Dear Miriam,

I know I’m far from the only person with this problem at the moment, but all the same I wouldn’t mind getting your perspective on it as it’s starting to get at me more and more.

I work in the retail sector – the non-essential side as it’s classed at the moment – and obviously I’m out of work. Last year I wasn’t working for long periods and, like everyone else in retail, I haven’t worked at all this year.

I’m starting to get fed up with it and it’s really getting me down. It’s less about the money for me and more about how aimless my days are.

I’m doing the recommended things, like walking daily and all that, but the longer this goes on, the less focus I feel I have in my life

I live at home with my parents and they’ve a small farm. Dad is great for keeping me going, giving me jobs and getting me to help out – but still, more and more I feel like my days have no structure. They all merge together.

I’m doing the recommended things, like walking daily and all that, but the longer this goes on, the less focus I feel I have in my life.

I don’t know if I should leave retail altogether and look for a new job

I manage a shop and before this I never really questioned the job I was in, I enjoyed it. But now I’m thinking, more and more, do I need to look at a new career?

There seems to be no end in sight to these lockdowns and, ultimately, getting back to work for me. I don’t know if I should leave retail altogether and look for a new job (I just don’t know what else I’d do), wait it out, or start doing some sort of course?

What would your advice be, Miriam?

Locked Down

Dear Locked Down,

Thank you very much for getting in touch. I am sure very many people will empathise with how you are feeling at the moment, so know you are not alone. However, I don’t say that to take away from your problem.

Fair play to you for following the advice and doing what you have so far to stay busy and active. As you have touched on in your letter, through no fault of your own, your life is lacking focus at the moment.

You have identified your career as something to explore

Finding a focus is key to making you feel like you are going in the right direction and giving more structure to your days.

I know it is easier said than done at the moment but there are ways, so let’s look at some options. You have identified your career as something to explore. You do like your current job. Hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later when non-essential retail is back, but at the moment that is little good in giving focus to your day.

I think enrolling in a course would be a good option. You will acquire new skills, which in turn might help you find a new job, if you so wish. I recommend looking for something you enjoy, you never know where it might lead.

Alongside doing a course, if you want to look for a new job, then you absolutely should

A good website to checkout is www.gov.ie/therightcourse. It has lots of information on finding a course that will suit you. There are free course options outlined under the Government’s eCollege scheme and career guidance is also on offer.

Alongside doing a course, if you want to look for a new job, then you absolutely should. Think of areas you might like to work in and go for it. Also remember that looking for a job and upskilling go hand-in-hand.

Things are tough at the moment, but keep doing everything you can to look after yourself. Walk, eat healthily, talk to a friend and do what you can to stay well. Finding a focus will help alongside all that.

Wishing you all the best,

Miriam

Read more

Dear Miriam: ‘I’m worn out from caring for my brother’

Dear Miriam: ‘My husband is taking advantage of our children’s labour’