Probably just need a rant, not sure what anyone on here can do but I can’t speak to my family/friends IRL as they’ll only worry about me if they know that I’m feeling down.
So basically, I’ve always been in low paid entry level jobs, mainly child care. I didn’t do very well in school due to being bullied for years. I absolutely hated going and ended up skipping school for nearly 6 months until they moved me to special education. I don’t think I even completed any GCSE’s (honestly can’t remember, it’s such a blur and I’ve never received any certificates so I’m assuming I didn’t sit the tests). I haven’t got a lot going for me, I don’t think I’m very clever to be honest but I know what I’m doing when it comes to looking after kids. I’ve worked with them for over 9 years so I have plenty of experience and knowledge, but that’s about it.
I’ve worked in nurseries and schools previously. I’m currently a private nanny and have been for the last few years. I enjoy it but I always have to seek out a new job every couple of years as once the kids go off to full time school I’m no longer needed, I feel like I have no job security at all. I have all the necessary qualifications including a Level 2 diploma which I completed whilst I worked in the nursery. I’ve always been interested in becoming a childcare/NVQ assessor but many of the roles require the candidate to be Level 3 qualified. I’m unable to complete the qualification whilst being a nanny as they require me to have a supervisor. I’m not interested in going back into nursery work for many reasons including poor treatment of staff, ratios not being followed, poorly pay and long hours and I can’t commit to college full time either as I need to work (rent a flat by myself and have other bills).
I have found a part time course which I would need to fund myself which I think over rides the level 3 qualification (waiting to hear back) but I know my employer would not be happy about me dropping my hours. He would be screwed. I’ve looked at other jobs including office work and cleaning but by god you even need qualifications for those types of jobs now (not knocking people in those jobs btw, it just makes it hard for anyone to change their field of work if they only have qualifications/experience in one specific area). I know so many people who are a “jack of all trades” and can go into any job but I just can’t do that. I’m not clever enough. It makes me feel shit seeing all my friends gaining all these qualifications and going into these brilliant jobs. I’m also based in Wales which doesn’t have a lot of opportunities so to speak, but I do drive so I guess have that advantage.
I’ve looked into student grants online but don’t really understand how it works. I’m not sure I’d even qualify for the funding. I’m not normally the type of person who feels sorry for themselves but AIBU to feel that there is just no help for people like me? I want to better myself and work my way up but I feel like I’ve run out of options. Again, I know Mumsnet can’t help but it’s just good to get it off my chest. Thanks for reading if you’ve this far.