In my 50s, starting new job soon and am scared stiff...

[ssd]

I've always worked, but things like childminding and working in a local playgroup, cleaning etc, anything that worked round school times, after school activities etc... We've never had help and Dh works shifts so it's always been down to me to be at home, working around school

But the dcs are grown up now and I'm spreading my wings at long last, I'm starting a new job soon for M&S on the shopfloor...
Basically I'm terrified!!!
I know I'm being stupid but I was cozy in my rut and climbing out of it is scary...
I've lost all my confidence over the years which is stupid, because I'm a good worker and try my best.
I'm just scared.

Please talk to me, anyone who has been in my shoes....

All my jobs the last 15 years have been local, walking distance and near school.... I'm actually terrified taking a bus or train to work and being late, and it not being in my control... Where I live the public transport isn't great and being late just terrifies me.

Help.

Oh, well done you on getting the job!

I'm your age & I know from talking to friends how hard it is to get back out there into the work place. It's a confidence thing as much as anything. I know it's scary but you'll be just fine once you get that first few days under your belt & the confidence will come back. Remember you wouldn't have got the job if they didn't think you could do it.

Best of luck to you

You're going to be fine. You got the job, they wouldn't have hired you if they didn't think you were up to it.
And the transport will be fine. Just leave plenty of time to get there. Maybe after.a while you'll be able to buy a car.

Well done. I'm only 38 but been out of proper employment since my eldest was born 13 years ago. Done bits of self employed music teaching and am desperate to get a 'proper job' but my confidence is so low. I'm sure I'd get the hang of it quickly but I doubt I'd even make it to interview stage.

SugarMice there's no reason why not. I was 39 when I went back into the work place after around 9 years, so not quite as long as you. But I got interviews & ended up with a part time job. Go for it. As I said above, the confidence comes back quickly.

Thanks all, I'm hoping my confidence does return. I just dread being the new girl again, where I worked I knew every one and they knew me, and I've gave that up to start again. It's very scary, exciting but terribly scary.

I suffer from anxiety. Probably no surprise there. I've got propranolol, maybe I should start taking them.

Your confidence will return once you settle in. Onwards and upwards OP! Good luck, you’ll be fine!

Do, if it takes the edge off. I would. I also have anxiety, mostly well controlled but occasionally it gets me. Hope all goes well.

I just want to offer you my best wishes ssd. I name change a bit so you won't know me but I know your name, have seen you around on the boards for years, and we are the same age.

I haven't been in quite the same situation as you as I did not work, apart from a couple of short stints, for 23 years whilst I was at home with my children, but they grew up and I, like you, decided I had to do something new with my life. I also have confidence issues and had to take a slow path, volunteering for a while to build experience, and now I have been back in paid work for nearly a year. It has been hard for me, but also exciting and stimulating and character building. I am only sad now that my short term contract has come to an end.

Anyway, my point is, yes you are scared, yes there are challenges to overcome, but you will overcome them and you will grow so much from having this new job. Well done you for getting it in the first place and good luck!

Thanks so much everyone
It's nice to be able to open up here

Well done for getting the job OP 💐 and you'll be great. Hope it all goes well 💐💐

Thanks

Well done for getting the job! I’m 48 and have just started working in a school. I’m new, everyone knows ones another and I’m menopausal! It’s hard but I am determined to keep going.

Best of luck 😀