What advice would you give

Alikay

Why do you think you need to return to education to progress? You've already got a job in manufacturing...presumably a full time permanent position if you're living independently and paying a mortgage. It's not at all unusual for keen, bright dependable assembly line workers to make team leader, shift supervisor then step into management. It won't happen overnight, but the world is full of people who have worked their way up slowly, building on skills and knowledge rather than parachuting into a senior role armed a PHD and no experience! Just show that you're keen, bright and willing to go that bit further, and seize any opportunities for further training.

I don't think you're the only one to feel a bit socially isolated either, but there are lots of things you can do which don't require special skills... walking groups, volunteering (there are websites like do-it.org that have loads of opportunities), joining a gym etc. There's also no reason you can't go travelling - OK an extended trip isn't an option at present, but you can book your fortnight's annual leave, hop on a ferry or Ryanair flight with your rucksack and have a great time travelling solo round Europe on trains and buses.

hazyjo

I'm not really one for going out to do hobbies. I enter competitions, am on a couple of the boards here, and do the occasional thing (once in a blue moon) like making cards, jigsaws, writing, reading... You don't really need a hobby as such if you don't want one. I'm older and now just love my nights in! I have several groups of friends that I see a lot of, but we just go out to eat and chat.


You might find an evening class that motivates you - like photography. I did Sociology GCSE evening class, simply because I wanted to. It was sometimes hard to motivate myself, but I enjoyed it immensely so did work hard and actually did my homework (unlike at school!).


It's unusual to be charged by an EA for removing a property from the market (unless they have found you a buyer) so check your contract carefully.


Jx

onomatopoeia99

hazyjo wrote: »

It's unusual to be charged by an EA for removing a property from the market (unless they have found you a buyer) so check your contract carefully.

Online agencies charge a fixed fee which is low compared to high street agencies, but payable whether the property sells or not.

It worked for me as my home sold and I paid about 20% of what I would have done with any of the local high street agencies, but had it not sold I'd have had to pay anyway.

gwynlas

I believe the ages of 16-25 are very difficult as most people have been guided down the education or work route with no real plan for the long term. Some have entered relationships and had children before sorting themselves out. On the surface you are doing quite well, a property and regular work that pays the bills but you are dissatisfied.
I had started a number of jobs at first catering and a hotel management course then a 9-5 role in civil service which I hated.
I sought career counselling and talked to friends prior to applying for psychiatric nurse training and didn't look back having the opportunity to work in a number of roles from nursing to residential and field social work. I did not have my dyslexia and dyspraxia diagnosed until I was in my forties which explained a lot of my previous difficulties.
I would advise you to seek careers guidance, check on line there are programmes that guide you considering your strengths. Consider talking to an educational psychologist or counsellor to voice your own thoughts on what you would like to do and how you might achieve these goals.
You will have to work for over 40 years before you retire so deciding what will make you content is a really big decision.
Essentially you are in a good place and taking responsibility for your own well being.

Good Luck

mai_taylor

You could always go to a careers fair to get some ideas. What about an apprenticeship? My husband is training to be an electrician. It's four days on the job and a day at college. He has to do a bit of course work at home but not much.

TBagpuss

Think about the types of things which you enjoy, and what you would like to do, and go from there.

For instnace, you say you used to play football but stopped becuase you felt you weren't good enough. What did yuou enjoy abou playing? Are there other things, such as coaching, training to become a referee or linsesman or something of that kind which you might find enjoyable or rewarding? What about other sports, perhaps those where you measure your acheivements againt yourslef, and see how you are progressing, rather than necessarily comparing yourself with others.

Similarly with the music - you say you can't ptogress because you don't have the contacts - what do you want to progree to? What contacts do you think you ned? If the issue is about finding others so that you can start a band and have the chance to perform, then you could try advertising or looking for others doing so. if you already have a band but lack contacts in the record industry then think about looking for small, local gigs - some venues have open mic evenings, or may take on unknown bands as support acts, you can also put your music out thre via you tube and other social media and see where it takes you.

If you work in a large organsaiation, ask about opportunities for progression, further training and so on. They mau not be any, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Think about what tyoe of work you might enjoy - you can then find out what (if any) specific qualificationbs would be needed and look into getting them. My brother took a while to get his career off the ground as didn't have a very celar idea what he wanted to do, and when he worked it out, he needed a relevant degree (he had been to university, but his degree didn't cover all the necessary ground and he only had a 3rd, which wasn't great) He took an OU degree, got a first, and got into a graduate program with his first choice of employer, and has been doing very well since, but it took a while to work out what he wanted to do, and how he could get to the point where he could do it. He also, not incidentally, had quite a lot of relevant experience gained through hobbies, and that didn't hurt!

As others have said, if you own your own home and have a steady job you are in a better position than a lot of people your age, but no-one else can decide for you what you want to do, or what you can change to make you happier.

hazyjo

onomatopoeia99 wrote: »

Online agencies charge a fixed fee which is low compared to high street agencies, but payable whether the property sells or not.

It worked for me as my home sold and I paid about 20% of what I would have done with any of the local high street agencies, but had it not sold I'd have had to pay anyway.

I know, I'm using one in Jan But they do usually allow you up to a year to sell which I suppose the OP might later...


Jx

BMTH

Cheers everybody for the helpful replies, I'm overwhelmed. And just for the record, my post wasn't a 'look at what I've got' remark or anything like that. I genuinely meant every word I said and I honestly appreciate every reply.

I've notice a re-occuring theme with a few things, such as filtering out what I do and don't like in terms of looking for a career, so I'll get onto that ASAP. What I do know is that I prefer working in a team rather than on my own so that's a start...

Hopefully that will open gates to a new hobby or interest, or I might just remove my head from the sand and get back to playing football/going to the gym or pursuing the drums some more.

DigForVictory

If you can carry a tune, do a set of weights & hold a rhythm, odds on you could be an asset to your local scout group. (Assistant Scout Leader here, happily recruiting for the cause.) Seriously - you not only get taught the basics of running a scout pack ( & that can lead into social work qualifications, management qualifications & of course first aid) but you join the Family Of Scouts who have connections pretty much everywhere. (None of whom you need to send a Christmas card to.)

Have a dekko here and see if you fancy getting to know your area a bit better, meet loads of new folks of all ages & have a stonking good night out at least one night a week.

marisco_2

BMTH wrote: »

I posted a week or so back that my circumstances had changed - the property is actually on the market and I'm about to take it off as I was going travelling (long story) but now staying where I am which means I'm going to lose £800 in estate agent fees.

At 24 with no dependants you quite literally have the world at your feet. It is all there for the taking. My advice is to change your mind on the above. Sell up and take that huge step to travel as far and for as long as you can. You will never regret it and it could be the making of you. The happiest days of my life were when I travelled extensively in my late teens and early 20s. Memories of those times often keep me sane now I am in my 40s with responsibilities that often overwhelm me.