To feel really scared and trapped?

[scaredekat]

To start with I am not a greatly confident person - I am quiet and shy but am not a hermit or anything. I really don't like confrontation.

Where I work there are a lot of strong characters and I am not one of them. There are constant battles, gossip and put downs. My team leader has a way of making me feel like an idiot if I have a question or if I need some help with my work if I take a week of leave. Somehow I should be able to magically fit in 4 weeks work into 3 when it is a struggle normally. I have worked here for 8 years and, when I started I had dreams of moving up or into different areas, but now I just don't feel capable.

There is a lot of favouritism and I am not a favourite. :(

Plus there really are no jobs around here and I can't afford not to work. I am just miserable and don't know what to do. I know I should be grateful for a job and I am but I dread going every day. I don't really have any skills or experience other than admin.

Admin is a good skill. You could start by looking for another job. Have you looked at agencies? They will have permanent positions on their books, this is how dh found his job. You could try registering with some.

Could you do some evening classes to try and develop your skills?

You're starting to lose your confidence, so try and be aware that you're not the one at fault, it's the people at work who are doing this and they sound like a bad lot to be working with. Try to maintain your self esteem by concentrating on your good points and what you're capable of.

strong characters they sound like bullies to me

those that love to tell you they are a strong character are not but they want you to beleive they are

agree with evening classes even if it is something that you like but not work related it could be something you can focus on. mixing with others, enjoying and achieving something is great for building confidence

please do not let them make you feel bad because you are not playing along with their games

Sounds like bullying to me too OP. Is there an HR department? Write down ALL of the incidents which make you feel bad on a day to day basis...even if YOU think they're "silly" or not important...if they make you feel bad get them down. You should speak to someone higher than your team leader about this in a months time and tell them all!