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Care to share with us what it was you imagined yourself doing, Tina, that you're not doing now that you're actually doing the job? (lot's of doings there, I'm afraid). Or, put another way, what were you expecting, I wonder?

Biomed work:
Interpersonal skills (new age slang for being able to talk), passion (wanting to solve the problem) and experience are great attributes if you have the knowledge and the skills to carry it forward. There are limitations to many of our roles particularly within the NHS and study/knowlege alone will never solve any issue. If you think you can contribute then go for it.

The best way to keep the avreage age of your department down would be to join Medical Physics. I lasted approx. 5 years before jumping ship. Five years later I returned to Sheffield to work under Estates, I contacted the Physics lads and did not recognise anyone. They managed to turn over every post except the Physicist in charge (15 to 20 posts)! When I joined estates BME the average age was well into the 40's. Most of my ex-physics mates are either working for private companies or have left the medical equipment field altogether.
Fate has handed me slap in the face recently, we were merged with med physics. Currently looking for a way out but don't want to compomise my pension. May retrain as a home energy advisor, there seems to be a demand, not sure about the long term though.

apologies for the very very late reply.... your holding you answer to my other question hostage until i answer this one.
well i expected something more exciting than walking around replacing finger probes and cuffs with the occasional PPMs and functional testing and safety testing equipment. Thats not all that i do in my job, but it does form a big part of it. Maybe i just have to get used to the idea that i will have to fall into a routine with any job that i do.

Thank you, M'am. What can I say that's not too trite? But the scenario you've just described is the job (at first-line in hospital biomeds shops, anyway). But that doesn't mean that it lacks satisfaction, etc., etc., does it?

I notice that you hold higher academic qualifications, tina, and I hear what you're saying about "routine". Some people prefer it that way (just scan through some of the posts on this very website). Others need constant "challenges". Some people like to be creative, and so on. Some people are scholars, academics if you like, whilst others are happy in vocational, hands-on roles. It's all a question of knowing want you yourself want, and then working your way towards the happy state of being able to do what you like doing.

On a personal note, it has taken me the biggest part of a lifetime to attain that state of contentment, so don't go thinking that these things happen over night, as it were.

oh i was hoping that i'd find the "perfect" job and live happily ever after.
I am looking for a funded phd to do either part time or full time. I need the constant learning and challenges. well i do for now anyway, maybe in a few years time i will look for a job which is "routine" work.
But until then i am doing my best to do new things between all the routine PPMs while i look for a phd to keep myself happy.

Each to their own. I hope you find what you're looking for, but remember that "there is no way to happiness, happiness is the way"!