Well, after years of being devoted to my sons with no help at all from anybody, they have flown the nest and I have been made redundant at the same time! Getting over the shock, but need some tips.
My redundancy is really unfair dismissal so I will be representing myself in court. This will take months, but it will keep me busy and I am determined to fight them, they haven't got a leg to stand on.
I am obviously looking for new work in the meantime. I would like a new career for me as my job fitted in with my family, so I am trying to be positive as I can with the shock I have been through.
However, I am naturally shy and have been very independent, so people have always come to me for advice and support. In other words, I don't make true friends easily. My friends were work colleagues, so things have changed now.
I need to make a new personal life, but limited due to money/transport etc. I have registered with volunteer centres so maybe something will happen there.
I have put my sons first, done a great job and now it is time for me. I have the chance to change career now, but I need more. It is as if I am starting my life from scratch after years of being selfish, so I find it scary but am determined for something positive to happen in my life.
A problem I do have is that I live in horrible private rented accomodation, it is dark and so cold. I wear more clothes indoor than I do outside!!!!! I love the area and my sons wanted to stay so I put up with this for them. I was going to review my options when they left, but I was made "redundant" so my options have gone now.
I am wearing a thermal vest, jumper, fleece jacket and fleece dressing gown and wore less when I went for a walk an hour ago!!! The rented place isnt great, but I used to work so was never here much and tolerated it.
What kept me going was that I would get my own place in a "rougher area", but my sons didnt want that. This place is cheaper than private rented in "rougher areas"!
So I am doing the best I can, but it is hard and I deserve so much better. I dont want to feel envious of others, so need some tips to try and improve my life instead of moaning. Does anybody have any ideas?
Hi towerofstrength! Nice to see you, its been a while!
Wow you are in a different place right now, your boys have flown the nest and your new journey is just beginning, this could be seen as an exciting time, but obviously daunting too.
It sounds as though you are ready for some big changes. You mention re-training and also moving house.
Perhaps you could contact Connexions for Adults to get some careers advice?
Your home sounds pretty chilly, have you looked for other accommodation since the boys have left?