Latest update and so on

[lostmyway]

OK...

So i started my 2nd OU uni module and passed that and am on my 3rd module and then its onto level 2.  Everyday seems to be the same since i finished work and i see nobody cept my mother who i live with.  I don't have the energy to try and change things or the desire and so on... I tried to go to the gym which i wanted to go to 3 times a week but that seems to be diminishing somewhat right now.  I seem to have a complete lack of interest in things (I have just turned 44).  I am very introverted and find socialising a bit of a pain.

I haven't worked since April 2013 and that bothers me ( its an increasing worry to me as each week goes by).  The feelings of melancholy and isolation will not leave me alone and find it a real battle not to give in to my life situation right now.  The only good thing is that i am not broke as i managed to save money from my last employment.  I hope to get a much better job in the future but without the commercial experience I need.. its tough.  Others say I have lost my work ethic, am kinda lazy and so on. Depression does that to people unfortunately and only so many rejections can one person take before it can effect you.  My last job was in a warehouse and it was very physically demanding, the hours were unsociable too and long.  I wish I had answers to make everything better ... but even now I don't.

I would say I feel life is passing me by and I guess i DO feel like that lately. I am sure I am not the only one to experience this but it's not easy to bear everyday  All i seem to do nowadays is watch TV, surf the web/study and occasionally go to the gym..and eat/sleep... This is my life.

[Amanda_George]

Have you thought about taking up a totally new and different type of job?  I don't know what you are studying, but, for example, if you are qualified/studying in the scientific area, try something creative or if your job keeps you indoors, try something outside?  That sorta thing?

For example I'm qualified to work with children and as an admin assistant but my physical disabilities mean that I can't do that any more so I've taken up writing for children as a hobby to engage the creative part of my brain... could you maybe do something like that?   

[beautydylan]

I know how it feels to be unemployed for a long time 

It's good that you're studying, maybe you could use your studies to become self employed? If what you're studying is something you can do self employed 

[Pip]

It is easy to get increasingly isolated when you're unemployed .... been there, worn the cap, worn the t-shirt .....

Have you thought about voluntary work or part time work?

I never thought I would see the day that I would be a volunteer for a lunch club let alone three a week as my background is admin officer then nursing. It's opened my eyes that it can be fun and it's a good way to make friends.  It may be worth your while checking around your local area for churches that do different activities you can get involved with.  For example at my church, apart from two lunch clubs a week, has an art class, curling team practise, two cookery evenings - one to teach people to cook and healthy eating - day club oncea week (for the elderly, playgroup and other stuff.  You don't have to be a Christian to help / get involved.

[lostmyway]

Voluntary work is all well and good but it doesn't pay any bills.  Of course we have to spend money to get there and come back home. I am doing computing and IT at the moment.  Self-employment i am not so sure about, it would need sufficient investment to make that work and i would have to study the market to see if there are any niches or whatever.

Yes I have thought about other jobs that I would like to do but without commercial experience its not easy. Companies don't want to know.  Its all about what you've done before not really if u have letters after your name.

[Amanda_George]

Could you maybe talk up the computing and IT that you're doing and that you are studying to improve yourself and try and steer the interview to things you can do sorta thing?  Are you applying for jobs you've seen at the Job Centre or are you with a temping agency or anything like that?  You can do this, LostMyWay... I believe in you!