Help but don't judge please

brokennotbent

But I can't stay in this area so need to find a different council first then try I guess

brokennotbent

I do not sit on my a doing nothing so don't judge me giddyp, I want to do a degree in dogs but I can afford it and my dream is to be self employed with doggy work but that's not going to pay the bills right now. So yes I'm trapped

northerntwo1

brokennotbent wrote: »

I do not sit on my a doing nothing so don't judge me giddyp, I want to do a degree in dogs but I can afford it and my dream is to be self employed with doggy work but that's not going to pay the bills right now. So yes I'm trapped

Why not. My dog walker doesn't have a degree as far as I know she's just fantastic and trustworthy. I pay her to walk my dog when I'm working and that's it really, for that she gets paid very well.

beecher2

I can't think of any jobs working with animals which require a degree, other than vet work.
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobfamily/Pages/animalsplantsandland.aspx
Most young people I know who get into this area of work do so by volunteering initially. Is that something you could look into? Would build confidence, add to your experience and get you out of the house.

brokennotbent

I do get out the house but I can't rely on dog walking to pay the bills and in this area it def wont

beecher2

brokennotbent wrote: »

I do get out the house but I can't rely on dog walking to pay the bills and in this area it def wont

No, but like I say, voluntary work in the work you would like to do is going to be more useful than a degree so don't write it off. It may well give you the confidence to see you're not unemployable.

merlin68

Have you looked into local colleges, to see if they do any animal courses?
Most offer cheaper courses on ESA.
You could volunteer at a local boarding kennel. where my dog goes, uses volunteers for dog walking.
The council are unlikely to house you out of area as most require a local connection. There is also a very long wait for council properties.
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/homelessness/help_from_the_council_when_homeless/local_connection.

Caroline_a

There are a lot of animal care courses out there that quite frankly aren't worth the paper they are written on! I have been involved with some of these, and also when the original NVQ came in, and worked within the animal care employment area.

My advice to you is that doing a degree is a total waste of time and money - it will not get you work. The advice you have been given re dog walking and building that up slowly is the best - or alternatively dog training. People are prepared to pay good money to have help to train their wayward dogs - whereas if you work for someone with dogs you'll probably never get past the minimum wage.

Do you drive? That's a far more useful qualification! I know how expensive it is, but those dog walkers who can bundle 5 or 6 dogs into their car are the ones who are starting to make good money - one or 2 dogs on a lead walk won't bring much in.

You obviously know your dogs if your own are as good as you say - how about doing some obedience showing? That would get a name for you as a trainer and also get you into the 'doggy world', which is vital if you want to move forward.

Good luck - I would say go out today and put some postcards in local shops advertising what you want to do. You never know, by the end of the year you might have a thriving business - but if you just prevaricate it will never happen!

pmlindyloo

Is your doctor supportive?

From what you are saying it seems that there are a lot of issues to be sorted and you need to 'walk before you run'.

I agree that baby steps are needed.

Make an appointment with your doctor and explain how you are feeling. Perhaps some counselling or support may be helpful.

If you goggle 'volunteering + your local area' this may be a good start for you.

It can not be healthy to be in an environment that lowers your self esteem like this but, on the other hand moving out to face an independent life on your own is not easy.

Perhaps you need to focus on how you can improve your current life before you move out.

If you google MIND there may be a local support group that you could go to.

northerntwo1

brokennotbent wrote: »

I do get out the house but I can't rely on dog walking to pay the bills and in this area it def wont

I pay £50 a week - £10 a day for my walks (2 x 30 mins). Mandy has at least 6 people in my estate/street that I know of so that's a minimum of £300 a week.