Looking for a new career

samsam89

Hello.

After a bit of advice from anyone who's been in a similar position.


I'm currently a retail manager for a reputable (sometimes deemed highly priced ) food retailer. I have been progressing well in the last couple of years (am 28 years old) and take Home circa 26-27k per year including premiums and bonus.

As I'm sure everyone is aware, the industry is changing and retailers including mine are cutting back like never before. The reality is unless this happens, we will be out of business in 5 years.

Fortunately, I'm not in a position where redundancies are being conducted, however there are redundancies being made in the levels above me. We have all but been told that progression upwards will be all but non-existent for the next few years as the business restructures.

I had already been thinking about a career change before these changes were announced as the role is becoming more and more stressful due to hours cuts, long unsociable hours and arguably average pay. The fact that promotion is going to be nigh on impossible to achieve in the next few years has got me thinking even more.

I have a passion and am capable with IT, but have no formal qualifications. I often think about training in a trade but am
struggling to see how that would be possible whilst paying a mortgage, working full time and being a father. I have varying strong experience from vehicle fleet management to operational management and have managed a team of 50+ people with confidence in fast moving areas.

The question I have is, has anyone been in a similar position and come out the other side? If so, what advice would give?

Does anyone have any thoughts on what type of career those type of skills could transfer into?

Many thanks!