The oddest thing is that my continuing efforts towards making a career change has indirectly been rectifying my situation, but in doing so I finally realise the extent of my loneliness because I am around many more people & seeing what I don’t have, and in some ways know I will never have.
My volunteering has been a bright light in all this, particularly Scouting. Not so much for the connection element, but because helping others makes me happy.
3/3
Back when I left education, fresh with my new “qualifications”, maybe then I would have been in a position to consider that career path, but I didn’t.
I was shy and quiet, and I knew it. Standing in front of a group of Young People helping them to learn was not something I was capable of. “Yeah, quite the change!” says the (now) Cub Scout Leader.
And I never gave it more than a cursory thought, I knew myself well, and I wanted to do something creative for a career anyway.
I applied for a job late yesterday afternoon.
I had only happened to notice it that afternoon & the deadline was yesterday.
Already been rejected. No interview.
This prospective career change just isn’t getting anywhere.
Since I achieved the necessary qualification, the job opportunities that suit my circumstances are few, and reading between the lines, most are clearly filled posts they are obligated to re-advertise as those in them are on temporary contracts.
I just saw the term “paid it forward” for the first time in ages.
Always loved the term, & concept, since I first heard it, so it’s a shame it seems to have disappeared from use.
Perhaps I feel an affinity to it as I feel that both my still in-progress career change & other life changes of recent years are, in part, me wanting to repay others efforts for my benefit to others.
If you want to live in a good world you have to give not just receive.
#PayItForward #Volunteering #CheekyCareerChange
Making a difference is why I initiated my Career Change and why I started Volunteering with Scouts. Though the former is still “in progress” (I’ve qualified but yet to find employment in my new field) , deciding to make that change and starting volunteering are the best decisions I’ve ever made.
https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2025/march/why-scout-volunteer-james-got-into-teaching/
#CheekyCareerChange #Scouting #ScoutingUK #Volunteering #SkillsForLife
I only just realised, while conversing here, something my 2 main writing projects have in common. YEARS after.
I’ve not returned to my Writing since I started Scouting unfortunately, I’ve not found the time. Ironic, as it was indirectly responsible for putting into motion all my life changes over the last few years.
Oh, and I’m not going to say what the 2 writing projects have in common, in case I get them finished and published.
Spoilers. 😆
Library Sales (and to a lesser extent Charity Shops) aren’t things I can walk out of empty handed.
Oh dear.
Always a mix though.
#CheekyCareerChange, #Scouting , Writing, a bit of everything.
And I walked home. My arms are now longer. #Books
I found out a few days ago I didn’t get the job at the place I wanted to work most. No interview. It’s fine, and expected.
It’s likely they were obligated to re-advertise the (temporary) position. If the person I met on my recent course’s work placement (I’m assuming it’s the same position) is continuing then experience is going to win out. Plus they are excellent at it, I worked with them briefly.
If I’d got to an interview stage I’d have been confident as they know me.
It was an eventful-ish day in both the career change and my Scouting.
Some disappointing and some unexpected and great.
Then I had a tech issue (or possible non-issue) just to press my anxiety buttons.
…And I’ve tomorrow to prepare for.
So, yeah, stuff. 😜
Woo!
This *could* be the last “non-standard” schedule ever (outside holidays). Depends on my employment status.
CheekyMcB