Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
Is it ever too late for a career change? I’m 35, single, no children, currently working as a creative artworker for a printing company predominately doing work for large high street retailers. I’ve been in this position for eight years and before that I was a graphic designer for three years straight out of university.
While I enjoy the processes – both creative and technical – I’m no longer happy where I am. I feel I have become stagnant and there is no future for me. The work doesn’t feel worthwhile. What I mean by that is: it doesn’t help anyone. I have a genuine need to use my skillset to help others but am not sure how to break out and do that.
Oddly, I’ve also worked with my dad as a carpet fitter (on and off) for the past 20 years picking up a lot of valuable experience. Friends keep asking why I don’t do that for a living instead.
I suppose I’m more than a little scared of change and the risks it brings, but I feel that if I don’t do something, I’m really going to regret it and not be happy. So … advice, criticism, comment or speculation would be greatly appreciated.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
