Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Luvachicken]

I've been feeling down for a while now.

I've had enough of the weather and I've had enough of work.

I'm tired and grumpy.

 

I'm not really in the mood for doing much and chores seem even more of a chore.

I don't really have much inclination.

 

I do the same thing day in day out - go to work, come back, sort animals, do washing, ironing etc, cook, watch telly, bed.

I don't want to get up in the mornings and I don't want to go to work.

Work is my biggest struggle at the moment. It frustrates me in a big way and I am seriously thinking of handing in my notice. I already told myself I will hand my notice in and finish at the summer holidays - (I don't want to let my keyworker children down - but would they even notice if I was gone sooner) - this has made me feel a bit more positive about things.

 

I was thinking of setting up my own thing instead. Has anyone done their own thing ? How do I go about starting up ?

At least if I did my own thing I can please myself and if things go wrong then it is my fault.

 

Any words of advice most welcome.

[Space Chick]

Haven't got any advice, but didn't want to read and run when you are feeling so low.

 

so until someone who can be helpful comes along, I'll send you hugs x

[mollyripkim]

So sorry to hear you are feeling so down, I don't think this terrible weather and long winter helps, sending hugs and I have pm you.

[Charlottechicken]

Sorry you are feeling so low, it is horrible when you are fed up with everything and can see no way to change the drudgery of everyday life.

 

Please don't make any rash decisions regarding your income whilst you are in this mindset. You will feel better about things soon and will be more able to formulate some sort of business idea to change your life, I'm sure

[Grandmashazzie]

Yes agree don't make any decisions until your mood improves.Have you thought about speaking to your GP.It may also be the weather,my friend feels as you do each winter and once there is a little bit of sun feels much better.Take care of your self.

[Patricia W]

There's a lot of free help and advice available to those who want to start their own business, but as Charlottechicken says, take your time. If you do want to check your ideas out, just google " Business start up" and you'll find the government agencies in your area which offer free advice.

 

I do think the grey skies, constant cold and/or wet has a lot to answer for- so many people I know are feeling down. It could be worth checking in with your doctor too though in case, you have something more than the winter blues. I'm sending positive vibes to you to keep you going till the sun shines again - literally and metaphorically.

[freddie]

What about giving yourself a goal? How about doing the research you need to do to set up on your own, as a start? If , after looking , it all seems too daunting, then at least you'll know, and if it doesn't, and you can take the (now fully researched ) plunge, and go for it..

Chin up sweetie, we all get down about things , sometimes everything seems too much, but somehow, we all seem to keep going. Hugs from hereXX

[Groovychook]

Just wanted to send you a virtual hug.

It's rotten feeling so low and I hope you get some good advice to point you in a more positive direction.

Look after yourself

xx

[sadietoo]

Sorry to hear you are feeling down....I know that feeling...I think the fact that it's been winter since last August hasn't helped any of us this year.

 

I would agree that setting yourself one goal at a time to achieve is the best way to climb out of the doldrums the satisfaction of actually getting something done is so uplifting and helps towards the next step....I would suggest a big piece of paper and write down what you want to do when working for yourself, and then working back from that write down all the steps you will have to take along the way to achieve this outcome...Whilst very tempting, handing in your notice probably won't be the first thing on your list, but at least you will identify a way forward....good luck and keep us posted!

[chickencam]

Could just be winter blues, I am feeling that way at the moment, but it might be worth going to your GP or a bloodtest, could be anaemic or have under active thyroid. I am wondering what my annual thyroid test will show this year, because I am feeling more like I did when first diagnosed, but again could be just winter getting to me too.

 

Hope you feel brighter soon. ((Hugs))

[patsylabrador]

Sorry to be a bit naughty but if your gut instinct, heart's desire, whatever is to make a radical change and no one will be harmed in the making of this change - why not? This has been a long and gloomy winter and that might have brought little niggles into focus.

The best decision I made was to not go back to work, we went without for years, second hand Rose was me but I feel like I'm on holiday all the time and chores are less choreful - more cheerful. Then if you can and want to do something for yourself you'd be maybe more content.

If you don't want/need to work then don't.

Just a different perspective.

[Chickendoodle]

Sorry to hear that you are feeling so down. Could be the winter blues as others have suggested. Don't know how old you are but could be menopause?

 

I would say go for it with regards to a new business if your finances allow. No point in doing a job if you hate it.

 

If it is menopause related or just generally feeling down I would suggest finding something really fun to do. I go to a tap dancing class once a week and it lifts my mood no end. The physical exercise (which makes you feel better anyway) coupled with a good laugh at our complete ineptitude is brilliant. I also go to a Zumba class. Exercise is fantastic at lifting your spirits - it also makes me sleep a lot better and feel that I have done something for just me. Also make me feel virtuous

 

I think that life for most of us is a continuous repeat of basic things. The secret I think is to have something else which you enjoy and which gives you a sense of achievement (be that dancing, learning the piano, learning to knit, making chutney or just sitting in the bath with a good book)

 

Hope you feel better soon

[merlina]

Work makes me glum too - but sometimes I think we have to be very aware of 'the grass is greener' syndrome.

 

I used to very much hanker to work for myself, but after looking into it seriously for awhile, decided it's not for me.

 

To work for yourself you have to be, for eg, very self-disciplined (I'm not) and prepared to deal with all the 'stuff' that goes alongside doing whatever you do - dealing with finances and accountants; chasing payments; dealing with local bureaucracy, dealing with any regulations that go with your business etc etc

 

Would studying for something help get you out of that rut? It would give you something new to do - a new challenge and a sense of accomplishment. You could study for something that could lead to a new job or a new business or something just for fun

[Saronne]

"Sorry to be a bit naughty but if your gut instinct, heart's desire, whatever is to make a radical change and no one will be harmed in the making of this change - why not? This has been a long and gloomy winter and that might have brought little niggles into focus.

The best decision I made was to not go back to work, we went without for years, second hand Rose was me but I feel like I'm on holiday all the time and chores are less choreful - more cheerful. Then if you can and want to do something for yourself you'd be maybe more content.

If you don't want/need to work then don't.

Just a different perspective."[quote]

 

My thoughts, too. Perhaps it's time for a change! So often people just put up with the same old stuff when they'd really like to do other things.

[Daphne]

I may not be the best person to offer advice as I have voluntarily given up steady work and income twice in my life, and am about to do it again I have also set up my own business and it was the best thing I ever did

 

I strongly believe that our destiny is in our own hands, and if you are miserable with the status quo then change it This could be taking up a hobby, or something else to change your current rut, or it could be a new way of working. Its not hard to go self-employed or set up a limited company, but it isn't for everyone, it can be lonely, a bit frightening and is certainly challenging as you have to do things you might not be comfortable with (eg sales and marketing). The financial risks are the biggest thing you should weigh up. How many months can you survive with no income/10% income/50% income etc.

 

Then look at Companies House and HMRC for the basic regulatory things you MUST do. There is a lot of advice available on line in terms of other things you need to think about (practical and social). This really is the place to look as so much Government help has dried up with the cuts, but there are a lot of engaging forums and other interactive sites with stacks of information and other peoples' experiences, particularly for start-ups. You might be lucky and be able to find some free bespoke help, or some funding, but its far harder to find than it used to be. Mentoring is a possibility as well.

 

However, I also know what it is like to feel generally fed up because of low light levels and a host of other things (major and minor) which make the daily routine seem like a grind. I probably would think quite hard about whether I might be feeling a bit depressed, and if I thought I was, then I might ask for some guidance from my GP and put off any major decision making about my future financial stability for a few months so I could test what I was thinking - am I temporarily down or is it more than that?

[dancing cloud]

Sending lots of supportive ((hugs)) - we really need a smiley for hugs!

 

I'm with others in saying don't jump, and would also say look into what you might like to do instead and see how you feel about it when you've done your research. If it's not for you, nothing lost, and if the thought of it makes you feel happier and that it's for you, then go for it - we ony tend to regret things we didn't do .

 

Give it a bit of time and check out what you need to know, then decide. You know we'll be with you all the way

[Luvachicken]

Wow, thank you everybody, for all of your comments and best wishes, and it seems I am not the only one feeling a bit glum.

 

Today, I did see the sun shine for a litte bit and even a bit of blue sky - what a difference that makes.

 

I have been out with a friend and treated myself to some pretty primroses and a punnet of sweet peas - mine didn't come up.

 

All of your comments have made me feel better about myself and that change could be a good thing, but I might just do it sooner rather than later but definitely by the summer holidays. The thought of going back after 6 lovely weeks just doesn't bear thinking about - and my son will be starting uni so it would be nice to be around when he first starts off - mind you he has been in Australia for 6mths so far by himself.

 

I hope everyone that is feeling a bit sad too saw a little bit of sunshine today, and that we all start feeling better soon.

Roll on Spring.