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Getting out of disability sector

aldy74

I've been working in the disability sector for about 17 years. I've progressed well and now am quite a senior position within my organisation. I've had a love hate relationship with my career. On one hand my personal experience has meant I am really connected and passionate about the work and has, I think, been part of my success; and on the other hand I find it mentally exhausting to spend every day of my life thinking about the disability that I don't want to let define me. I feel like I have allowed myself to become more disabled because I am constantly focussing on the difficulties of life - like I've absorbed all the negative stuff, subconsciously adopting and accepting it. I just get to a stage where I am exhausted and sad.

I think it is time for a change. I know I could go to other organisations that work in the same field, but I'm worried that I'll face the same issues.

So the obvious thing is to look in other sectors. The thing is, I have no idea where to start or how to go about it. It's like I've been institutionalised.

has anyone faced this before? Any advice?

Thanks

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Comments

wilko

@aldy74, I hope this helps, don't jump out of the pan into the fire. You have a good, great job which you are fantastic at doing and enjoy doing. You have I hope good work mates who don't belittle you and accept you as and who you are and you can socialise outside the work envoirment. As you have worked for the company for many years you will have gained a lot of knowledge and exspearance relating to your work plus employment pension rights you have earned over the years. All the friendships you have made will not be lost but you will have to start all over again with a new employer. It's not as if your employer wants you to leave.

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Donisha_Scope

Hi @aldy74,

Thank you for your enquiry.

It sounds like you have done very important work to support disabled people, however, your desire to change career is understandable and a very exciting prospect.

It will enable you to use the many skills you have developed over the last 17 years and will allow you to expand in other areas.

A good starting place may be to brainstorm for career alternatives by noting your hobbies, interests and roles you are intrigued by. It may help you narrow down roles.

Please find below a link to a website which offers tips on how to successfully brainstorm:
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/successful-career-change-2058452

Alternatively, you may be interesting in registering with Scope's Support to Work service.

Our advisers offer 12 weeks of digital employment support which consists of guidance with identifying your transferable skills; confidence building: employment advice; support with CV and cover letter writing and interview practice.

If you would like more information on the service, or to register, you can complete an online referral form on:

https://www.scope.org.uk/support/our-services/employment/support-to-work

Kind regards,

Donisha

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