Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

I guess this is a bit of a moan, sorry.

I've had a little time off work due to an operation, and spending time away, and alot of it on my own, I have had time to think about life, and now with returning to work looming, I really don't want to go back to that. I work in a shop, the wages are crap, but more importantly, I get no job satisfaction.

I've made bad choices so far, which have lead to me being stuck in this job, along with me probably lacking a bit motivation and self confidence. Problem is, I don't know really what I want to do, still, or for that matter, what I can do. I've looked at loads of different jobs, but it just seems I'm not suitable for them. I'm frustrating myself, as I'm not totally useless, but I'm starting to feel like that. All I would like is something that pulls in a little more money, but where I can go home, feeling a little more satisfied, if that makes sense. I just feel at a bit of a loss right now.

billythekid

Open your own shop?

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't know where to start, and I don't have the money to put into that. I think after almost 10 years of working in retail and now getting to the point of dreading going to work, I need to get out of that line of work.

PeteBrant

You can string a sentence or two together - Ever thought about writing? Find a site that covers something that interests you, write an article, send it to them, see what happens.

Obviously not the most constructive advice ever, but might be worth doing as a step for the future.

DCI Gene Hunt

PM me a picture of yourself and I'll advise on the best career path for you

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

Pete, is that a nice way of saying I go on a bit.

Seriously though, I don't think I'd be any good. Plus I think I tend to lose my direction and just start yabbering on about nothing.

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

I really wouldn't want to put you off your food.... for life.

Clarebabes

You need to get in touch with your local adult education/careers advice service and they'll help you with the options. Our local one is nextstep Northamptonshire I can't say if there's going to be something similar near you as I don't know where you are!

I work with under 20s, but basically the advice I would give is find something you really enjoy doing and then get someone to pay you to do it.

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

Almost everything I look at needs IT skills, which is where I'm getting stuck. I want to move away from shop work, but unfortunately during my learning years, I fluffed up, and did sort of pointless A levels, and too vague a degree, but lacked the sense in studying anything to do with computers.

I don't have the money behind me to go back to learning again, maybe a part time course is an option, so long as it doesn't cost. I can use computers to a point, and I can usually pick things up quickly enough, I just don't have a qualification, but due to years in a shop, not using them, I don't even have experience to fall back on.

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

Could be worth a thought.

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

I do have a couple of friends who are computer geeks, might give them a shout, and my Mam works in HR and admin, so she might be able to lend a hand.

If I get into the inflatable, wavy arm business, you'll be the first to know.

Clarebabes

I have a good level of IT skills and NO qualifications relating to IT at all. I am self-taught and learn as I go along. If I don't know something, I ask.

Do you know how to use Word to write a letter? Do you know how to make a table and add up a row of columns in Excel? Do you know how to email people and do research on the net using Google?

If yes to all of those, that's probably about 90% of the "IT" I use at work. Yes, we have our own database, but I'm only adding info, not writing programmes!

Get yourself to learn direct and do a CLAIT course. Not going to cost much if at all. Also, our local college has a course which is called M Learning and it means that you go through the course on the PC and it takes you through everything. The course can be done whenever you want too, so you can fit it around work etc.

Seems to me people always put barriers in the way and say "I can't do...... because......" Everyone has to start somewhere and saying I can't all the time means you won't get anywhere!

pwhittle

you should be able to get some training free / cheap.
ECDL is widely recognised, and some areas pretty much compulsory. You could do it in your spare time, and the web's full of material.

DCI Gene Hunt

Richard Branson has more qualifications than me..... and I'm a multi-millionaire cage fighter

unclebuck

"Do you know how to use Word to write a letter? Do you know how to make a table and add up a row of columns in Excel? Do you know how to email people and do research on the net using Google?"

If so you are management material.....

rossi_p

iTrader: (26)

If you're fit (read athletic) enough, and have some form of qualifications.. What about the Police? They are usually after female officers.. Or maybe Fire Brigade...

Don't think you can get more job satisfaction than those two...

I have thought about dropping my current job, getting half the pay for the return of job satisfaction for either of them. But as I'm not a minority of any kind (read I'm a white, 20-something, straight male), they don't want to know.

oldsplice

Lisa, since you work in a customer facing environment at the moment, have you thought about receptionist work in a GP surgery? It will involve a bit of admin work as well and they will train you.

Paul3446

This book will give you more than enough knowledge to be a good IT Support desk person, and it's only £17.

Amazon.co.uk: Microsoft® Office Specialist Study Guide Office 2003 Edition (Epg-Other): Inc. Online Training Solutions: Electronics & Photo

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Lisa, you are very eloquent and articulate which is a rare thing these days I've PM'd you

If I had a magic solution I'd be using it on myself but I'm like you at the moment, I can't decide what to try next although I've got very interested in coffee lately so am looking into that as a possible avenue to follow

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

I didn't expect so many replies, so have no idea where to start. How about, thanks all for your suggestions, they are getting noted. I think I will definately get a little more clued up on the computer side of things, another string to the bow, and it doesn't seem like I actually have that much left to learn, maybe I was thinking I'm more useless than I really am.

OS, that could be a contender, possibly a more pleasant environment than a shop (if you know what I mean).

As for the Police/ Fire Brigade, I don't think I'm quite fit enough for that.

Sally, as I said in PM, thanks for your help, means alot.

Oh and Gene, well what can I say to that.

lozgti

Whatever you do,do something you enjoy.Money definately isn't everything.

(says he who has been stuck in an office for 20 years gagging for an outside job!)

Gav

I'm in a similar position to yourself. For about 8 years i was doing something i loved and i took it for granted, i was outside ALL the time and had a huge passion for it. It's only now i'm not doing it i realise how lucky i was before.

Like people have said, find something you enjoy and go for it

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Lisa, if writing sensible and well thought out posts on here was an occupation you'd be a multi-millionaire by now You come across as level-headed, broad of mind, objective, sensitive and INTELLIGENT

And a bit of a weekend boozer

Clarebabes

How did you know?

Lisawrx

iTrader: (1)

Ah, thanks hun. I sound quite nice.

DCI Gene Hunt

Googles *loafing*

stilover

Don't take this the wrong way Lisa, but...........


Are you fit?


I do have a female friend who is an escort. You wouldn't believe the amount of money she earns. Can easily pull £1000 a week TAX FREE without even trying.

Not to everyones cup of tea, I'll admit. She is a bit of a Nympho, and truely loves what she does. She works her own hours/days as she pleases. Yes some of the stories she tell me are something else (funny & a bit scary) but she works via a agency & works independently.

And like I say, she earns a fooking mint.