Chucking it all in and doing the job of your dreams?

[SophRunning]

I'm in need of inspiration.

Is there anyone out there who actually came home from the office one day and said: "That's it, I'm not doing it anymore. I'm going to be a [fill in the blank]

and actually DID IT?

[allegrageller]

well sort of.

I'm being forced to 'retire' by a nasty divorce situation. But I want to turn it around and do the Job of My Dreams which is probably....crime novel writing.

I keep thinking it will never work. But got to be worth a try.

[MelodyMeringue]

Yes me!

Gave up a fairly well paid job I had a bit of love/hate relationship with to become a florist on just above minimum wage. Ultimately plan to work for myself in the not too distant future. However, not sure I have made the right decision yet and keep thinking I should get a proper job with a pension!

[SophRunning]

Bravo to you both .. though sorry to hear nasty divorce situation is prompting the change. But it's good to know there are people out there trying to do it!

[stevienicks]

Yes I would love to do it. I have a job with a pension and really don't enjoy it. Can't find the confidence to just do it what ever it is and DH would hit the roof and probably have a heart attack (at least I would get his pension)lol.

[woolovermyeyes]

Kind of....I sort of made a mini step towards something I thought I'd prefer - moved to a different job but within the same sector and didn't like that either.

I've always wished I was one of those people who 'just knew' what they wanted to do. I've never had so much as a whiff of inspiration although after watching 'undercover boss' the other week thought maybe Ann Summers looks like a pretty fun place to work!

I couldn't work in an office, I need variety, enjoy being outdoors, LOVE being in the countryside, interating with people, free to express ideas, variety. I used to want to be a horse riding instructor but haven't even sat on a horse for YEARS so that's a long gone aspiration. Now my dream is to win the lottery, buy a huge house with hundreds of acres and give all the animals at the rescue centres a loving new home! :)

[HPonEverything]

Currently at a crossroads and don't know what to do. I have a well-paid job with a pension but it's not 'me' (I just drifted into it) even if I like the security of it.

Going on mat leave shortly and then considering retraining but no idea what in. We are in the fortunate position of money not really being an issue, but I don't feel strongly enough about any particular vocation, I just know I don't want to be where I am at the moment!

It sounds cliched but I want to make a difference and I'd love to work in the environmental field. I like the idea of looking after protected bats or something like that :o TBH I'd even do it voluntary as long as it was the right job for me.

I feel like this is a really good time in my life to make an opportunity for myself but I have no idea what form it should take.

[Emslifechoices]

Similar to lots of you! I am in a (relatively) well paid job but it bores me - I'm a solicitor. I find myself wishing away the days, not great. I've never really enjoyed what I do (worked at two different firms). This job has good work/life balance but doesn't make me happy. Find myself dreading going into the office. Unsure what to do and spend hours day dreaming & trying to come up with my "dream" job but just can't decide what it is! I know sitting at a desk for 7.5 hours a day is not my dream!

Has anyone been to a career counsellor?

Considering just continuing at this job until we have kids (fingers crossed soon!) and then find something else once go back to work. Similar to another thread I think job hunting and 'trying' at the same time is a bit risky!

Any words of wisdom...?

[iPaddy]

Yes! But, I was financially secure due to large pay off from my previous company, I don't think I would have had the guts to do it otherwise.

I race into work every day now, whereas before I would crawl...

[kernowgal]

Yes, retrained in horticulture a while ago. I love my job but the reality is that wages are appalling until you make it up to top managerial level.

However I am lucky in that I can combine my old and new careers should I so desire (and have even been headhunted), which may help if I can no longer do the physical side of the job at any point.