What's next

[NewLife]

I have been unemployed for 4 years now. Been living off savings. My rent is very low or I would not be able to do this. I figured out I was abused my entire childhood by my sibling a couple of years ago and have been just giving myself time and space. I am pretty much a hermit, no friends or family are a regular part of my life. I only go out to the library or grocery shopping.

My previous career has been retail and ecommerce management, which I just ended up in but was never formally trained for. I left my last job telling them I was sick but not how.

Well a couple of days ago I got a signal that I might lose this apartment soon. And I am trying to keep an even keel. Here I would have another year or more of savings to support me. In the real world, I can't even get another apartment without proving I have income that would support a $900 a month rent or more.

Going back to retail seems like the worst thing ever. It is so very abusive and traumatizing. I was just constantly tied up in knots over it and never knew why or made the connection. So essentially my career now seems impossible for me to do. I am low on ideas how to transition into something that will pay enough. Does anybody have any ideas or been in a similar situation and found a way? I guess I just need to vent / feel less alone / get ideas on first steps here after a long confinement. Being forced into the world again seems very scary.

[Rainagain]

I am in the same kind of situation, 3 years living off savings and about another year left.

I have plans which hopefully will work out, if not I'm in a spot of bother I guess.

If you need to transition back into work then part time initially or voluntary work might be good options to start with.

I was looking at solitary working like night static security or telephone helpdesk support, no face to face interactions.

But there are lots of other jobs, horticulture, driving,proofreading etc.

You could start training yourself maybe? Online courses?

My thought was to look at jobs that were strictly defined, low stress and routine with no 'open ended' element as I tend to over work myself.

How about selling stuff on eBay? Might be something to try, lots seem to.

[salto]

Oh, I feel your pain......! Been there. Wish I could help.

You're writing well. Have you considered working from home with writing or marketing?
There's some excellent education at https://www.digitalmarketer.com/lab-plus/

The first month is free. Enough time to learn several new skills. Then you might be a freelancer at Fiverr or something.

That sounded too simplified........I know.......no green grass or anything, but it might be a start to get you going and get some self-confidence
Good luck

[NewLife]

Thank you salto and rainagain. My career WAS selling things on ebay, lol. Unfortunately the site is chock a block full of nasty 'buyers' who try to extort money or free items with threats. You'd think it would be easier because you are not face to face with the customer, but people are 10x nastier hiding behind their computer screens. I had a dedicated rep because our company gave them that much money and still it was not enough protection. And this was selling new items - vintage is another ball of wax. I have been considering etsy as an alternative though. I tried to sell a bunch of vintage clothing there awhile back and did not have any luck. I will look at the site you provided salto thanks  I guess the core of the problem is my need to mostly avoid other humans. Somehow lickety split I have to come up with a new work personality that keeps me from harm.

[Rainagain]

Mostly avoiding other humans is what I'm about too.

Would specialist auctions be any good? Takes the personal element away I'd think.

[Blueberry]

NewLife, my career and work situation sounds roughly similar. I have lots of posts on the Employment board. Feel free to check. I don't feel up to re-explaining any of it rn. Tired, I should go to bed 

[Boatsetsailrose]

Hi new life
I hear you i got out of my career this year and am living on welfare and savings ..
I plan to train as a barber
How about getting support from a charity around employment options ...maybe a mental health charity ?