For the last ten years or so, I have suffered from pretty bad mental health problems, which have meant I’ve been unable to work, but over the last year or so, my health has improved substantially to the state I am now, which is stable on medication.
I am keen to get back to work so I can pay my way, but with zero experience, I need to figure out where to start. My ideal job only requires a little social interaction. I’m also good with computers, so that is an option (I am a beginner to intermediate web developer).
Where should I start?
7 comments
Do some open source projects, add said work experience to your cv, get it all on linkedin. Say you’re looking for work as a developer
Sell your skills and tell a company in what way you are a lucrative asset
You’re in an ideal position to do absolutely anything you want because you’re starting with a blank slate and you’ve got nothing to lose.
Anything you build on will be an improvement.
What do you like doing? Do you have any qualifications? Fancy getting some?
Start out where a lot of people start. Places like mcdonalds, retail, call centers. You can bounce off that experience to better things or you can build from there. The sky is your limit.
Have you considered an apprenticeship? They aren’t age limited.
Honestly with ten years out of work, you’ll be starting in the dregs jobs. i.e call centres, low tier retail. I’d personally recommend trying to get something data input related to build up some work experience, where you won’t have to use phones.
Volunteer for charities to build up your CV.
You say you’re a beginner to intermediate web developer – why not do that? More opportunities for remote work if you want less social contact. Good pay.
Look for a junior role somewhere, accept the pay will not he great for your first year or two and then after that you’ll be able to ask for a pretty decent wedge.
I’d say start by thinking about where you want to end up career wise.
Then think about what sort of skills that kind of career will need.
From that, look at lower-spec roles where you could gain relevant experience and transferrable skills.
Working at McDonalds for example, might not be your dream job. But you can gain confidence, develop people skills, work on communication skills and some general maths skills.
It’s also worth considering how you can drill down into those skills and apply the principles to other things. Working a checkout and having a goal of X number of customers an hour, is arguably:
Working under own initiative
Working to tight deadlines
Ensuring performance targets are met
Coping under pressure