Just saw your post on askuk. Sorry you are going through such a rough time. I'm a similar age and for health reasons (well its more complicated than that really) I have lost my professional career and am having to consider alternatives too. I'm taking a bit of time to get over it...feels like I'm grieving and its so hard to move on. And money worries don't help. So although different circumstances I can appreciate to some degree how hard it is. I'm glad you mention getting help for your mood and drinking. I hope it helps. Life is hard enough to cope with without these things making it worse.

In terms of careers, Similar to you I've looked at accountancy and law. I was considering looking at civil service too. A couple of random things I've come across that I think would still be a career to be proud of are things in the funeral business and private detective work. The latter would be self employed but I think PIs hire lay people to do serves (ie handing over legal papers) so that might be a way to build experience? In the police did you do any management type things? Just thinking that would transfer into retail management - I know it doesn't sound quite as good but maybe worth considering? Might be good career progression? I will try and think of other things you might not have thought of. I haven't started researching for myself yet so this was just off the top of my head. Also I completely get what you mean about needing an end goal or plan before doing a more basic job. It really helps having something to aim for. Maybe make a list of transferable skills you gained from your police work to see what other jobs they might apply to? Sorry for formatting andwaffling - I'm half asleep! Just wanted to message you as I know how hard it is to have to completely change direction. Feel free to message me if you think it would help. I hope someone else comes up with more suggestions for you. Best wishes x