Is there a cure to feeling trapped?

[Tock389]

Hello. Don't want to be a misery, but am feeling a bit trapped. I live in a shared house with four others, and am desperate to get out and move in one person maximum. However, to do this, I need to find another job (I work in the media) which is better paid, but that is proving a struggle. My current job has hours of around 10.30am to 8pm, sometimes later, so my midweek social life is non-existent, so it's starting to drag me down.

Any tips on remaining positive about things?

[chimney]

When something begins to drag me down I try to remember and think about good times with friends or family, I like to draw which takes my mind off of everything (including the time). I realise that this isn't possible for everyone to do but things like this do have a knack of turning out to be a learning curve and therefore being a positive experience.

Be lucky!

[derriere]

It takes some doing but everytime you find yourself getting down about your situation consciously stop the train of thought and force yourself to think of at least 3 things you could like about your situation e.g. my job doesn't pay enough but at least I get a bit of a lie-in in the morning, I have a job in the media industry which loads of people would love to have, etc.

And be creative, don't use the same 3 every time! Make a list and see if you can come up with at least 50 over the next few days.

[Lore]

Hiya Tock,
I don't have the same lifestyle as yourself but I am however very busy and try to juggle my work/life balance. I work full time and go to college too.
I feel trapped mostly when things are getting on top of me at work which also impacts on my college work too.- that's without my home life. It is difficult trying to fit everything into your daily routine - especially when you have to take others into consideration and still find time for relaxation. I feel like I'm constantly on the go and have no quality time for myself.

Yesterday I did something about it. I bought a book called 'The Big Book Of ME' it's about becoming your own life coach, discovering things about yourself, finding out what areas of your life need improving, what your goals are,
there are a number of lessons in the book which is supposed to take 6 months to complete - within the 6 months you will set targets, take time to reflect and evaluate and complete charts & logs to see how you've changed within the set time.
I'm impressed with the idea - I've never written down how I feel about myself, what I hope for in life and how i can achieve these things in a time frame I can relate to.

here's a link to the book...
http://www.tesco.com/books/product.aspx?R=1904977499

Don't let this feeling go on for too long Tock - do something about it! A rule I live my life by - If your ship doesn't come in - then swim out to it!

Good Luck Tock :o)