I need some advice.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nix
  • Start date Start date
Tried applying to the environment agency? My mate has a degree in Geography and he's doing pretty well for himself there. They have branches all over the country as well.

Either that or quit work and go to college to do an apprenticship in plumbing, electrician etc. there's decent money in that and you can work anywhere in the country.
 
Bunka said:
Either that or quit work and go to college to do an apprenticship in plumbing, electrician etc. there's decent money in that and you can work anywhere in the country.
Click to expand...

Sadly, i would imagine that since he'll be leaving work to study, he's gonna find it nigh on impossible to live without any money at all.
 
You need to look for a different job and it needs to be outside South Essex; that place doesn't sound like it's doing you any good at all. London is commutable and will have a far broader range of options available to you in terms of work and opportunity. A new job, you meet new people, possible housemates or a guy who knows a guy who's looking for a room mate ... it doesn't take much to really get the ball rolling.

Maybe just courage and determination, actually, and I'm sure you have both.
 
[FnG]magnolia;16891003 said:
You need to look for a different job and it needs to be outside South Essex; that place doesn't sound like it's doing you any good at all. London is commutable and will have a far broader range of options available to you in terms of work and opportunity. A new job, you meet new people, possible housemates or a guy who knows a guy who's looking for a room mate ... it doesn't take much to really get the ball rolling.

Maybe just courage and determination, actually, and I'm sure you have both.
Click to expand...

^^^ This. Go for it!
 
I think many people are in a similar situation.

I'm in my 20's and work 35 hours a week for a handsome salary (40% tax bracket) but I hate my job and I mean, it's making me ill. I used to be rock solid but in recent years they've pushed me and pushed me, I've been squeeze out the loop and literally spend half my days trying to find something to do. I used to be a manager but now I'm not even sure what I do, all the other managers are 'buddies' and socialise together - I stood no chance. Very bad culture in this place, they stick together like a pack of hounds.

The other issue is I got myself in to a heap of debt, I'm paying it off aggressively but even at the current rate it won't be clear until the year's end.

I asked for VR and they said no, yet they have no work for me... it's insane, I'm an expensive clock watcher, it's making me very 'volatile', my temper is shorter than a full stop and I often wake up with anxiety ... or just fail to sleep solidly at all. The main concern is me losing it at work and thus my job.

I never thought I could get this way, I'm tough as old boots emotionally, but I tell you something once you start rolling down hill it's very easy to wear the brakes out and go in to free-fall.

My only saving grace is a business I'm working on but my full-time job gets in the way, I can't leave until I've cleared my debt to push my new business so it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't scenario.

Whilst I don't really have any advice for you, just thought I'd let you know there are others in the same if not worse situations!
 
-Look at this: http://www.utilitywarehouse.co.uk/biz/videodir/home.taf?exref=
I have some friends who do suprisingly well out of this (you can do it while you have your current job and leave your current position if you get on ok with it).

-You could wonder round suburbs and see if anyone needs cars cleaning, lawns mowing, dogs walking etc. Many of these things could supplement your current income and allow you to build some security so you can leave your current job.

-With regards to the journalism you mentioned - Online artical writing is about 1 cent per word for something quite poor. You may quite easily find 1.5 to 2 cents per word if your skils are ok (you'd mainly be competing with indians/chinese here which is why the rate is crap, but even at these rates I have friends adding an extra $150 to $200 to a part-time income).

-Watch freecycle (sp?) like a hawk and grab anything you think you could add some value too when reselling.

-Window cleaner? (low setup costs as you'd be on a bike etc).

-Try sticking PC-Repair and maintance cards everywhere? (do home visits local for £15 PH etc?)



EDIT: Hobbies? Do you play an instrument - or are you into photography/videography at all (or have the gear?).
 
Last edited:
Nix - have you thought about pub work?

Yes, I know its working evenings and weekends, but think of it this way: You can get out of Southend.

You can apply to pubs in London, or whereever you like really, that have Live-In positions, so it ticks 2 of your boxes straight away. You have to deal with living at work, but on the upside you have no commute, and pay no rent (or very little, maybe £20 a week or so) - allowing you to save up enough to get your own place.

Also, it might position you better for jobs you're actually after.

I'd be more than willing to help you out, as I've worked in the trade for years.

Thoughts?
 
Teach english abroad? You only need a degree (any will do) and the price of a plane ticket.

You'd be paid more if you have the relevant qualification, but you can take that while you're doing the job. A year in East Asia (or wherever you fancy) sounds like just the break youre looking for. :p
 
Nix said:
I feel like I'm wasting my life. I need to do something.
Click to expand...

Join the Navy. Same wages and prospects as the Army (as far as I'm aware), but with a much, much lower chance of suffering death or injury. If you have a degree you could go in for officer training. You'll get a really good pension and benefits and the wage is very good once you start making a bit of progress.

Alternatively, go back to university and do teacher training. 35 grand for teaching 5 year olds how to put paint handprints on a bit of paper. Bargain.
 
-westy- said:
Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer Westy, it's appreciated. I have already done two years working behind the bar whilst at university, and although I did enjoy it, it's not really something I could see myself falling back into. A live-in position isn't exactly something that would suit me I feel.

chrisd said:
You considered the Army?
Click to expand...

Yes. I even went as far as to organise a meeting with the local Colonel which fell through. Around the same time, I became a bit more confirmed in my thoughts. I've become too much of a pacifist to justify it at present. However, a friend is considering joining the T.A. and I'm giving that much thought.

seek said:
Teach english abroad? You only need a degree (any will do) and the price of a plane ticket.

You'd be paid more if you have the relevant qualification, but you can take that while you're doing the job. A year in East Asia (or wherever you fancy) sounds like just the break youre looking for. :p
Click to expand...

It's currently my fall back plan. If all else fails, I'm doing a TEFL course in the new year. I'm just unsure whether to do it through the local university campus (full TEFOL course, ~3k, about a year in duration) or just do a weekend jobby up in London.

The Funktopus said:
Merchant Navy - Deck Officer? Being as the main duty in the role's navigating the ship, your Geography degree should stand you in good stead.
Click to expand...

Can't say it's something I've considered. Any further information?

mulpsmebeauty said:
Join the Navy. Same wages and prospects as the Army (as far as I'm aware), but with a much, much lower chance of suffering death or injury. If you have a degree you could go in for officer training. You'll get a really good pension and benefits and the wage is very good once you start making a bit of progress.

Alternatively, go back to university and do teacher training. 35 grand for teaching 5 year olds how to put paint handprints on a bit of paper. Bargain.
Click to expand...

Same reply as to Seek. I'm umming and ahhing just a little too much to justify signing on the dotted line.

I'm definitely considering teacher training, although I think teaching abroad would be a good eye-opener first. The only problem I forsee here is that many graduates are currently doing PGCEs to stage off the recession.
 
Nix said:
Yes. I even went as far as to organise a meeting with the local Colonel which fell through. Around the same time, I became a bit more confirmed in my thoughts. I've become too much of a pacifist to justify it at present. However, a friend is considering joining the T.A. and I'm giving that much thought.
Click to expand...

Bear in mind that you would presumably be looking at the officer route. There are a huge variety of non-combat jobs within the services, many of which offer the opportunity to gain qualifications that are valuable in civilian life.
 
Yes. The two main reasons I decided against the army were:

1. Somewhat of a pacifist so I find it hard to justify being part of such an organisation.

2. I want to experience life outside the confines of the army first. I want to do and enjoy things on my own terms. I would like to be able to drive my own car and come home to my own place and do what I want, rather than being at the mercy of the institution.
 
Moses99p said:
Wouldn't it be a means to an end, though? A step away from your home town, which you detest so much?
Click to expand...

Yes, but I'd feel like I'm stagnating somewhere else. I need to move forward, not backwards. I've done pub work, so I'd like to move away from it. I feel that from this perspective, the back up plan of doing TEFL would be the better option in this case.
 
Nix hope you find something better. i used to have 2-3 friends that worked for william hill bookmakers and they totally hated the job and felt the depression at the bookmaker, it was so bad they looked for any other jobs available at that time.

i don't understand why its so bad, but get out if its getting too bad. Dun be sleeping with the boss unless she its fit!.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom