Help myself back to work

wilsooon

Hope someone can give me some advice.

I've been unable to work due to depression for 6 years now. I've chiefly worked in admin roles, but for a very long time before my illness just as a temp. I've got no particular experience in any one role, and I'm now (gulp!) 40. In the current situation I'm not exactly employable but I don't quite know what to do about it.

The logical thing to do, I guess, would be to look for some form of voluntary work - but to be honest my health still isn't brilliant and I have too many bad days to be able to commit to anything on a regular basis.

What I thought I might be able to manage was some kind of home study - hopefully this would make me more employable and also show that I've not completely wasted my time.

Does anyone have any ideas on whether this is a good idea? And also any suggestions on what training might be useful - computer based, or IT, or I don't know, medical secretary - type stuff?

Any and all suggestions very gratefully received, I know I've got almost no chance of finding a job but I'm just hoping that I could at least improve my chances for when (when!) I'm well enough to work again.

Thanks for your help.

fedster

Agencies recruit for most Warehouses, basic Warehouse Operative work anyone can get in, i have worked with people in the past who have had Criminal Records,People who have had no Work Experience whatsoever, people who cant speak English, so there are Jobs out there.

SarEl

Whilst no form of study is pointless, I would suggest that the only thing that is going to show potential employers that you are reliable is work experience. Why not get some advice about volunteering opportunities rather than make assumptions about it? You should have a volunteer bureau somewhere close at hand. Go and have a chat with them. Explain about your health and worries about bad days and not wanting to let people down. They aren't just there to find volunteers - they are also there to find the right volunteering opportunities for people who want to volunteer! You may be a bit of a challenge - but that is a long way off saying that they won't find you anything. And activity of this sort may help to "ground" you - helping you have more good days than bad. There is nothing like having a good reason to get out of bed and out of the house, even when you don't always feel 100%. Lot's of people go to work without having a better reason than they have to, so if you could find something that makes you want to get up, all the better - for you and for the people you are volunteering with.

EllaBeagle

How about a Bookkeeping course? You could set up from home freelance. All you need is microsoft excel and few bits and bobs so its very cheap to start up. Vistaprint are good for all your business cards and flyers.

You may find that doing a little course lifts your mood as it will give you something to take your mind off things and when you get that certificate you'll feel so proud of yourself.

tomjonesrules

EllaBeagle wrote: »

How about a Bookkeeping course? You could set up from home freelance. All you need is microsoft excel and few bits and bobs so its very cheap to start up. Vistaprint are good for all your business cards and flyers.

You may find that doing a little course lifts your mood as it will give you something to take your mind off things and when you get that certificate you'll feel so proud of yourself.

A nice idea but the OP would really need to do their research first. Experienced bookkeepers are ten a penny in most areas, so someone with no experience is unlikely to attract any work.

I agree that voluntary work is the best way to gain experience, and it tends to be a more supportive environment than "normal" employment also.

wilsooon

fedster Thanks for that idea, whilst I'd rather stick to office work I know I really can't afford to be too picky. It would definitely be a step in the right direction and show that I can hold down a job.

SarEl Very good point about having a reason to get up and out of the house. I think I should have tried looking at myself as a 'challenge' before now, rather than a 'problem' or even an 'impossible case'!

You've both given me something to think about, many thanks for that.

wilsooon

Ellabeagle/tomjonesrules Good ideas all. I think perhaps I'll look into voluntary work in the new year - maybe I need to give myself a kick up the backside and develop a more positive outlook!

CruisingSaver

SarEl wrote: »

Whilst no form of study is pointless, I would suggest that the only thing that is going to show potential employers that you are reliable is work experience. Why not get some advice about volunteering opportunities rather than make assumptions about it? You should have a volunteer bureau somewhere close at hand. Go and have a chat with them. Explain about your health and worries about bad days and not wanting to let people down. They aren't just there to find volunteers - they are also there to find the right volunteering opportunities for people who want to volunteer! You may be a bit of a challenge - but that is a long way off saying that they won't find you anything. And activity of this sort may help to "ground" you - helping you have more good days than bad. There is nothing like having a good reason to get out of bed and out of the house, even when you don't always feel 100%. Lot's of people go to work without having a better reason than they have to, so if you could find something that makes you want to get up, all the better - for you and for the people you are volunteering with.

I completely agree with this post. For your own situation at the moment volunteering is probably the best fit for you in terms of what you are able to commit to.

You may also find something through this route that you want to study further.

Good luck!:D

EllaBeagle

tomjonesrules wrote: »

A nice idea but the OP would really need to do their research first. Experienced bookkeepers are ten a penny in most areas, so someone with no experience is unlikely to attract any work.

I agree that voluntary work is the best way to gain experience, and it tends to be a more supportive environment than "normal" employment also.

OP asked for an idea. I gave him an idea. I am an experienced Bookkeeper who works from home so just thought I'd share a suggestion.

"I agree that voluntary work is the best way to gain experience, and it tends to be a more supportive environment than "normal" employment also."

Well done with your advice, very well thought out :T

dippykitty

I'm involved with a local charity and I'm not sure if this is the norm as it's the only one I've worked for but since I've been there, we have had a fair few volunteers with no set days who come in when they have the time to spare. To be honest, we're so grateful for additional support that it's really not an issue if they can't commit to set days/times. Just thought I'd throw that out there to offer some encouragement if you do decide to look into volunteering in the New Year.

slig

If you could manage a combination of volunteer work AND home study it would look great on your CV, if you could manage it, and would be good for leading you in to a paid job when you're ready.

Re the the home study, what are you interested in? If you study something that interests you then you are more likely to stick with it. An advanced MS office qualification would be very useful, but if you have a particular interest in doing something else, then do that instead/first - whatever you do will be something to talk about in future interviews and will show that you are able to see things through and are willing to learn.

Good luck!