Sometimes I think I need to do something different.
Nursing is a hard game when you do night shifts.
They scupper your reserves and body clock to buggery.
But it's all I know.
I've been a nurse since I was twenty years old.
Now I'm getting divorced , I now need to work well into my sixties and so I need to see if there is anything I can do that's a little easier on the old carcass
Any ideas gratefully received
I'll leave you to a few late postcard entries.
I'm off to have a doze
Nursing is like digging ditches, a young person's game. Nights makes it even harder. And why isn't your husband paying spousal support, or is that a thing in the UK? At least until you get your feet under you.
ReplyDeleteI ended up in diagnostic imaging. Monday to Friday. No shift work. Not really much lifting. We're the same age and my back is sore all the time. A clinic of some sort? It's much harder when you live in a small place. I live in a large city with a lot of choices available.
Do you still love nursing? You seem like a people person. Elder visits, public health? Not sure how your system is set up but I do know I would miss my patients terribly if I quit nursing. When I do retire I shall have to find some volunteer work that will allow me to spend time with people which is weird because I'm an introvert.
Hope you find the right job.
Oh, I do wonder about spouse support too, also about pet support. Ok the latter might not be required by law, but to split the vet bills the very least thing to be done.
DeleteJohn, among many things you are also very creative. I hope luck is on your side and you'll find the perfect job. One that exceeds your dreams, pays good money and makes life a breeze! Love always, A
I'm not discussing the details of the divorce here, it's not the place, suffice to say I need to be independent ...
DeleteI still love nursing
But I'm tired
I'm tired of shift work which suits dog care but which cripples me physically x
I have done everything a*** about face. I spent the first twenty odd years of my career sitting at a desk. Then in my late forties went into teaching for a few years (standing up all day and hardly any breaks due to additional break and lunch duties). I am now in my fifties and working in a hospital and am on my feet all day and doing fairly physical work. I love it bit by gum I'm tired every day!
DeleteMaybe you don't want a 'sitting down' job but I think that if you could somehow exploit your very rare gift for writing (the evidence is before our eyes almost daily!) it could turn into something profitable for you. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteYES!!! I agree with Raybeard! You can become a famous author!!
DeleteI third that. Write on, glean stories from past posts, whatever, but you've got to face the fact that you're a gifted writer.
DeleteWriting is an option but realistically even the most famous and prolific authors in the UK are not exactly living the life of Riley.
DeleteI need to think laterally
Deletewhat about being a home care person or even working at a place like where aunt glady's is now? you are so good with elderly people. it's so difficult to make changes especially as we grow older. hang in there john.
ReplyDeleteYou have said to me that day working is difficult because of leaving the dogs. Perhaps a post part time at a hospice - you once said you would like to do this type of work - would fit. Or something completely different, as a stepping stone, such as the Arts Centre front of house or anything they have going, box office etc. The hours may be unsocial but not all night. X
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten I'd applied and worked at the hospice....I did enjoy it
DeleteWrite a book, become a best-seller. Simples... (PS, I have published many books, translated into many languages, 8 through recognised publishers and several by self-publishing, so if it was really that "simples" I would be much richer than I am); but... write a book.
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrew
DeleteTeaching nursing! Transferring your excellent people skills. Patient acting for psychiatrists to be (you play the patient). A columnist for a nursing journal, telling them about the real world. Etc etc
ReplyDeleteI do this role play at sams x
DeleteWhat about a visiting nurse, or infirmary nurse? I think the teaching also sounds like something you'd be good at.
ReplyDeleteCould you find a day job in nursing and a sitter for your dogs? The fancy retirement home where I volunteer has nurses on duty during the day, they hand out medications and deal with many health issues. Could you run a pet therapy organization, where you coordinate people bringing pets to nursing homes and hospitals?
ReplyDeleteWinnie could make 1000 £s
DeleteI left nursing 20 years ago (ward based) and like yourself, was lost at what to do. I did admin work for a few years, and then was a stay at home mum. I've recently returned to work part time as a health care support worker in theatres. Don't have the stress I had as an RGN, and the extra money wouldn't be worth the stress. I couldn't physically face wards again, theatres is much kinder to your body. Contact your local hospital and see what night jobs they have available.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best
Pauline B
I can't work for the NHS until I am 60
DeleteHey John what about a private clinic. I had to use one and the nurse there was talking to me to calm me down and she only worked Day shift monday to friday.
DeleteSomething I've come across this week.. "social prescribing" helping people help themselves without medication.. Broad spectrum of needs but I'm sure your skills match requirements
ReplyDeletePrivate nursing? I don't know how it works there but here if a person needs care but doesn't want to go to a nursing home and can afford to be cared for in their own home they will hire carers, covering all or part of the 24-hour period. You might be able to arrange shorter shifts that way also, as some of the other carers sharing the job might want longer shifts. Sorry I can't think of anything else. There are some good ideas above, though.
ReplyDeleteThis blog has been incredibly helpful x
DeleteDog training, you've obviously got some skillz there.
ReplyDeleteI've thought of this
DeleteI paid $100/hour for help with dig issues. A friend of mine pays $40 for a 40 minute walk for her dog
DeleteForgot to say, I like the postcards. The birds nest one made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteIt was my favourite
DeleteNurses are healing goddesses to humanity!
ReplyDeleteGod's too darling x
DeleteComing from the states, I don't know if I have the right verbage but what about public health nursing or even school nursing? At least these would be day time shifts. Teaching is also a possibility. Nursing here in the US is very versatile and there are many options. Nursing in a clinic is a possibility since most are open during the day. What about working in a doctor's office as a nurse? Again it's day shifts.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I need to move back to the city
DeleteIf North Wales is anything like West Wales, it's not exactly awash with job opportunities. I feel a tiny crack here - I know you love your village life, but a new job, change of scene - it could be just what you need.
DeleteYou could be near a city but not in it!
DeleteNurses are awesome. They also have a very difficult job. Hats off to anybody who goes into the ‘caring professions’.
ReplyDeleteHope that if you decide to change profession you go into teaching, like someone suggested upcomments. I think you’d be a terrific instructor by the way you communicate here.
XoXo
Sometime what's to do something very different x
DeleteI have a friend who works as a registered nurse in intensive care...she switched to a dialysis ward to work only days. Alzheimers day care- to provide respite for caregivers. Not knowing the UK health care system, I am not sure all that would apply, but best of luck in the search. Barb
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my divorce came at a time after I retired I would ever have officially retired if I had known what was going to happen
DeleteWhat about district/community nursing? I see on the Wrexham and Flintshiire NHS pages that they offer a wide number of services like that. Have a look and see if there are any vacancies if something appeals.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/page/55035
Writing is an obvious option but you need something on the side until the big bucks roll in, maybe professional dog walking.
What about a you tube Vlog - people seem to make millions out of those, or start adding clickable earnable links into the blog occasionally.
I hope you find something to earn some dosh and more importantly make you happy doing it.
Loved the postcards.
I was never the entrepreneur ... perhaps I would try to be
DeleteI pay £12.50 for each dog for 1 hour. they text me pictures of them on their adventures.
DeleteHummm
DeleteYou should write a book in the style of James herriot.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime how about dog walking? 😀
I do that anyway but yes I'd love that
DeleteSorry, I have no suggestions, Im a night shift worker myself and know I can't continue until I retire, I have to find something else and I'm not a nurse!
ReplyDeleteMy sister-in-law worked as a dental hygienist, then got a job teaching that at a trade school. Hours, pay and benefits are good and it's physically easier. I don't know about how such things work in the UK, but could you teach nursing in an entry level program? Another possibility would be to teach classes for caregivers... many ordinary folks wouldn't know how to give injections, run a catheter line, etc. I agree your personality and communications skills would be well suited to teaching.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if there is a nursing shortage in UK like there is in US. Part of it is because there are not enough teachers here. Perhaps you could teach?
ReplyDeleteNot really my business, but could you sustain yourself with part time work?
I'm open to everything and anything... I need to work to live,..
DeleteThere are supposedly people who make money from their blogs. Nobody would fault you for throwing some advertising or sponsored posts in with your existing blog. You already have such a big following, it might be just the thing!
ReplyDeleteAre there administrative roles you could take on in nursing - no lifting, or nights, but still nursing?
Become a youtuber who does video 'vlogs' where you tell your stories, share your world, even feature your animals and their antics. I have no idea how this works, but surely some young (Boffin?) could help you with this. I take my hat off to anyone who does shift work and takes care of the public! Nursing is on my short list of careers I would never want! -Jenn
You are right about becoming a youtuber. I'm not sure how it is done but I do know many people make a lot of money making regular vlogs especially if animals are involved. If the following of this blog also followed the videos there could be some money involved plus the larger the following the more the vlog attracts others and advertisers.
DeleteThis post has surprised me...but why is that?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOh for fucks sake John, write a book already!!! I not only would buy it, I would recommend it over here stateside, repeatedly, verbally and literally, and buy copies to give to friends.AND I AINT THE ONLY ONE!
ReplyDeleteIn the meanwhile, write articles about your profession for publication in local news, community publications, country wide publications - how does one prepare someone (what do they really need?) for moving into long term care? What emotional worries or cares are involved? Whats to be expected on behalf of the care involved at a facility, whats normal and what isnt? You have so much experience to share, and not every generation knows what to expect when dealing with care issues due to disability or age. Rather than stumble into it, how easier and better for those if they are prepared? Add humor, facts, and youve got people interested.
xoxo
Perhaps I should try ...bestsellers don't have to be penned by experts xxx
DeleteHealth Adviser in a Sexual Health clinic John. I previously worked as a nurse/health adviser in a clinic. You have a useful skillset with your Samaritans background - and not saying being gay helps, but it's an asset given dilemmas of some of the clientele. Age too believe it or not. And you won't be on your feet all the time, rather measured one-to-one discussions seated in a meeting room. Just a thought. Hospital nursing is a hard game. There are plenty of other roles nurses do that don't involve being on your feet all the time. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteI think this would suit you John.
DeleteNu has a great experience in this field ....another option
DeleteI left floor nursing to go ER,and left that to work in surgery (in the US that's the operating room), then to a day surgery to get a M-F daytime schedule. My last job was in an OB/GYN doctor's office and that was the busiest job I ever had.
ReplyDeleteThe disruption of your body clock by night shifts is oh, so true.
Nurses work at airports, in industry, in schools, in ski resorts, on cruise ships, and just about everywhere. In the US, there are traveling nurses who work from 3 to 6 months in a location and job of their choosing and are provided with housing in the new location. I worked with several excellent traveling nurses.
I always planned to work in a flower shop if I left nursing but that became work in a quilt shop! I left nursing due to health issues so that didn't happen.
Hope you can find a day job close to the bungalow.
Hugs!
I am floating with things at the moment
DeleteI may have to leave thecottage as part of the divorce and where I then go will dictate things somewhat x
I hope you can stay in the cottage if that's your first choice.
DeleteBig hugs
Obviously I don't want answers to these questions, but: Do you still subscribe to nursing journals that have ads in them? How far would you be able to travel daily - draw a circle on a map. Does it have to be related to nursing? Are you actually able to go back to working for the NHS? How much do you need to earn? What hours would suit you? Do you have any friends working in situations that you've always fancied? Have you ever done one of those 'Find an alternative career' aptitude tests (they used to be free). Is your driving licence clean? Has your local library any 'alternative careers' books that you can work through? If working with people, what age group would you prefer? How soon must you find something?
ReplyDeleteI'd tackle this with lots of lists, thought bubbles, time and copious amounts of tea!
A few ideas
DeleteI am controlled somewhat by the older dogs who cannot be left as long as Mary
Food for thought thank you
My niece is a nurse. She has always worked with the elderly. She just got a new job that takes her off 'the front lines'......teaching nursing. Just a thought for you, John. to ponder. You would make a wonderful teacher.
ReplyDeleteTeaching has always been part of my nursing career... and I thank you ...I am good at it
DeleteIt is unlikely that you will find anything that pays as well as nursing but it would be better if you could switch to regular daytime shifts.
ReplyDeleteI agree.....I think just doing part time nights has helps YP
DeleteI honestly think that if you make a decision to nurse during the day or even get a senor or management nursing role, the home farm situation will get resolved. It's hard to see the way forward if you're not on it, and it may take a leap of faith. <3
ReplyDeleteLeaps of faith take confidence
DeleteI hear you. I've been out of work since the end of last June and last week I had two job interviews. I was so despondent about them, I assumed when I was rung back it was to say no. I got one of them, it was so easy. I have the skills they are looking for. I realised that my confidence was so down the loo because I felt that the more rejection I got, the less likely I was to get a job. Getting a job was imperative for me as the hubster is too sick to work and we need to extend our mortgage for a programme of work that our whole complex needs to do and the bank wouldn't let us cos we had no income. So yup, lots at stake. When I got the call, I burst into tears. It may take a wee bit of time, but it will happen. I'd been out of the corporate workd for seven years bar a part time 10 month contract, it felt really bleak, but I got there. You have SO much more to offer, your CV is really robust. John, I teach stage confidence and I tell my classes that confidence is a mindfuck, what is needed is courage and commitment. You have both of these things. Courage is acting even if you feel like throwing up <3
DeleteHi John have never commented on the blog before but have been reading for a while. I'm also a nurse-had to leave my job on a ward due to having 2 young children and my husband also in nursing-both of us doing shift work wasn't practical. I've been very lucky and managed to get a job in a day unit-maybe consider something like that?-Anna
ReplyDeleteI cannot work for the NHS until I am 60 ...if I do given my pension and previous shifts on itu it would affect my tax too. Much and my pension
DeleteGet yourself on a Creative Writing course, WE all know you can and do write really well, but a course would just tweek it and give you that push you need to start writing seriously.
ReplyDeleteI have said this to you before, but your work reads very similar to Derek Tangye and look how sucessful he was and still is.
Otherwise animal behaviourist could be an idea and quite lucrative.
Hope we can encourage you to write John, we wouldn't read you every day if you wrote rubbish!
Love Tess xx
I don't write well Tess, but I think I have a few ideas that work so I think you are right .id love the experience of such a course
DeleteIf DAYS are an easier shift, I would take a high paying day shift, because...you can do a short walk in the morning, a longer one when you come home, relax with all of them in the evening and the. You will be on a regular schedule, less time to spend money during the week, and the money you didn’t spend during the week can be used to fund one glorious planned event on the weekend. Which will be something you look forward to all week. And take the lonely out of the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of doing something very different
DeleteYou did ask for ideas... I'll start with a quote from you:
ReplyDelete"I worked alongside the powerhouse that was Sylvia Evans who ran The Trelawnyd Flower Show for more years than can be remembered and my easy manner and ability to get people to participate boosted entries considerably at a time when flower shows were not thought as sophisticated pastimes.
It was a valuable apprenticeship to be sure, and has been one I have enjoyed but as you all know with a move fairly imminent, it is now time to step down as Show secretary."
I know the flower show no longer exists but you would be so well suited for some type of "activities director" type job and there are such jobs that pay and are not strictly voluntary. You would certainly have plenty of references from your work on the flower show committee. I think you might enjoy such a job.
Besides that I will agree with many others who have listed:
dog trainer, paid blogging (I have known people that support themselves doing that and you already have the following to make some decent money- if you didn't want to do it here start a new blog in addition to this one), and of course I agree with the many that suggest writing a book, articles, etc.
You are a man of many talents with so much to give to the world!
Bonnie........thank you
DeleteI am a nurse coming up to 55 , similar experience and work as a CNS. I filled in a profile on linkedin and got lots of job offers from recruitment companies. Worth a go? Looks like working as a DWP assessor is quite well paid.
ReplyDeleteI've thought of that ....it's an option thank you
DeleteHi John, I can't offer career advice as I o my ever worked in office admin (worked my way up from office junior to office manager) so nothing helpful from me. Just wanted to say that I loved the bird nest postcard. I'll drop you a postcard from Barbados when we're there next month. Cheers. Cathy xxx
ReplyDeleteI love the thought that the postcards are just keeping coming
Delete,
I'm working well into my 60's. Working well into your 60's might be the best thing to happen to you.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely dave. And you are so right.... I just need to find another niche
DeleteWell I am 63 and still earning, which I have to as my pension plan is peanuts. But "retirement" would probably kill me. Got to keep busy or go nuts. Just find something you like doing to keep busy. Think laterally and out of the box and the world is your lobster (or something like that).
DeleteAbsolutely thank you Andrew ... u star
DeleteOpen a dog-friendly Trelawnyd Tearoom, with a table full of copies of that book you are being told to write for customers to buy, while at the same time monetising your blog, as many have urged you to do, while also adding video-logs in a similarly monetised way (while also releasing an album of songs in Welsh entitled "It's not over until the fat man sings" (apologies, but it made me laugh).
ReplyDeleteHow VERY dare you ...fat! IM JUST BIG BONED !!!
DeleteLove the comment....I am not sure yet if I am staying in the cottage as yet! The uncertainty is rather hard x
My cousin is/was a nurse, doing night shifts. She packed it in to start a pet hotel and hasn't regretted it one bit !
ReplyDeleteI only have a tiny back bedroom !!!
DeleteYou are right to think of a job change..and you now have so many constructive suggestions!
ReplyDeleteSo many postcards! Lucky you. I've started sending postcards to other people now..at least from NZ it it cheaper( but still over £1!!)..but worth it!
I've got a lot of thinking to do
DeleteJohn, I left ITU when you did. Same age. I volunteered at the National Trust for a year and then got a job with them. It is peanuts but I love it. Bev
ReplyDeleteXx
DeleteWhat about dog walking? I have a dog walker for half an hour two days a week. Tess loves her and enjoys her walks. The charge is ten pounds each day and she usually has three or four dogs at once. Not a bad return and you weight would come down with all the walking (I am not saying you are fat). If you had a couple of shed in the Ukranian village you could possibly do a bit a taking dogs in for folk too.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea old bean x
Delete"and your weight would come down with all the walking (I am not saying you are fat)"... Yes she is, Fatty Fatso, she is just not prepared to be as blatantly rude as others are, such as me :)
DeleteJohn, please trial that "buy me a coffee" button on your blog (as suggested previously) for a couple of months and see if it helps. If it does then keep it there permanently. If it only covered vets bills it would help, but I hope it would be a nice surprise, and would give your readers the chance to show their appreciation if they want to.
ReplyDeletePauline B
It doesn't feel right asking
DeletePlease just try it! You wouldn't be directly asking, you'd just be giving your readers chance to do so if they wish to.
DeletePauline B
Air bnb and at the same time run a dog walking business its lucrative I get charged £10 per hour You may need to do a number of jobs at same time but the variety helps how about cleaning?
ReplyDeleteIf I can stay at the cottage I will open up the spare room as air brb
DeleteWhy not open the spare room now? It might help you to transition to the next thing
DeleteJohn, the number of ideas here is mind boggling. I can only add, do not discount being an entrepreneur. That is why there are accountants to keep track of your books and taxes and have good ideas, because they are entrepreneurs, too.
ReplyDeleteHey John. Start of moneytising this blog, everyone reading your blog will know they are paid adverts. Can you draw? What about designing logos for people? I could do with this service myself. And then the other one that you probably wont like, but I will say it anyways, to get by till you are more sorted how about moving into your smaller bedroom and renting out the other. Either to a week time person who works in the area and only wants monday to thursday night or airbnb. You can make I think it is upto £7.5k with out the tax man snapping at your arse over it. Probably not something you would want to do long term unless you loved it. But it is worth a thought until you work it all out. And why not try for a book? or at very least a column in a magazine or on another blog/website.
ReplyDeletethere is also the thing of buying stuff at car boots and selling it on. some people make a packet from that and you wouldnt have to leave the dogs. but it does mean doing all the car boots in your area and being into ebay or another such like website. Good luck! this was an interesting read as well https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/howmoneyworks/article-3956682/How-earn-27-000-tax-free-Five-steps-make-money.html
I may do this but it s
DeleteDoesn't feel quite right
it doesnt have to be forever. just till you are back on your feet. Your home is your biggest asset and expense. it makes sense to make a bit of money from it and that the tax man approves. if you are worried about airbnb, what about the lodger? My niece has another teacher live with her during the week and she goes home at the weekends as she only has a one year contract and doesnt want to sell her house in case they dont take her on. there is also the option of renting the little room as an office for a home worker. Especially for people who need a quiet place for calls etc and they may have little children at home. It would give you a bit of breathing room its is worth serious consideration if the room is not being used. complete passive income. money you can make by not even leaving your own home. Sol xxx
DeleteUnderstood
DeletePrivate in home care might be an option. Switch from two legged to four and work with a veterinarian.
ReplyDeleteHow about an activities coordinator at an elderly persons home You strike me as having great empathy with elderly people
ReplyDeletePerhaps start by submitting articles to the likes of Country Living magazine about your life in the country. They used to have a lady who did a monthly column on her village and the antics the people there got up to. It was very funny. I'm not sure who they have now but you sure can tell a story and you seem to have lots of them to tell, so that might get you started on the writing - I doubt it would pay enough to keep you in the cottage unfortunately but many of the ideas on here sound doable. Good luck. x
ReplyDeleteI started a new job aged 51 as a support assistant in a further education college. I support adults with learning disabilities on the inclusive learning programme. Absolutely love going to work every day and never thought I'd say that! Good luck xxx
ReplyDeleteThank u
DeleteI echo a lot of the comments here. Airbnb or a midweek lodger to make money from your lovely cottage, switch to Hospice work. The atmosphere and pace of work is totally different to a lot of other nursing ... and simultaneously write either a column or a book. Country Living magazine columns frequently end up as successful books.
ReplyDeleteMy 82-year old neighbour had a private nurse sit with her overnight (8 hours or so) recently as she was petrified she might have an adverse reaction to a new medication. She paid $1000 for the privilege!! The nurse came from a very busy agency and was an Irish girl on a working holiday. Nights is obviously not for you, but just putting it out there that there are people quite prepared to pay for private nursing day and night. It could be interesting as the work would be rather varied. Years ago I knew a woman who was a private nurse to a rich patient and used to travel with her as well. Again, not what you're after but just a reminder that there is the private option which you could try until you figure out what you want to do next.
ReplyDeleteI also heartily endorse getting a lodger or someone in. As already said, your home is your biggest asset and also your biggest expense and if you could cover some or all of your costs, it takes the pressure off. It doesn't need to be forever, just until you know where you are going to end up.
The nest postcard made me laugh out loud!!
What about dog walking? You love animals. My friend pays £15 an hour to get her dog walked when at work twice a week!. The dog walker takes 8 dogs at a time!. Nice earner!.
ReplyDeleteIf you find an alternative way of staying alive, let me know please.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I recently signed up to work for Amazon Mechanical Turk. The work consists of small jobs, essentially online piecework. When you first start the jobs are ridiculously low paid, but the more jobs you complete, the better the opportunities. I don't think you can get rich doing this, but you can set your own hours and work from home. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI just remembered a woman I hired to pay my mother's monthly bills, make bank deposits, etc. when Mom lost her marbles to Alzheimer's. She was a friend of my cousins, but was a licensed, bonded accountant who knew tax laws, how to pay medical carers, and keep accurate records for the families. My mother's bills weren't complicated so this woman came to my mother's home for an hour once a month. Mom put all her mail into a pretty box and the accountant went through it all, paid the bills, prepared bank deposits and took them to Mom's bank, wrote out what she did, and had my phone number in case of questions or problems as I lived halfway across the country from Mom and had a son finishing high school so couldn't move. She was a God-send. She set her own hours, got more referrals that she could handle, and was very kind and caring. At that time, in 2000, she charged $20/hour and it was well worth it. For more complicated accounting, she charged more but she didn't say what. Do you like math?
ReplyDeleteHugs!
There are so many great ideas here already. Think about what you would love to do and DO IT!! You have lots of options and so many skills that are marketable. As for the book...that is a piece of cake. You don't have to do anything more than you have done already. The stories you have written and tales you have told on this blog are fantastic. They are laugh out loud funny, heartbreaking and everything in-between. You just need to gather them together. You can call it some clever name and just make it a book of your already done "short stories". I have read many best selling books that are just that, collections of life stores. My father self-publishes his books on Amazon and you could do the same(yours would sell with all of the amazing reviews we will give it!) Renting the room, working with animals, in-home nursing, which I think could be very lucrative, education. Pick one or a few of these ideas. We believe in you!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of a Vlog - somehow, this doesn't sound like you:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.vlognation.com/make-money-vlogging-youtube/
My heart goes out to you John. Your pain is felt by all these wonderful folks and I hope that will help. We never know what a day or a week will bring. All these good wishes for you will hopefully keep you going forward to something better. I'm praying you'll be able to keep the cottage, then you can work things from there. You must be feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders right now. Take care of your health so you can stay strong for the journey.
“And all shall be well. And all shall be well. And all manner of things shall be exceeding well.”
― Julian of Norwich
I think the main things to consider are these: You are a good nurse, as a practitioner and as a teacher because you are full of love and compassion for man and beast, and you have a talent for storytelling. Build on them and all really will be well! Godspeed dear John.
I see my entry arrived after all. Too late for the contest, but as I've never mailed anything across the Atlantic before, that it even got there is a triumph all its own.
ReplyDeleteAs for your job search, I'm probably not the one to ask. Last time I was unemployed, it lasted two years, and when I finally did get a job, it was midshift (noon to 8:30 PM) and after six years I'm STILL looking for a way out.
If you do write, as everyone keeps suggesting, how about autobiographical fiction? If the memories become too painful, simply make something up.
Hey..I've read your wonderful blog for about five years now..I cheered, cried and laughed and for that I say, Thank you! I will tell you one of the reasons I started to read your blog was the title..Going Gently, and although our paths are never smooth it gives me comfort to know we can proceed gently..I work with special needs students, littles that have a hard time navigating school, many have medical needs, all need understanding and hand to hold from time to time. Monday to Friday, only days, all holidays off, and summer break! The best, those little faces that wait for you every morning! Oh! BTW, due to my bumpy road, I started working in the schools at the age of 54..keep going gently with love from Canada
ReplyDeleteYou are a wonderful, compassionate nurse and it would be a great loss to the profession if you left. However, I can understand burnout. Whatever you do, find something that uses your skills with people. How about bar tending. I am only (half) kidding Of course, that does often mean night work also.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with working into your 60s. Those who work longer, live longer. Retirement is overrated. I have never gotten used to it, except for Mondays.
I believe that Tom Stephenson is looking for a strong, fit, assistant.
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ReplyDeleteHi John lots of excellent suggestions have been put forward it's fantastic how much people genuinely care about you. I think the dog walking is a great idea and probably something you could start quite soon without too much hassle. Please please do the buy me a coffee option on your blog. I go on various craft blogs where this is an option. Nobody is obliged to use the buy me a coffee option but people like to show their appreciation for the pleasure they get from blogs. It takes your time energy bravery and commitment to be dedicated to this blog and share your heart and life like you do. If I happened to meet you I would buy you a coffee so please rethink and let folks say thank you in a practical way. X hugs
ReplyDeleteLike you I'd love a way out, but it does pay the bills. At least in nursing there are a range of roles that you can take on. One of my friends is a nurse at a school so only works 9-3pm hours.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your impending divorce.
ReplyDeleteYou could work in a medical clinic, or work as a carer for elderly people. Carers jobs pay well (at least in Australia they do) and aren't too taxing on the body.
Best of luck.
I love that you're still getting cards. Surely there are jobs that require medical training or background but not night work? Home health aides or something like that? The pay might be terrible, though.
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ReplyDeleteI may not understand your job at Sam’s but if I’m right you serve as an on call mental health hotline professional? If true why not work in this capacity online from home? In the US we have online Doctors on Demand. There is such a need for online mental health services for people who live afar, are too shy, reluctant etc. You would probably have to collaborate with a psychiatrist for meds. Im sure there are existing online services who would love to have you and I think the money would be great.
What about working for a charity as a volunteering officer, recruiting, training and supporting volunteers or as a community fundraiser. You have lots of experience in these areas and may be able to work from home part time.
ReplyDeleteStick a shed in your garden.. call it a 'holiday let log cabin' and let it out for silly money. I bet Mean Queen could throw it up for you with the contents of someone's skip.
ReplyDeleteI am a nurse so still in nursing practice nurse day care centres in Ireland they are opportunities for nurses to work with groups like the Alzhimers Society and groups like that not sure about uk
ReplyDeleteI think dog walking would be a great way of supplementing your income! Or if you are looking for full time work instead of your current job how about considering becoming a self employed personal care assistant? I too need to find work but am considering multiple income streams. I wish I knew the answer. X
ReplyDeleteHow about a counsellor; your psychiatric nursing and Sams experience should stand you in good stead. x
ReplyDeleteLove the chicken caravan and the bird's, nest building, cards. Haven't got any advice on jobs though.
ReplyDeleteJohn, a few of my nursing friends, who have been doing it for years like you, left the floor work and ventured off into home care. It does have its disadvantages, too, such as a lot of driving, but took them to the day shift. They loved the variety of home health care, too. And there was much need and good money. I do believe you can find a career that will support you financially, physically and mentally! Sending love.
ReplyDeleteIs there a College of Further Education near you? Many FE colleges are on the look out for people with nursing experience to teach part-time on various care-based courses. They pay quite well too. Might be worthwhile getting your name on their books as openings often turn up at short notice
ReplyDeleteI have read the Lady magazine for several years; they have a really good “appointments” listings, with a careers and nursing section, or more relevant for you a “situations wanted” section where you can advertise yourself, for what suits you. They have experienced recruitment consultants to help you. Maybe worth a try? Lots of good ideas here! Nothing has to be forever, maybe stepping stones. Love your blog, been reading for years, but have never commented before. I am also 55 and single, so feel your pain! (My animals come first!)
ReplyDeleteSally
As I figured, my first postcard just came back..apparently the US post offic has no idea that there is a place in the world called North Wales..it says the address is " insufficient "..... assholes....
ReplyDeleteWhy not create a children's book using Winnie and Albert and the others as the main characters? The Ukrainian Village can be their home and they can share their adventures or observations as a new animal is added to their blended family?
ReplyDeleteShy (Colwyn Bay) lurker here John. (Not too far from your special place !) Just want say that whilst I can somewhat understand your reservations about enabling donations on the blog have you thought about producing merchandise for sale to your loyal worldwide readers. A Going gently calendar with pictures of your doggy cast ( not forgetting Albert) and mugs, jugs bowls etc. I would pay dearly to drink my coffee from mugs with Winnie’s gorgeous face staring back at me. This could be an interesting creative project to research and would bring a lot of happiness to your loyal fan base. Hopefully, you would be able to make it financially worthwhile too.... Down the line a book - self published or otherwise would sell well. Take a look at the Escape to the Chateau site and see just how much they are charging for a book. Just throwing some ideas your way.... and heartfelt best wishes. X
ReplyDeleteOMG a George tshirt. Or a winnie mug!
DeleteSo many good ideas John with your many talents and compasionate nature you will make the right choice, in the meantime take in a lodger or part time like Airbnb.
ReplyDeleteYou and the dogs and Albert deserve to stay in your home not easy to find a suitable place to rent to accomodate you all so fight for your home you are owed that much I would think, wishing you all the best as always.