How to upskill or improve my career prospects?

MarkAlexander18

I had been looking for work for a while up until the beginning of last month when a family friend took me on at his warehouse. The work is simple, just packing products. However, I am 30 now and feel like I need to upskill, otherwise I'll forever be in and out of minimum wage jobs.

I went to college when I was 18, but started off on the foundation course which was 1 year. Then at 19 I went onto the main two year BTEC course and completed that. The main regret I have always had was it wasn't a good course. It was Sports Science, and to be honest I never really had that deep a passion for it. I took the course because I wanted to go study something of interest at college, but it really wasn't the course I wanted. I was always good at design/art and feel my passions would have been better suited there.

Anyway, I was going to go to University after I finished colllege. I had to go to an adult community college to achieve the Level 2 in Maths and English that I would need to go to University. I spend an additional 18 months doing this. Then at about 23 I was confident about going to Uni. Between this time I had set up finance, which had fell through and then I fell into depression and started getting panic attacks. Since then I have always had anxiety and unfortunately my work life (along with personal life) has badly suffered and for years my mental health has hindered me advancing in any work I have done.

I just want to try for something different, but not sure if it's too late. The one thing I have considered a lot is starting my own business. I would like to set up my own clothing brand, but I know it will be difficult and a risk, although it's something I do have a passion for. If not that, then really not sure what else. Even though I've never been very strong academically (I know it sounds odd considering I was planning to go to University) I still do kind of miss the classroom environment and learning within that setup.

I just don't know what my next step should be.

Comms69

Designing your own clothes, to sell the designs is one thing.


But design, manufacture, marketing and sales is quite another.


Whilst it's a nice aspiration - and best of luck if you pursue it - the vast majority of people with the same dream don't get there.


I think you're looking at jobs which are 'nice to do', but which may not yield any tangible ie financial results.


I would continue with the design work as a sideline and pick a relevant career path e.g. marketing, manufacture, hr, payroll etc. something that will pay the bills should the business not succeed, but equally something you can use if it does

Fireflyaway

It's definitely not too late. People change careers in their 40's and 50's.
I'd suggest being realistic and looking at something that's going to make you happy but bring in money. Maybe do the clothes designing on the side and start up a little internet business or sell at craft stalls etc?
Where do your skills lie? Do you like working with people? I'm guessing with the sports thing you enjoy being active. How about the police or prison service? Would you be motivated by helping people? A job such as a support worker or teaching assistant? Or do you like technology? Go into IT or a skill such as plumbing or electrics?
There are online tests you can do to help think of ideas.
Might as well invest a few years learning a new skill because you could have another 40 years of work ahead! That's too long not to be happy.

jonnygee2

The one thing I have considered a lot is starting my own business. I would like to set up my own clothing brand, but I know it will be difficult and a risk, although it's something I do have a passion for.

There are lots of people who make a living off designing and selling clothes, but it is very competitive.

A common way to start is to set up a stall selling clothes at a local market. Source some local designers to provide you with clothes and see what sells. Start adding a few designs of your own and see how it goes from there. You can do this while still doing your day job.

lincroft1710

Running your own business can be extremely stressful. Your income is not guaranteed, you have to make decisions which will effect the success of your venture. If things go wrong, it is all on your shoulders.

Regarding university, I didn't go to university but was in a job where, over the years, I was in a grade above 4 people who were all graduates. So a degree does not automatically mean you will get a better job. Going to uni because you miss the "classroom environment" is just a waste of time and money and you will be 34 before you graduate.

I understand your concern about forever being in minimum wage jobs, but I would give the warehouse job a few more months and try Jonnygee2's suggestion of having a part time market stall and see how it goes. You will at least have an income while you do this