not to look for a job - with no kids to look after?

[corygal]

I'm exhausted. I've just worked out my redundancy, applied for a couple of things, and spent the rest of the week NOT LOOKING FOR A JOB.

I got practically no redundancy pay - the co went bust - and so money will be an issue. But the other issues are a) that I'm 44 and condemned to renting forever as I live in London, so no incentive there to work as I cant afford my own home b) I've worked, often 2 jobs, for over 20 years c) my health is rubbish (depression, OCD) d) I want to write a book.

I can only admit this on Mumsnet. Before you start thinking tracksuit and fags, I'm a classic high achiever in a hilariously badly paid profession.

And I'm bone tired. Every minor ailment known to man afflicts me and recently all my joints have started cracking like a 21-gun salute and spraining non-stop.

I just want my days back. The dole pays prac nothing. What to do?

All those qualities and bone tired... Umm. only career that springs to mind is the oldest career..lie back, think of England and charge the bucks!!

Are you tied to London? Could you move somewhere cheaper, work part time and write part time?

Do you love / like your job enough to l

Ook for another in the same field?

If you could do anything, what would you do?

Take a bit of time to think about it, you may feel differently in a week or so. I can't say if YABU or not. You do sound knackered though. However if you are looking for vindication....um...you may not get it in AIBU.

First of all, give yourself a break. You got made redundant and that isn't your fault. You didn't ask to have to start again. Nevertheless, that is where you are. You need to think of your health first and foremost. Speak to your gp about your depression. This will help you look toward the future. Not easy to pick yourself up I know but that is what you must try and do. Just be kind to yourself. Sending

have a break then reassess

nothing tying yoiu to London? Pack up and move....I'm thinking countryside (allegedly will improve your health)

Go mad and look at scottish highlands, rent in a wee village and write your book...

Bit drastic...but at least you can say 'I've lived'

Not working and no children you'll have about £70 JSA a week to live off. You won't be exempt from looking for work. After a few months(6 maybe?) on JSA they'll start pushing you towards courses/workfare.

Can you write? Do you think it's something you're good at. Could you make something writing short stories?

Hell if school leavers can take a year out then why can't you?

Let your body and mind recover and throw yourself into your book.

Life's too damn short.

catchafallingstar Love your thinking. Have you fulfilled your dreams?

gap years for grown ups

Me too Shelly32, I am feeling inspired also.

I don't know much about benefits, but surely you'd be entitled to housing benefit too?

'All those qualities and bone tired... Umm. only career that springs to mind is the oldest career..lie back, think of England and charge the bucks!!'

WTF?

You sound ground down OP, there must be something that doesn't make you feel like that. YANBU to look for it if your life won't fall apart while you do.

Is yours the only income into the house?

Well you'll need one soonish, but no harm in having a little rest , recoup, regroup, write the first chapter and send that off.
Are you on meds?Do they need tweaking?
Sounds like you need to look after yourself.Eat well, exercise, take long baths or do you do that anyway?
Sadly, I think most of us are going to have to work up to 50 years , but that's depressing so we'll forget about that.
In terms of wanting your days back...what do you want to do with them other than write. I go truely mental when my work dries up (temporary), 2 weeks is fine, but 3 is the way madness lies and that's even with 3 kids and a dh after school hours.Woudn't your mental health getg worse in the end?

Shelly32 - I'm on my way....

oh...i'd love to write a book....ever since I was been a little girl.........

For most people, not working makes health problems worse, especically depression.

But it's OK to have a couple of weeks break from it all. Visit a friend or soemthing and relax for a week or two.

What about a change in career?

Agent zigzag was totally tongue in cheek..stupid sense of humour trying to lighten the mood..Who seriously says 'bucks'??

'Who seriously says 'bucks'??'

Thought you were one of them there americans

Yeehaaaww!

Work gives life a purpose. I went back to work when I was 44.

Work can give life purpose married, but if work and life feel like a mill stone around your neck it sometimes doesn't feel like that.

The alternative to the OP taking a break and taking stock is for her to carry on as she is and take the risk of the stone dragging her under.

Although I took the OP saying she's bone tired to mean more than her just being physically tired, and this might not be the case.

It sounds like a change of scene would give you a new lease of life. Have you considered moving abroad for a while? Is there any demand for your skills in the expat world?

I am in my forties and work in Asia- I am having the time of my life.

VSO might be just the ticket- and it might give you more experiences to write about.

Rationale that work isn't worth it unless ot means being able to afford a house makes no sense. Lots of people in london and elsewhere rent long-term, and working means more choice in terms of area / flats.

Yanbu to have time to rest and think about what to do next, eg moving to another area.

ywbu to not seek work and rely on the state to fund a "gap year" , or longer.