Memory? What memory was that then?

downshifter

I'm not even 60 yet and my memory seems shot to bits. I started a new job not long ago and have made so many mistakes - even when the boss tells me what he wants doing with something, and I make notes which at the time I think is enough to trigger off a reminder of what to do, I still get it wrong. I'm going to have to write everything down verbatim I think. At the moment I'm tempted to hand in my notice but so badly need the money. They're really nice people but will soon get fed up of me getting things wrong, I bet they think I'm such an old idiot -they're all under 40 and real livewires.

I know there are techniques to remembering names, birthdays or what's on the shopping list etc, but I never have problems with those, it's just things that are told me in passing - people remind me they've already told me where they're going on holiday, or as I said, what to do with a particular issue at work.

For some people it's normal to lose your memory a bit, but I find it very scary as my father died in his early 70s of Alzheimer's.

Has anyone got any good tips for keeping my brain in gear? My mother (in her 80s, and razor sharp, but so is her sister and so was their mother) swears by crosswords but I always find them such a waste of time,however, if that's what a girl's gotta do then that's what a girl will do!

DS

Newly_retired

I went back to (voluntary) work today after 3 weeks off and had forgotten my log in and password and some of the procedures. Nobody minded my asking. I usually remember important things but not today. Otherwise, I use lists a lot, make notes etc. Some things though are not important enough for me to make the effort.

Errata

I wonder if you're feeling stressed because it's a new job ? Stress does have a negative impact on memory, and if you're also feeling stressed because you're forgetting things then that stress may further impact on your memory.
It sounds like the notes you're making are not sufficient to trigger what you need to remember, so perhaps you need to make more explicit notes. HTH

pollypenny

No help, but this poem is sooo true!

http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/billy-collins/forgetfulness/

Janey3

Hi downshifter. Don't give up! I'm sure it's the stress of a new job. Is it a completely different job to what you have been used to? I agree with Errata's post, stress having a negative impact on memory.

I'm having the same problem at the moment, started a part time job, after a two year break, a job that I should be used to. My job is office based, so I write instructions on post-it notes and stick them everywhere. When given instructions by your boss, I expect your mind is racing, so take a deep breath, slow down and write as much down as you can, if there are several parts to the instructions, then number each point. It gets easier, so stick with it, eventually things will become more familiar to you. I'm sure you'll be fine. I practice deep breathing exercises before I get to work and it helps.

Under 40s get things wrong too! so don't go down the road of "it must be me because I'm new and older so I must have done it wrong"

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

lilac_lady

I've not been in paid work for 2 years and feel that I couldn't go back and do the job I had for several years. The thing is - I don't want to, so I'll put up with my inability to remember everything!

Oldernotwiser

I'm hoping that my loss of memory's down to the menopause.

scotsbob

I read somewhere that someone once said. "I hope my loss of memory is down to the menopause"

I can't remember who said it or where I read it but I thought it very apt and worth sharing with you.

downshifter

scotsbob wrote: »

I read somewhere that someone once said. "I hope my loss of memory is down to the menopause"

I can't remember who said it or where I read it but I thought it very apt and worth sharing with you.

Nah, your memory is worse than mine, I would have at least remembered the quote correctly!

downshifter

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I'm hoping that my loss of memory's down to the menopause.

Menopause been and gone virtually symptomless. It's probably just stress and too much for my poor little brain to cope with all at once. Have applied for another job so there will then be no hope for me, I won't even remember my own name then. Am very pleased no-one has recommended crosswords or soduku, I never see the point in those. Thank you.

NAR

downshifter wrote: »

I won't even remember my own name then.

Sounds like you would be my perfect date - no strings mind! :rotfl::rotfl: