Every other employed person seems to be worried about losing their job. Not me though, as I'm already jobless. I'm just worried I might never work again. How many people want a sexagenarian in a recession?Last year was a bummer on the work front. I was made redundant by a national charity in February, and since then all I've had is a three-month non-job at another charity where I was twiddling my thumbs all day.
I do want to work. I'm not one of those people desperate to retire and go fishing. I need a focus in my life, something to keep the vital juices flowing and the grey cells buzzing. Sitting in front of the telly watching Corrie is not for me.
If I'd been more astute when I was young, I would probably have acquired some essential skill that was always in demand and would guarantee me constant employment. But having always been a bit of a drifter, more interested in short-term pleasure than the rest of my life, that never happened.
I've spent most of my worklife in the dusty recesses of bookshops, discovering a long list of brilliant books but not doing much for my future prospects.
I'm lucky that Jenny earns a handsome salary, otherwise I would have no choice but to take up anything that was going (shelf-filler at Sainsbury's, anyone?) rather than holding out for what I really want.
In the meantime I amuse myself visiting all those brilliant blogs out there, catching up on my reading (have just finished "Confederacy of Dunces"), getting drunk on all my favourite CDs and doing all those domestic chores my overworked partner never gets round to (or runs a mile from).
And I thank my lucky stars I'm not a downtrodden machinist in some suffocating Beijing sweatshop.
You are very lucky to have Jenny for a partner! While I don't worry (what is the point really) I am from time to time fully aware of the responsibility of caring for child and parent without a partner. Even one whose salary is not so much handsome but adequate would be quite a cushion.
ReplyDeleteCount your lucky stars and give thanks for them!
Gayle
Gayle - Yes, I realise just how lucky I am! Having caring responsibilities would make life a lot more difficult, especially when governments are not always very helpful.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, I hope you find something fulfilling.
ReplyDeleteI need to find something better paid! What chance do I have at the moment?!
I have been out of the work place for about 6 years now due to health reasons. I really miss the regular contact with people. It is very easy to fall under the radar.
ReplyDeleteHappy hunting and I hope something interesting appears on your horizon real soon.
Suburbia - A survey today said that by far the biggest concern of workers is keeping their job - no surprise there. Better pay or promotion is the least of their concerns right now. And I imagine most employers are looking to cut pay rather than raise it.
ReplyDeleteGrannymar - Exactly, the regular contact with people is something about work I really value.
Nick I started to read your blogpost this morning and was called away by the grandgirl and only now got back to the computer!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you find something soon in your line. It must be hard having the days hang a bit heavy.
I know I need regular mental stimulation so have not relinquished all my clients.
You are lucky in that Jenny earns enough and enjoys her job. Sometimes we just need to be the person taking care of the details of co-existence.
XO
WWW
I know a whole lot of people who are VERY worried about losing their jobs or getting their hours reduced but they're mostly young folks who don't have to worry about ageism as much as you do.
ReplyDeleteI often think this is why folks just decide to become doctors or lawyers. You're never gonna get laid off if you're a lawyer or doctor and you never really worry about what's coming next in your career. That said, how wonderful it is to spend time in bookshops. :)
www - I wouldn't say the days hang heavy, I'm good at amusing myself, but I could do with a bit more of a sense of purpose.
ReplyDeleteLiz - Despite what I said about age, employers here do seem to avoid ageism on the whole. I've seen little evidence of it in my various job-hunting stints. So I'm still hopeful.
Yes, I sometimes wonder, why did I never think of being a human rights lawyer? Something like that would be really valuable and rewarding. Or so it seems.
I have a bit of an employment debacle of my own going on so I can relate - best of luck hunting!
ReplyDeleteQuicky - At the rate things are going, most of us will be facing an employment debacle sooner or later. The UK economy's seriously screwed.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a whole big comment here the other day and when I pressed to submit, it disappeared with a message on this window : you have to login to leave a comment.
ReplyDeleteBloody hell, so that's where my comments have been going. If I am not logged on to my wordpress account when I am commenting on blogger, it just completely dismisses and I can't go back to retrieve the text. I haven't noticed before I pressed sent and continued browsing. D'oh!
About the job thing, if you wanted to do some community work (disability or youth) I am sure there is plenty of job opportunities. Despite the recession here I am pretty confident I can find a job in the community carer/field worker if all else fails. It's rewarding too!
As for the share of responsibilities between you and Jenny, the house chores are nothing to take lightly or underestimate. I think you guys have a balance going on at the moment. I hope you find the kind of work you will enjoy doing besides earning a living from it.
Gx
PS: Word of the day etleaf. First I misread it as eatleaf. I was thinking vegetarian!!!!!! It's on my mind these days.
Gayé - Sorry your comment disappeared. Personally if I do a long comment I copy it first just in case!
ReplyDeleteNot sure I'm cut out for community work but it's something to consider. As for domestic chores, guess who's never defrosted the fridge in 16 years??
Jenny?
ReplyDeleteGayé - Well guessed! Mind you, if you compared the number of meals Jenny's cooked with the number I've cooked....
ReplyDeleteNick - seems like you are eminenetly qualified to become afreelance journalist
ReplyDeleteTH - You're probably right. Perhaps I should have a serious think about dirtying my hands in the grubby world of sensationalism and celeb-watching....
ReplyDeleteYou could start your own business. What about a 'Walking Guide' tie in something you love with something that will provide a little income and contact with others. Could be fun!
ReplyDeleteBaino - An interesting idea. Could be fun if I got to choose the routes. Must give it some thought.
ReplyDelete