Feeling lost about job situation

mrfoxy

Hello all,

I've been mulling over my future in the last few weeks. My current job is okay. I work in a supermarket part-time and earn just enough to have a few holidays a year (if I save) and also pay bills and generally enjoy life. The problem is I work nights and I know if I worked days I'd have literally no money whatsoever. I'm in 6,000 debt and it does play on my mind and I don't have the job really to pay it off quickly.

My current problem is working nights is tough and I'm now 32. I feel absolutely lost. I started this job in college and haven't really progressed, I've seen the ladder sort of disappear over the years and I guess moving up isn't something that really interests me now. I achieved A Levels in College, English C and Media D. I also achieved an AVCE in ICT, the overall grade was rubbish but my individual units were quite good. When I left college, I had a lot of issues with my mental health and I guess I got side tracked thinking about a career.

Over the last few weeks I've been giving myself a hard time, pushing myself to find something better that pays much better. I guess I've pushed myself too hard to the point where I'm now feeling really hopeless about my current situation and the future. I honestly don't know what sort of career to do. I know I have some transferable skills such as customer service which could attract a better job elsewhere.

I'd love to go back to college or University but with the debt I already have and the bills, I'm not sure if I can even afford to do it. I guess this is why I'm feeling hopeless. I'm very impatient and want things to change quickly. But I know I may have to wait some time until my debts are reduced before going back into education.

So yeah, on the bright side I have a job, an income but I'm kind of standing still at the moment. But I'm also unsure where to take my future...

If anyone can give me any advice or encouragement or whatever, that would be great.

Thanks

pjcox2005

This is a bit left field, but I was listening to the radio this morning and they had the advert for army reserves etc - 27 day commitment but a paid role.


I've no experience of it whatsoever, although have relations in the forces, and just wonder if that's a way of improving a skill set and building confidence whilst being paid. It allows you to continue current job whilst feeling good you're actively doing something to develop.


Appreciate it won't be for everyone but may be worth a conversation.




More standard routes would be to push manager for ways to improve in job if available including any steps up to supervisor, or look at your interests and transferrable skills and see if that highlights an opportunity.

Rosemary7391

As you're only working part time, would you be able to pick up some extra shifts to pay off your debt? Even if you're not sure what you want to do next, you can start laying the groundwork down now.



Do you know what subject you want to study? You might be able to find part time or distance learning options.

[Deleted User]

Consider the OU, you would be eligible for some sort of finance.

mrfoxy

I could probably pick up 1 extra shift a week but it's difficult as hours are cut quite regularly. I'd probably look at going back into ICT or perhaps a specific area like web design. But then part of me says I should probably start applying for a customer service job but feel I'd probably end up unhappy again unless it's an Apprenticeship with qualifications.

I'm very indecisive but I guess the only person who can answer is me. My only worry is I'm getting too old to go back into education.

Rosemary7391

mrfoxy wrote: »

I could probably pick up 1 extra shift a week but it's difficult as hours are cut quite regularly. I'd probably look at going back into ICT or perhaps a specific area like web design. But then part of me says I should probably start applying for a customer service job but feel I'd probably end up unhappy again unless it's an Apprenticeship with qualifications.

I'm very indecisive but I guess the only person who can answer is me. My only worry is I'm getting too old to go back into education.

You're never too old for it my Dad did his degree (engineering) through the OU while I was a kid - graduated when I was 11.

JKGB

You're definitely not too old to go to uni or college, when I was at uni there were people in their 50s, 60s and even 70s on my course, so why not go for it?

kerri_gt

You're deff not too old to go back to education if its something you really want - I have a friend who at a similar age to you (bit older) totally changed career which has involved uni full time and she's now nearly qualified for her dream job / career with a placement lined up for when she finishes.

Les79

University is a good shout.

It will give you 3 years to figure out precisely what you want to do, just be sure to gain an idea of what you ROUGHLY want to do in the meantime (ie what subject do you like).

You could potentially get in through clearing for Sept 2018 start if you *really* wanted to, but I would suggest Sept 2019 and working in the meantime to save up some coin.

The loans/bursaries (combined with a part time job on the side) are more than enough to live off for the duration of the course. And entry requirements for some providers are quite low, so that probably wouldn't be an issue.

I'd also potentially explore your reasoning behind "I work nights and I know if I worked days I'd have literally no money whatsoever." - higher rate of pay for unsoicable hours? Or maybe no life during the daytime? Whilst night time working seems to be helpful in facilitating your holidays each year (on part time hours!)*, maybe it is having an effect on your mental health? Maybe you need to learn some money management skills in relation to operating during the day?

*That being said, where has the 6k of debt come from? You both state that "I started this job in college" and "earn just enough to have a few holidays a year (if I save) and also pay bills and generally enjoy life". So theoretically you shouldn't have any debts, because you've held a job since about 18/19 (ish) which has afforded you said luxuries. Though to be fair maybe you did go a bit overboard in the past and overstretched. Another possibility I'm thinking is gambling; only because of the phrase " I'm very impatient and want things to change quickly" - A classic line uttered by gamblers across the country.

Anyways, I'd say go for university but I do feel that there is a bit more to your situation other than the cost of doing it. Would be heplful to get that side addressed too, because otherwise you may get stuck in a loop of behaviours and wake up at 50 in the same supermarket.

mrfoxy

Les79 wrote: »

*That being said, where has the 6k of debt come from? You both state that "I started this job in college" and "earn just enough to have a few holidays a year (if I save) and also pay bills and generally enjoy life". So theoretically you shouldn't have any debts, because you've held a job since about 18/19 (ish) which has afforded you said luxuries. Though to be fair maybe you did go a bit overboard in the past and overstretched. Another possibility I'm thinking is gambling; only because of the phrase " I'm very impatient and want things to change quickly" - A classic line uttered by gamblers across the country.

Anyways, I'd say go for university but I do feel that there is a bit more to your situation other than the cost of doing it. Would be heplful to get that side addressed too, because otherwise you may get stuck in a loop of behaviours and wake up at 50 in the same supermarket.

In the past I used credit cards to fund a lifestyle. I also moved out of my parents house back in 2015 so had to invest a bit in furniture with my partner. But this year I seem to have sorted my debts onto 0% credit cards. It'll probably take me 36 months to pay it off if I don't spend at all on the cards.

I've always been a bit of a night owl but do appreciate at times it probably isn't beneficial to my mental health. That said, the option for me to go on days isn't there at the moment as where I work hours have been cut in most departments.

I think you make a great point about being stuck in a loop. It's not just the cost I guess but a little self-doubt. I'm trying my best to think positively about my situation but obviously I have stood still career wise. But I have less distractions now as an adult in my 30's than in my 20's, so should be able to make a better shot at education. A course in an ICT related field wouldn't be a bad option. I even looked at doing web design, as that's something you can do freelance work with.

My biggest worry and concern is whether I've left it far too late to turn my situation around. I could do with some positive thinking and address my anxiety I guess. But it's reassuring to hear success stories from other people and encouragement that you're never too old to find a career.

ACG

I have an AVCE in ICT! You are the only other person I have ever come across to have on.

No real advice as such other than what do you want to do?
I had all intentions of doing web design when I left college but fell in to a job with RBS, loved it and went from there.

I was useless at interviews, I knew if I stayed employed I would never get many promotions unless they were handed to me on a plate, which was never going to happen. I went self employed and have never really looked back.

Is there anything that you want to do? It does not need to be related to your exams. The exams just show that you are smart enough to get an A level. IT comes in handy in most industries so it should carry forward. As harsh as it sounds, nobody is going to hand you anything. Have a look at local companies and ask if they have jobs going, check the local papers and apply for anything of interest. Something will crop up eventually...god loves a trier.