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?

I think your "not looking for a job" sounds a bit different from many people - you say in your OP you have already a applied for a few things this week - in my view YNBU to not do any more this week -
having been made redundant -its horrible - you do need some time to take care of your self
eat well, take some exercise, see friends - are there other things that help?

I would consider a change of scenery like other posters have suggested. Part time work would help pay the bills while you write your book, and you may find you have more time and energy on your hands once you get out of city. Or a gap year doing voluntary work abroad. Basically just something to shake you up a bit and get you out there meeting new people, learning new skills etc.

Do you have a partner and/or children? If not, I'd agree with the others and plan a complete change - it will revitalise you.

My mum was in her fifties and had worked all her life, when she suddenly decided she was going to take a 'gap year'. She basically spent a year decorating and taking her dogs to the seaside.

I think that it's great that you want to write a book. I think you should give yourself a time limit, though - say a year? You have paid enough NI over years, so don't feel bad about it.

If your rents going to get paid then why not? You sound exhausted - take some time off, relax, start writing.

At least if you're in London then there's plenty of free things to do - why don't you treat it as a holiday destination for a few months and go to all the free things you can.

I know £70 doesn't go far but I read a book by a woman who went to lots of free lectures in London where there was wine and nibbles and stretched out her budget.

As long as your rent is paid by HB then you should be fine if careful for a while.

OP.

Take a month off whilst you relax, listen to the birds singing, get out for some long walks etc. BUT plan your writing strategy whilst you get some head space.

You will need the Writers and Artists Yearbook. You will need to write three chapters and synopsis. You can do that in a month or two and then return to work.

Also in the meantime you can write short stories and freelance articles. Keep sending stuff off and you will feel great.

When you do go back to work, make it something completely different. A change is as a good as a rest.

Oh and move somewhere cheaper.

YouOldSlag, agents are not interested in reading an excerpt from a novel unless the whole novel is finished. There are millions of people who have started novels and haven't finished them.

I know something about this Imperial. You write the whole of the novel and in the meantime, prepare the first three chapters and synopsis. When or if an agent or publisher gets in touch (usually about 6 or 8 weeks or longer) you should, if you have planned the novel thoroughly before writing, have a first draft or most of one.

Let's try and keep the OP positive and not give her pitfalls before she's started!
OP needn't be one of the millions who never finished one. She can also write short stories and articles and fillers whilst she is working on the novel.

I know something about it too! I have an agent.

I'm not trying to argue with you Imperial . just trying to keep the OP motivated and positive.