dreamt about my cv last night - should I take it as 'a sign'...

[bigmouthstrikesagain]

That I need to get back into some kind of work?

When I was working I would have classic anxiety dreams about walking into office nekid, falling through the floor etc... now I am dreaming about giving a shit hot interview - looking sharp in a well cut suit, wowing the interviewer with my vast experience and varied skills etc. bizarre.

I even spoke to a carer adviser today (running a stall in local town centre) He said he couldn't help me as I am too 'qualified' - not fair imo despite my list of qualifications I am currently clueless and aimless after 3 years out of the work loop. He was sympathetic and suggested I look for a career counsellor but i would need to pay - is it worthwhile?

Not sure what I am asking really - I am a bit scared about returning to work and dh is in no hurry for me to. Youngest dc is only 17m so I am not sure I am ready to leave her, and although sahm is a difficult role I can see the benefits for my family. I just think the fact work is playing on my mind so much means something... and I perhaps shouldn't ignore it.

Where should I look for advice? I was formerly a Transport Planner but want to take this opportunity to reassess my career and perhaps change direction...? Anyone have some tips?

'Gis a job!'

It could be just a dream but, you do sort of sound like you want to start working again tbh. Have you tried calling the learn direct careers advice people. I've found them really helpful (and they've never tried to flog me a course). Be warned tho', if you phone them you'll need an hour to talk to them, they're very in depth.
Btw, how was the gig? (You lucky, lucky thing, you)

I would interpret those dreams as saying that you're feeling undervalued rather than as saying that you need to work. are you? does your dh appreicate what you do? do you?

but anyway. rather than splash out on a carreers counsellor (who will probably only do a load of psychometric tests which show you should be an accountant or a transport planner or something), why not do a bit of volunteer work while you can? maybe one day a week for a year - you'd test the waters in a different job and get to feel good about yourself at the same time. win-win surely?

This is the web page here and there is a bit on this page about returning to work.

Thank you RH - how are you

The gig was fab, great and amazing etc lots more superlatives required... Sonic Youth are still tight as f%$k! and Kim Gordon is my hero, they have so much energy ...I also loved the Roundhouse so civilised. Even managed to have noodles in Camden Market, though the stalls have really gone downhill but I digress...

yes I am not sure if the dreams relate to wanting to work or wanting to feel valued in what I am doing, or just a general sense of grass is greener (and wanting to by a new top w/out feeling guilty-lol).

I was cosidering calling learn direct so mybe i will... hmm

SP I was considering volunteering with the cab actually - but then i think about our motgage increase due next year and wonder if i should find a paid role

oh well - according to Matthew Paris (an expert I am sure) - Careers advice is a waste of time - so i feel ever so foolish for thinking I could do with some.......

NOT!
my he is a smug get grrrr

Sorry, I logged off shortly after, had to get some work done on my C.v.
I'm fine thanks, Kim Gordon is fabulous, can you believe she's nearly 50!! Cool as f**k as the insipid carpets would say.
Give 'em a ring. I've used them as my own personal careers advisors for a couple of months, (cheeky or what) for interviews and stuff and was on the phone to them the other day debating a completely new direction, job wise. Gave me a shedload of ideas, which I'm busy working on.... talking of.

No worries RH - we al have our 'RL' to get on with

I have spoken to a Learndirect counsellor today and it was helpful - but I think I need to get more specific advice. She was able to give me a list of sites to get additional advice from. I need to think very carefully about hours I want to work, childcare and what I really want to do with my life. So no biggy

The thing is a big part of me is happy with being sahm and can see the benefits for my children - I can't help feeling I would miss them terribly, but I hate not contributing financially and I want to keep my brain alive. The looming mortgage increase scares me as well

any way enough of me speaking my brain