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?
I have just been declared surplus following a restructuring process at my place of work, where I have been employed for 18 years doing IT support.
As the job is in the public sector, there is now a period of attempted redeployment where I will be given priority access to apply for other jobs. If that is not successful I will take redundancy, which is on good terms.
I feel I am at a crossroads: I can either attempt to continue in the same vein, or pursue a more risky career path which would give me greater fulfilment. I have no passion or interest in IT, but realistically another job in that field seems to be the best chance to retain my salary.
The areas in which I am passionate include psychology, philosophy, music, media and marketing. If I had the financial freedom to retrain, I would like to do a degree in psychology.
I am also currently writing a book about music. I realise that even if the book is accepted, it will be difficult to make a living from this. Please can you suggest how these disparate elements of interest and experience could come together to create a new career opportunity.
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.
