The most important thing about any discovery about one’s self is realization, and once you have realized, rather than berate yourself, which will not do anyone any good, is to proactive about the change that is needed in order for what you have realized to be of benefit.

• How many people who have reached middle age have found that even on choosing a career that they may have been successful in that they have spent their lives doing something that did not make them happy?

• How many people who have been made redundant because of cut backs form their company, and find that they have to start all over again?

• How many people whose lives have been turned upside down by the current global economic crisis, and have lost everything to find that are faced with having to start all over again?

 In other words, you are not alone at this point in your life. There are many seeking to do, what you have been trying to do, which is to provide for your family. Many of those people do not have the strong supportive family which you have, so you are starting again from a better off position in that sense. Say al hamdu Lillah!

Now you need to spend time determining what it is you want to do, but before that any job that can provide a halal income is perfectly acceptable. You can let your family know that this is intended to be a temporary situation, until you find something more meaningful insha-Allah. Make regular du’aa’ after your prayers, seeking His assistance and guidance, insha-Allah.

If you could look back, on when you were much younger, and life was more carefree, can you recollect what interested you and why. Sometimes, our talents come to us in different ways, but these natural born skills bequeathed by Allah (SWT) are good indications as how one should spend ones time. This could be your starting point on your road to self discovery, and finding a suitable occupation that is in line with your natural disposition, insha-Allah. At the same time, there are many project and charitable organizations, which are always in need of good volunteers. Try to find one with a wide variety of activities, as this will help you to explore what you are good at insha-Allah. What is also important is that you stop looking down on yourself, and that you maintain a positive disposition. This will help to make your burden feel lighter, and make you more able to seize any suitable opportunity, insha-Allah. Maintain your prayers on time, and use your time productively. If you find yourself in a situation whereby you are by yourself, do not allow yourself to descend into the vicious circle of negative thinking. Instead make yourself productive, helpful, supportive, and creative. In this way, you can aim to avoid any sort of depression. You have been blessed by being born into a supportive family, and I think your own family with your wife, have been pretty supportive too. You are blessed in this respect, so always give thanks to Allah (SWT), for this gift of life.

For further guidance, please try the following link(s):
Spiritual Detoxification Tool Box
Baby Steps to a Better Life
Unleashing Your Special Talents!