Hello,I will start off by saying I am 40yrs old and I have qualifications in maths and statistics, psychological and statistics and a postgraduate qualification in research and project management.From 2000-2004 I had a role as a data analyst assistant in consumer survey research. Not having any opportunity to be involved in research project management I decided to leave not know what to do.Then from 2004-2009 I had some seriously frustrating setbacks (some of which was out of my control) to the extent that I had virtually no private sector skills to demonstrate. I was so demoralized about my lack of career development I decided to take a year long break.During this break I decided that I wasn't motivated by profit margins, sales or marketing. Since March 2010 I have worked in the public sector in which I have had varying degrees of success.Because I have no private sector skills and the opportunity in the public sector is now limited due to budget cuts I feel I am coming to a crossroads.I am in a very fortunate position financially such that I don't need a high income.I have a passion for research and statistical analysis but not sure how I can get back into it again. I am thinking of going into consultancy either in a firm or start my own business.I would be grateful for any advice...

Hmmmm.. Academia beckons

I agree with Soul,Although Mars can give more advice, I'm not sure how strong your CV is going to look compared to the competition... sometimes there can be up to 25-100 CVs per role.Academia might be a good bet, lets you enjoy a relaxed way of life and work with students. If you don't require the money, if I'm brutally honest I'm not sure how much you are going to want to work 8am to 7pm and then some for a salary that you will probably think is "quite low".Academia will let you enjoy yourself, have a relaxed career but genuinely help students, who lets face it are our future.Best of luck, dont mean to be negative but MCs is quite a cut throat hard road and would need more posts from you to understand examples where you have coped with that.

I would recommend a job as a Black belt. If you're into statistics and numbers this would be a great way of solving problems using statistical analysis tools, and work on big projects that deliver hard line benefits. Being a black belt open doors for working in the Manufacturing and service industries, and you get to work with a lot of people to understand the issues behind the problems (again your psychology background would help).If money is not an issue, get yourself certified, and get a job !Good luck

Thanks for the replies. Business analyst appeals to me but I don't have a solid background in the private sectorEducation sector does appeal to me but not teaching.What has always frustrated me is that I consider myself to be a very smart and intelligent individual who has a huge amount to offer but most of the positions I've had have resulted in set-backs.

Try your hand into Public Sector - Education advisory, that'll see some short term growth particularly in operational efficiency.

So there are no opportunities for you in the public sector, you have no private sector skills, and you have no interest in profit margins or winning clients so that rules out self employment.What is it you were expecting on here? I dont think you need career advice, you need to get some clarity for yourself first [i]then[/i] ask others for advice. This just comes across as delegating away responsibility for yourself.

I would LOVE Mars to be a Careers advisor at a "bottom 25 league" UK Uni. Considering the above, advice would probably go along the lines of;"Ok, so do you prefer McDonalds or are you more of a KFC man? Remember if you work hard, you could reach for the stars and work at Nando's..."But yes I can see where Mars is coming from here. Scuba needs to dig deep and work out what he wants to do.

You forgot to include Burger King and the rapid growth SME kebab sector.