I’m ready for a better job but lack experience, what could my next steps be? – Karren Brady gives career advice

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions, plus try our money-saving tips.

Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who would like a better job and wants to know what her next steps should be.

Q: I’ve worked as a nail technician for the past 20 years and enjoy what I do, plus my hours work well around looking after my son.

I’m a single mum and have recently dipped a toe back into the dating world.

I’ve met some nice guys, but they all have a similar reaction to my job and dismiss it as “fluffy” or that I’m “wasting my intelligence” and should try “pushing myself”.

It’s made me reassess whether I should change what I do.

I’m fairly intelligent (I think!), but I don’t have any office experience and never went to university.

What could my next steps be?

Tiff, via email

A: First, congratulations on being a working mother.

Balancing a job with raising a child, especially as a single parent, is one of the most challenging roles you can take on.

It’s fantastic to hear about the successful career you’ve built over the years.

I’m so disappointed that anyone would dismiss your role as “fluffy” or suggest you’re “wasting your intelligence”.

Such comments are incredibly disrespectful and reflect a deep ignorance of the hard work, skill and dedication required in your profession.

However, if they’ve stirred something in you, don’t hesitate to explore those feelings – but make sure it’s for you, and only you.

If you’re thinking about venturing into a new field, consider part-time or freelance opportunities to test the water, and give you experience and insight into different industry paths, without requiring full commitment.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect what brings you fulfilment, not what others believe you should be doing.

Embrace the right journey for you and trust your ability to shape your future.

And keep smashing being a working mother!

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.