm confident that when I start to put my mind to the next phase of my life, things will work out.

I've been lucky that my finances have allowed me this time and think that yours do to.

I guess what I'm saying is don't just jump ship from A to B. Maybe take some time out without worrying - it's amazing what can happen when you just jump!

I too will be following this thread with interest. Seems like there's a lot of us in the same boat!

Sammy_J

OP, having been at your company for almost 20 years, is there anyway they would grant you a sabbatical year? You could then use the time to travel, volunteer, think etc. If you decide you don't like your new life then the door is open for you to return to work.

redandwhitestripes

So many good stories about people in similar situations.

I couldn't take a sabbatical as the management would say no . They are new management who took over a couple of tyears ago and I don't really like them to be honest - the way they work - we have no real HR, and so a sabbatical would be refused.