I need guidance! Please help!

[the millster]

Hi, I am a 20 year old woman and I'm in a real rut, I've been signed off from work due to stress and to be honest I don't think I can face that job anymore but I don't know what to do instead. I only have my GCSE's but I'm interested in taking my a levels but obviously need the money to back them. I am looking for a job that keeps me active (not stuck at a desk all day), pays relatively well, doesn't have to be great and keeps my mind stimulated. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm seriously stuck. By the way live in Dorset so jobs are a bit scarce. Thanks!

[teaching12]

Hi The Millster!

How about taking a nice break, doesn't have to cost you anything, or go abroad and have "time out". I did just that, even for a month, when I was made redundant, well its a long story but was forced to leave, due to stress too!
Have returned, and feel relieved that I;ve left a company that does NOT treat its employees well! You are a bright individual, and have more to offer a company, and seek out Employers that treat their staff well such as John Lewis for e.g, I don't know what went on for you, but just taking the break, and writing down what you want to do (if money was no object) what you enjoy doing, and perhaps developing a hobby/passion that makes you feel good! You are very young, and have alot of options open to you. I am 32, and don't really think I can go back into education really, so I am thinking of become a driving instructor, as thats something which closely resembles what I did before and I enjoyed it!

Think about what aspect of your job that you enjoyed the most? was it the planning and organising of diaries/people - then maybe you would be fantastic at being a Party organiser/Wedding planner? Brainstorm your dreams, anything that you have ever done to this present day, write it down - and ideas should come to you!

Also, read books if your into that sort of thing, visit Careers guidance seminars, seek a advice from Employment Agencies, friends and use these sources of advice to help YOU make your decision.

I used to work as an Employment Advisor, and carried out Fraud work to Managerial, I loved the Advisory part of it, so I'm planning my future like that.

Finally, have fun when you do this, get your friends together who maybe in a similar situation as you, or your best mate someone wise, and think whats really important to you, money, or a good career/job satisfaction, or both, etc etc.

I hope you find what your looking for,

[emx384]

Have you looked into doing an 'access' course at college? I went to university with that as an equivalent to A levels. When I did the course they fitted it in between 9.30 and 3.00 for mums etc (easy to fit a par time job around) and we could claim unemployment benefit while doing the course. it was a while ago so I dont know if it still runs but I would advise you go to your local college and ask about courses you can do while claiming benefits - explain your situation and they will advise you???

Best of luck - I am a secondary school teacher and I dont have A levels!

P.S - I did all that in Somerset so much the same as Dorset!!