quirky Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Last year was a very difficult year for me. I have been governed by a feeling of apathy and futility since my BU and the demise of one of my best friends. I kept going to work but that was mainly it, wasn't doing that much more..bit of meetup here and there and going out with colleagues. I started feeling a bit better after September. My job is very irregular, I work shift work. Every week I don't know how many hours I have, when is my day off etc. I work in Customer Service and overall I like it but it's not at all challenging particularly since I am not looking to rise up. I yearn to be self employed. So I had a think..what do I really enjoy doing, what am I good at? -I write songs, I think I am good at it as I studied Music. I am very passionate and it shows in my music. But my songs appeal to a minority, they're definitely different so not something I can make money from. (I will always do it though) -I love dresses and clothes and I am good at styling other people. I was thinking of starting an online shop. After further research and consideration I realised that I would be a business woman if I was to do that, it's not creative and it has nothing to do with feelings. -I have a genuine interest in human behaviour and feelings and an empathetic and analytical nature. I volunteer and help others when I can. I was told by friends, colleagues and family that I should explore this. So I am ! In the last week I have cut down masssively on my job, doing 10-15 hrs a week so I can get unemployment benefits. I started a Social Psychology short course for 11 weeks, once a week. In late February I will also do a short 4 month course in Counselling Skills, introductory level. After that I can see if I like it and where I want to go with it. Because I am now on unemployment benefits I can very likely do the Counselling course for free, otherwise it was £500 ! I have also referred myself for therapy as I identified things that are holding me back. I feel like I am taking care of my future and my feelings more. I wanted to share because many here have supported me a lot Link to comment
Minnie Mouse Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Hi Quirky, you sound wonderfully artistic and creative and good for you for being brave enough to cut down on your job and do the things that are really you I'm glad I could read your post ;-) X X Link to comment
Crazyaboutdogs Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 This is good news. Sometimes we stagnate and it is good to take a new direction in our life in a positive, productive way. Link to comment
pixel clouds Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I feel inspired reading this well done, people always say they're gonna make a change but most never have the guts to go through with it! Link to comment
FreedomRing Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Good luck! I have been in the counseling and mental health field, for several years now after a big career change. I have no regrets and am confident this is my calling.. Take your time, and stay focused. You can do it! Link to comment
Celadon Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 This is great to hear, quirky! You are clearly quite gifted in many ways, and it's inspiring to see you make plans and invest in yourself and your future. Enjoy the process of exploring! Link to comment
quirky Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 Thank you all Going on unemployment benefits is not ideal but it was not easy to change direction while doing my job because I work all kinds of hours and days yet not earn much and I wouldn't be able to afford the courses. you sound wonderfully artistic and creative I am very creative sadly, it's such a shame I can't make money from it, I am underutilizing my greatest skill...it's the case with of a lot of creative people. Sometimes we stagnate and it is good to take a new direction in our life in a positive, productive way. I did stagnate but I don't feel bad about it to be honest, I was truly unable to be productive, I had shut down from the sense of loss and grief I felt. I have been in the counseling and mental health field, for several years now after a big career change. What were you doing before if you don't mind me asking? I am not yet sure I want to get into that field..I am interested in human behaviour but more the social aspect of it rather than the clinical. One thing I am drawn to for example is being a Customer Service trainer, going to companies and providing them with training. Really good Customer Service is totally interwoven with understanding people. Other things I like is helping/mentoring immigrants when they come into the country. Maybe working in a Human Rights organisation. Maybe coaching. We'll see.. Link to comment
FreedomRing Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 Oh ok..I see. To me, people, their makeup, how they think..it all intrigues me. I'm on the clinical side though...prior to getting my advanced degree in counseling, I managed contracts for the government(yawn). Boring desk work.. Link to comment
quirky Posted January 13, 2013 Author Share Posted January 13, 2013 Wow, what a different direction you took, glad you like it ! I am not sure yet, when I do the conselling course I might change my mind. That's why I thought I'll try 2 short courses first to see what I am drawn to most. Did you do a 3 year course, was it hard to get a job in the field? Link to comment
ExcitedtoSleep Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 It sounds like you have a plan. At least you have one. If your plan fails, just come up with another because it seems you are capable of that. Link to comment
FreedomRing Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Yes, I did a 3yr program, while working full time. Wasn't hard to find a job in the field..was hard finding a good paying job. I had acquired a certain lifestyle, in my previous career...but typically. You shouldn't go into this field to get rich. Cuz you won't. I took board licensing exams as well, which can offer more financial opportunities, and private practice should you want that.. Link to comment
journeynow Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 quirky, this sounds good! Link to comment
quirky Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 Yes, I did a 3yr program, while working full time Well done for that ! I definitely don't wanna do this to be rich. But I doubt anything can pay less than what I'm earning, only cleaning and catering..lol When I had my interview for the course the teacher said we'll be working in triads switching roles between being the counsellor and client and I felt dread in the thought of being the client. And THIS is also why I want to do this course and why I have referred myself for therapy, because I find it hard to own up to my feelings. Link to comment
quirky Posted March 5, 2013 Author Share Posted March 5, 2013 Little update: I am struggling a lot financially but I have stuck to those changes and more. I have joined a low cost gym and I eat healthily in order to lose weight I have started counselling myself, only for 3 months because it is low cost but it's something. I am also doing an NLP course online. Tomorrow I have an interview for a voluntary position supporting young people that leave care. It does feel a bit out of my league but I hope I get a chance at it. Link to comment
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