In her late 40s, a reader who has spent the past 16 years home-educating her child is now looking to build a new career. While she has a wide range of experience, including roles in retail, research, and social care, she is unsure of the best path forward.
The reader has considered pursuing a postgraduate course, which a family member has generously offered to fund. She has also contemplated working with a life coach, but is deterred by the associated costs. Additionally, a friend has suggested she pursue a Master’s in Communications, though she is uncertain whether this would be beneficial at her stage of life.
The reader’s employment history includes part-time work at a large retail chain and as a magazine researcher, as well as a recent leadership role in a retail management programme. While she has enjoyed the teamwork aspect of her retail experience, she is now seeking a career change, as the sector is often high-stress and low-paying, with a significant amount of unpaid overtime.
Despite her diverse background, the reader is concerned about her age and financial constraints, which she feels may limit her options for trying out new paths. She has experience in areas such as social care, copywriting, proofreading, and book-selling, and is interested in pursuing opportunities in publishing, NGOs, teaching, and social care.
Ultimately, the reader is seeking guidance on how to best navigate this transition and identify a fulfilling new career direction. With her wealth of experience and a supportive family member willing to invest in her future, she is well-positioned to embark on this next chapter, but requires advice on the most strategic approach.
