Need to find a job after 15 years

[Notagoodtime]

I have been a stay at home parent for the last 15 years. A decision I am beginning to really regret but that is a whole different thread! I need to earn around £100 to £150 a week. I used to work in an admin role but guessing things have moved on so not sure I would be upto speed. I suffer from mental health problems so I’m terrified to have to go somewhere to work so would ideally like something I could do from home. Any suggestions greatly received as i and really need to get myself sorted in the next couple of weeks but having panic attacks just thinking about finding a job and doubt myself about doing anything.

I don't really know much about work from home stuff but you'll have to sort out or have an idea of who you will put as your references. Maybe make a start in updating your CV - is there any courses or studying you've done that can be added. Most applications don't require cvs now anyway but it's good to have all the details you need to fill in applications to hand. Good luck!

contact the national careers service for advice- and consider doing some free on line courses to brush up on it skills. Volunteering is a good way in but takes time.
lots of schools are struggling to fill ta posts.

And I wouldn't rule out going out to work - a part time retail job would be ideal - fairly easy to pick up, make friends, not too strict on references. Online shopping for supermarkets is not a bad shout as the shifts are not too long, you can socialise a little but at the same time you're focused on your own individual pick rate so you can't talk too much.

Given how long you've been out of work I would suggest that you start back gradually to give yourself some time to adjust to working.

Can you look for supermarket/shop/retail/cafe work? Aim for 10-15 hours per week and really focus on doing the best job you can in that time. All of those jobs will give you full training and not expect you to know anything.

Then, once you've been back into work for 6 months or so you would be able think about retraining or getting back to speed with your admin

Look for a job doing anything for a while to earn what you need to earn. Then also look at volunteering with somewhere like CAB who will give you training and you can learn basic admin skills.

If you've got mental health problems and lack confidence, you'd be much better getting out of the house and working with people face to face. You'll find it much more supportive and you'll have people around you to ask questions of.

What sort of job do you think you would like? You may not get your ideal job immediately but if you have a plan it may feel more positive.

I would suspect that many jobs would not want you working from home for the start- they may want you in for an induction period. Then there may be options to work from home for some/ all of the time

Good Luck!

Mental health problems are not an excuse or a get out clause to not doing anything with your life. Everyone feels anxious about change. It's perfectly normal.
I have complex PTSD, anxiety and hallucinations and hear voices. I'm medicated and I work in a very stressful medical job full time in the NHS.
I have monthly supervision with the resident psychiatrist to make sure my hallucinations are under control.
Work is my absolute lifeline and means I was able to buy my own home, raise my son alone and have a good quality of life with holidays xnd hobbies.
If I didn't work I'd have been on benefits for years getting sicker and sicker and would have achieved nothing with my life.
I've done 41 years in the NHS now and have 7 years to go.
Work has Ctually greatly improved my mental health.
Get out there and do it.

Can you do some volunteering a few hours a week with a charity or not for profit.
That might act as a bridge.
Try to think of a smaller step you can take in the real world because at the minute it's just all in your head.
Look around for local volunteer agencies or job support courses. Like a back to work course or Returners courses. Or office admin course in your local adult education centre. Those are usually taught by understanding and supportive people who will be on your side.