DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MY LIFE

Dear Coleen

I’m 27 and I’ve never had a job, even though I left school 10 years ago. I have been to college and achieved level three in animal care, but I’ve done nothing with it.

I have depression and anxiety, and a shoulder injury three years ago hasn’t helped with my mental health. I feel I have no skills and there’s no point in applying for work because I don’t have a clue what I want to do with my life.

I’m also quite anti-social and not good at speaking to people, so I find it hard to make friends. Any advice will be much appreciated.

Coleen says

You’ve got yourself into a rut, so you don’t know how to make a start – but the only way to change your situation is by taking some kind of action, however small.

What you’ll find is one small step will have a domino effect and lead to more changes and opportunities. No one is going to tell you what to do with your life – you have to be proactive.

And, until you do know what you want to do, just do anything. My eldest son didn’t know what to do with his life either. He went to the US and did a football coaching course, then decided it wasn’t for him. I gave him the same advice, and he ended up doing various jobs in bars and shops until he became a holiday camp Bluecoat and fell in love with performing.

You do have skills – you could volunteer with an animal charity or enquire about working with your local vet. But whatever you do, it’ll also be a great way to meet people and you’ll gain confidence socially.

Finally, it’s worth seeing your GP if you’re finding it hard to stay on top of your symptoms. Good luck.