I have a problem and I was wondering if the combined minds of the Interweb can help me to resolve it.

My problem is this.

For the last 12 years I have worked in investment banking, most recently running the business/operations side of a hedge fund (yeah boo hiss, I know).

I've been in Aus for 4 months and there just aren't any jobs doing what I used to do. Also, I don't really enjoy banking and so want to get into doing something else anyway.

So what should I do? I think the problem is that the junior jobs I'm applying for look at my CV and think that I'll be off as soon as I get a better offer and the senior jobs I apply for I'm not really qualified for.

I thought about being a cabbie or driving a lorry but you need to have held an Aussie DL for a year. Operating a bobcat is no good because you need to be able to drive a lorry to get it there.

I've considered accountancy or IT and doing a training course but I'm unsure whether people want to take on a 38 year old junior.

I'm at my wits end. Any ideas....? I'd love to run my own business but I haven't got any cash to start it with although I do have what I think is a good idea.

I'm in a similar position myself suddenly finding myself not qualified to do anything, restricted by needing part time work plus having to rely on public transport. I don't have any suggestions but just wanted to wish you luck

And another one. I have an ambition to be the oldest Office Junior in town but I'm not sure anyone will let me. I'm not even greedy - I don't expect big money - but I don't think anyone would take my application seriously.

Anyone? I make crap tea but great coffee.

And another...

Generali - I understand your frustration as my experience from investment banking sounds very similar to yours.

I can't really offer any suggestions either except to say I think you need to have 2 different approaches. One is what to do now, right now, to earn some money, support yourself (and maybe a family) and remain sane. The second is looking longer term and working towards getting where you want to be - be that IT, accountancy etc - and accepting that while it may take a long time to get there, if it's really what interests you it'll be worth it.

Personally I don't know what I want to do as I hated the work culture but really enjoyed my old job so still torn between accepting a new reality and giving up to pursue something else entirely (whether that involves study or not).

About your own business, have you spoken to banks about capital? Not the best of times for that I know, but a genuinely good idea that will make money will always appeal to a bank.

Good luck.

Alternatively we could all just meet up and drink gin. Worked well for me in Singapore.

If you can't get work then drink yourself to oblivion?

Sounds reasonable to me.

Anyone got anything constructive to add or is it going to be Seasider and me and a couple of bottles of Tanqueray's finest?

Same boat here as carsinoz but with a car.

I can't decide what I even want to do let alone get a job doing it!

A bottle of finest for me too please!

Ok. Constructive. See a Career Coach and try to identify what you want to do and how to go about achieving it. Got my third session tomorrow.

Won't see me til I get PR - tried that! That may take some time......

Eh? Is that a govt. funded coach? I don't have PR; I can recommend you a private coach if you like.

Might be worth me looking for one locally if there are any around here. I assume yours will be too far away unless they do it by email too!

Are you any closer to knowing what you want and how to do it though?

Well I think it's preferable to meet at least once and see if you click but she does do telephone sessions - she has clients in other countries!

I have this Miss World like notion that I want to move into the non-profit sector.

In Canada I was an ophthalmic technician - for anyone who doesn't know what that is, it's someone who performs tests for ophthalmologists. I did fundus photos, angiography photos, visual field testing, tonometry and general eye exams. Pretty much everything an optometrist can do except sign a prescription. My skills are not recognised here in Australia and my choice was to either go back to university for 4 years gain a qualification similar to mine, retrain or use what I knew for a different career. I was 43 when we arrived here, so uni was out of the question for me. Instead I used my knowledge to become a medical secretary. I've had some really great temp roles and to be honest it's so much less stress than sitting 3" from someone's face all day every day.

If you are bored with you job, use the skills you have to find something similar but new. You never know...It could turn into a really fulfilling career.

What a coincidence, I'd like to move in with Miss World.

Do you love children and animals too?

Good post

I have no skills that are techincally recognised... I have to sell myself or nothing... I also think that life is short and life is only here once so go for it and don't stay in something that is making you miserable.. of course, I am expecting the usual "how can you say that, everyone needs a permanent position and so forth" but I disagree...

Read a few different books and be inspired I say! Robert Kiyosaki is one of my fav authors.. he adds a different outlook to schooling and careers (at this point I am trying to keep onthread)...

Em x