Looking to change job....

basically, i'm looking to change jobs.
Not sure of what i want exactly, but, shift work is something that appeals to me.

I'm not a skilled labourer (no plumbing/electrician type training at all).
the job i'm in wont allow much more room for promotion/pay rise and its a job that doesnt play to my strengths. I dont want to be doing this job all my life.
I work in an office, its mostly adminsitrative and the responsibility outweighs the pay and the perks.

so, i'm on the look out and shift work has an appeal as i'm a family man and i'd like to free up bigger chunks of time rather than just the weekends which are too short.

so are there any people who have done this type of job change before?
What kind of shift work is out there that i may not have considered?
i dont mind a drop in salary - if its the kind of job i can work up the ladder in.
but mostly, i'm not an office job type and i want more free time with the family (or at least more time than weekends allow) i know there's paid holiday, but i need something more consistant than that and a job thats more flexible (like being able to swap shifts etc).
i probably need to divulge more info, but need to make a start today else i'll never get it rolling i'm 29 BTW.

Have you ever thought of being a Carer?

Not everyones cup of tea but a very rewarding occupation; with prospects for the right people...

Go self employed. Recently gone that route myself and I'm doing ok. No new Rolls Royces for me, but I'm working a 4 day week and the cash flow is better than I'd anticipated.

care work: yes i have considered this. a chap i know does a 2 day working week and is on not much less than i am (i do a full working week - 8:30am to 5pm.
he's offered to put in a word for me if work comes up, but i will get in touch with them myself (i know not to rely on those offers of help too much).

self employed: not sure what i could emply myself as..?? what are you doing now Chopper? dare i ask???

Spannering, specialising in PSA cars but I'll turn my hand to anything. Mainly mobile, but for big jobs or poor weather I've an arrangement with a chap who runs a local commercial vehicle workshop and rent a ramp and a corner from him. Wife covers the phone, and takes care of the invoicing and record a, which takes about half an hour a day if she keeps atop it.

Many care work jobs including in NHS hospitals are moving to 12 hour shifts. Something to do with continuity of care ie the patients/clients see the same familiar faces all day. Result 3 days works a full weeks work on a 9-5 basis so you have 4 days off a week. Mind you usual works on a 3 day on, 4 day off, 4 day on, 3 day off rota and can include night shifts so not everyones cup of tea but it is an area where work is usually available via agencies.

self employed courier, I did that just me and the road, loved it. you can work as much or as little as you want although i was greedy so regularly turned in 17 hour days but that diddnt last long and went back to 12 hour days.
meter reader
0 hour contract in a shop
market stall holder
seasonal casual, shopping malls in the winter, deck chair bloke in the summer

If you've a red van less than 5 year old you can make a packet contracting to parcel force for deliveries.

PM incoming...