Very out of practice at organising anything big and being productive after 10 years not working

[sevenseasoftea]

I haven't worked for over 10 years. I am not on benefits but had to give up work due to ill health and have been supported by my DH, I do get my stamp paid.

I do typically do all the housework and cooking. I did go to university and I have a masters degree and would like to dust off some old skills to hopefully get back to work at some point, ideally for myself. I was sitting this afternoon trying to come up with a plan of all the things I'd like to or need to do to get where I want to be and it just seems so overwhelming. The truth is that I haven't had to plan or follow through with a big project with lots of different "moving parts" in years now and I am just so out of practice at that kind of thing.

To top it all off I am still not well unfortunately, I've been in pain all day but trying to push through but I just feel like I will struggle to get back to a place where I can get up and tackle a busy day of work. Some of it is my health but some of it is also just not being out of practice doing that kind of thing.

Has anyone else been in this position and have any tips to offer?

Volunteer?
Temp?

Dip your toe in the water and start with the easiest possible thing you can and build up. You'll probably surprise yourself. Managing projects is a bit like riding a bike. You don't really forget.

I wouldn't overthink it. Just get started.

@MichaelatheMechanic I appreciate that, I just worry that if I temp or volunteer I'll just let people down as I am still often too ill to do much. That is why I'd like to work for myself so I can work around the times I am well enough to. I do get why you suggest that though as of course having an external place to be who probably be good to get back in the practice of doing things.

What skills do you have? There might be charity or community group that are crying out for something you can offer on a flexible basis.

I work for a charity and would be thrilled if someone who's good at ebaying approached me. Or social media skills. Or data entry. Or marketing. Or any number of other skills.

Don't overthink this. Get your cv together and get applying. That in itself will keep you busy.

Start networking online - get yourself a linked in profile and go from there

Start putting word out amongst your working friends - not for any favours but their perspectives, experiences and tips.

Brush up on basic skills -
Word, excel, Teams

Just get out there and do something that plays to your strengths.