I don't know what to do with my life

[rainbowhairchalk]

I'm from the UK but live in another country, I'm 43, I have a DH and a DD. I don't speak the language very well so haven't had a proper job for a long time. I've done some online, freelance stuff but nothing particularly fulfilling.

I've recently been through treatment for an illness but should be ok now and I am desperate to do something with my life. I'm not leaving the country or my family, it's just not an option. I've had a look at potentially setting up as a VA but to be honest the amount of work involved is overwhelming.

I dream of doing a little admin job, I'm not a business strategist, I'm not a professional, I don't have lots of words and I'm not great at selling myself (can you tell?? 😅). The country I'm in is not very sympathetic to people who don't speak the language (I've been here a long time, it's not going to happen) so it's holding me back in getting any kind of job here.

So online is where it's at but what?! Should I retrain? If so, in what? I've done graphic design before and marketing but neither particularly set me on fire.

At the moment all I do is scroll all day or get panicky and start looking for jobs all over but never hear anything back. Financially we're ok and I don't need to work, I only need to work for my sanity and to feel like my life has purpose and meaning.

I'm deeply unhappy but having a job would change everything. Has anyone else been in this position? What did you do?

Thanks so much, a really useful post. I have considered coding but as my husband is a total coding geek I have been put off (weirdly maybe) because he'll always be better than me 🤔 the sites like fiverr etc are really overwhelming in setting up profiles and there's fierce competition. I'm going to have a look at constant content 🤔

Yep, all things I've looked at doing, thank you

How about proofreading and/or copy editing?
Have a look at The Publishing Company for a range of courses.

Oh I would love to do that! Thank you!

My friend is a teacher there and I've been out for drinks with her and her boss and let's just say, it's not going to happen 😅

Oh OP, I’ve just re-read your first post. “I’m deeply unhappy but a job would change everything.” It won’t, you know.

People have given so many ideas but you have given reasons not to do any of them. As a graphic designer you are highly skilled and would undoubtedly find work online, which I’m sure you know.

A pp suggested you need to come home. Maybe they’re right.

I wish you well.

Leaving everything behind isn't an option. I don't feel like I'm highly skilled but I guess that's a low esteem problem. I like to answer everyone, that's why it seems like I'm giving reasons for not doing any of them. Someone suggested proofreading and I forgot it was an option so I'm going to look into that.

I can't just upheave my life for this when everything else is fine...

Here what you are going to do :) find a private tutor who teaches English and she will teach you her language . From there check your local English culture centre and they will have job offers for you to do in the local colleges etc

I had English culture centre in my Uni, and had English teachers in my secondary, and my husband also taught abroad under that scheme

Is there some other ex pats in the area who speak English who can point you to other voluntary or paid work ?

What about something like

Gardening group, allotment, community orchard, wild flower area

Litter pick, beach clean, walking group

Listening to young children read (I think that you can do this online too)

Volunteer at hospital, school, prison

Help elderly

Something animal related

Craft, music, baking, sport groups

Fund raise for charity

Try something new, meet some new people ?

Find the local centre for this thing:

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/

You'd need a good command of the local language. You can't teach English to people with no English and speak exclusively to them in English. You'd need their language too for explanations, answering their questions etc.

I'm actually in nearly the same situation (a few years younger and pregnant) and I HATE to say this, but you have to learn the language or accept the fate you're in.

I'm really sorry to be brutal but...

Sorry to hear how sad you are with your current situation.

There is a work from home hub group on Facebook that posts work from home opportunities. Unfortunately one of the problems you might find is the individual companies rules on working outside of the UK, as quite a few don't allow it long term. Having said that, I know of 2 people who work for a UK company whilst based elsewhere so it's not a given. You could also look for remote opportunities from other English speaking countries (if the time difference could work for you).

Have you looked to see if there is much of an expat community in your country of residence? Perhaps they would be able to suggest work or volunteering opportunities that would not require you to speak the language (perhaps working with/for other expats)?

Ideas

Click working
Matched betting

Writing online (yes really) I read a lot of amature work on places like royal road and lots of the author have successful patreon accounts.

Tefl course to learn to teach English online, this could be where you are or global.

Teach conversational English. So spend time with people one on one to practice advanced English.

I would cultivate an online life.

Is there a decent sized English or English speaking community where you are? Could you network with them and perhaps cultivate some job opportunities through them?

Remote job for an English speaking company?

Fiver or people per hour for your graphics design work.

I would spend your time working on a kickass portfolio that you could use for the above.

I sympathise. I work in design too and it's really hard before you find your place and it's even worse when you don't speak the language well.

My world changed when I finally had a portfolio I was proud to show people. I run my own little 3d modelling/cad company now. Just me and it all came off the back of leaning a new piece of 3d software that allowed me to finally make what I wanted to make. If you are arty this could be a good direction for you.

Feel free to dm if you want to know more. I can show you some of my pieces.

There is but I think most people struggle as much as I do and would be embarrassed to talk about it in the group…

I would love to see more, thank you!

Here an example

and another

And more abstract stuff

So what did you actually design?

Are there any social groups for other UK people who have moved to your country?

If you don't need to work then perhaps instead of getting a job you could broaden your social circle and if it was an organised group perhaps they'd be interesting outings or activities?

You mean…talk to people?? 😱😱

Hi , could you a teaching english as a foreign language training course and then teach on line or if youre in a bigger city in a training center ? You dont usually need to be fluent in the host country’s language to that. Can you perhaps volunteer to give english ‘ lessons’ in your children’s schools?

• could you do a ‘ teaching english as a foreign language course’