FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD DISPUTES TO OLD-AGE ARGUMENTS: OUR RESIDENT AGONY AUNT NENE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS!
QMy 89-year-old mother probably owns half the shares in most telephone companies, but she is incredibly mean. My husband and I are always ferrying her around and helping her, however recently I was away for two weeks and only contactable by mobile phone. The first day, I became very sick and remained so for the whole time. My mother knew this but refused to ring because it would cost her ‘too much’ to call a mobile from her landline. This is not the first time she has behaved like this. Everything is always all about her and she really couldn’t give a toss about me, for starters. Sadly she won’t improve, but how can I feel better about this predicament? I would appreciate your advice. ROSE, VIA EMAIL.
AYour mother is 89 and entitled to do what she wants with her money. It’s good of you and your husband to ferry her around, and it was unfortunate you were sick, but you knew she would not make the phone call. The only way you’ll feel better is to accept she’s not interested in handing out her money to anyone. It is not a predicament. It is a fact. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get on with your life.
QI’m in my mid-50s and got made redundant from my job as an office manager six months ago. Since then I haven’t been able to find work – it’s difficult as I live in a country town. I would love to become a freelance writer. I have been contributing to a local newspaper for free for a while, which I hope will stand me in good stead. Have you got any suggestions for how to get started? BETH, VIA EMAIL.
AI want you to know that age is not important – it’s the quality of your work that matters. I suggest you send some of your cuttings from the local paper to features editors of magazines and newspapers. Freelance writing is a tough business to break into – the digital age is not welcoming, but there are plenty of magazines out there still using freelance writers. In the meantime, learn, learn, learn, learn. Take a creative writing course, study journalism at TAFE or university – and keep writing for the local newspaper. The best training for journalists is working on a local paper. I must be honest, your age is not on your side, but if a features editor likes your work you are halfway there. Write a feature about being made redundant – a subject which many readers would relate to – and submit it to a few editors. Good luck!
QOne of my neighbours recently built a carport with a high roof, and leaves the light on all night, which shines straight into his neighbours’ houses making it difficult to sleep. The others are too afraid of him to say anything, as he has been unpleasant in the past when there were complaints about other matters. Should I leave him a note or take it up with the council? MANDY, VIA EMAIL.
AThe personal approach is always preferable – a note is a cop-out. Visit the neighbour and explain how having the light on all night interferes with your sleep. It’s a pity the other neighbours don’t want to speak up – there maybe more luck in numbers. If the personal approach does not work, seek advice from the council.