Hating life right now...

[LimpyLionel]

Before anyone says, I KNOW there are millions of people a LOT worse off than me, but that doesn't stop me feeling like this...

For the past few months I've been out of work and been on the dole - something I loathe. I can't even find a minimum wage job, which, to be fair, wouldn't be worth doing but I hate being at home in the day.

I have a 17 month old daughter and I haven't even got her anything for Christmas yet. I can't even support her at the moment (well, if you count £20 a week [for the meantime]). It's doing my head in. I feel worthless. I'm not destitute or anything, my current girlfriend (well, fiance - as we were *due* to get married this Christmas) has a really good job, but I feel like a leech at the moment, and I know her parents think she's too good for me.

I'm just hating life right now and I think me and my girlfriend are drifting apart - which is all I need.

All I ever do it TRY, but I seem to get nowhere. It's so frustrating.

[albaqwerty]

It is frustrating, life throws curve-balls at times.

Have you thought about volunteering at charity shops? It's another plus on your cv.

[maggiebee]

Sounds as if you're in a really bad place at the moment. Being at home all day can't be any fun. Is there anything else you could be doing whilst job hunting?
Would having other company help lift your mood? As Alba says, would you consider some charity work where you can meet people and feel less isolated?
Your fiance sounds understanding so having something else to talk about can only be a plus. Good luck.

[jd_1984]

There are many people like you.
The good thing is you WANT to work, so many actually choose the life you are living and prefer to exist on whatever hand outs they can get or rely on family etc....
Keep putting yourself out there, jobcentre, internet, handing in your CV on the high street. A seasonal position may come up this time of year, get your foot in the door and see how it goes.
I would imagine that with the little one you will be pushed to find employment that suits childcare etc it is a difficult balancing act. My partner feels how you do sometimes as she can only bring in around15% of our household income due to having a child and feels that she burdens me. But hopefully, like us your relationship is strong enough to get through life's tests. My partner assists in other ways. Our home is always clean, washing done and food on the table. She makes our house a family home as well as working 3 days a week and that is our balance of things and it works for us.
I dont resent the situation one bit because I love my family and our home, I am happy to work 50hrs a week and bring in 85% of the income.

Just hang in there, like alba says, life throws these curve balls at you.

But it is important that you staf focussed.
Why would a minimum wage job not work for you, out of interest? If you want to get out the house and earn some money? It is a starting point is it not and lessens the gap in employement on your CV.

[redman41]

Not sure where you live Limpy, but take a look at link below.
I have done Xmas work with Royal Mail 3 times in the past and they pay well.

http://forums.learnis...-christmas-jobs-2012/

[LimpyLionel]

albaqwerty + jd_1984 - My whole life seems to be BIG curveball. But thanks for your kind comments. I will definitely look into some of those.

And redman41, I'm looking into that right now. Thanks, mate.

[LimpyLionel]

The people at the Jobcentre aren't very helpful as well, they just want any excuse to throw you off the dole.

[EvianBaby]

Lionel, your daughter won't even remember xmas so just pick her up some bits from a charity shop/pound shop. She'll be happy as larry.

Desktop, have you considered cancelling your internet connection to save money.

[albaqwerty]

Limpy, we are here to listen, support and take the shouting of frustration
{hugs}

Oh, not forgetting giving the occasional kick up the bahookie :-)

[LimpyLionel]

EvianBaby - It's not that bad. She'll be spolit, don't worry. Like I said, my girlfriend has a good job, and my daughter's mom has a good job, too. It's just me, I feel worthless. That's one of the problems.

[LimpyLionel]

albaqwerty - Thanks. x

[divegirl]

I have the perfect present for a toddler.... one very large cardboard box, free from somewhere... and a couple of helium balloons, a few pounds from the local party shop! Wrap in the most colourful paper you can find.... sit back and watch :0)

Hope things look up for you soon though, I'm financially boogered this year but last Christmas I had loads of money and cancer .... this year no cancer and no money either! I know which one I prefer lol.

Good luck

Lisa xxx

[murraymints]

hope things get better for you soon..xx

[LimpyLionel]

Aww, thanks, Lisa. I'm glad you're well. I hope you have a lovely Christmas. x

[LimpyLionel]

Thanks, murraymints.

[stokemaveric]

in which area do you live???