want to leave job and hibernate

tactful

tylerjames wrote: »

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I would like to ask how do you find a job you enjoy? I can't say I've had a job I enjoy, they have always been jobs I can just about put up with.

I'd sit down and get a pen and paper and just start brain-storming about what you enjoy. What excites you. Forget about work while doing this. What would make you want to get out of bed in the morning, and come home feeling satisfied in the evening? Just brainstorm this, don't try to categorise your ideas just write down whatever comes into your head.

Once you have a pretty full page. Stand back and start reading it. What connections are there? What kind of categories do the things fall into? Categorise your ideas.

Now start trying to think about types of jobs that might involve some of the ideas / activites you have written down. A good starting point would be --direct-gov-uk--- (can't post a link here, but i can pm you if you're unsure of address from that!) - the JCP jobs site is actually the biggest in Europe so well worth a look.

Set yourself some goals. I'm going to apply for one job a night for the next two weeks? perhaps. But don't just apply. Become creative with your applications. What's the best way you can maximise your chances of being noticed? Perhaps if the company is local walk in and ask to speak to the recruiting manager? At the minimum put a covering note with your application - mention you have thought long hard and this job appeals because of the activites and behaviours you'll need to succeed really appeal. You have selected this job and you really want it. Sell yourself

tylerjames wrote: »

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I see many jobs and think I could never do that.

Something I learnt a while ago is that the first step to breaking out of a mundane job into one that excites you or at least stimulates your mind, is going for jobs that you don't think you're ready for just yet.

I remember when I applied for my current job the job description was crazy. It made it sound like you had to be a genius to get the job. Then I spent some time in the kind of environment I might work in if successfull (another good tip, is set your own work experience up, don't rely on the Jobcentre to do this. This shows great initiative). When I saw the people doing the job I wanted to apply for - I thought, wow I'm better than them, if they can do it I can!

There's a principle 'The Peter Principle' - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Principle people are promoted to their level of incompetance. Why is that? Because people that go for engaging jobs and promotion always go for jobs beyond them, mostly they upskill in the new role (usually through experience) - but eventually they peak. If everyone only applied for jobs they thought they could do, this principle would hardly exist. See a job you like, and go for it! You are human, and by your own admission, fairly smart

tylerjames wrote: »

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Every job seems to be a compromise, putting on an act, not being yourself.

Yeah it's true but this can be fun if you get used to it. It's about being professional. It's perfectly natural to act and behave differently in the workplace to how you would in your social life. Professionalism is about behaviour, you don't need to be professsional in your private life, but you do in work - this is fine.

I also had similiar thoughts to you in the past on this subject until someone pointed out to me, you can behave differently in work (it's natural too, and actually no doubt essential in most jobs) - however the key is your integrity. Always be true to yourself. I think this will be much easier for you to do if you find a job you enjoy

Good luck, you're starting an exciting chapter
Only a very small % of the population take action to end their dissatisfaction, so if you do something, you are already in the winning tier!

POPPYOSCAR

tactful wrote: »

@Poppyoscar I see your point, and I certainly wouldn't advocate someone to make a long term plan out of living on benefits. OP has a mortgage and has stated he has some savings. My view is you get one go at life. I would hate to see OP (or anyone else) grind out an existance in a job they do not enjoy. Life is far too short imo!

I agree.

But I am sure lots of people would love to leave the job they are doing, but it pays the bills.If everyone was to do this and rely on benefits the system would collapse.


Yes the Op has a property and some savings, so with the right planning, it may be possible to live a more fulfilling life without relying on benefits - I hope so anyway.

lemontart

what about renting your place out and taking off in motorhome or likewise, I would love to do this but have responsibilities so not in a position to do so, though am looking very hard at options with a major review of the money side coming up in November when the endowment matures (shortfall so will still have a mortgage) or move of house which ever comes first.

Then I will know how much I need to pay the bills with and can look at my employment and see if I can at least go part time.

marvin

mynameistallulah wrote: »

Reread the OP - he knows he would have to find a new job after his "break".

And I was suggesting something they may, or may not, have thought about.

rosered1963

tylerjames: Try to answer these questions without thinking too hard about them:

If you had the choice of either working with people or machinery, which would you choose?

You don't like being told what to do - could you be self-employed and make your own decisions and career?

Do you only think about taking a risk or would you actually do it? Have you taken calculated risks before whether they have paid off or not?

You don't like hard physical work but you wouldn't like to sit in front of a computer all day - if you had to choose between one or the other, which would it be?

Are you happy in your own company for long periods?

What are your passions in life?

Where would you like to live - town or country?

Do you have anyone depending on you, or are you completely free to do what you want where you want?

If you can answer these it will help to steer you in the right direction a bit.

dandelionclock30

tactful wrote: »

"Ignorance"... "told you".. capitlisation. I am "entitled".

You sound quite aggressive and bitter. I hope you find some peace soon!

p.s. You do not get to decide what 'your' taxes are spent on. Welcome to Great Britain.

p.p.s I am also paying taxes, as is the OP.

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So somebody elce has noticed too.

sc1_2

tactful wrote: »

"Ignorance"... "told you".. capitlisation. I am "entitled".

You sound quite aggressive and bitter. I hope you find some peace soon!

p.s. You do not get to decide what 'your' taxes are spent on. Welcome to Great Britain.

p.p.s I am also paying taxes, as is the OP.

I agree completely.

Know-it-alls are rife here and they invariably try to shove their point of view agressively down your throat. Best ignored.

The op would do well to ignore the negativity and take the good from this thread. Make changes, use your own conscience and at least try to be happy.

lulu650

I love tactful's response, good advice with excellent observations on life and work.

I'm in my 50s now in a job I love, good money, colleagues, work from home, meet new people, argue/debate/discuss in meetings and travel etc. I can work beyond 65 if I want to and reduce to part time. I would never had this job and never would have envisaged this job if I hadn't taken some chances with my life. I remember being in a job I hated when I was young because I needed to pay the bills. The thought of still being in that position now fills me with horror.

There's an advantage in being single with no responsibilities when you only have yourself to worry about. Although being married/partnered means there's someone else to help with the bills.

I went to university in my 40s after several years studying with the OU in a barely min.wage job whilst my husband was the main wage earner. Got a high paying job which allowed my husband to downshift into a lower paid job. Got stressed/depressed and left that job with no idea of what I wanted to do but knowing I needed to have a break. After two months and getting to the point of absolute boredom found this job and went to the interview with no high expectations.

I knew I would like this job but it's only with very good induction training, continuing training and several years that I can say that I'm good at my job and really enjoy it. Being part of an interview panel for others coming into the company, I think, without realising it, I aimed for a lot higher than my education/background experience qualified me for. But then life's full of surprises and so it should be....

I hadn't heard of Peter's Principle before and have just found out I'm a perfect example!

You need some excitement in your life OP, don't hibernate, make some definite plans for the rest of your life and good luck

smiales

tylerjames wrote: »

hi, i know there are a lot of people desperate for a job, but i am the opposite right now.

i am doing a low end job which is very repetitive and there is no progression or challenge. it isn't a hard job, but it just feels pointless.

i would like to have 6 months to a year off work. i want to hibernate and recharge. i want to leave the curtains shut, get up whenever my body wants to. i want to listen to loads of music, watch loads of films, go out for long runs, learn to cook.

every month however i reminded i have to pay £500 on a mortgage, i could manage this for a while but at the end of the day i'd have to find a job again. should i take the risk and enjoy myself for a while?

I relate exactly to how you feel......then a few days ago I was informed I am going to be made redundant. I have mixed feelings, I'm nervous about my finances but also feel a huge sense of anticipation, I want more than a crappy job that I don't like and doesn't pay well. I don't want to live my life for the weekend (in which I generally 'recover' from being so tired).

Do whatever you can to change your life, how about studying while you are off, that way you could learn about something you enjoy. Don't focus on where it will take you, focus on what you enjoy.

Finally, ignore the people on here who think it is your duty to stay in a job you hate because "we'd all like to walk on the beach" - that is just jealousy that you might have the guts to change your life and they don't. Also ok, if you ended up relying on the system it isn't great but I bet you wouldn't do it for long and potentially it could make you a better member of society - maybe you'd end up earning loads in a better job and you would pay more tax! Let's remember you want to do this for a few months, many many people have never worked from the day they left school. Any anger probably should be aimed in their direction, not yours. I also fear that if you don't do this you will burn out and then chances are you will be sick and off much longer.

Everyone has a right to be happy, life is too short to be miserable.

Now I just have to listen to my own advice!

tylerjames

If you had the choice of either working with people or machinery, which would you choose?

definitely people

You don't like being told what to do - could you be self-employed and make your own decisions and career?

yes i would consider self employment

Do you only think about taking a risk or would you actually do it? Have you taken calculated risks before whether they have paid off or not?

i generally just think about things, and only act on them if i feel very strongly

You don't like hard physical work but you wouldn't like to sit in front of a computer all day - if you had to choose between one or the other, which would it be?

out of the two i'd choose the desk job, but would have to take a walk at lunch / go for a run after work to burn off physical energy..

Are you happy in your own company for long periods?

yes pretty much, more than most

What are your passions in life?

music, food, sports betting

Where would you like to live - town or country?

prefer country but would like a village/small town with a few pubs/shops nearby

Do you have anyone depending on you, or are you completely free to do what you want where you want?

free to do what i want