Need a purpose

[Liquorice68]

Hi, does anyone feel a little low and in need of a new purpose. Both my children are in their twenties no longer live at home and sadly my little furry friend died a year ago. I left work 2 years ago and now thinking perhaps I should have stayed. It will be so hard to get another job now at 52. All my skills are either obsolete or rusty. I’ve done some volunteering at the dogs trust and now at the foodbank but I find it so tiring that I only do one shift a week. I do see friends but I don’t find it helps much other than it’s obviously good to talk and see them. I was wondering if new hobby would help but can’t think of anything I enjoy. Xx

hi there. There's a lovely thing called the 'five ways to wellbeing' which talks about how we benefit from having a mixture of activities in our life, including keeping active, giving back, continuing to learn, connecting with others etc. It might be worth a google? It sounds like you're already thinking about some of these things, so perhaps have a look at groups/volunteering/studying etc you can do locally. There is a website called do-it.org which lists heaps of volunteering opportunities, it may be that you can find one that's a it less tiring x

Ah thank you for replying. I will certainly look in to your suggestions thank you. It’s remembering who you are as a person and what makes you tick and laugh particularly at the moment when you can’t travel as much. I like your idea of being rounded and I’m trying to learn french with my husband so that fills the learning category. I do seem to do something in each of those categories but it can sometimes just feel like doing it for the sake of it rather than getting a sense of fulfilment. Thank you though for the websites, I can definitely feel a google coming on!! Xx

Would you consider another I am presuming dog, that is a purpose or cats? Something to care for.

Ah yes definitely I would but they’re so expensive at the moment. My little dog Monty is so missed. I’ve looked after my nieces golden retriever for 2 months recently and I look after my M&Ds sprocker occasionally and it does make me realise how nice it would be again. It would also mean I could give up the gym and start walking again😁. I appreciate you replying, thank you xx

I totally empathise with how you feel. I’m 53 and after having breast cancer last year I left my job. 99% of the time I know it was the right decision but as I don’t know what to do with myself now, my daughter is 19 and needs me less and less, I think I should’ve gone back so at least I was doing something with a purpose. Without a job and my child not needing me I feel completely pointless and feel like the cancer took such a lot away from me and don’t really know who I am anymore. I don’t meet up with many friends mainly as I don’t do very much so have nothing to say.
I’m sorry I’ve not offered any advise/help and am moaning about myself but just wanted to say I understand.