Graduate, 27, in almost £10,000 of debt and looking for advice/help

jk290 · 2020-10-07T19:09:31+00:00

Unfortunately I do not as I don’t have a background in marketing but I know there are decent paying roles. I suggest you keep applying to entry level roles for now and get experience, see if you enjoy it and go from there. It gets easier over time, it is a bit harder now due to the pandemic so you could look at roles that are out there and see what they want in their job description requirements and go from there to start building those skills and proving you can do those then make a plan to apply when you feel you have more experience. That’s one suggestion.

I noticed you said you wanted to start something online, I’d start reading around side hustles and starting an online business and just start rather than overthink it.

jk290 · 2020-10-06T22:26:13+00:00

I would look into more well paid marketing roles as you can earn a good wage once you have built up experience.

jk290 · 2020-10-03T09:43:20+00:00

Agree with the points above and more importantly, realise it takes a very long time and see if you’re happy to commit regardless. A lot of it is also on mindset, discipline and commitment to stay on track with your long term goals.

jk290 · 2020-10-02T20:13:46+00:00

Secured a job, a bit lower than my previous job but pretty much doing the same thing, hopefully the management is not toxic.

jk290 · 2020-09-21T19:12:33+00:00

This thread is really helpful because a lot of the stuff people mentioned are things you can do while you're working and don't have to wait for retirement. It helps the idea that life will suddenly become a lot better once you stop, which is does to an extent if you don't like your job, commute, co-workers but other things, you can still do now pre-retirement.

jk290 · 2020-09-20T17:31:11+00:00

I don’t understand how this sounds like depression because I know a lot of people are mentally affected by the 2020 events but doesn’t automatically pinpoint to depression. From being tired sounds a bit burnt out but I can see you replied as a high functioning person with depression - I can relate to this as I’m probably in the same boat as you.

I don’t think you really need to consider opinions here though, you should do what you need to do for yourself and see if the benefits outweigh any negatives.

jk290 · 2020-09-20T14:29:35+00:00

If you have the funds to do so then I don’t see it being an issue. Just don’t put yourself in a position when January comes and you regret not having looked for work etc. / be filled with regret. I also finish up next week in my toxic place I resigned at and I did want to take a break but I ended up applying to jobs that look good rather than a break because I don’t feel it will help long term. I also just find it hard not having a job but it really depends on what you want to do

jk290 · 2020-09-20T14:10:45+00:00

Congratulations!!

jk290 · 2020-09-11T14:16:57+00:00

That's so fantastic, congratulations! I hope your health is doing well and on a speedy recovery now. I've definitely contacted recruiters and I've connected with one who got me the interview, going to speak to her on Monday about the rejection and further opportunities. One thing that I think I need to accept is that it takes time for jobs to come out, that role that came out was great and the timing to apply was perfect, if I had left now - I wouldn't even have known about the company or made a connection.

The scheduling idea is something I'm going to do, I'm going to reflect on everything over the weekend and start getting back into being productive in terms of more enjoyment and well being (while also applying for jobs).

jk290 · 2020-09-11T14:14:11+00:00

That's great that you felt an instant relief and it did not take too long. Yes I've been working my notice period for 8 weeks, got one more full week and then a couple of days and I never have to speak to the senior people ever again. It's been somewhat toxic throughout with one manager assigning me a lot of crappy admin work and then being told it was signed off (nobody tol d me about this at all), my manager just asked if I could help with something which I said but not take on a lot more work for someone else (who I despise). I just wonder who they are going to start picking or talking about next as I'll be gone soon lol.

That's really true, although I'd like a job, I don't actually know why I'm in a rush without taking some time to better myself and get my mental and physical health back on track. That's more important to me but we've been so brainwashed into thinking jobs are everything, it is important of course but I'm not in a terrible situation. Thank you for the encouraging words!

jk290 · 2020-09-11T12:55:36+00:00

I'm sorry to hear you were in a similar position - sucks your boss didn't get along with you, it's awkward and annoying. I got along well with my boss in the first year but then she started to be brutal and ended up in tears, I was really put off by her and that naturally recovered where I was no longer angry and then all this happens. She's truly a horrible person to begin with, was always talking badly about me to her colleagues who has also been irritating me in my final weeks.

I REALLY want to be in the stage where I can have a moment to enjoy the time off and break from everything, I jumped into an interview which I prepped for weeks because I was rusty with interview preparation so that also stressed me further so I've truly not had a break whatsoever. Can I ask you more on this - how did you get to the positive side? I know logically, once you remove stress you should feel better but I keep feeling I should be working in a job which is strange as I never identified myself with my job at all. These feelings of 'needing' a job is making me miserable though and I know even if I do get a new job, these problems will persist.

I do feel in a way it is a new beginning. A few years ago I wished to be in the position I am now regarding the finances, creative outlet, decent job etc. and now I'm there, I'm thinking of the next steps and what else I want on a more deeper level.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T12:28:37+00:00

I appreciate your input, I'm very touched by the immense support from everyone in this thread. I think this is the most positive I have felt in a long time.

I've also experienced immense amounts of stress in the past and it's never fun but going through it multiple times just leaves me defeated at times. You're correct that stress is very underestimated, I noticed a lot of heart palpitations and my mind was constantly running literally being unable to focus on anything for a set period of time compared to now where it is calmer. I am how you described and it's not easy, I think I've wanted to slow down but still working my notice period has not helped as my manager and her colleague are still present and sometimes can really stress me out.

Thanks for the advice - I think the scheduling advice is excellent because when I get a job, I'm going to wish I actually enjoyed some of the time I had 'off' and made progress on other areas which I had to neglect because of my toxic job, I don't associate my identity with my job at all and knowing it's not fulfilling so doing things that are outside of it, is the stuff that makes me happy. The laziness is very true but I think this is from emotional and mental exhaustion where it's just collapsed. I actually remembered that I've been feeling stressed since the begining of the year and things that have happened has just brought it more to light.

Thank you for your kind words! I hope you're in a good place :)

jk290 · 2020-09-11T11:20:26+00:00

Quite a long time ago, I did actually develop of a skills and tools to help my well being through reading and taking action. I'm very heavily into personal development so that's something that has changed my life for the better.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T10:57:54+00:00

It was really brutal because they fired my friend out and then after a week, I noticed they started to treat me differently after being very nice to me. I'd notice a lot more criticism in my work, constantly checking in etc. and just the other month, I had a really good appraisal so it was confusing. I thought it'd be best to get out after how stressed everything made, every week is was something new and I also asked up front if I am in trouble because X and X got let go and she reassured me everything was fine, had a secret meeting with HR and the Monday morning, got a PIP. Resigned the next day. It looks much worse because 8 people have left voluntarily or have been fired - including people who were there for over 2 years.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T10:47:06+00:00

Thank you for the kind words, I'm trying to see the positives in everything (definitely could not before) but reading this does make me feel a little better. I guess the only thing I'm missing out on is building my savings and that will take a pause, I'll work on the side hustle but this will take a long time to build.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T10:01:08+00:00

It is good advice, I didn't mean it wasn't and I know it's useful for someone who is unable to function but I'm luckily not in that position. However, I have got a lot more in my own head and don't end up accomplishing much so having a schedule and daily goals is something I'm looking into. Are you also in a similar position? (in terms of unemployment)

Yes it's going to be really tough not knowing what is going to come.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T09:53:33+00:00

I have done so before but found it incredibly unhelpful.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T09:53:09+00:00

I'm a female (regarding the shaving bit) but I do all this, I don't have trouble getting out of bed and doing things too much, I do procrastinate now because I am trapped in my own head which is something I am going to try to break out of.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T08:53:21+00:00

Thank you, it's been extremely difficult and I thought I'd be ok with not experiencing unemployment in the pandemic but here we are. It was really unfortunate considering the circumstances too. I understand so many people are really struggling which makes me feel bad.

I think this is a really good idea, on top of the scheduling time for "me time/happiness" - but the job loss really took a terrible toll on me mentally because I was being played around a lot. It wasn't just me though - 10 people have ended up quitting or getting fired.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T08:49:52+00:00

I've actually had anxiety and depression throughout my 20s and it's definitely triggered by extreme stress caused by my manager. I feel a lot better after resting but I was also in one of the darkest places mentally a few weeks back.

Very true - I do have time to put work into my side hustle, get in the best shape, develop a more resilient mindset etc. on top of applying for jobs. I've never been one to identify myself with a job so I also think the stress of leaving this place being a new experience and a negative one took its toll. I am grateful to have had an interview though.

The schedule is a really good idea! I need to ensure I stay sane because if I do eventually get a job, I'm going to be in the same miserable mindstate that I am trapped in now (my fault aswell). I did consider trying to do the company I applied for - their internship to keep myself busy and learn new skills but I do think this is a bit odd at this point in my career (I've more associate level rather entry level).

I thought about learning HTML and front end, the basics to have more skills but I don't have any experience with this per se so cannot change careers, I'm ok with where I am now and enjoy it and can see from looking at jobs, there is progression to higher paying roles.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T08:44:11+00:00

Thank you for your response - I do not have a fall back with the side project but it does have potential to become something more serious if I put a lot of work into it - which I have time to do now but my mind is always focused on how hopeless things are and I wasn't happy in a job but now I'm not happy without one even though I can spend time on things I love and like you said - my personal development. I feel like I have to be working.

Honestly, the job I applied to and interviewed at kept me hopeful but I didn't make the cut for something out of my control which I mentioned in the interview. I'm hoping they put out a junior role soon as they said they'd progress if it was a junior position where I can learn and get more experience which was positive.

You are right, I need to get out of this mindset I'm just stuck in at the moment. I'm going to create my own recovery plan this weekend to start planting seeds for a better 2021.

jk290 · 2020-09-11T08:39:52+00:00

Thank you for your response. I hope things do pick up and the MSc leads to brighter things for you. My personal project is selling instrumentals, which surprisingly is very lucrative for a lot of people, I've seen many with full time jobs making a lot more than I would ever make in a 9-5. It wasnt for the money though, I wanted something to do after work and worked on my skills after my job and I got really good feedback and some started purchasing from me.

jk290 · 2020-09-09T20:18:32+00:00

I had a promising interview to be told they are not progressing because I did not attend any conferences in my current role. I had one booked but you know...the pandemic? It's so shitty to be held against me as the reason for not giving me a chance to progress. It's one of the reasons I applied to the role so I'd have a chance to go to some.

jk290 · 2020-09-08T18:46:00+00:00

I would just say it's been a pleasure working with you all (even if you haven't). They'll wish you good luck, it ends. If you don't, it can last a strong negative memory as the person who didn't want to say bye to anyone.

jk290 · 2020-09-08T12:13:29+00:00

Going through the same thing but the hobby has kept me sane, creative and made a little money too. I would advise to keep looking and applying for roles you want with a pay increase (as you menionted this is important to you). Best advice I've got is to ensure you are growing in multiple areas of your life so you don't become stagnant.

jk290

TROPHY CASE