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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder is there a job for me

15 replies

onlyoranges · 02/05/2018 19:40

I have had a difficult few years. Lost both parents in one year and my ds was very, very poorly, then I was diagnosed with a disease that meant I have to give up my beloved career. I am now in remission (touch wood) and feel I need something to occupy me and use all the qualifications I have acquired over the years. So, my background is social work, got some counselling qualifications, smoking cessation, running parenting classes, training foster carers, lots of group work. Although my health is fairly stable I don’t want to be too tied so really need to work part time for myself as there are still some days I don’t feel great. Does anyone have any ideas of what I could make of my life as I claw my way back? My confidence is very low so I am struggling to come up with ideas. Thanks.

OP posts:
ThreeJoeys · 02/05/2018 19:43

Open up to new possibilities? I work in tech and there are high demands for testers, business analysts, developers, and most skills you can learn yourself online. It is harder to fill these positions than finding a job for one.

HeedMove · 02/05/2018 19:45

Can you not do private counselling from your home? Then you can take on as may clients as you want?

Sosososcandalous · 02/05/2018 19:47

Life coaching from your home? Or is there a community centre who would hire you to give classes in some of the things you mentioned?

RandomMess · 02/05/2018 19:49

I'm surprised you can't pick up work with social services running then as a consultant type thing.

Original poster
onlyoranges · 02/05/2018 19:55

Thanks for the ideas. Eventually I would like to return to social work in some form but my health is still a little unpredictable and the stress levels are more than I am ready for. My consultant isn’t actually keen on me ever returning to social work as he wants me to monitor my stress levels as we have run out of treatments now so it’s important I do everything I can to stay in remission. Sosososcandalous do you think there is much call for life coaching? Maybe I should be contacting one ☺️

OP posts:
Vangoghsear · 02/05/2018 19:57

Perhaps look at working in FE college, part time teaching health and social care - your experience would be valued. If teaching is too big a step at the moment maybe a learning support assistant role with a view to teaching later.

Uniglo18 · 02/05/2018 19:57

While you're looking for your ideal job, could you volunteer at your local citizen advice bureau, refuge or a charity like Refuge or Women's Aid or in a field which interests you? You have a massive range of qualifications & experience which would interest these types of organisations. Also, while you're volunteering you'll get to know of permanent roles that you could apply for. Plus, volunteering will help to keep your C.V. active and relevant while picking up new skills.

University student welfare departments always look for people from your professional background. Have a look at your local university website for suitable posts.

Welshmaenad · 02/05/2018 19:58

Have you ever done Form F assessments (I'm assuming you're a QSW) maybe start with some freelance Form F work, see how you get on? They're always advertising for ISWs to do Form Fs in my area. No good for me as my background is Adults. I feel you though, I'm taking a break from work for health reasons and I'm so sad about it, I love social work but it is exhausting.

Ylvamoon · 02/05/2018 19:59

I second Tech ... It's easy to learn of you have common sense and are able to memorize simple pathways.
There is plenty free stuff online and if you have the right attributes employers will be training you up for their needs.

RandomMess · 02/05/2018 19:59

I was think more the fostering and adoption courses that the agencies run...

Universities worth a look at too as suggested.

ButchyRestingFace · 02/05/2018 20:01

How fast can you type? I work in communication support (BSL) but I know of some people who work as electronic notetakers with deaf people in colleges, business meetings, community, etc. They can earn quite a lot and most of them are self-employed.

Original poster
onlyoranges · 02/05/2018 20:08

I do volunteer at a couple of places. Did it to help with the loneliness I have felt since I became ill and build my confidence. Yes, I have done form Fs but my confidence is just so low the thought of approaching a LA feels a big step. I feel pathetic saying that. I used to do alsorts with my job and was always so busy and now leaving the house can be a struggle some days! You are all so kind trying to help me figure this out, thank you. I really appreciate it. It can be hard figuring out the way forward on your own sometimes can’t it.

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RandomMess · 02/05/2018 20:38

Many schools have Home school support workers..,

CreativeMumma · 02/05/2018 20:47

I don't have any advice, i just wanted to say you are not alone, I stopped woking 10yrs ago due to health and then babies. Although my condition is stable i'm not sure it would stay that way if the role was to stressful. I don't want to end up where i started health wise but i really want to do something!

Good luck with your search.

Original poster
onlyoranges · 02/05/2018 22:06

It’s really hard creativeMumma life is complicated but once you have lost your health it’s hard to figure out what to do. I hope you find something that suits you too x

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