Choosing a new stress free job

[Dontknowwhatimdoinghere]

I've been off work for 2 years due to extreme anxiety and depression, being barely able to leave the house.

I know I have to get back to work, but I don't feel I can go back to my old "career". I've always worked as a secretary or admin. I don't have a degree, instead I went abroad after school and stayed there for a while, drifted into secretarial work, had children etc etc.

I'm not gifted at anything. My hands hurt too much these days to go back to full time typing. I'm 53 so not sought after. Ideally I'd work from home to avoid letting someone down on the days when I'm struggling to leave the house. I can barely make phone calls, this has been an issue for a long time.

Can anyone suggest something I could do, maybe part-time to start with? If i have to leave the house I guess I'd be happiest with something so easy I don't need to stress about it, no phones and few people.

I'm a single mother so training isn't affordable.

Sorry, I know I'm asking the impossible

I could work in a shop but would like ideally to find something I love.

What about an Activities Co-ordinator for local housing groups? Its often part time, pay is reasonably ok (pro-rata'd of course), limited typing to mainly emails and booking forms. You'd get to organise activities for people (a friend is an older persons' activity co-ordinator) to promote being active, trying new things, new interests etc.

Your wide range of interests would be beneficial and because you could join in with the activities such as craft etc if you wanted to, you could find it very therapeutic.

Thanks. That sounds like something I'd like to do when a bit less anxious, maybe a bit too much people contact for now.

Ok. There are a lot of people suggesting things on here...all of which you cannot do for lots of well versed reasons.

Did I read upthread you were based in Wales? If so, get in touch with Remploy. They run the voluntary Work and Health programme in Wales. You clearly need to do a lot of confidence building, change mindset, tasters of different roles before you can consider a job. Its free and wont affect your benefits.

Clearly we are all wasting our time suggesting things to you.

Good luck.

Sorry .. I'm not being difficult on purpose, just trying to be realistic. I'm very grateful for the suggestions and many I'd like to try, if I can find something. However I know my limitations which is why I'm asking for ideas. I'm not sure if you've ever suffered with anxiety to the point that you can't speak to people or answer the phone but it's very difficult. It's not by choice and I'm trying to do something about it. I've only just started going out again and I know I need to do more, but what's the point in me lying and saying I can do something if I know I can't?

I'm well aware of anxiety and various other associated thanks very much. I've been there. I recognise your defensiveness.

I also know how easy it is for people to have barriers which are not insurmountable, but with anxiety etc, they can feel bigger than they are.

Really, contact Remploy, you can google, or JCP can refer you. They will help you explore and get ready for work, but not throw you in at the deep end.

OP I don’t know if any of these would be of interest to you? I’ve taken a couple of their (completely free) online courses. Lots of variety in subject matter and skills - and zero pressure!

Thank you Guache, intriguing, I'll have a look