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GETTING OLDER

Pokermon profile image
30 Replies

hi everyone things are settling down at home , everyone recovered from covid and James getting stronger after stroke. Big decisions seem to be coming my way mum has been asking what my next move is regarding college do i leave or do i stay have no idea what i want to do or can do , I can leave and try and get a job would only be able to be part time as couldnt manage full time as struggle already just doing college . not able to get anywhere with out getting lifts and mum says i cant rely on this as need to learn to drive which scares me ,Could do online study but then mum says i need contact with other people my age . will have to pay to stay at college mum is ok with that as long as it leads me into a career that helps me. its all a bit scarry just dont know what to do.

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Pokermon profile image
Pokermon
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30 Replies
Karenanne61 profile image
Karenanne61

Hi. It is scary and is a decision thatbonky you and your mom can make. However, I studied online and you have to be SO disciplined and, as your mom says it can be lonely and we all need company. Humans are social animals. When my daughter had to make choices, 6th form and university, she chose subjects she enjoyed. As a dancer from a toddler she chose dance and sociology at uni!

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

Hi Pokermon, good news that things are settling down at home and James is recovering well. Your mum is right of course, you do need to try and make plans for the future. Think about what you might want to do and write things down. I know that sounds old fashioned but it just might help. What does college offer? What’s the alternative?

Hope you have time to think. You might really enjoy driving so try not to worry too much. Let us know how things go. Good luck to you. Xxxx💕🥰

CDPO16 profile image
CDPO16

It isn't easy not knowing what you want to do. I stayed on at school until I was 18 as I had no idea too. Careers advice was poor in my day so I wrote off for more information about many different careers that came to mind. That helped me to eliminate some and learn more about others and which subjects I needed to concentrate on to follow one of those careers. That was a long time ago now Pokermon but maybe you could try doing the same or chat to some of your college tutors for ideas.

Don't be afraid to give learning to drive a go. You may like it. I recall that you were very anxious about getting to college without being given a lift there and look at how well you have handled that. In time, if you find a career that really interests you, you will handle that equally well too. Getting older is daunting but you may surprise yourself at how well you do as time goes on.

Good to know that everyone recovered from covid and that James is getting stronger too.

Damon1864 profile image
Damon1864Volunteer

It is scary but just try and think of what will be best for you, it will be hard but think things through then talk to your mum and get her opinion. Good luck please let us know what you decide. Have a lovely evening and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Hi Pokermon. Anything new is always scary. Yet, I feel like your mum knows you best and she makes wonderful suggestions. At some point of your life, you will be , to a certain extent wanting to be more of your own person and making more of your own decisions. There's nothing wrong with trying new things and if it doesn't work out it is not the end of the world. We just pick up and start again. If we don't take chances in life we will never know.

Sending best wishes.

Cas xx ❤️

in reply to Caspiana

With myself I would rather be crying because I have tried and something hasn't worked out than crying with regret not doing things and wondering what might have been.

How are you and Chom?

Baby is fine and enjoyed her salmon this afternoon!

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to

Hello Catgirl. Chom is well and just starting his morning with me trailing behind. 🙄 He will have banana and yoghurt shortly. 🍌 Dear Baby. She and Chom must be the most spoiled pets ever. xx ❤️

in reply to Caspiana

Baby has a brown and white tabby mate called Percy who is ruined and will be 18 in June!

Percy gets Saturday treats same as Baby gets her Monday ones!

This morning on purpose I got up at 6.45am to practice getting up early to go to my new job next week and had a great walk outside as well to prove everything is fine and there's no reason to be frightened!

During my break I had deliberately done some early starts say 6am in order to keep my hand in with them so when I did go back to work early starts wouldn't be a shock!

I reckon next week when I start my new job I will be fine!

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply to

Hello Catgirl. What do you mean by " ruined ' ?? 😮 It's nice that Baby has a friend. 😀 Chom does not like most dogs and stalks them like he is stalking sheep. 🙄🙄🙄 He has his favs. But generally likes humans better.

I promise you , you will be absolutely fine my friend. It will become like clockwork within the week. It will be great!! You are well prepared, that makes for fantastic success rates!! Can't wait to hear all about it. Best wishes for your new job. Much love. xx ❤️❤️❤️

in reply to Caspiana

When I said Percy is ruined its another way of saying spoilt!

I think Chom needs to be an only child same as Baby!

Been out early again along with my sister in law for a nice long walk round Roath park to reinforce that everything is fine and there's no need to be worried and we picked up some bread that we needed and had a wander round the local shops and then I picked up my prescription from the Boots there as they had messaged me last night to say it was ready early so we decided to see them today and do the Thursday plans today instead.

In regard to that letting agency what I decided was the best way forward is to string them along for a while after that carry on over getting accused of not paying rent and be nice and polite to them as usual and when we have found another home then we will slam the door in their faces when we give them our months notice!

knitter profile image
knitter

Is there someone in college that could offer you advice ?

Have a chat with the helpline here, may be an idea.

in reply to knitter

When I was at the sixth form college they had careers advisers from the local authority who you could make an appointment to speak to every month or so and they had a careers library as well with leaflets on things like nursing and hotel careers.

I do remember when the internet was still young and in magazines there would be adverts for various careers and you filled out a coupon for information by post.

B0xermad profile image
B0xermad

Good luck with your decision and learning to drive is a bit scary but try 1 lesson see if your fears are put to rest good news for you and your family with the recovery 👍

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl

Great news that things have improved for you all.When I went back to college at the age of 35, the people helping me make my application asked me what I was interested in. Because both my husband then and I had problems eating some foods, I said, diets and why we can't eat the foods other people can. Five years later, I graduated as a dietitian.

So, is there anything you are really interested in? From some of your posts, you love design and decoration (jazzing up your wheels); occupational therapy (making the best of your circumstances); etc. Do you prefer working remotely or face to face or on the phone? Do you have good attention to detail (editing)? Looking at your strengths and interests could help you find something worth studying for.

Wishing you all the best xx

HungryHufflepuff profile image
HungryHufflepuff

If you have the courage to learn to drive, it's useful to get your driver's license. One of my employers insisted that I took driving lessons about ten years ago, and I got my license. I drove a few times but haven't done for years and haven't had a vehicle for about four years. I'd need lessons all over again if ever I was to drive again (especially having never driven a right-hand drive car) but at least I have my driver's license if ever I need it.

I'm glad you're all better from covid.

Izb1 profile image
Izb1

Glad to hear things are getting better for you and your family Pokerman. Life is scary but also exciting and trying new things gives you confidence. My grandson who is 18 and wanting money has just got his first job, this was a dilemma as he hates getting up early and didnt want to go the supermarket route. Amazingly he got a job in the casino doing blackjack and he loves it. He was so nervous on his first night I didnt think he would go but so pleased he found the courage. So you see everybody is nervous about doing different things, you just need to take the first step x

in reply to Izb1

I had part time jobs when I was at school as well working in a nursing home, in a wine bar and in a supermarket which were all great experiences to have.

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply to

Thats good, my daughter has worked from the age of 14 and started a Saturday job on the local market. I think this gives you much more confidence and helps you to deal with things easier. I am sure that you will find something you want to do and having a driving license will make life so much easier for getting around and you wont need to rely on anybody taking you. I wish you all the best in whatever you decide x

in reply to Izb1

Yes I Am starting a new career next Tuesday as a pharmacy assistant and I am 45 and could easily be Pokemon's mum!

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply to

Sorry, think i have brainfog today, getting confused on who i am replying to, the above was really meant for Pokemon. So pleased for you and good luck for Tuesday x

watergazer profile image
watergazer

That’s good news that you are all recovered from Covid and James is getting stronger Pokermon. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do. If you feel undecided you could take a year out and volunteer somewhere or find a Saturday or part time position Don’t be afraid to learn to drive. Take your time making decisions and as Cas said it doesn’t matter if you find out the choice isn’t for you Many people change jobs and courses The main thing is to have a go and be around people. Take care. X

in reply to watergazer

I remember when I was 20 and took a job as a care assistant in a residential home caring for the elderly and I got asked about when was I going to get a proper job meaning a soul destroying office type one and others had said care work is a proper job and I got asked was I going to be seeing people die until I did?

What a nasty thing to say to someone!

This was the attitude of my father who said those things to me and I got attacked when I said about how i had wanted to try nursing and I was 19 at the time and at the time I was devastated like the world had ended!

When I was 21 I was working in catering and had said to a colleague about the proper job incident and She had said care work is a proper job and that my fathers attitude was very stupid!

Paradox was with that attitude the person he hurt the most was himself!

MoyB profile image
MoyB

Hi, Pokermon,

People have already offered you good advice and encouragement so I'd just like to add something else.

You have your life ahead of you. Once upon a time, the decision you made at your age was a 'for life' decision, but these days it's not. There are plenty of options. Think about what you like and whether you have a vision for the future.

Lots of people now have several different careers in their lifetime. I took a couple of GCSEs when I was 37 and started an Open University degree two years later. I later studied for a Diploma in Social Work and spent my last 13 years as a Social Worker.

I'm just saying this so you know there are still options as you get older.

For now, do something you're happy with. But DO see if you can get your driving licence as this will make a tremendous difference to you. Otherwise, can you get an on-road mobility scooter? They're not as speedy as a car, but could help with local transport so you don't have to rely on lifts. I believe Motability will assist with purchase of some if you are on higher rate mobility benefit.

Good luck making your decision. Go with your heart and see where it takes you!

xx Moy

PS I'm glad your Mum's recovered from COVID and James is making good progress too!

in reply to MoyB

I will be starting a new career as a pharmacy assistant next Tuesday and I am 45 so it's never too late!

I worked in a care home as a care assistant with the elderly, worked in catering for a number of years, worked in offices for many years and next week I will be starting another career as a pharmacy assistant in a major hospital and I am looking forward to it!

HollyBoyd profile image
HollyBoyd

Hi Pokerman. so glad all is going well for you and your family and you have recovered from covid. After reading all the replies from your friends here there isn't much more to add. I think getting your driving licence does open doors when applying for jobs, but that can be done as you go along. You could ask at college if there is a scheme where you can volunteer in a workplace to see if it would be something to suit you. Wishing you all the best in whatever choice you make xxx

LissacFrance profile image
LissacFrance

Not aware of your medical situation but learning to drive needs to be on your list "to do". Not only does it give you freedom but is an asset on any CV you might need to produce for future employment. Re college: same again unaware of your current educational qualifications but further education is a must these days. Gives you a much greater choice in what you want to do. Always look forward, we can`t change the past but we can make a difference for the future. take care and good luck (bit of luck always comes in handy).

Pokermon profile image
Pokermon in reply to LissacFrance

At last test only fev of 33 have OB and Steven Johnson syndrome which leaves me very tired so driving does seem to be a good idea will give it another go .

LissacFrance profile image
LissacFrance in reply to Pokermon

Whilst not wishing to sound frivolous, but being from Yorkshire (land of Wit and Humour), be thankful that you do not have Boris Johnson syndrome. Positive thinking brings results, and support from others around you, whether that be close family or remote friends on websites, is the best medicine you can find. Do let us know what you do about college. Chris.

Pokermon profile image
Pokermon in reply to LissacFrance

Very true Donald Trump would be even worse than Boris lol

Jaybird19 profile image
Jaybird19

a lot of people don't know what they want to do but it is fairly easy to change if you find something later that interests you. didn't start in NHS microbiology until I was 20 . took 7 years at night school and 3 sets of exams but when I got my final I got a senior post and turned down a job in Switzerland. but it is easier to do it while you are still in school mode but there are different ways to achieve. for instance __ My step grandson did a year just working at local garden nursery then started at college after that , got his college qualifications , worked at local firm for few years and learned all he could, and left to start his own business with a friend there . .now 2 or 3 years later has own thriving business . they have now opened a another office in manchester employing another there to run it. l

learning all you can is the answer.

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